Personalized Ornaments of All Kinds: A Buying Guide

Nothing makes a tree more a piece of home more than adding personalized Christmas ornaments. But buying good personalized ornaments (as a gift to yourself or to others) can be time-consuming, so start your search by reading this guide for the top personalized ornaments available.

The Gift: A birthstone bulb, a glass ball ornament that comes in the birthstone colors. The Charm: Simple and delicate but lovely, this is a gift with style and grace but sans clutter. The Price: $11.99. The Location: www.ornamentshop.com. Extent of Personalization: In addition to birthstone color, you can also add names and the year.

The Gift: Special occasion ornaments, for all the big moments in life. The Charm: These gifts provide a chance to honor those moments that change lives forever. The Price: $10-15. The Location: www.ornamentswithlove.com. Extent of Personalization: In addition to being tailored to event, also includes name and dates.

The Gift: The grandparent ornament. The Charm: Small & sweet, these are a great way to celebrate the bond between generations. The Price: $10-13. The Location: www.personalizedcreations.com. Extent of Personalization: Can be personalized with names and year.

The Gift: The baby ornament. The Charm: Cute phrases like 'crown for the princess' make these baby ornaments perfect. The Price: $12.50 and up. The Location: www.russellrhodes.com. Extent of Personalization: Can be personalized with names and date.

The Gift: The all-in-one family ornament. The Charm: These are great for families on a budget, because one ornament represents all. The Price: $11.99 to $15.

The Location: www.calliopedesigns.com. Extent of Personalization: Can include names, dates, and be tailored to size of family.

The Gift: That other woman in your life ornament. The Charm: Beautiful and special, these ornaments appreciate the women who are, too. The Price: $11.95 and up. The Location: www.santasornamentshop.com.Extent of Personalization: They are made for aunts, sisters, etc., and can include names.

The Gift: The totally one-of-a-kind gift. The Charm: Unique as snowflakes, these glass balls can be totally designed by you, color and all. The Price: $25.99 and up. The Location: www.snowflakeornament.com. Extent of Personalization: You pick essentially everything about the ornament, including words.

The Gift: The angel ornament. The Charm: Cute, simplistic, these handcrafted angels will look beautiful on any tree. The Price: $18.95. The Location: www.debandco.com. Extent of Personalization: Can include name, year.

The Gift: The egg shell ornament, for elegance and beauty on the tree. The Charm: These painted-by-hand shells are like little pieces of art to brighten and sophisticate. The Price: $20. The Location: www.eggshellmagic.com. Extent of Personalization: Can include names and date.

The Gift: Handmade mini-cards. The Charm: These mini-cards can be easily designed by kids, offer a sense of accomplishment. The Price: Free, if you have the materials handy (most do). The Location: Your home! Extent of Personalization: Total. You can make it anything you want it to be.

Now you're ready to go out and buy gifts, so be sure to keep in mind all the important details: the price, the allure, the location, and just how personalized the ornaments can be. But have fun, too, and don't settle, because there is always something to meet your needs.