The ups and downs of the secondary market on Hallmark Keepsake Collectibles in the past has been like no other roller coaster ride! Today, even though the prices have stabilized, as always, I would say collect them - just because you love them. The ornaments are especially charming and a great treasure to pass down from generation to generation with all the memories of Christmas to give them meaning.

1973 Betsy Hallmark Keepsake Ornament - First year made!

Hallmark ornaments entered the collector world in 1973 and soon became popular collectibles in the secondary market in the early 1980’s. By the 1990’s conventions for the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club were just getting started. In those early years, each attending collector was well rewarded. For example the convention in 1991 distributed the silver plated “KC 1991 Santa” to it’s 300 collectors present and because it has been the lowest number of collectible commemorative ornament produced, it’s value has remained high. On the popular Hooked on Ornaments website, there is one listed for $574.95  For about half of that price you can buy one on eBay this week at a ‘buy now’ price without a box and it’s even missing the plaque stating the commemoration!

Also, back in the early 1980’s, the secondary market consisted of only a few dealers who bought and sold and set the prices for all the other retired ornaments. Today, the scene is much different with eBay and a multitude of other upcoming online selling sites, the prices can vary and consequently not see the same value trend as earlier years.

Well, I jumped on the bandwagon in the 1990’s and purchased three ornaments that I have protected, stored and moved with me several times to say I have a bit of Hallmark History. I decided this year to offer them for sale and this week of November 15-30, they are all 25% off! If they happen to be one you’ve wanted, you have hit the jackpot for price! Check them out: Popeye, Lou Gehrig Baseball Heroes Series and PEZ Santa. I also offer a pretty Hallmark Keepsake Charm from 2005 called “Heart of Motherhood” for only $4.46!

1995 PEZ Santa Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

If anyone is interested, I’m also selling my 1997-1998 Greenbook Guide to Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments listing more than 3500 product portraits from 1973-1997, profiles of the Keepsake artists during the 1970’s-80’s and an analysis of the secondary market with a ten-years-ago perspective. From what I can tell, the pricing of 1998 is not much different from what I find online today.

Hallmark headquarters is located in Kansas City, Missouri and continues to be directed by the family who started it nearly 100 years ago. Their commitment to quality and enriching lives keeps them in the forefront of specialty retail.

Not to mention, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club that was started in 1987 continues strong as well!

There are numerous websites that display large selections such as Christmas Past and The Ornament Shop.

Which adorable Keepsake Ornament do you own? Why is it special to you? What traditions do you share with these collectible treasures? Let’s talk about it - just in time for Christmas!