Even the littlest member of the family deserves a commemorative ornament for his or her first Christmas. A neutral ivory in color with gold trim outlining the realistically molded laces, this fine china baby bootee from Wedgwood makes a special gift for either a girl or boy. "Baby's First Christmas 2004" is written in gold on one side of the sole, and the prestigious name Wedgwood on the other. On the bottom, three lines are provided on which the proud parent or other relative can record the baby's name, date of birth, and weight.

Pierced with tiny stars, crescent moons, and delicate abstract designs, the china bootee is surprisingly lightweight for its size, 3-1/4 by 2-1/4 inches. An attached woven gold ribbon makes a fine hanging loop for the Christmas tree. Should the matte-finish bootee become smudged with holiday excess, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. The Wedgwood bootee comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage to protect it for the life of the child. --Ann Bieri

Very few ornaments make such a simple yet elegant statement as this five-pointed star from Wedgwood. Crafted in England of jasperware, a clay infused throughout with the company's signature Wedgwood Blue color according to specifications more than 200 years old, the star displays beautifully detailed white bas-relief holly leaves and berries. Stylized evergreen boughs are inscribed into each point of the star, and a white tassel cord allows the ornament to be hung from a Christmas tree or displayed on a wall.

If not adding to an existing collection, the annual Wedgwood ornament is likely to start one. In many families Wedgwood pieces have been handed down from one generation to the next. Measuring three inches across, the ornament comes protectively fitted inside a handsome, light blue gift box. Jasperware may be hand-washed, and should last a lifetime. --Ann Bieri

This fine china bell ornament from Wedgwood commemorates a couple's first Christmas together. Ivory in color and highlighted with gold trim, the bell features two pairs of doves and the words "Our First Christmas" written in gold beneath one of the pairs. Each of the two doves in a pair holds the end of a ribbon from which dangle two gold rings. Inside, a china clapper on a gold chain produces a cheerful, resonant sound when the bell is rung. Since no date is inscribed on the ornament, the 2004 bell makes a special gift for any upcoming year.

Delicately pierced to produce a filigree effect, the china bell is surprisingly lightweight for its size, 3-1/4 by 3 inches, and hangs from a tree or window by means of a woven gold ribbon. Should the bell become smudged with holiday excess, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. The Wedgwood bell comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage to protect the ornament for countless Christmases to come. --Ann Bieri

This fine china house ornament from Wedgwood commemorates a couple's first or new home. Ivory in color and trimmed in gold, the house features the words "2004 Our First Home" written in gold above the front door. Every window is pierced, allowing a glimpse right through the interior. An evergreen tree hung with golden balls stands at every outside corner, and wreaths adorn the front door and rear bay window. The singled roof and clapboard siding are meticulously detailed.

While the china house is intended as an ornament for a Christmas tree and comes with a gold hanging ribbon, it also makes a fine winter-season gift for any couple or family in a new home. Should the ornament become dusty or smudged, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. The Wedgwood house comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage for years of protection. --Ann Bieri

England is rich in manufacturers of fine china products, and Wedgwood is one of the best-known and most collected varieties. Wedgwood starting producing in 1759--its 250th anniversary will be in 2009--and over the centuries it has offered highest-quality bone china in a wide range of patterns. Each year Wedgwood creates collectible Christmas ornaments, and the filigree 2004 Star ornament, made of fine, translucent creamy china, is a beauty.

The ornament a ten-pointed star, with five small rays extending from between the arms of a traditional five-pointed star; the main star is raised in the center, in an echo of its outer edges. The three-dimensional, hollow star is perforated with many small holes which, along with the translucent china itself, allow light to pass through. The contours of the star are trimmed in 22-carat gold, and there are tiny gold hearts in the five large points of the star. There is a small hanger loop in the china at the top, and it comes with a gold ribbon for hanging on the tree. The Star ornament comes in an attractive red gift window box. Other 2004 china ornaments from Wedgwood include the baby-bootie-shaped Baby's First Christmas and two Our First Christmas ornaments, a bell and a frame.

Wedgwood suggests that its china products be hand washed in hot water with a mild detergent to help preserve glaze and accents. Avoid abrasive cleansers or scrubbers that might scratch or mar decorated surfaces. When packing away for storage, wrap in tissue paper or other soft packing material that will not scratch. The Wedgwood 2004 Star ornament measures 4-1/2 by 3-1/4 inches. --Garland Withers

A gift of this china angel is sure to start a collection. Wedgwood, one of the most prestigious names in china, produces several instrument-playing angels, each one different yet complementary. This particular angel, eyes demurely downcast, plays a golden harp. Her delicately pierced wings arch upward while her gown swirls out around her feet. The overall effect is one of grace and harmony.

Measuring 4-1/2 inches tall, the harp angel can stand upright on a tabletop or hang from the Christmas tree by means of a gold-colored ribbon that rises from her back. Should the ivory-colored ornament become dusty or smudged, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. The Wedgwood angel comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage for years of protection. --Ann Bieri

A gift of this china angel is sure to start a collection. Wedgwood, one of the most prestigious names in china, produces several instrument-playing angels, each one different yet complementary. This particular angel, eyes demurely downcast, plays a golden trumpet that is raised to her lips. Her delicately pierced wings stretch outward while her gown swirls out around her feet. The overall effect is one of grace and harmony.

