The History, Design Variations, and Display Tips for Naughty Boobie Ornaments

The History and Popularity of Boobie Ornaments

Boobie ornaments, also known as breast ornaments, have become a popular novelty item, especially around the holiday season. These fun and cheeky decorations feature ornate designs and are shaped like breasts or boobs. But where did the tradition of hanging boobie ornaments on Christmas trees come from?

The Origins of Boobie Ornaments

Boobie ornaments likely emerged as a novel, adult-humor spin on traditional glass Christmas ball ornaments. Instead of a round shape, they took the form of breasts, playing into ribald holiday humor. The earliest boobie ornaments seem to date back to the early 1900s in Germany, which had a tradition of producing glass Christmas decorations. Some of the earliest examples featured very detailed nipple designs!

The popularity of boobie ornaments expanded in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the USA. Several American glass companies and novelty producers began making them. They became a kind of bonding tradition in some all-female social clubs. Hanging a boobie ornament on the Christmas tree was like an adult-only joke. The designs could be intricate, jokey, or even borderline bawdy.

Why Boobie Ornaments Caught On

There are a few reasons why boobie ornaments became a lasting novelty tradition:

• They are low-brow, transgressive humor. Hanging boobs on the Christmas tree is kind of naughty and irreverent.
• The ornate decoration contrasts with the cheeky shape. This ironic juxtaposition heightens the humor.
• They are conversation starters and ice breakers, livening up holiday parties.
• Breast-shaped decor ties into fertility symbols and mother goddess icons.
• For some, they represent female empowerment and sex positivity.

While not seen as appropriate for every household, boobie ornaments fill a niche for those who enjoy edgy, tongue-in-cheek holiday fun!

The Popularity Explosion of the Late 1900s

By the 1980s and 1990s, boobie ornaments were becoming a kitschy must-have item. Companies like Spencer Gifts, Forbidden Fruit, and Tinsley Transfers led the trend. Department store displays, mail-order catalogs, and even Avon helped bring boobie ornaments to the mainstream.

This was the era of "jiggle TV" shows, Ladies Night parties, and increasing openness around sex. Against this cultural backdrop, display breast ornaments became a cheeky bonding tradition. Even companies got in on it - offices would have a boobie ornament on the corporate Christmas tree.

There were many novelty iterations - ornaments featuring flashing lights, nipples that "squirted" liquid, ones decorated with tassels or beadwork. Toppers ranged from elegant to cartoonish to anatomical. By the late 1990s, boobie ornaments were a standard gag gift.

Boobie Ornament Design Variations

Today boobie ornaments come in a wide range of designs, reflecting different aesthetics:

Glittered and Bejeweled

Some boobie ornaments go for straight-up elegance and beauty. They feature fine details like glitter, rhinestones, or gold leafing. The areola and nipple area may have special ornamentation. These classy designs parallel high-end Christmas jewelry and mirrored balls.

Festive and Novelty

Other boobie ornaments have a fun, festive vibe with seasonal touches. They may sport miniature Santa hats, strands of tinsel garland, or holly sprig details. There are styles featuring reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, and wreaths. These playful motifs make the ornaments PG-rated enough for display.

Sassy and Cheeky

Some boobie ornaments go for unabashed, tongue-in-cheek humor. They may have comical facial expressions, or depict nipples as holiday symbols like mistletoe or candy canes. Other cheeky versions feature breast-themed holiday puns or double entendres.

Pop Culture and Media

Mass media and pop culture have also influenced boobie ornament aesthetics. There are styles showing breasts in costumes - as sexy Santas, elves, or snowladies. Others feature iconic pop culture, music, and movie references. These can range from classic pinup motifs to modern video game or anime characters.

Artistic and Anatomical

Some designers create tasteful boobie ornaments with artistic flair. They have gracefully shaped, realistic breasts in fine glasswork. The areola and nipple may be elegantly stylized instead of cartoonish. Some high-end glass ornaments even depict veining or anatomical detailing.

Tips for Displaying Boobie Ornaments

Boobie ornaments make amusing novelty additions to holiday decor. Here are some tips for showcasing them:

Know Your Audience

As brace ornaments are cheeky and irreverent, consider who will be viewing them. Avoid putting them on trees in family spaces if kids are present. They may be better suited to adult parties, gag gift exchanges, or ladies nights.

Choose a Prominent Branch

Display your boobie ornament prominently so it gets noticed! Find a spot midway up the tree or on an outer branch facing forward. The ornament can be nestled amid traditional balls for ironic contrast.

Make It a Conversation Piece

Let your boobie ornament be an ice breaker for holiday gatherings. Visitors will spot it and chuckle. When people ask about it, have a funny backstory or anecdote ready. Or let guests pose with it for amusing photos.

Pair It With Cheeky Decor

Surround your boobie ornament with other playful, provocative decorations. Adults-only candy canes, snowman tea towels with cleavage, or sexy Leg Lamp replicas can enhance the tongue-in-cheek vibe.

Use Boobie Ornament Decor All Season

While boobie ornaments are a hoot at Christmas, you can also use them for other seasons. Adorn breast-shaped decorations with bunny ears or flowers for spring laughs. Shells or starfish can create beachy summer motifs. Autumn versions might feature leaf or pumpkin details.

The Future of Boobie Ornaments

While boobie ornaments have been around for over a century, they show no signs of going out of style. If anything, their popularity and visibility have only increased in recent decades. With society's growing openness to sexual subjects, these cheeky decorations are likely here to stay.

Design innovations also keep boobie ornaments fresh. Companies offer new novelty features like light-up and Chrome effects annually. 3D printing even allows fully customized breast ornaments. As long as the holidays bring opportunities for irreverent humor, boobie ornaments will have a place on the tree!

FAQs

Are boobie ornaments offensive?

Views on boobie ornaments range from good-humored fun to vulgarity. In general they are considered adult humor decor not suitable around children. Display them with discretion based on your guests and setting.

Where can I buy boobie ornaments?

Many novelty and gag gift shops sell boobie ornaments, especially around Christmas. Spencer's, Party City, and Fred and Friends are major suppliers. Etsy artisans also offer handmade breast decor.

What are some creative ways to display boobie ornaments?

Nestle them amid elegant glass balls for contrast. Surround with cheeky accessories like candy cane striped candles. Or try making a "topless Christmas tree" covered only in boobie ornaments.

Are boobie ornaments collectible?

Vintage boobie ornaments from the 1900s-1960s can be valued collectibles. Look for makers like West Germany's Inge-Glas and US companies Treska and Gonder. Condition greatly affects worth.

Can I make my own boobie ornaments?

You can craft novelty boobie ornaments from clay, fuzzy yarn, beads, polymer clay, or fabric. Get creative with nipple designs using mini pompoms, jingle bells, etc. DIY allows total customization.