Highland Cow Glass Ornament Review: Too Trendy?
The shaggy Scottish cow from every farmhouse mug and pillow, in mouth-blown glass. A small gift that rides a trend but is made the slow way.
Yes, for a friend who already collects highland cow decor. It is hand painted and glittered in several steps, so it looks better than the trend pieces in big box stores [1]. Skip it for someone who keeps a classic red and gold tree.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 28, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Material | Mouth-blown glass [1] |
| Method | Molten glass blown into carved molds [1] |
| Finish | Hand painted and glittered [1] |
| Tradition | Techniques from the 1800s [1] |
| Maker | Old World Christmas [1] |
Pros and cons
- Trend design may age
- Glass needs care
- Novelty look on a formal tree
The farmhouse favorite in glass
Highland cows are on mugs, pillows and tea towels in half the kitchens in America. This is the same shaggy cow in blown glass, for the tree.
Old World Christmas says its ornaments are made from molten glass blown into finely carved molds, then hand painted and glittered in a series of labor intensive steps [1].
Will a trend age well
Trends fade, and a cow ornament bought in a craze can look dated in a few years. The difference here is the making: a well made glass ornament outlives the trend it was bought for.
If she loves the cow now, she will likely smile at it later too. Gifts tied to a person's taste age better than gifts tied to a season.
Not for a formal tree
On a tree of red and gold balls, a shaggy cow looks like a joke ornament. Know the tree before you buy.
It is also glass, so pets and toddlers are a risk on low branches.
A small gift that travels
It fits in a card sized box, which makes it easy to mail to a friend far away. Wrap it in tissue and bubble wrap.
From the same guide, the Old World Christmas Pickle Glass Ornament is a good second small gift at a similar price, and the Kurt Adler Resin Friendship Dove Ornament Set suits a friend you want to keep a matching piece with.
For a friend with a farmhouse kitchen, add a highland cow tea towel if you want a bigger package.
FAQ
Is the highland cow ornament real glass?
Yes. Old World Christmas says it is mouth-blown, made from molten glass blown into carved molds, then hand painted and glittered [1]. That gives finer detail than resin or plastic, and it catches the tree lights better [1]
Who is a highland cow ornament good for?
Anyone who collects highland cow decor or has a farmhouse kitchen. It also suits a friend who grew up on a farm. It is less suited to someone with a formal, color themed tree, where a novelty animal can look out of place [1]
How should you store glass ornaments like this one?
Wrap each one in tissue and keep it in a sturdy box with dividers, away from heat and damp. Glass ornaments last for decades when stored with care, and the paint keeps its color if kept out of attic heat [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Old World Christmas Highland Cow Glass Ornament
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 28, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.