Cranford Shop Asks Public to Submit Photos for 2026 Holiday Ornament

Cougar Headquarters is marking its 15th anniversary by opening its beloved annual holiday ornament design to public submissions for the first time in company history. The Cranford retailer, located on Centennial Avenue, is inviting residents to submit high-resolution photographs of Cranford winter or holiday scenes that could become the 2026 'Ornament of the Year.'

The store has produced Cranford-themed holiday ornaments since opening in 2011, with past designs consistently ranking among bestsellers. Earlier designs have featured First Presbyterian Church, the downtown clock, the red sled in Eastman Plaza, and ice skaters on the Rahway River, according to Union County Life's coverage of Cranford business news.

"We always have a special ornament that I call 'Ornament of the Year,' typically a Cranford scene that someone has posted or we have seen somewhere," said Donna Marino, co-owner of Cougar Headquarters. "This year, we're celebrating 15 years in business, and it's the first time we've reached out publicly. We're looking for something special, something a little different."

Before 2026, the annual design was chosen internally by the store. Now, the selection is open to the community.

How to Enter

Residents interested in submitting are asked to email a high-resolution image to sales@cougarhq.com. The submission deadline is mid-August 2026. The selected artist will be recognized when the ornament is unveiled in the fall and will receive complimentary ornaments along with a discount on additional purchases.

Marino emphasized the ornament's significance to the community: "We take a lot of pride in our ornament of the year. It's something that everyone in Cranford loves too. Some come in specifically looking for that ornament."

The 2026 'Ornament of the Year' is expected to go on sale in November 2026, in time for the holiday season. The store is also currently holding its annual Christmas in July Sale.

For more Cranford business news and community information, Union County Life covers local retailers and civic celebrations.

FAQ

Q: What is Cougar Headquarters asking for?
A: The Cranford retailer is inviting residents to submit high-resolution photographs of Cranford winter or holiday scenes. The selected image will be featured on the store's 2026 'Ornament of the Year.'

Q: What is the submission deadline?
A: Submissions must be received by mid-August 2026. To enter, email your photo to sales@cougarhq.com.

Q: What happens if my photo is chosen?
A: The selected artist will be recognized when the ornament is unveiled in the fall. The artist will receive complimentary ornaments and a discount on additional purchases.

Q: When can I buy the 2026 ornament?
A: The 2026 'Ornament of the Year' is expected to go on sale in November 2026, in time for the holiday season.

Q: Has Cougar Headquarters done this before?
A: No. This is the first year the store has opened the design selection to public submissions. The ornament design has been chosen internally since the store opened in 2011.

Q: What have past ornaments featured?
A: Past bestselling designs have included First Presbyterian Church, the downtown Cranford clock, the red sled in Eastman Plaza, and ice skaters on the Rahway River.

Q: Why is the store opening the selection to residents this year?
A: The store is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026 and decided to mark the milestone by inviting the community to participate in this tradition.

Q: Where is Cougar Headquarters located?
A: The store is located on Centennial Avenue in Cranford. Residents can submit photos or visit the store during its Christmas in July Sale.