Unique Christmas Ornaments to Give: Handmade From Pre-Loved Saris

Most Christmas presents are used up, worn out or forgotten by spring. An ornament is different. It goes back in its box in January and comes out again every December, and each time it does, someone remembers who gave it to them. That is what makes a handmade ornament one of the most meaningful small gifts you can give.

Ours are cut from pre-loved saris and finished by hand in Mumbai, which means every one is unique. By number of pieces, they are the Christmas gift our customers give most. Here is how to choose them, and who to give them to.

Why a handmade ornament makes a better gift than you think

It is small, light and easy to post, so it works for colleagues, neighbours, teachers and friends abroad. It is also personal in a way most small gifts are not: a heart for someone you love, a star for a friend who has had a big year, a first ornament for a new home or a new baby. And because each one is made from a different sari, the person who receives it gets something nobody else has on their tree.

Three styles, three moods

Timeless

Soft sari fabric filled with organic cotton and embroidered by hand with silk and metallic gold thread. Hearts, stars, snowflakes, crescent moons and bells, from around €7.50 each. These are the ones to give by the handful, or to build into a set over the years.

Cheer

Brighter and more decorative. Each Cheer ornament is embroidered in Aari work with donated beads, sequins, pearls and stones, so it really catches the fairy lights. A Cheer heart or star makes a lovely single gift for someone who likes a bit of sparkle.

Precious

Ivory, grey and gold saris, hand-embroidered with stones, sequins, pearls and glass beads, many finished with a tassel. Gold and silver crescent moons, snowflakes and balls suit calmer, neutral trees and feel like an heirloom from the first year.

Ornament gift ideas for everyone on your list

For colleagues and neighbours: a single Timeless heart, star or bell. Small, thoughtful, and easy to hand over in the last week before the holidays.

For a friend or family member: our Timeless ornament gift box, four ornaments (heart, star, snowflake and crescent moon) in a box that is ready to give, or one of our angel ornament sets with their pleated wings.

For a new home or a first Christmas together: a Precious gold or silver crescent moon pair, or a patchwork Christmas stocking to go with it.

For the person who has everything: an assorted Cheer set of three. Nobody else will have the same combination of colours.

For the host: tie a single ornament to the bottle you bring. It turns a standard host gift into something they will keep.

How to give them beautifully

An ornament barely needs wrapping. Tie it onto a parcel with a ribbon so it becomes part of the gift tag, or wrap it in one of our small sari fabric wraps inspired by the Japanese furoshiki, which can be used again next year. If you are giving a set, write a short note about why you chose each shape.

Looking after them, so they last

At the end of the season, store ornaments flat or loosely wrapped in a dry box, away from direct sun. If one gets dusty, a gentle brush or a soft cloth is enough. Treated this way they last for many years, which is exactly what you want from a gift that comes back every Christmas. For more on decorating with pieces that last, read our guide to ethical Christmas decorations.

Who made your gift

Every piece is cut, stitched and finished by hand by a woman artisan in our Mumbai workshop. More than 900 women have worked with us since we started, many of them in their first paid job. I was a Sari is a certified B Corporation and a member of the World Fair Trade Organization, so the story behind the gift is checked, not just told. You can meet the people and the process here.

Order in time for Christmas

Every order leaves our workshop in India within 1 to 2 business days, tracked from the moment it ships. For delivery to Europe, the UK and the US before Christmas, order by 8 December with Express shipping (4 to 5 business days after dispatch) or by 24 November with Eco shipping (10 to 12 business days). EU orders have VAT and duties collected at checkout, US prices include all duties and taxes, and UK orders pay nothing extra on delivery. Sending it straight to them? Just enter their name and address as the shipping address at checkout. Everything else is in our Christmas gift guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are the ornaments really all different?

Yes. Each ornament is cut from a pre-loved sari, so the print and colours change from piece to piece. Two hearts from the same range will never be exactly alike.

What are the ornaments filled with?

Timeless and Precious ornaments are filled with organic cotton. Cheer ornaments are filled with leftover textile materials from our workshop, so nothing goes to waste.

How much do the ornaments cost?

Single Timeless ornaments start at around €7.50, Cheer and Precious ornaments at around €19 to €28, and gift sets at around €24 to €62.

Can I send ornaments directly as a gift?

Yes. Enter the recipient's name and address as the shipping address at checkout and we will send the order straight to them.

When should I order ornaments for Christmas?

Order by 8 December with Express shipping, or by 24 November with Eco shipping, for delivery to Europe, the UK and the US before Christmas.

A small thing, made slowly by hand from a sari that already lived a life. Hung on a tree, year after year, it becomes part of someone's Christmas.

Shop all festive ornaments →
Shop angel ornaments →
See the full Christmas gift guide →