MADE51 Holiday Collection: 24 handcrafted holiday ornaments with a purpose
Posted by Piedra Lightfoot on
This holiday season, the MADE51 Holiday Collection offers more than just beautiful handcrafted holiday decorations. Each ornament is a symbol of resilience, culture, and hope, crafted by refugee artisans from around the world. The 2024 collection features 24 festive ornaments, each telling a powerful story about the heritage and journeys of their makers. When you bring these pieces into your home, you’re not just decorating for the holidays—you’re supporting refugee communities, empowering artisans, and sharing in their stories.
Here’s a look at the unique ornaments in this year’s collection:
Made in Africa
Desert Moon Ornament
This Desert Moon ornament highlights the impressive heritage techniques of the Tuareg. For these nomadic pastoralists who traditionally inhabit a vast area in the Sahara Desert, the moon is a symbol of protection and prosperity.
Made in: Niger
Refugee origin: Mali
> Shop Desert Moon here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Celestial Trio.
Dainty Tapestry Ornament
Intricate beadwork is suspended in a handcasted brass hoop, bringing the skills of two artisan groups together. Tiny but striking, this piece of art showcases the power of collaboration and community.
Made in: Kenya
Refugee origin: South Sudan
> Shop Dainty Tapestry here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Glowing Beadwork Trio.
Peaceful Dove Ornament
The Jacaranda wood is locally and sustainably sourced and takes the shape of a dove, symbolizing peace. The skillful freehand carving technique used to carve the dove is passed from one generation to the next.
Made in: Kenya
Refugee origin: DR Congo
> Shop Peaceful Dove here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the African Animals Trio.
Star of Unity Ornament
Crafted by Sudanese refugees living in Egypt. This intricate beadwork is a homage to the star on the national flag of South Sudan, which symbolizes unity and, for the artisans, the hope to see peace in their homeland.
Made in: Egypt
Refugee origin: Sudan
> Shop Star of Unity here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Glowing Beadwork Trio.
Shooting Star Ornament
This star is a shining example of the metalworking skills of Tuareg artisans. For these nomadic pastoralists, who traditionally live in the Sahara Desert, stars in the night sky are navigational tools.
Made in: Burkina Faso
Refugee origin: Mali
> Shop Shooting Star here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Harmony Trio.
African Elephant Ornament
This hand-dyed ornament celebrates the revered and beloved African elephant, a creature that is in need of protection, despite being strong, intelligent and resilient.
Made in: Kenya
Refugee origin: East Africa
> Shop the African Elephant here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the African Animals Trio.
Bright Bloom Ornament
Locally sourced sweetgrass is woven to create a beautiful bloom that represents new opportunities for the artisans as they rebuild their lives in their home country.
Made in: Tanzania
Refugee origin: Burundi
> Shop the Bright Bloom here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Celestial Trio.
Blossom of Hope Ornament
This intricate ornament showcases the artisan’s mastery of beadwork and represents the blossoming of hope for a brighter future for their children.
Made in: South Sudan
Refugee origin: South Sudan (Internally Displaced People)
> Shop Blossom of Hope here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Glowing Beadwork Trio.
Rising Sun Ornament
This ornament is handwoven using a time-honoured weaving technique and locally sourced grasses. The design represents the additional strength and persistence needed to rise again after being forced from home.
Made in: Rwanda
Refugee origin: Burundian and Congolese
> Shop Rising Sun here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Celestial Trio.
Noble Donkey Ornament
This crochet donkey celebrates the importance of steadfast company on difficult journeys. Historically, the donkey has been a travelling companion for those forced to flee.
Made in: Egypt
Refugee origin: East Africa
> Shop Noble Donkey here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the African Animals Trio.
Made in Asia
Eternal Snowflake Ornament
This detailed crochet snowflake is emblematic of the winter peaks and mountain passages that define the landscape of Afghanistan. For Afghans, the snowflake is a reminder of home.
Made in: India
Refugee origin: Afghanistan
> Shop Eternal Snowflake here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 ornaments in the Serene Winter Trio.
Silver Moon Ornament
This detailed crochet work takes the shape of a crescent moon, one of the most enduring motifs throughout time. For many, the moon represents progress in life and new beginnings.
