A Selection of Hallmark Ornaments: Technology

By the mid-1980s, computers became affordable and easier to operate, and Americans began buying them for home use. Hallmark created their first computer-themed ornament in 1987, one that wished everyone a "Happy Holidata."

Users must skillfully navigate the internet to find answers to their questions. This computer-savvy mouse appears to have no problem with "Surfin' the Net," riding the waves of information on a computer "mouse."

Parents could document family events with camcorders beginning in the mid-1980s. These handheld cameras recorded directly onto videotape cassettes, but the early ones tended to be heavy and bulky. This Hallmark ornament depicts a videotaping Teddy Bear Dad. It would have been a perfect gift for the proud father who insisted on capturing his child's antics and milestones with his camcorder--despite its weight.

In 1992, answering machines linked to landline phones let callers leave taped voice messages to friends, family, and loved ones. This Hallmark ornament plays a holiday message from Santa when you press the button.

Early cordless telephones operated using short-range radio transmission between the base station and the handheld phone. In 1994, these phones went digital, allowing calls to be more secure and private. This Hallmark ornament lets you record a message for that special someone.

Cellphones were in common use when this "Cell-ebrate" ornament was released in 2007. Arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, these festive phones sport holiday-themed text messages--"Mery Xmas 2U" and "hapi nuyr!"--in true texting "shorthand." There are even emoticons of Santa and a snowman.

Listeners downloaded digital music into an mp3 player--a slim, small device that could hold more tunes than other large, clunkier devices that used physical media. This Hallmark ornament plays four holiday songs from different music genres: jazz, country, hip-hop, and classic rock.

Webcams first appeared in the early 1990s. And by the end of the decade, computer hardware manufacturers began fully integrating them into desktop screens and laptops. This 2008 Hallmark ornament depicts elves playing in the snow at the North Pole, letting those who are watching join in the fun.

The United States government started the Global Positioning System, or GPS--a satellite-based navigation system--in the 1970s. Hallmark created this ornament depicting a Santa Tracking System to let children of all ages follow Santa's activities--working, snacking, or heading out in his sleigh for the big evening.