Old World Christmas Pickle Ornament Review: Worth It?
An emerald glass pickle, hand painted and glittered, and the Christmas morning game that comes with it. The cheapest way to start a family tradition.
Yes, for any family with kids who might enjoy a Christmas morning hunt. It is real mouth-blown glass, not a plastic toy, and it costs about as much as a coffee and a muffin [1]. Skip it for a house with a toddler who grabs at low branches.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 28, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Material | Mouth-blown glass [1] |
| Finish | Hand-painted green, glittered ribs, glossy glaze [1] |
| Method | Traditional techniques from the 1800s [1] |
| Use | Hide-the-pickle tradition, stocking stuffer [1] |
| Maker | Old World Christmas [1] |
Pros and cons
- Glass breaks if dropped
- Small, so it disappears in a big tree (which is the point)
- Not a showpiece on its own
How the pickle game works
The listing tells the story: parents hang the pickle last, hidden deep in the green branches, and the first child to spot it on Christmas morning gets an extra gift [1].
It turns opening presents into a short treasure hunt. Older kids get competitive, and adults join in faster than they admit.
Real glass, painted by hand
Old World Christmas makes it from mouth-blown glass, hand painted with methods the brand traces back to the 1800s [1]. The pickle has an emerald glaze, glittered ribs and a glossy finish [1].
That matters because a pickle ornament is often the first glass ornament a child is trusted with. A sturdy, well made one survives years of the hunt.
The brand says the ornament is made to last for generations [1]. Store it in tissue in a small box and it will.
Glass and small hands
The catch is glass. A toddler pulling at branches can drop it, so hang it higher until they are older.
It is also small, which makes it a poor centerpiece. It is meant to hide, not to show off.
Starting the tradition
Give it in early December with a card that explains the game. The card is half the gift for a family that has never heard of the pickle.
From the same guide, the Old World Christmas Highland Cow Glass Ornament is another small glass gift at a similar price, and the Valery Madelyn Shatterproof Christmas Ball Ornaments are the safe set for the low branches where little kids play.
FAQ
What does the pickle ornament mean?
It goes with a family game: the pickle is hidden last in the tree, and the first child to find it on Christmas morning gets an extra gift for being observant [1]. Many families call it a German custom. The game is the meaning, more than any history [1]
Is the Old World Christmas pickle real glass?
Yes. The listing says it is mouth-blown glass, hand painted with traditional techniques from the 1800s, with a green glaze and glittered ribs [1]. It is sturdier than it looks, but it will break on a hard floor, so hang it with care [1]
Where should you hide the Christmas pickle?
Deep in the branches, at a height the youngest searcher can reach. Green on green is hard to spot in a real tree, so give hints if the hunt runs long. On an artificial tree, tuck it behind a larger ornament [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Old World Christmas Pickle Glass Blown 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.