Measuring 3-3/4 inches tall, the heraldic angel can stand on a tabletop (with a slight forward-leaning posture) or hang from the Christmas tree by means of a gold-colored ribbon that rises from her back. Should the ivory-colored china become dusty or smudged, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. The Wedgwood angel comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage for years of protection. --Ann Bieri

A gift of this china angel is sure to start a collection. Wedgwood, one of the most prestigious names in china, produces several instrument-playing angels, each one different yet complementary. This particular angel, eyes demurely downcast, plays a golden violin. Her delicately pierced wings arch downward into a heart shape, while her gown swirls out around her feet. The overall effect is one of grace and harmony.

Measuring 3-3/4 inches tall, the violin-playing angel can stand upright on a tabletop or hang from the Christmas tree by means of a gold-colored ribbon that rises from her back. Should the ivory-colored china become dusty or smudged, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. The Wedgwood angel comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage for years of protection. --Ann Bieri

This apple ornament from Wedgwood, one of the most prestigious names in china, makes an ideal holiday gift for those who enjoy fine collectibles. The matte-finish, china apple is ivory in color and highlighted with gold dots among decorative scrolls and delicate piercing. Hollowed and filigreed in effect, the china apple is durable yet lightweight for its size, 3-1/4 by 3 inches.

A woven gold ribbon runs through a loop in the apple's stem for hanging on a Christmas tree. However, because the apple motif is not limited to a particular holiday, this item makes an appropriate gift any time of year for a teacher's desk or friend's home. Should the china become smudged or dusty, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. The Wedgwood apple ball comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage to protect the piece for years to come. --Ann Bieri

This fine china snowflake from Wedgwood, one of the most prestigious names in china, makes a simple yet special holiday gift for a friend or colleague. Ivory in color and accented with glistening gold, the intricately molded, matte-finish snowflake features six points and delicate piercing. Other Wedgwood snowflakes available in the same collection feature complementary designs highlighted with colored faux jewels.

A woven gold ribbon runs through a loop in the snowflake's top for hanging on a Christmas tree or in a window. Should the china become smudged or dusty, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Measuring four inches across, the Wedgwood snowflake comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage to protect the piece for years to come. --Ann Bieri

This fine china snowflake from Wedgwood, one of the most prestigious names in china, makes a simple yet special holiday gift for a friend or colleague. Ivory in color, the matte-finish snowflake is accented with a blue faux jewel at each of its six points. Intricate molding and decorative piercing add up to a beautifully sculpted piece. Other Wedgwood snowflakes available in the same collection feature complementary shapes, highlighted with gold trim or jewels of other colors.

A woven gold ribbon runs through an opening in the snowflake's top for hanging on a Christmas tree or in a window. Should the china become smudged or dusty, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Stamped in the center with a gold 'W,' the 4-1/4-inch Wedgwood snowflake comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage to protect the piece for years to come. --Ann Bieri

This fine china snowflake from Wedgwood, one of the most prestigious names in china, makes a simple yet special holiday gift for a friend or colleague. Ivory in color, the matte-finish snowflake is outlined in gold and accented with gleaming faux rubies at the tip of each point and around the center, which features a Wedgwood 'W' stamped in gold. Intricate molding and decorative piercing add up to a beautifully sculpted piece. Other Wedgwood snowflakes available in the same collection feature different yet complementary shapes, highlighted with gold trim or jewels of other colors.

A woven gold ribbon runs through an opening in the snowflake's top for hanging on a Christmas tree or in a window. Should the china become smudged or dusty, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Measuring four inches across, the Wedgwood snowflake comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage to protect the piece for years to come. --Ann Bieri

When the holiday crunch begins, this whimsical snowman makes a playful reminder to slow down and enjoy life. Able to sit on a table or dangle from a tree, the matte-finish, fine china ornament is highlighted with gold and intricately pierced for a filigreed effect. Twig arms, a floppy hat, scarf, and molded features, including a carrot nose and coal mouth, give the snowman all the traditional accoutrements.

A woven gold ribbon runs through a loop in the snowman's hat for hanging. Should the china become smudged or dusty, it can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Measuring 4 by 2-1/2 inches, the Wedgwood snowman comes packaged in a handsome red-and-gold gift box that can double as storage to protect the piece for years to come. --Ann Bieri

England is rich in manufacturers of fine china products, and Wedgwood is one of the best-known and most collected varieties. Wedgwood starting producing in 1759--its 250th anniversary will be in 2009--and over the centuries it has offered highest-quality bone china in a wide range of patterns. Wedgwood also offers a variety of collectible Christmas ornaments, such as the traditional Stocking ornament, made of fine, translucent creamy china.

The ornament is shaped like an old-fashioned Christmas stocking, complete with a mended heel. The three-dimensional, hollow stocking is perforated with many small holes which, along with the translucent china itself, allow light to pass through. The top of the stocking appears full of candy and gifts; the stripes on the candy canes and the gift bows are trimmed in 22-carat gold, as are the cross-hatched perforations on the stocking. The toe and ankle of the stocking have small raised holly-leaf designs. There is a small hanger loop in the china at the top, and it comes with a gold ribbon for hanging on the tree. The Stocking ornament comes in an attractive red gift window box. Other china ornaments from Wedgwood include various angels and snowflakes, as well as a snowman and gorgeous apple ball ornament.

Wedgwood suggests that its china products be hand washed in hot water with a mild detergent to help preserve glaze and accents. Avoid abrasive cleansers or scrubbers that might scratch or mar decorated surfaces. When packing away for storage, wrap in tissue paper or other soft packing material that will not scratch. The Wedgwood Stocking ornament measures 4 by 3 inches. --Garland Withers