I know it sounds silly to say that Christmas 
ornaments have changed since we were children but they have changed. When I think of my childhood Christmas tree, I picture a tree covered in multi-colored fragile glass balls, garland, blinking lights and the occasional candy cane. Some people may have had little plastic houses or ornaments that announced, “Baby’s first Christmas” but for the most part, trees couldn’t be personalized. Thanks to Hallmark that has changed.
The keepsake ornaments from Hallmark allow you decorate your tree with the things you are passionate about; whether it is comic books or muscle cars they have an ornament to fit your personality. One group that is very well-represented in the Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments is the pop culture lovers. Hallmark produces ornaments for comic book characters, Star Trek, Star Wars, Disney movies, video games and Harry Potter to name a few.
One of the things that Hallmark does for its pop culture collectors is produce limited edition event (or convention) exclusives. Usually, these ornaments are only sold at big events like San Diego Comic Con and are never offered in stores. This year there are other ways of purchasing these exclusive ornaments, but the limited availability hasn’t changed. These limited edition products are currently being released under Hallmark’s Pop-Minded banner.
Since the big events are right around the corner we would like to offer you a closer look at what is going to be available this year. Hallmark is releasing 5 items, four Keepsake Ornaments and one plush from their itty-bitty line of collectibles. The ornaments are:
- Boba Fett from the animated short “The Story of the Faithful Wookiee”
- Ecto 1 from the upcoming Ghostbusters-Afterlife
- Super Mario from the video game
- Klingon Bird of Prey as depicted in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home*
The plush is Marvel’s Spider-Ham from the itty bittys line.
First up, let’s talk about the most ruthless bounty hunter in the galaxy, Boba Fett. Boba’s paint scheme is from his first appearance in the Star Wars universe which was the animated segment of the Star Wars Holiday Special in 1978. That appearance came 2 years before his theatrical appearance. This ornament may be the very first collectible from the Star Wars Holiday Special, which will makes it even more collectible.
Boba Fett measures 2.62″ W x 4.75″ H x 3.33″ D and is NOT poseable. Boba Fett is painted in faded pastels and carries his Mandalorian Amban Phase-pulse Blaster. The sculpt of this figure is by Jake Angell and it looks great. Boba is even wearing his jetpack. He looks just as he did in the animated short.
Boba Fett is limited to 3700 pieces and retails for $30.00. This figure comes in easy in/easy out packaging for storage.
This ornament is a must for Star Wars collectors and will be available on July 23, 2021.
The next ornament is the Ecto-1 with R.T.V. from the upcoming Ghostbuster’s: Afterlife which is due to be released in November. FYI fact-The actual Ecto-1 was a remodeled 1959 Cadillac ambulance/hearse.
The Ecto-1 Keepsake Ornament with R.T.V. measures 1.6″ W x 1.6″ H x 4.8″ D with the R.T.V. measuring 0.6” W x 0.5” H x 0.75” D . By the way, R.T.V. stands for Remote Trap Vehicle and as you can see from the photos it is just a ghost trap on wheels.
This ornament is one of those that can be displayed all year long and would look great on a shelf or on your desk. Not only does the Ecto-1 have working wheels (yes it rolls!) it also has working lights and sounds. Once you push the button on top of the vehicle the siren plays for about 15 seconds then shuts off (batteries are included). This little ornament has a pretty loud siren (see video) and should scare away any ghosts in the area.
The level of detail is amazing on this ornament which was crafted by Rodney Gentry. This version of the Ecto-1 differs from the one produced by Hallmark in 2009 in appearance and sound. The 2009 version played the Ghostbuster’s theme whereas the 2021 version has only the siren. The 2009 version had a cleaner look with the 2021 version looking weathered and distressed.
The Ecto-1 goes on sale July 23, 2021 and is limited to 3000 pieces with a price of $30.00.
The next Event Exclusive is the Super Mario Gold Ornament. Fans of the Super Mario Bros. will love this ornament. Mario is the main character in the Super Mario Bros. game where he was a plumber on a mission to save a princess.
The Super Mario ornament is a metal ornament and has good weight, so don’t hang it on the end of a branch! Mario measures 1.23″ W x 2.61″ H x 1.15″ D and is posed in his classic running stance. The Super Mario Keepsake Ornament is limited to 2000 and retails for $14.99. This is a great gift for the game lover in your life.
The last Event Exclusive is the itty bittys Marvel’s Spider-Ham Plush. Casual comic fans might not be familiar with Spider-Ham but if you saw the animated film, Into the Spider-Verse you know who the character was a spider bit by a radioactive pig. This whimsical figure is a must for the comic or Spidey fan of any age. Spider-Ham is limited to 2000 pieces. Created by Larry Hama, Tom DeFalco and Mark Armstrong the character is just absurd but very popular.
Marvel’s Spider-Ham measures 4″ W x 4.5″ H x 3.5″ D and has a retail price of $10.00. This limited edition itty bittys plush is an Event Exclusive and will go on sale on July 23. 2021.
Hallmark Keepsake Ornament designs and itty bittys® plush characters will be sold in limited quantities ONLINE ONLY in conjunction with these two events:
Comic-Con International San Diego, July 23-25 as part of Comic-Con@Home
New York Comic Con, October 7-10
Additionally, small quantities of each of the three Keepsake Ornaments will be allotted for sale to Keepsake Ornament Club Members. For more information on membership, go to hallmark.com/ornaments/keepsake-ornament-club.
Special thanks to the good folks over at Hallmark for sending these products for review.
*The Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Klingon Bird of Prey review is COMING SOON! Keep an eye out for that one.