Made in: India
Refugee origin: Afghanistan
> Shop Silver Moon here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 ornaments in the Serene Winter Trio.
Splendid Peacock Ornament
This vibrantly embroidered design is an homage to one of nature’s most splendid creatures. The peacock, often associated with strength and divinity, lives in the wild in Pakistan.
Made in: Pakistan
Refugee origin: Afghanistan
> Shop Splendid Peacock here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 ornaments in the Afghan Animals Trio.
Dozi Bird Ornament
This playful bird is decorated with a strong embroidery style, Suzani Nouratta. The festive design is a reminder to stay attentive to small joys of life, like a cheerful birdsong.
Made in: Pakistan
Refugee origin: Afghanistan
> Shop Dozi Bird here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 ornaments in the Afghan Animals Trio.
Beaming Rings Ornament
Three rings wrapped with cotton thread in a radiant ombré effect are inspired by the bangles worn by Rohingya women for festive occasions. Bound together, the graceful design represents the strength of women.
Made in: India
Refugee origin: Myanmar
> Shop Beaming Rings here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Harmony Trio.
Brave Ibis Ornament
The Northern Bald Ibis is the national bird of Syria, representing brilliance and splendor since the times of Ancient Egypt. Critically endangered, only a few of these brave birds can still be found.
Made in: Turkey
Refugee origin: Syria
> Shop Brave Ibis here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Syrian Symbols Trio.
Bold Ram Ornament
This little ram is inspired by the Urial, a wild sheep that is native to the artisans' homeland. The ram is known to be a bold and resilient creature, ready to take on life’s challenges.
Made in: Malaysia
Refugee origin: Afghanistan
> Shop Bold Ram here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Afghan Animals Trio.
Charming Songbird
This little bird is made from handwoven textiles by Karenni women. The women spin threads, dye them, and weaving them into fine fabrics using traditional backstrap looms.
Made in: Thailand
Refugee origin: Myanmar
> Shop Charming Songbird here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Harmony Trio.
Snow Leopard Ornament
The Snow Leopard is the national animal of Afghanistan, where it is revered for its bravery and beauty. This rendition is made from upcycled remnants of fashion production and decorated with embroidery.
Made in: India
Refugee origin: Afghanistan
> Shop Snow Leopard here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Serene Winter Trio.
Made in the Middle East and Europe
Delicate Dove Ornament
With love in the air, this delicately embroidered dove carries an olive branch, an enduring symbol of forgiveness and peace. The olive tree, which originated in Syria, is also a reminder of home for the artisans.
Made in: Lebanon
Refugee origin: Syria
> Shop Delicate Dove here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Peaceful Journey Trio.
Vibrant Butterfly Ornament
Embroidered butterfly ornament crafted by Syrian refugees in Lebanon, representing transformation and rebirth.
Made in: Lebanon
Refugee origin: Syria
> Shop Vibrant Butterfly here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Syrian Symbols Trio.
Flower of Life Ornament
Syrian refugees in Lebanon created this upcycled fabric flower, inspired by geometric patterns.
Made in: Lebanon
Refugee origin: Syria
> Shop Flower of Life here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Peaceful Journey Trio.
Prou
Proud Camel Ornament
The camel is known for its incredible endurance and strength, essential characteristics for surviving the hardship of desert life. For centuries, the camel served as a valuable mode of travel.
Made in: Jordan
Refugee origin: Syria
> Shop Proud Camel here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Peaceful Journey Trio.
Quirky Cat Ornament
This little cat is hand-felted using local sheep wool. The design is inspired by a rare Armenian breed that often has two different coloured eyes and is known for its freedom-loving character.
Made in: Armenia
Refugee origin: Syria
> Shop Quirky Cat here, and read more about the craftsmanship.
> Also available in a set of 3 in the Syrian Symbols Trio.
The Power Behind the 2024 MADE51 Holiday Collection
Each of these 24 ornaments holds a piece of the artisan’s heritage, offering more than just a holiday decoration—they are reminders of perseverance, beauty, and hope. By purchasing handmade ornaments from the MADE51 Holiday Collection, you directly support refugee artisans in 15 countries, providing them with sustainable livelihoods and empowering their families and communities.
This holiday season, give a gift that tells a story—one of resilience, craftsmanship, and hope.
Explore the full MADE51 Holiday Collection here.