Hallmark's gaming Christmas ornaments are much better than I expected

gamesradar.com:

I know it's early to be throwing out the 'C' word, but these Hallmark gaming Christmas ornaments are… pretty great, actually?

With spooky season almost done, companies are beginning to wheel out their Holiday offerings – but few have made me reach for my wallet like these ones. While the company's decorations are always good on the whole, this year's Hallmark gaming Christmas ornaments are particularly impressive. Ranging from old favorites like classic '90s Sonic to whole Minecraft scenes you can hang on your tree, .

Although you can skip ahead and browse the full range at Amazon, I've narrowed things down with some personal recommendations that I – a certified, card-carrying Gamer™ – actually think are worth your time. Want easy gifts for gamers? Here you go; they'd work as presents too.

Sonic Collecting Rings | $44.99 at Amazon
New for this year is a retro throwback to the original '90s Sonic, based on that Green Hill Zone level we first zoomed around decades ago. Besides having a teeny Sonic the Hedgehog inside one of those iconic loops, he actually 'runs' around it and collects light-up, pixellated coins that 'ping' when he collects them. It's absolutely delightful, and I'd be happy with it on my shelf at any time of year.

Buy it if:
✅ You love OG Sonic
✅ You want a keepsake, not just for Xmas

Don't buy it if:
❌ You never played original Sonic

Santa Sonic | $18.99 at Amazon
Another 2024 addition to the Hallmark gaming ornament range is Santa Sonic, who presumably delivers gold rings instead of presents. Although it doesn't have the year-round appeal of the diorama listed above, its festive getup makes this a great way to make your a little more 'gamer.'

Buy it if:
✅ You want gaming additions to your tree
✅ You don't want anything too showy

Don't buy it if:
❌ You prefer OG Sonic

Pikmin | $24.99 at Amazon
Something I always loved as a child was imagining what life would be like for the little, Borrower-esque figurines that populated our family Christmas tree. This Pikmin