Collecting Hallmark ornaments has been a yearly tradition for decades, turning simple decoration into beloved keepsakes. The high quality ornaments are given significant detail and creativity that has expanded into several pop culture properties, series, and companies. Naturally, Star Wars became a part of that tradition.
Issued in 1996, the first Star Wars ornament was “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” Not only was the Millennium Falcon ornament detailed, it could be plugged into a mini light socket to light up the cockpit and activate the blue-lighted engines. That year it was joined by The Vehicles of Star Wars miniature ornaments, containing an AT-AT, X-Wing, and TIE Fighter.
Since then, Hallmark has issued a bevy of Star Wars ornaments. Taking on the likenesses of characters and vehicles, they portray outfits, isolated moments, and scenes from the series. Several main characters have seen multiple ornament editions, with secondary, and even tertiary characters and spacecraft getting the Hallmark treatment. Most are around 3-4” tall, though there are some miniatures and some multi-piece versions. Some of the more fun ornaments feature light and/or sound and a few festive examples even come with Santa hats.
As the original film celebrated its 20th anniversary and special edition versions were being released, Hallmark introduced the official Star Wars series of ornaments in ’97. The first Luke Skywalker ornament, in his Bespin outfit, was distinguished as number one for the yearly Star Wars Collector’s Series of collectible ornaments. Others issued in ’97 were Darth Vader (with voice and light-up capabilities), Yoda, and a miniature set of C-3PO and R2-D2. Each year since has yielded a handful of new ornaments based on the original trilogy. In ’99 prequel trilogy characters and ships were added to the line, and the third trilogy followed in 2015. The ornaments are almost exclusively movie characters, though there are a few from the animated series, including the miniatures set of Asajj Ventress, Anakin Skywalker, and Yoda from Clone Wars.
Individual Star Wars Hallmark ornaments typically average $20-$50, if they are in Very Good condition and the boxes are undamaged. Some, however, sell for hundreds of dollars. The Shock Trooper and Shadow Trooper from San Diego Comic-Con can sell for $550, the R2-Q5 and R2-A3 from New York Comic Con goes for $500, and the Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ponda Baba from Star Wars Celebration can reach $200.
To learn more about Star Wars Hallmark ornaments and tons more memorabilia, order a copy of The Overstreet Price Guide to Star Wars Collectibles from gemstonepub.com.
