Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant)

Sunday, November 12th, 2017 10:14PM CST

Categories: Movie Related News, Sightings, Collectables
Posted by: Qwan Views: 26,185

Topic Options: View Discussion · Sign in or Join to reply

This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn commissions when readers interact with or purchase items through these links. For more information, see our affiliate disclosures here.

It's been a while since we last had word of Hallmark's Transformers-themed Christmas ornaments for this year - Hot Rod was found on Walmart's website and Optimus Prime was available for a reduced price on JCPenney's site, both in late September. Now we have not only word of the two appearing at brick-and-mortar retail stores, but also of what seems to be a packaging variant for the Optimus Prime ornament!

Tips from Seibertronians cdavid3 and Bounti76 on November 4th alerted us to the presence of these ornaments on store shelves, but another photo from autobot00 shows us perhaps the more interesting note in all this: the Optimus ornaments appears to have two different sets of potential packaging. Whereas the pictures shared by cdavid3 and Bounti76 show the box to have The Last Knight branding and a stock image of Optimus Prime from the new live-action film (much like the Hot Rod ornament's own packaging), autobot00's instead present a version of the box with the Generation 1-styled logo and a stock image of G1 Optimus Prime. The ornaments appear to be otherwise identical, meaning that there's no cause for concern if you just want the thing itself, but oddities like this are always worth noting.

Have you seen any of these ornaments on shelves at retail stores? Have you, perchance, seen both variants of Optimus - and if you have, did you notice any differences between the two aside from the logo and stock image? Share your thoughts, and as always keep watching Seibertron.com for any future Transformers news - big, small or just plain odd!

Credit(s): cdavid3, Bounti76, autobot00

News Search

Got Transformers News? Let us know here!

Most Recent Transformers News

BWVS-08, Scartlett #1, Walking Dead #90, MOTU, Monster High Pride and more @ the Seibertron Store

Posted 22 hours ago

Takara Reveals Non Exclusive Dramatic Capture Series Autobot 3-pack

Posted 2 days ago

New Stock Images of Transformers One Sentinel Prime and Bumblebee Prime Changers

Posted 2 days ago

Clarifying some TF Earthspark Misinformation: What's Cancelled, what's not and what's Exclusive

Posted 7 days ago

Transformers One Sentinel Prime and Bumblebee Prime Changer (Deluxe) Toys Revealed

Posted 7 days ago

Click here to post your comment about this news story!

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1921301)
Posted by Black Bumblebee on November 12th, 2017 @ 10:48pm CST

You got me excited when you said "Hot Rod" ornament... then I saw it was a movie version. :-(

Oh well, good for those who want it, I guess.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1921302)
Posted by Qwan on November 12th, 2017 @ 11:02pm CST

Black Bumblebee wrote:You got me excited when you said "Hot Rod" ornament... then I saw it was a movie version.

Oh well, good for those who want it, I guess.

Yeah, sorry man. I'm sure we'll get a G1-styled one eventually though, if the trend keeps up of having two Transformers ornaments a year, so... optimism! I guess.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1921306)
Posted by TulioDude on November 12th, 2017 @ 11:18pm CST

Hot Rod looks very faithfull to his body in the movie! 8-)

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1921388)
Posted by whacko on November 13th, 2017 @ 11:59am CST

There are at least 3 variants of the Optimus Prime packaging.

Target has the same Hallmark ornament in a hanging card without a box and with the G1 Prime artwork.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1921403)
Posted by Bounti76 on November 13th, 2017 @ 12:46pm CST

whacko wrote:There are at least 3 variants of the Optimus Prime packaging.

Target has the same Hallmark ornament in a hanging card without a box and with the G1 Prime artwork.

Well that's interesting. I wonder if any others will show up.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1921426)
Posted by Kroenen on November 13th, 2017 @ 3:05pm CST

Hate that I missed out on the first Hallmark G1 Optimus, so I guess the Target one will make an acceptable substitute. Just gotta find one with good eye-paint...

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1921428)
Posted by zodconvoy on November 13th, 2017 @ 3:30pm CST

Got my hopes up for a G1 Hot Rod ornament. Not a merry Christmas to me...

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954252)
Posted by Bronzewolf on April 19th, 2018 @ 3:45pm CDT

While it might be April, there are already Christmas related stories to cover! This time around, it's the announcement of Hallmark's latest Transformers G1 ornament! Hallmark started this series a few years ago with Optimus Prime, and has continued every year since, making a Grimlock, Megatron, and Soundwave. This year we get another Decepticon for our trees in the form of Starscream!
Thanks to a listing on the Hallmark website sent in to us by Seibertronian westjames/notirish, we have some new stock photos, a price of $15.99, and also get a short description! These ornaments are famous for being extremely faithful to the G1 toys they're inspired by, and it remains true here. Check out those stock images below, and let us know if you'll be picking Starscream up when he hits Hallmark stores mid July!

