Are you familiar with the official White House Christmas ornaments? They've been sold by the White House Historical Association since 1981, but I didn't become aware of them until 2003. My daughter bought one for herself that year, and some as gifts - I fell in love with the little boy on a rocking horse, an ornament honoring President Ullysses S. Grant and his family.
(To see any of the ornaments or other products for sale in the Museum Shop, you'll have to click on that link because their photos are copyright and they denied a request to use them. Kinda silly, since it would be free advertising for them and I have nothing to gain from promoting their Museum Shop... But those are the rules!)
I had toyed with the idea of building a collection of ornaments for each of my grandchildren, one that they could have as grown-ups. If they don't really like that style of decoration, at least they'll have something of value that they can sell or save for their children. Besides, from a purely practical perspective, they come in a flat box and would be easy to store!
I went on the website to purchase back ornaments from the year of each child's birth, and I've gotten them every year since. Til now.
Ornaments are still available from 1998-2007, but they're out of stock for 2008. I wonder if they cut back on production or if there was a higher demand this year...
The Northern Virginia Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority sells them as fundraisers, as do several other organizations... If you know anyone who still has them available, please let me know. I need five to keep the collections intact.
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There is an agent in my office who takes orders for Bishop Ireton Band Boosters...I got mine through her this year. I'll email you her contact info.
I hate to say it, but I was unaware of them. I'll keep my eyes and ears open and let you know if anyone has a source.
Hi Margaret, we always buy ours early each year. You might want to give them a call and see if they will be getting more in soon. The toll free # is 1-800-555-2451.
My mom usually orders a bunch of them for gifts. I will see if she has any extras. I have most of them, I used to give them as a gift to folks that purchased a home from me in that year, but they are really expensive this year? I will ask my mom if she has extras.
Margaret you are such a good lady - and a great grandma - I would not have know about these without your telling us about them.... maybe next year for me... hope you are having a great holiday season
Hi Margaret, I first ran into these when I was an NAR director. With annual meetings in DC and trying each year to see as much of the capital as possible, I started a collection. My next door neighbor was the commander of the naval air base here and he and his wife have been collecting the WH ornaments and his collection is very large. Thanks for the reminder that I am behind a couple years and I need to get caught up.
It has been my expereince that when they run out, they re-order from the manufacture as the collections are available year around.
How lucky am I? I posted this late at night, and in six comments there are three suggestions for getting some. You folks are the BEST!
Margaret: OK, I'm convinced now, I live too far out of the mainstream. I didn't know but I'm ready to jump on board with this idea. I would love to start a collection for my two grandchildren. Now, I'm on a mission! Thank you.
Margaret,
I just found a site that is selling the 2008 White House ornament for $23.00 each. That didn't seem exhorbitant so I ordered my seven. The shipping cost for ground shipping was $12.95. I could have had it shipped faster but I see no point in spending the extra money right now. I'd rather give more money to Nick and his brother and cousins.
The site I found is: http://www.whitehousechristmas.com
I hope this helps you with your search for the ornaments. Good Luck--Renée Levitz in Fairfax, VA