Why 2024's Hottest Christmas Ornaments Are So Special (& How To Make Your Own)

If you rushed to Hobby Lobby or another craft store last year to stock up on flocked Christmas ornaments only to return home disappointed, now's your chance to get in on the trend. These velvety balls are so special because they add both warmth and texture to a space. Last year, they sold out faster than you could finish belting out the 39 words to "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Now, they're back in the shopping aisles in all their modern-retro glory. However, if you can't find them in stores near you or want to save money, try making them yourself by painting clear ornaments and sprinkling them in powder.

Instead of wasting time wondering whether your Christmas tree should be flocked or not, you may want to run out and pick up some of these ornaments, as they'll probably sell out fast again. Available in two sizes at Hobby Lobby, these velvet ornaments went viral not only because of their fuzzy texture and typically shatterproof make but also for their unusual neutral color palette: brown, black, white, dark green, and beige. They've also been spotted in cream and orange or pastel tones like pink, blue, and yellow on the website. But the #neutralaesthetic in warm tones is the most popular. Folks started hitting stores to buy them in late summer, and some have already found them marked down by as much as 50%. 

When should you really be decorating for Christmas? There's a good chance that if you've scored the ornaments, you'll be starting soon. In a caroling sprint to cater to Christmas shoppers, retailers such as Target, Michael's, Pottery Barn, Amazon, At Home, and Walmart introduced their own lines of flocked balls in an array of hues. Many are knockoffs of the browns and creams of 2023's Christmas past. If your taste in Christmas decor tends to travel to the other end of the color wheel, there are more traditional choices. The latest varieties of flocked Christmas balls now come in old-fashioned reds and greens, some with added detail such as gold glitter, fuzz, built-in swirls, and other multidimensional designs. Then, there is an array of modern colors, including mustard, lime green, purple, pink, and every imaginable shade of blue. And, some have gone bonkers for jumbo flocked ornaments, which are available online.

This is apparently an American trend, at least according to one person who watched a TikTok by houseonmanor about her recent Hobby Lobby ball haul: "Can someone send me some? We need these in the UK, please." However, maybe it won't be a U.S. thing for long. Furthermore, if you want to get your hands on the brown, green, and tan options shown above, check out the Liliful 15-Pieces Velvet Christmas Balls on Amazon for $15.

One of the best decorating tips for Christmas on a budget is to make these velvet ornaments yourself, which thrifty makers and disappointed shoppers have learned to do after the balls went viral and sold out. DIYing the ornaments also comes with the added benefit of being able to fully customize them to match your aesthetic. To begin, start by purchasing clear plastic balls at a craft or dollar store. They're also available on Amazon; you could buy the Qiuttnqn Store 40-Pack Clear Fillable Ornaments for $14. To really save money, use existing ornaments and upcycle them. Some prime the balls first, usually with a spray paint. After they've dried, paint the ornaments in the colors you desire. Apply two coats, allowing the first to dry completely before adding the second. Some recommend using craft paint, while others use spray paint. One tip: Remove the metal tops so that you can insert a stick into the ornaments to hold while painting and to stand up in a container during the drying process. You may also want to paint the tops of the ornaments a different color as well.

While the ornaments are still drying, sprinkle them with flour or baking soda, using a colander to help. After the ornaments are dry, use a soft paint brush to dust them off. The color will re-emerge with a flocked-like texture. In another variation, you can skip the primer, simply adding flour or baking soda to the paint and applying several coats to create a texture that resembles flocking.