Baby's First Christmas Ornament and Outfit Ideas (2026)
Dated, photo and handprint ornaments, plus first Christmas outfits that fit on the day and keep baby comfortable.
DisclosureAffiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we think are genuinely useful. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we earn.
Prefer paper? Get the First-Year Budget & Memory Tracker: 26 printable pages, instant PDF.
In this guide
Of all the first-Christmas traditions, two tend to stick: the ornament that comes out of the box every December, and the outfit in the photo everyone keeps. Neither has to be expensive. The best ones are simply chosen with a little care: dated so you remember the year, sized so it actually fits on the day, and comfortable enough that the baby doesn't mind wearing it.
This guide covers how to choose a first Christmas baby ornament (dated, photo, handprint or handmade), what to look for in a first Christmas outfit, and how to turn both into keepsakes. For gifts beyond ornaments and outfits, see our full baby's first Christmas gift ideas by budget.
A quick safety note: Ornaments are decorations, not toys. Glass and ceramic can break, and hooks, ribbons and small parts are choking or strangling hazards, so hang them high and out of reach. At bedtime, follow safe-sleep guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics: baby on their back, in a clear crib with no loose blankets, hats, bows or headbands.
How to Choose a First Christmas Baby Ornament
Before you pick a design, decide how it will be used. A few questions help:
- Will it hang on the tree every year? Choose something sturdy, like ceramic, wood or shatter-resistant acrylic, if there are pets or toddlers in the house. Glass is beautiful but more fragile.
- Dated or personalized? A printed year ("2026") is the simplest way to remember which Christmas it was. A name, birth date or photo makes it one-of-a-kind, but personalized pieces take longer to arrive.
- Is it a gift? If you're giving it to the parents, a gift box and a design that suits their tree (classic, modern or whimsical) matter more than you'd think.
- Do you want to start a set? Many families buy one ornament every year. A simple, repeatable style (same shape, new year) makes a lovely row on the tree by their tenth Christmas.
First Christmas Ornament Ideas
These are the four styles most families choose between. We picked one example of each where we could verify the listing was in stock this month.
Dated ceramic ornament
Chimeloo "Baby's First Christmas 2026" ceramic ornament
Amazon's Choice · 4.6★ from 212 ratings · checked Nov 2026
A double-sided "Baby's First Christmas 2026" ornament that arrives gift-boxed. An easy, classic choice.
Photo ornament
HooAMI personalized photo glass ornament
Personalized · 4.7★ from 555 ratings · checked Nov 2026
Add a photo, name and year. It is made to order and non-returnable, so order early and double-check the spelling.
Handprint ornament kit
Handprint and footprint ornament kit
Amazon Best Seller · Baby Hand & Footprint Makers · checked Oct 2026
Make a clay handprint or footprint together and write the year on the back.
- Dated ornaments. The year is printed or engraved, so there's nothing to customize and they ship fast. Good for last-minute gifts.
- Photo ornaments. The most personal option. Choose a clear, close-up photo, and allow extra time: personalized ornaments are usually made to order.
- Handprint and footprint ornaments. These record how tiny they were. Press the print when baby is calm (after a feed often works), and let clay dry fully, as the kit instructions say, before hanging.
- Handmade and small-shop ornaments. Etsy makers offer embroidered, wooden and hand-painted designs. You can browse handmade first Christmas ornaments on Etsy; check each shop's processing time in December.
Tip: Write the year and baby's name on the back or on the ornament box with a fine marker. Future you will thank you when the box comes down from the attic.
First Christmas Outfits
The first Christmas outfit is mostly for photos, so comfort and fit matter more than detail. Babies grow fast, so buy for the size they'll be in late December, not the size they are when you shop. If they're between sizes, go up.
"My First Christmas" bodysuit
TeesAndTankYou "My First Christmas" name bodysuit
Personalized · small business, printed in the USA · checked Nov 2026
A soft cotton bodysuit printed with baby's name. Made to order and non-returnable, so check the size chart first.
