Ornament Review: Santa Certified #1 - Train Engine - 2013 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Gorgeous ornament with lots of fun, small details.

Cons: Slight tip, but it's minor

The Bottom Line:

A beautiful sculpt

Filled with intricate details

Delightful debut

Santa’s Introducing a New Line of Special Toys with a Fire Engine Red Train Engine

As much as I am still a kid at heart, there are some things I’ve lost when it comes to childhood magic.  One of those is thinking of Santa making all those toys.  But Hallmark is working to bring that magic back with the new Santa Certified series, which debuted in 2013 with a train engine.

The idea behind this series is it captures that one special toy Santa has worked hard on for an extra good girl of boy.  And if this is the craftsmanship he puts into something, I want to make sure I’m on the good list.

This train is absolutely lovely to look at.  It is mostly red with wood tan trim and gold accents, and the colors are lovely together.  There are extra flourishes and accents everywhere, so the train looks extra special and fancy.  Any child would be honored to receive this one.  And yes, the wheels on the bottom really do work.  There's also a fancy script SC on the side of the engine.  There's even a bell that really does swing.  It doesn't ring, but it will swing plenty.  And speaking of bells, there are some on the wheels.

That special touch extends to the series marker.  Since this is the first in a series, there is a one inside a Christmas tree.  But it is much nicer than their normal series markings Hallmark uses.  I love it.

It's absolutely beautiful all the way around.  And you can tell Santa is proud of it because he signed it on the bottom.  It's those little extra touches I love.  You can also find the year, 2013, on the side of the engine.

The engine rests on the wheels of the train, and it is level, so you could use it as part of a display if you want to.

But if you are looking to hang it on your tree, you’ll find the hook in the top of the train.  It does tip back a little, but that's the only flaw with the ornament.  And the red will make it really stand out on your tree.

I’ve often said that these Hallmark ornaments can be little works of art, and the first Santa Certified ornament proves it.  I’m looking forward to a long line of beautiful ornaments to enjoy for years to come.

And check out the rest of the Santa Certified series.

Original Price: $14.95