Glass Christmas ornaments are beautiful, but fragile. If a glass ornament falls and breaks, you could lose a cherished heirloom. Not only that, broken glass ornaments are hard to clean up, with the risk of being cut by sharp glass fragments.
Shatterproof ornaments offer a practical alternative.
Just like glass ornaments, you can find shatterproof ornaments in many colors, sizes and shapes. They look great and last a long time, making them a good choice for trees, wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and even public or commercial spaces.
Christmas Spending
In 2024, the National Retail Federation projected that holiday spending would exceed $960 billion. According to Statista, the total includes about $64 per person for decorations like Christmas ornaments.
Home decorating styles change over time. We look forward to being inspired by new Christmas themes each year and following the latest decor trends can motivate us to update our decorations. However, it’s also important to remember the humbler beginnings of the Christmas ornament.
History of Christmas Ornaments
The Christmas tree tradition began in Germany in the 1500s. Around the mid-1800s, glass artisans in Lauscha, Germany, created the first glass ornaments – some say because they couldn’t afford to buy decorations. Instead, they blew glass into shapes like nuts, fruits and other popular Christmas tree decorations of the time.
German immigrants brought their Christmas traditions to the United States. By the 1800s, blown glass ornaments were being sold at department stores like Woolworth’s in New York City.
The Debut of Plastic Ornaments
Glass ornaments dominated the Christmas market for nearly a century. However, in WWII, shortages affecting their production motivated the use of other materials.
Using new techniques like injection molding, manufacturers produced lightweight, durable and inexpensive plastic ornaments that quickly caught on with consumers.
New production techniques also created a wide variety of novel styles. In addition to traditional ball-shaped baubles, consumers could buy affordable plastic ornaments shaped like Santa, elves and reindeer.
Shatterproof vs. Unbreakable Ornaments
While plastic ornaments are sometimes described as “unbreakable,” they are not indestructible. Shatterproof is a better definition of these durable ornaments, which are much less fragile than glass.
Thanks to their resilience, shatterproof ornaments are safer to use around children and pets. If they do break, plastic ornaments won’t fracture into sharp, harmful splinters and the shards are easier to clean up.
Design Improvements
Over the years, manufacturers have greatly improved the look and durability of shatterproof ornaments. Today, you can find plastic ornaments in the same beautiful colors and styles as glass, including matte, glitter, textured and holographic finishes.
Shatterproof ornaments also come in unique shapes that would be difficult to reproduce or too fragile to hold up well if made in glass.
Plastic ornaments can be used inside or outdoors, as they won’t shatter in extreme cold, and they are sturdy enough to withstand jostling and rough treatment.
In addition, shatterproof ornaments are typically less expensive than glass.
Why Use Shatterproof Ornaments?
Affordability and safety are among the top reasons people choose shatterproof ornaments to decorate their Christmas trees.
A growing interest in taller trees and multiple Christmas trees for the home creates a need for more ornaments - and that can get expensive. Reasonably-priced shatterproof ornaments are an affordable way to increase your ornament collection. Themed and color-coordinated ornament sets make decorating a Christmas tree even more economical!
Ornaments that are less prone to breakage are also a good choice in families with small children and pets.
How to Care for and Store Shatterproof Ornaments
Eventually, the time comes to put away your Christmas ornaments. Specially-designed storage containers are an excellent way to protect ornaments between holidays. Plastic bins and heavy-duty cardboard boxes are also options.
Shatterproof ornaments can hold up to their fair share of jostling. However, to protect the ornaments’ finish and reduce the chance of accidents, wrap each ornament separately in tissue paper before storage. Pack them loosely, to prevent crushing and be sure to keep storage containers away from damp areas and bright sunlight.
Consider a Shatterproof Solution
While glass ornaments have a classic beauty that has withstood the test of time, shatterproof ornaments have more than proven to be a practical alternative. They are equal to glass ornaments in beauty, with added benefits like durability and economy.
As Christmas decorating styles continue to evolve, shatterproof ornaments no doubt will remain a popular option combining current style and long-lasting appeal.
Discover our wide selection of shatterproof ball ornaments, pendants, finials, snowflakes, ornament sets, and large commercial options. Shop now to find the perfect shatterproof ornaments for your decorating needs and experience both beauty and peace of mind this holiday season.