BY BETHANY BROADWELL

Record-Eagle contributing writer

When it comes to choosing the perfect holiday tree, shoppers consider factors such as size, shape and freshness. When it comes to choosing the perfect holiday ornament to give as a gift, the options can be overwhelming.

Area retailers offered suggestions to help customers select baubles designed to dazzle.

Country Christmas, located on M-72 in Traverse City, carries locally made, American and imported ornaments made of materials ranging from fabric to glass.

“Giving an ornament for a special person has us thinking about that person… what is happening in their life at the moment,” said shop owner Lee Ann Smith.

She advised concentrating on the recipients and choosing an ornament gift that reflects what is important to them; it may be their profession, a baby, a marriage celebration or a new home.

A blown-glass apple, for example, is a popular choice for teachers, while uniformed Santas, glass fire trucks and police cars are possibilities for firemen and police officers. Pink or blue china elephants can commemorate baby’s first Christmas. Smith, meanwhile, has written names on both new house and wedding ornaments to create personalized keepsakes for those occasions.

A crafter herself, Smith, this year, has made “altered Christmas box” ornaments where she reproduced artwork from vintage cards and used a scrapbook approach to embellish her festive decorations.

Other crafters, too, have created items exclusively for her shop, such as fabric angel ornaments with walnut heads, primitive characters made from chenille bedspreads and papier-mâché figures pressed from antique chocolate molds.

Smith described how ornament trends this season vary widely. They can be brightly colored, whimsical and contemporary styles or nostalgic-looking pieces that people say remind them of trimmings on their grandparents’ trees. Ornaments with the word, “Believe,” according to her, have already been customer favorites this year.

Prices, depending on the ornament, range anywhere from $5-50. People who have questions may call Country Christmas at 946- 6294.

Tony Baynard at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa director of retail, described the ornament selection at the Northwoods Christmas shop. He said they sell pieces ranging from $2 snowflakes to $17 importedglass styles.

Copper-colored pieces, Baynard noted, are a current trend.

“Sometimes the best gifts are the simplest and smallest,” according to him.

Baynard added that certain ornaments can be displayed year-round as sun catchers, so they can be appreciated throughout the year.

He reminded, “In these difficult economic times, buying an ornament, any ornament, is still a very affordable way to treat yourself to something special, whether as a memento of a visit up north, a gift or just a reason to have fun decorating for the holidays.”

Call Northwoods Christmas store at 534-6717.

Stacy Sheren, owner of Holiday Traditions, Inc., estimated her downtown Traverse City shop carries 1,200 ornament styles, beginning in price at just $1.25.

“Not only do we carry a full range of ornaments, but we also have the know-how to demonstrate how ornaments can complement one another,” she said.

The most popular ornament in her store this year is a mini glass glitter snowman for less than $4. Customers, she explained, sometimes, use this piece to tie on a gift for an extra flourish.

Sheren is also pleased to offer a number of ornaments featuring beloved characters like Mr. Potato Head and Big Bird. Children, she said, love visiting her store to find the “just right” decoration.

“It is heartwarming to see their eyes light up when they find it,” Sheren said. To reach Holiday Traditions, Inc., call 941-3499.

Roxanne Lutey, owner of the Nature Connection in Elk Rapids, explained that her shop sells a limited number of ornaments, but shoppers who are nature enthusiasts might enjoy what they find.

She carries an assortment of bug, bird and animal designs as well as pieces cut from Petoskey stone and Baldwin Brass ornaments.

Prices vary from $1.95- 22.95. Those with questions may call 264-6330.

Donna Burgan, owner of the Wildflowers shops in Traverse City and Glen Arbor, said ornamental items in the Flemish style are popular.

“It is an opulent, old world look using rich shades of gold and copper with a heavy splash of glitter and sparkle, enhanced with deep shades of amethyst, ”she said.

Wildflowers also carries ornaments that will fit into traditional red and green themes and more whimsical decor. Prices range from $2 to $15.

The number to the Traverse City location is 935- 1516. For the Glen Arbor location, people may call 334-3232.