Ornament Review: Harry! Happy Birthday! - 2009 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Captures a great moment

Cons: Cage hangs weird; a couple minor flaws

The Bottom Line: 

Harry gets Hedwig

Christmas way to remember

This classic moment

Harry's First Birthday Present Makes a Good Ornament

Sometimes, you recognize an iconic moment the first time you read or watch it.  But others sneak up on you.  I'd say the moment captured in Harry! Happy Birthday! is a moment that actually sneaks up on you.

The ornament captures a scene from the first Harry Potter book and movie.  In it, Hagrid the half giant is taking Harry Potter shopping for books and supplies for his first year at Hogwarts.  Hagrid has just surprised Harry with a present, his snowy owl Hedwig who becomes a character in his own right over the course of the series.

When you first read it in the book or see it in the film, it doesn't mean that much to me.  But now every time I see that scene, I smile.  All three characters in this ornament are old friends by the time we finish the book, and seeing them all together for the first time brings all those happy (and not quite so happy) memories back to me.  But then again, maybe I'm just a sentimental fool.

The ornament shows Hagrid kneeling down.  While he is still massive, easily two thirds of the ornament, he isn't towering over Harry that much.  He's got one arm around Harry and in the other ornament is Hedwig in his bird cage.  Harry is standing with his arms outstretched, a smile on his face.

As is usually the case with Hallmark ornaments, the details are great.  You can see the rough texture on Hagrid's beard and hair, the feathers on Hedwig, and the wrinkles in everyone's clothes.

The ornament isn't quite perfect, however.  Harry's scar, which is visible on his forehead looks more like a cross instead of the famous lightning bolt.  Yes, it is small either way, but it just doesn't look right.  Additionally, the cage with the owl inside seems to want to hang at an angle; every time I take it out of the box, it's caught in Harry's arms and I have to play with it to get it to hand right.

Given the big base that Hagrid supplies, it's not surprise to me that the ornament sits perfectly flat.  Hagrid also has a little brass hook growing out of his head you can use to hang the ornament from your tree.  While it does tip every so slightly, the only way you'll notice is if you are watching closely as you lift it off the table.  It really looks like it is hanging straight.  It is a tad on the heavy side for a Christmas ornament, but if you find a mid-strength branch you should be fine.

Harry! Happy Birthday! isn't a perfect ornament, but it is very close.  Those who love Harry Potter will be thrilled to add it to their tree.

Original Price: $18.50