Ornaments are my favorite thing to sublimate. They’re small, quick to press, and they end up on the tree for years.
A blank costs very little, so you can make one for everyone on your list without spending much at all.
I rounded up 14 sublimation ornament ideas: family and new home keepsakes, photo ornaments, pets, a teacher gift, stained glass designs, a nativity and a memorial ornament. Each one comes with the file.
Tip: Adding a name or a family surname? Type it into our free Cricut Font Previewer to compare fonts side by side, then use your favorite in your design.
Which Ornament Blanks Can You Sublimate?
Your ornament needs a polyester coating, so always buy blanks that say “sublimation” on the package. These are the ones I reach for:
- Ceramic ornaments: round and glossy, with the classic keepsake look.
- Aluminum and MDF ornaments: light, cheap and they come in fun shapes like the benelux.
- Clear acrylic and glass ornaments: great for stained glass designs, since the light shines through.
- Double-sided ornaments: press a photo on one side and the name and year on the other.
Buy a few extra blanks. Ornaments are small, so a slightly crooked print shows, and you’ll want a spare to practice on.
How to Press a Sublimation Ornament
Print the design mirrored and a little larger than the ornament, so it covers the edges. Tape it face down with heat-resistant tape, and peel off any protective film on the blank first.
Follow the time and temperature that come with your blanks, since ceramic, aluminum and glass all need different settings. Ceramic ornaments get very hot, so let them cool before you touch them.
14 Sublimation Ornament Ideas
Here are my favorite sublimation ornament ideas, starting with family and baby keepsakes, then photo ornaments and gifts, and finishing with stained glass, faith and memorial designs.
1. Together Snowman Family
Most Popular Ornament File
A snowman family in cozy scarves and hats, walking together through the snowy pines, with “Together through every Christmas” across the top.
The bundle comes with 6 designs, including “Our first Christmas” and “In our new home” snowmen. With over 350 favorites, it’s the most popular file in this list.
2. First Christmas in Our New Home
Best Housewarming Gift
A snowy little cottage framed by a holly wreath, with “First Christmas at” on top and room for the street address and family names below.
It looks so pretty on a clear acrylic ornament with a gingham bow. Tuck it into a card for friends who just moved.
3. Baby’s First Christmas Bear
Best Baby Keepsake
A soft teddy bear with a pink bow, sitting next to a little tree and a pile of presents, with “My first Christmas” and 2026.
The pastel colors are perfect for a baby girl. New parents and grandparents will hang it every year.
4. Buffalo Plaid Photo Ornament
Best Photo Ornament
A red and black buffalo plaid frame around a round photo, with a white banner underneath for a name or date.
Add your photo in Canva or Photoshop, then print and press. With over 250 favorites, it’s a classic for a reason.
5. Santa Visit Photo Ornament
Best Benelux Ornament
A buffalo plaid frame made for the scalloped benelux ornament shape, with a big space for a photo.
It’s perfect for the yearly photo with Santa. It comes in 3 colors, so you can match your tree.
6. Dogs in Santa Hats
Best Gift for Pet Lovers
A big set of watercolor dogs in Santa hats, from a golden retriever to a dachshund, a husky and a French bulldog.
Find the breed that matches their pup and press it on a round ornament. Add the dog’s name on the back with a marker.
7. It Takes a Big Heart Teacher Ornament
Best Teacher Gift
Two designs on notebook paper: “Santa’s favorite teacher” with three little trees, and “It takes a big heart to teach little minds.”
Make one for every teacher at school. Tie it to a gift card or a hot cocoa jar.
8. The Year I Learned Mahjong
Best Hobby Ornament
A Christmas tree stacked from mahjong tiles, with “The year I learned mahjong” and 2026.
Mahjong is having a big moment, so this one is a fun gift for your game night group. Make one for every player.
9. Floral Highland Cow
Most Colorful Ornament
A fluffy highland cow in bright rainbow watercolors, with a crown of flowers between its horns.
It isn’t too Christmassy, so it can hang on a tree, in a car or on a rearview mirror all year.
10. 3D Snowman Breakout
Most Fun 3D Effect
A happy snowman in a Santa hat, breaking through a cracked brick wall so it looks like he’s popping out of the ornament.
Kids love the 3D look. The same seller has a 3D Santa to go with it.
11. Stained Glass Santa
Best Stained Glass Look
An old-world Santa in a stained glass window, with pine trees, holly and a little snowy village behind him.
On a clear acrylic or glass ornament, the light shines through and it really looks like glass.
12. Stained Glass Owl
Prettiest Winter Ornament
A wise little owl in deep blues and purples, framed by flowers in a stained glass style.
It’s a great pick for owl lovers and looks pretty hanging in a window all winter.
13. A Holy Night
Best Nativity Ornament
Mary and Joseph watching over baby Jesus in the manger, under a shining star, with “A holy night” and 2026.
The soft watercolor style is so peaceful. It’s a lovely gift for church friends and family.
14. Your Light Will Always Shine
Most Meaningful Keepsake
A red cardinal on a holly and pinecone wreath, with “Your light will always shine in my heart.” The set also has “Forever in my heart” and “I am always with you.”
Many people believe cardinals are a sign that a loved one is near. It’s a gentle gift for someone missing a person this Christmas.
Sublimation Ornament FAQs
What size should I print sublimation ornament designs?
Most round ornaments are about 3 inches across. Size the design a little bigger than the blank so the edges are fully covered.
Can I sublimate on both sides of an ornament?
Yes, if the blank is coated on both sides. Press one side, let it cool, then press the other.
Why is my ornament print blurry?
The paper probably moved during pressing. Tape it down tightly on all sides, and lift the paper straight up when you’re done.
Can I sublimate on a plain glass ornament from the craft store?
Not directly. Plain glass has no polyester coating, so the ink won’t bond. Use glass ornaments made for sublimation, or add a sublimation coating spray first.
What are the best ornament ideas to sell?
Personalized ones sell best: family names, baby’s first Christmas, new home, pets and photo ornaments.
