Christmas brooches
Christmas brooches are one of the easiest ways to add a bit of festive cheer to what you already wear. A snowman on a winter coat, a robin on a scarf or a sparkly pin on a party dress instantly makes an outfit feel seasonal, without the commitment of a full Christmas jumper. This guide brings together our festive brooches, winter animal pins and sparkling designs for Christmas parties, with practical tips on how to wear them.
Every brooch shown below is a real product from our shop, and the prices are the current ones. They are affordable, which makes Christmas brooches for women a popular choice for Secret Santa, stocking fillers and little gifts for friends, colleagues and family.
Whether you want something playful for the office party or something a little more elegant for Christmas Day, the sections below will help you find a brooch that suits the occasion and the person wearing it.
Festive Christmas brooches
These are our most openly Christmassy designs: a cheerful snowman, a pin with Santa and a snowman together, a polar bear, a Christmas dog, a festive cow and a pin that simply says merry Christmas. They are made to be noticed, so they are perfect for anyone who loves to embrace the season from the first of December.
A festive brooch is a lovely way to join in with a Christmas jumper day at work or school without buying a whole new outfit. Pin one to a plain knit or a cardigan and you are instantly dressed for the occasion.
Because they are small and light, these brooches also make good additions to a card or a stocking. They suit adults and older children alike, and they can come out again every year as part of the Christmas decorations.
Winter animal brooches
If you prefer something seasonal but less obviously Christmassy, a winter animal brooch is a clever choice. Robins, penguins, owls, foxes and hedgehogs all feel at home in the colder months, so you can wear them from the first frost right through to the end of February.
Robins have long been linked with Christmas cards and winter gardens, which makes a robin brooch a particularly thoughtful gift for someone who loves birds. A penguin or a puffin has a more playful feel, while a fox or an owl suits someone with a love of woodland walks.
Animal brooches are also a good way to buy for someone who would not usually wear festive jewellery. If you would like more ideas, take a look at our guide to animal brooches.
Read our animal brooches guide
- Owl brooch badge £7.99
- Enamel fox brooch £7.99
- Hedgehog brooch £6.99
- Puffin brooch pin badge £6.49
- Bullfinch colourful bird brooch £6.49
- Hedgehog with daisy enamel brooch badge £5.99
- Penguin enamel brooch £6.99
- Robin bird brooch £6.49
Sparkly brooches for Christmas parties
For Christmas parties and evenings out, a brooch with a bit of sparkle catches the light beautifully. Crystal crowns, a red star, stone-set lucky clovers and a glittering zebra work well on a velvet jacket, a little black dress or the shoulder of a party top, adding a touch of glamour without overpowering the outfit.
A sparkly brooch is also more versatile than a festive one. It looks just as good at a New Year party or a winter wedding as it does at the office Christmas do, so the person you give it to will get plenty of wear from it.
If you are wearing a sparkly brooch on a party outfit, keep the rest of your jewellery simple so the brooch becomes the focal point.
Vintage style brooches for winter coats
A classic brooch on a wool coat is one of the most elegant winter looks there is. Vintage inspired designs, art deco shapes, Celtic pieces, thistles, roses and lilac all sit beautifully on a lapel or collar, and they work with smart winter clothes from November until spring.
These are also lovely Christmas presents for someone who prefers timeless jewellery over novelty pieces. A grandmother, a mother or a friend with a classic style will appreciate a brooch she can wear long after the decorations come down.
How to wear a Christmas brooch
On a coat, the classic position is high on the left side, on the lapel or just below the collar, where it catches the eye when people greet you. Pin through a single layer of fabric and keep the brooch upright so it sits flat. On a chunky knit, push the pin through a few stitches rather than one, which spreads the weight and stops the jumper pulling out of shape.
At Christmas parties, try something a little different. Pin a sparkly brooch at the side of a ponytail or a bun, on the strap of a bag, or at the waist of a dress where a belt would sit. A brooch can also hold a scarf or a wrap in place, which is both practical and pretty on a cold evening out.
Do not be afraid to wear more than one. A small cluster of two or three festive brooches on a coat lapel looks playful and deliberate, especially if they share a colour or a theme. For more ideas, read our guide on how to wear a brooch.
Christmas brooches as gifts
Brooches make excellent small gifts because they do not depend on size, and they are easy to post in a card. A festive brooch is a fun choice for Secret Santa or a work colleague, while a winter animal or vintage style design suits someone you know well and want to treat a little.
If you are buying several, consider giving one to each friend in a group, perhaps in different designs, so you can all wear them together on a night out. Putting them in one order is sensible too, as we offer free UK delivery on orders of £30 or more.
FAQs
Where should I pin a Christmas brooch on a coat?
The traditional spot is high on the left side, on the lapel or just below the collar. Pin through one layer of fabric and keep the brooch upright so it sits neatly.
Will a brooch damage my jumper?
A fine pin is usually kind to knitwear. Push it through several stitches rather than one so the weight is spread, and take it off before washing.
Are Christmas brooches a good Secret Santa gift?
Yes. They are affordable, fun to open and easy to wear straight away at the party. A snowman, polar bear or merry Christmas pin is a cheerful choice for almost anyone.
Can I wear a festive brooch after Christmas?
Openly festive designs are best kept for December, but winter animal brooches such as robins, owls and penguins work all through the colder months. Sparkly and vintage style brooches can be worn all year.
What are good Christmas brooches for women?
It depends on her style. A festive snowman or polar bear suits someone playful, a robin or owl suits a nature lover, and a crystal crown or vintage style design suits someone who prefers elegant jewellery.