So long, Autobots! It's time for action with Starscream™, the power-hungry Decepticon Air Commander who considers himself the leader of the future. Fans of the classic Transformers® robots will relive the excitement of childhood each holiday season as they unbox this Christmas tree ornament.
This artist crafted Christmas tree ornament comes pre-packaged in a box for easy gift giving, preservation and storage. Dated 2018 in copyright.
With unparalleled artistry and exceptional detail, each festive and collectible Keepsake Ornament is made for years of celebrations.
From preserving precious memories to commemorating special milestones and interests, there's a Hallmark ornament for everyone on your gift list.
Hallmark has been your family-owned creator of greeting cards, gifts, gift wrap, ornaments and more for over 100 years. We take deep pride in helping individuals connect in just the right way.
Plastic Christmas tree ornament is lead-free and measures 4.28" W x 3.8" H x 2.16" D.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954272)
Posted by Sunstar on April 19th, 2018 @ 4:58pm CDT

I am looking forward to getting this - the question is, one or two....

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954273)
Posted by Rated X on April 19th, 2018 @ 5:05pm CDT

I would rather find transformers under my tree than hanging on it.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954282)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 19th, 2018 @ 5:22pm CDT

That festive G1 Starscream look like it can transform. :-?

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954285)
Posted by Me Grimlock King on April 19th, 2018 @ 6:23pm CDT

-Kanrabat- wrote:That festive G1 Starscream look like it can transform.

I know right they all look like they can but they dont but i love this attention to detail that gives them the realism and illusion that they can tho

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954299)
Posted by Sunstar on April 19th, 2018 @ 7:44pm CDT

Rated X wrote:I would rather find transformers under my tree than hanging on it.

Why have just one when you can have both?

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954323)
Posted by NTESHFT on April 19th, 2018 @ 10:00pm CDT

Me Grimlock King wrote:
-Kanrabat- wrote:That festive G1 Starscream look like it can transform.

I know right they all look like they can but they dont but i love this attention to detail that gives them the realism and illusion that they can tho

Same here. He looks amazing to me. I'm so preordering this one.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954420)
Posted by joevill on April 20th, 2018 @ 9:07am CDT

This is really cute!!

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1954431)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on April 20th, 2018 @ 10:52am CDT

I can't put G1 Starscream and christmas together without remembering this cover.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1956883)
Posted by bodrock on April 30th, 2018 @ 12:45am CDT

I've picked up all the Hallmark TFs so far -- I gotta have this one too!

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1986370)
Posted by Va'al on September 27th, 2018 @ 10:16am CDT

While it was announced a while ago - see our story here - the Hallmark 2018 Transformers Starscream Ornament has now received a new clip from the official Hallmark social media accounts.

Check it out below, and let us know what you think!

This artist crafted Christmas tree ornament comes pre-packaged in a box for easy gift giving, preservation and storage. Dated 2018 in copyright.

With unparalleled artistry and exceptional detail, each festive and collectible Keepsake Ornament is made for years of celebrations.

From preserving precious memories to commemorating special milestones and interests, there's a Hallmark ornament for everyone on your gift list.

Hallmark has been your family-owned creator of greeting cards, gifts, gift wrap, ornaments and more for over 100 years. We take deep pride in helping individuals connect in just the right way.

Plastic Christmas tree ornament is lead-free and measures 4.28" W x 3.8" H x 2.16" D.

Regular price$15.99

video

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1986417)
Posted by Regimus Prime on September 27th, 2018 @ 4:31pm CDT

I just saw this one at my local MCX (Military Exchange) for about $15. I plan on picking him up this week. I have all except for Grimlock from two years ago. I was busy with getting the house built and totally flaked on picking him up. Hopefully I can find him on Amazon or EBay. These are pretty sweet.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1986418)
Posted by Regimus Prime on September 27th, 2018 @ 4:38pm CDT

Rated X wrote:I would rather find transformers under my tree than hanging on it.

What would be better than having this Starscream hanging from your tree and also having the Wal-Mart Exclusive G1 reissue sitting under it? Nice

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1986493)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on September 27th, 2018 @ 10:14pm CDT

Regimus Prime wrote:
Rated X wrote:I would rather find transformers under my tree than hanging on it.

