Gnome-Sweet-Gnome: Whimsical Christmas Decor Ideas Featuring Those Beloved Bearded Fellows

Want to sprinkle some whimsy, joy, and a hint of mischief into your holiday decorations? While elves have their charm, we're especially drawn to the idea of adding gnomes to our Christmas setup this year. Whether it's plush gnomes perched on your fireplace mantel, gnome ornaments dangling from your tree, or any other unexpected way to work them in (just wait until you see the gnome shower curtain below...), they'll definitely bring an unmatched sense of playfulness. Gnomes come in a variety of styles and colors, from understated whites and grays to bold reds and greens, so whatever your color scheme, there's a Christmas gnome that will fit right in.

The folklore of these little charmers goes back to 18th-century Scandinavia, where gnomes were thought to be household spirits that watched over the property and family. They're a bit mischievous but also incredibly cute, with their long beards and pointed hats. While they're often found in gardens year-round, in Scandinavia they're closely tied to the holiday season, which is why you've been seeing them more and more this time of year. Tuck these little guys into your mantel decor, prop them on a side table, or hang them from your Christmas tree—there's no wrong way to bring a Christmas gnome into your home this holiday season.

We've searched for the cutest, most inventive ways to incorporate gnomes into your holiday decor. We bet you'll adore these naughty little fellas as much as we do.

1. Gnome Friends Throw Pillow

Just ‌_try_‌ not to smile at these silly little characters. No matter the season or holiday, one of the simplest, coziest, and most practical ways to refresh your decor is with a throw pillow or two. We're especially fond of this design from Society6, which showcases a bunch of charming gnomes with big beards and bright hats. Pick from four sizes (ranging from 16 by 16 inches to 24 by 24 inches), then rest your head on it while watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation yet again.

2. Handmade Plush Gnome

Gnomes can be kitschy and cute, or they can be elegant and cute. If you lean toward the latter, a nod to their Scandinavian heritage, grab one or two of these handmade gnomes that are sturdy enough to stand on their own wherever you place them. They come in gray or white, and pair perfectly with a neutral home aesthetic.

3. Juegoal Set of Two Light Up Christmas Gnomes

Hello, cuties! This set of two 11-inch tall plush Christmas gnomes would bring a charming touch to your holiday decor. When lit, they give off a warm white LED glow from their round bellies, so you can enjoy their company well after sunset. Keep in mind they need three AAA batteries, which aren't included, so either add batteries to your Amazon cart just in case, or dig around in your junk drawer before checking out.

4. Design Imports Gnome Holidays Swedish Dishcloths

Give your paper towel habit a break this holiday season by using these "Gnome for the holidays" Swedish dishcloths instead. Made from wood pulp and cotton, they can stand in for paper towels or sponges, then go straight into the washing machine whenever they need a refresh. Anything that's both cute and practical is a win in our book.

5. Set of Three Scandinavian Style Shelf Sitting Gnomes

The only thing more whimsical than a Christmas gnome is a set of ‌_three_‌ Christmas gnomes—especially at such a budget-friendly price! These cuties look like they're about to cause some harmless mischief. Place them, with their dangling legs and posable hats (thanks to bendable wire inside), on a fireplace mantel, bookshelf, or even on your tree itself.

6. Christmas Gnome Striped Hat Shower Curtain

Bathrooms often get overlooked when it comes to seasonal decorating, but what better way to add a splash of red and a bit of cheeky humor to your bathroom than with a gnome-themed shower curtain? All your guests will get a kick out of it, and chances are, you will too. Once Christmas is over, you can toss it in the laundry—it's machine washable!—to wash away soap scum and buildup, then store it until next year.

7. Standing Christmas Gnome

We're smiling just looking at this sweet, long-legged gnome. Measuring nearly 31 inches tall, he takes up a good amount of vertical space but is extremely versatile style-wise, so he could move from a standing spot in your entryway to the top of a buffet table to guarding your Christmas tree. He's ultra soft from head to toe, with a real knit hat, soft legs, and a fluffy beard, and it's hard not to fall in love with him.

8. Merry Christmas Gnome Door Mat

We're big fans of holiday door mats. Not only are they practical (no muddy boots allowed inside!), but they bring instant cheer to anyone who comes to your front door, from friends to family members to delivery people to (perhaps most importantly) you, every day when you come home. This door mat, created by a small family-owned business in Indiana, is made from natural fibers from the husk of a coconut, and is intended for indoor use or covered outdoor areas, as lots of exposure to rain and snow will degrade its quality. If Mother Nature is too unpredictable where you live to place this one outside your front door, use it in a mud room instead.

9. Bico Christmas Gnome Cookie Jar

Santa cookie jars are so 2021. (Just kidding—Santa cookie jars will always be a classic to us!) This year, though, for novelty's sake, you might want to add a gnome cookie jar to your collection. Your gingerbread men will taste all the better when housed inside this 11-inch-tall dishwasher-safe ceramic jar. Since this goofy guy comes in a handcrafted gift box, it would also make a charming present for anyone on your list—as long as you give it to your recipient early in December so they have a chance to put it to good use before the holiday season is over.

10. Gnome Pine Pattern Throw Blanket

Name one thing better than cozying up in an ultra soft-to-the-touch blanket, a mug of hot chocolate in one hand and taking in yet another viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life." The only thing we can imagine is if the blanket had gnomes on it, like this oh-so-cute design. This Society6 offering is made with sherpa fleece, and will just get softer with each wash. (Yes, it is machine-washable.) It's available in three sizes, so you can choose just the right dimensions for you and your family members. Though, we wouldn't blame you if you invest in more than one so there are no "I want the gnome blanket!" fights before movie night starts.

11. Place & Time Christmas Gnome Ornament

To add just a tiny touch of the magic of gnomes to your Christmas decorations, opt for a gnome ornament. This little fella could become an instant heirloom, a family favorite that can be hung on your tree year after year, or hooked onto a garland or wreath too. He's subtle and almost Santa-like, but that tall hat and extra long beard that's even too long for Santa give him away. With its classic, nostalgic look, you're sure to adore discovering him in your ornaments bin every December.