Christmas pajamas
HonestBaby holiday sleep & play footed pajamas
Organic cotton · 4.6★ from 425 ratings · pick a holiday print · checked Nov 2026
Organic cotton footed PJs with a zip front. Choose a holiday print from the listing's color menu.
- A "My First Christmas" bodysuit. Easy to layer under a cardigan or overalls and simple to change after a spill. Personalized versions with baby's name make a sweet keepsake.
- Christmas pajamas. Perfect for Christmas morning photos, and they actually get worn. Look for soft cotton, a zip front for night changes, and footies or socks for warmth.
- A festive layer. A red cardigan, a knit sweater or a little plaid vest dresses up a plain outfit and comes off easily if baby gets warm.
- Matching family PJs. Fun for photos. Order early, because popular prints sell out in some sizes by mid-December.
Outfit comfort and safe-sleep tips
- Skip anything scratchy. Sequins, glitter prints and stiff tulle look cute but often irritate skin. Choose soft knits and cotton.
- Avoid loose extras at sleep time. Remove hats, hoods, bows and headbands before naps and bedtime.
- Don't overheat. Indoor holiday gatherings get warm. Dress baby in one more layer than you'd wear, and take it off if they feel hot or sweaty.
- Watch small parts. Buttons, pom-poms and bells can come loose. Check them before each wear.
- Wash before wearing. New clothes can carry finishing residue, so wash them first.
Turning the Ornament and Outfit into Keepsakes
The first Christmas only happens once, and a few small habits make it easy to remember:
- Photograph the ornament on the tree with baby nearby each year, so you can line the photos up later.
- Keep the outfit. Fold it with acid-free tissue in a labeled box, or frame the bodysuit in a shadow box with the ornament.
- Record it. Note what baby wore, who visited and what you did that day. Our First-Year Budget & Memory Tracker has Firsts & Memories pages that make it easy to write these down, plus budget pages for planning the holiday spending.
- Start a book tradition. A holiday board book signed and dated by the giver makes a lovely companion to the ornament. Christmas board books: Buy now at Amazon
When to Order (Personalized Items Take Longer)
- Dated, ready-made ornaments and outfits usually arrive within days, but popular sizes sell out closer to Christmas.
- Personalized ornaments and bodysuits are often made to order. Check the listing's estimated delivery date before you buy, and add a few days of buffer in December.
- Handmade shop items may have one- to three-week processing times. Shop earlier for these.
- Gift for parents you haven't met the baby of yet? Choose a dated ornament rather than a photo design. It doesn't need anything from the parents.
If you're also shopping for a mom who is still expecting this Christmas, see our Christmas gifts for pregnant women. And if the baby has a registry, our list of registry must-haves under $50 has useful everyday picks that pair well with a keepsake.
Frequently asked questions
When should you buy a baby's first Christmas ornament?
Personalized ornaments are often made to order, so aim for early to mid-November. Dated, ready-made ornaments can be bought closer to Christmas, though popular designs sell out.
Is a baby's first Christmas ornament for a newborn born in December?
Yes. If the baby is born before Christmas Day, it's their first Christmas. Some parents of late-December babies prefer to mark it the following year, so ask them if you're giving it as a gift.
What size should a baby's first Christmas outfit be?
Buy for the size baby will be in late December, and size up if they're between sizes. Check the brand's height and weight chart rather than going by age alone.
Can babies sleep in Christmas pajamas?
Yes, if they fit well and are comfortable. Choose snug-fitting pajamas, avoid loose extras like hats or hoods, and follow safe-sleep guidance: baby on their back in a clear crib.
What is a good first Christmas gift that isn't a toy?
A dated or personalized ornament, a first Christmas outfit, a handprint keepsake, a signed board book or a memory book. These last much longer than most toys.
Products, availability and delivery times change often. Check age labels, safety guidance and current prices before buying. Last reviewed November 2, 2026.
Keep it all on paper
First-Year Budget & Memory Tracker
Plan baby's first-year spending and keep the little moments, side by side. 26 printable pages, $6.99. Instant PDF download.
Related printables
Save to Pinterest 
