Guinness Ornaments: A History of the Famous Irish Beer's Christmas Collectibles

The Fascinating History Behind Guinness Ornaments

As the holiday season approaches each year, many families have treasured traditions for decorating their Christmas trees. For some, this means pulling out boxes of delicate glass ornaments collected over generations. For others, it's all about matching the latest trends with shiny new baubles. But for fans of the famous Irish stout beer Guinness, nothing beats the iconic Guinness ornaments that feature the brand's signature fonts and colors.

When Did Guinness Ornaments First Appear?

The exact origins of Guinness Christmas ornaments are hard to pin down. However, many believe they first started appearing in the 1970s or 1980s as a promotional item from the company itself. At the time, Guinness was seeking to expand its appeal beyond just Irish pubs and into broader pop culture. What better way to do that than with a festive holiday keepsake like a Christmas ornament?

These early Guinness ornaments were fairly simple in design. Most featured the word "Guinness" in the brand's distinctive lettering framed by a glass orb. Others contained imagery like the Guinness harp logo or toucans, another iconic symbol of the beer. The look and shape of the ornaments mirrored common decorative styles of the period.

The Growth of Guinness Collectibles

As Guinness ornaments grew in popularity through the 1980s and 90s, the collectibles market around Guinness expanded as well. Enthusiastic fans started seeking out rarer and more unique ornaments from decades past. Online auction sites like eBay fueled this demand, connecting buyers and sellers of vintage Guinness products.

In addition to ornaments, other Guinness holiday collectibles emerged like Christmas steins, glassware, and figurines. Creative new designs appeared each season, often combining retro branding with modern twists. Even major big box retailers like Target jumped on board, producing affordable mass-market Guinness ornaments.

Modern Guinness Ornament Designs

Today, Guinness ornaments are produced by official licensees like Kurt Adler and Carlton Cards. They remain a staple of the Christmas collectibles world, appealing both to longtime Guinness fans and new enthusiasts drawn to their bold retro styling.

Contemporary Guinness ornaments showcase a diverse range of designs. Some stick close to tradition with the classic harp logo shape and glass material. Others offer more artistic interpretations rendered in materials like faux mercury glass, acrylic, or wood.

Beyond the familiar "Guinness" lettering, new motifs highlight Irish culture like Celtic knots, shamrocks, and Irish wolfhounds. There are also local landmarks featured like Dublin's St. James's Gate and Galway's Lynch's Castle. Even obscure old Guinness advertising images have been adapted into ornaments.

Where to Buy Guinness Ornaments

For collectors seeking the perfect addition to their Guinness ornament collection, there are many great options both online and in-person.

Boutique Irish and British import stores often stock select Guinness ornaments, especially around the holidays. Amazon and other big online retailers have a wide selection of new and vintage-style designs. And eBay remains a top source for rare, discontinued Guinness ornaments.

In Ireland, the Guinness Storehouse gift shop in Dublin has exclusive ornaments along with other branded merchandise. And at Guinness Brewery headquarters in Dublin, the Open Gate Brewery gift shop sells ornaments that can only be purchased on-site.

Fun Ideas for Displaying Guinness Ornaments

Once you've collected the perfect set of Guinness ornaments, how you display them can really enhance their unique style and personality.

Group different eras and designs together to showcase the brand's evolution over time. Match ornaments with other Guinness memorabilia like mirrors, beer mugs, or pub signs.

For an Irish-themed tree, decorate with holly branches, tartan plaid ribbon, and other nods to Celtic culture alongside your Guinness ornaments.

Or create a Guinness vignette on a mantel or bookshelf using ornaments, steins, and promotional items. Swap out the backdrop and decorations each season to keep your display fresh and festive.

However you choose to show off your Guinness ornaments, they'll add a dose of cheer along with their storied brewing history. So as you deck your own halls this season, consider adding some Irish charm with these iconic and collectible Christmas ornaments.

FAQs

When did Guinness first start producing Christmas ornaments?

Guinness ornaments likely first appeared in the 1970s or 1980s as promotional items from the company. They grew in popularity through the 80s and 90s as Guinness expanded its brand appeal beyond just Irish pubs.

Where can I buy vintage Guinness ornaments?

Online auction sites like eBay are a great source for rare, vintage Guinness ornaments. You can also find select designs at boutique Irish and British import stores, especially around the holidays.

What are some popular motifs used on Guinness ornaments?

Classic Guinness icons like the harp logo, Guinness lettering, and toucans are popular. Celtic knots, shamrocks, Irish wolfhounds, and Dublin landmarks also commonly appear on ornaments.

How should I display my Guinness ornament collection?

Group different eras and designs together or match with other Guinness memorabilia. For an Irish theme, decorate alongside holly, tartan plaid, and other Celtic nods. Swap out the backdrop each season.

Where can I buy exclusive Guinness ornaments in Ireland?

The Guinness Storehouse gift shop in Dublin has special ornaments not available elsewhere. At the Open Gate Brewery on-site, you can buy ornaments only for sale at the headquarters location.