What would be better than having this Starscream hanging from your tree and also having the Wal-Mart Exclusive G1 reissue sitting under it? Nice

Still, toy-accuracy seems a like an odd choice for original sculpts. I think a show-accurate robot mode Screamer hovering above would complement the reissue better than just a smaller non-transforming version of the toy. These ornaments look cool for what they are, this one's timing just makes it seem ironic is all.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989752)
Posted by Bronzewolf on October 18th, 2018 @ 6:09pm CDT

Whether you like it or not, the Holidays are upon us, Seibertronians. If you still think you need something TF-related to spruce up your tree, drop into a Hallmark store, as their new Transformers Ornaments are now available. We've previously reported on Starscream a couple times, (this year's entry in a series of ornaments based on the original G1 toys that included Optimus Prime, Megatron, Soundwave, and Grimlock in year's past), and now we have in-hand images courtesy of yours truly. We also have in-hands of a Transformers "Customizable" stocking ornament that we hadn't seen before, featuring an image of Optimus Prime on the front. Check them all out below!

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989799)
Posted by fenrir72 on October 19th, 2018 @ 12:37am CDT

Are they, Starscream the same scale as the G1 fig?

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989801)
Posted by Bronzewolf on October 19th, 2018 @ 12:57am CDT

fenrir72 wrote:Are they, Starscream the same scale as the G1 fig?

No, quite a bit smaller. And non-transforming!

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989802)
Posted by Burn on October 19th, 2018 @ 12:59am CDT

Oh to have these available in Australia.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989803)
Posted by Bronzewolf on October 19th, 2018 @ 1:03am CDT

Burn wrote:Oh to have these available in Australia.

I've been shipping quite a few things over seas recently. Let me know! I'll hook you up. Shouldn't be that much to ship. Box is smaller than a legend class, and very light.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989804)
Posted by Burn on October 19th, 2018 @ 1:05am CDT

I'm good ...

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989805)
Posted by fenrir72 on October 19th, 2018 @ 1:38am CDT

Bronzewolf wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Are they, Starscream the same scale as the G1 fig?

No, quite a bit smaller. And non-transforming!

Thanks!

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (1989842)
Posted by Sunstar on October 19th, 2018 @ 8:18am CDT

had I thought about it, I would have posted picks of mine. I got it back in July.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2028691)
Posted by SGMLordMirage on July 13th, 2019 @ 2:31pm CDT

Just snagged the latest in the line, Bumblebee at a Hallmark store near my house in Virginia. Took a couple of pictures of him and for size comparison.

SGM

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2061315)
Posted by william-james88 on April 18th, 2020 @ 10:43pm CDT

Hallmark makes sure to have a Transformers G1 toy styled ornament every year for fans to add to their tree. This year it is Jazz. It's pretty cool to see Jazz since this does define him as the G1 mainstay that he is, regardless of his absence in the MP line for the past 20 years of its existence.

You will find an image below along with all the info we have on the product thanks to a listing on The Digital Dreambook.

Artist: Orville Wilson
Released: 2020 (Ornament Premiere)
Retail Price: $17.99 USA
Material(s): plastic
Dimensions: 2.9" w. x 3.7" h. x 1.9" d.
SKU: QXI2544

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2061328)
Posted by Me Grimlock King on April 19th, 2020 @ 12:05am CDT

I have all the releases thus far and this one will join them come Christmas IF COVID-19 doesn't screw up the rest of the year to go to stores and whatnot

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2062303)
Posted by Regimus Prime on April 26th, 2020 @ 8:12pm CDT

I own all of these and can’t wait until this coming Christmas 2020, the 35th holiday season with the Transformers brand, to add Jazz to my other commemorative ornaments. Also great point, how come no MP Jazz yet? What gives?

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2062316)
Posted by william-james88 on April 26th, 2020 @ 11:08pm CDT

Regimus Prime wrote:I own all of these and can’t wait until this coming Christmas 2020, the 35th holiday season with the Transformers brand, to add Jazz to my other commemorative ornaments. Also great point, how come no MP Jazz yet? What gives?

Licensing, most probably.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2114371)
Posted by william-james88 on August 27th, 2021 @ 9:28pm CDT

Do any of you collect the G1 Transformers Hallmark ornaments. This little guy is going to be showing up across the US soon and if you are curious about him, well we have some in hand images. Shockwave is the latest in a set of Transformers G1 Christmas ornaments that's been going on for several years now. He looks incredibly faithful to the original toy, as most of them do. Jon 3.0 and xrotorstormx sent us some in hand photos.

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2114372)
Posted by SGMLordMirage on August 27th, 2021 @ 9:32pm CDT

I was very happy to pick up Shockwave! He looks pretty darn good and could be my favorite now!

SGM

Re: Hallmark Hot Rod and Optimus Prime Ornaments Found at Retail (Plus Packaging Variant) (2114576)
Posted by YRQRM0 on August 29th, 2021 @ 8:42pm CDT

These are wonderfully detailed but for the price they're just a bit too much for me, especially because I'd like to dip in to the older ones and their ebay prices are outrageous