Festive, budget-friendly Christmas trees
The most wonderful time of the year doesn’t have to be a drain on your bank account thanks to these trees under $150.
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The end of the year is near, which equals only one thing - Christmas.
As someone who thoroughly enjoys decking her home out in merriment every summer - and tinsel, lots of tinsel - I can confidently tell you that the very necessary centrepiece of the holiday season is the (often, very expensive) Christmas tree.
Fortunately, there are many options today that are both aesthetically-attractive and easy on your wallet. Whether this is your first Christmas in your own place, or are looking for a budget-conscious replacement, here are the best Christmas trees under $150.
FOR THE REBEL
WeRChristmas 1.8M Pre-Lit Edwardian Spruce, Amazon, $126.05
If your home’s aesthetic is modern - glass, polished floors and all - it may not make much sense to you to have a traditional, decked out tree with all the bells and whistles. This tree is certainly not for the faint of heart - constructed from black fibre optics, its 248 tips have 248 fixed blue and white LED lights, which can be put on one of 8 different light modes at a time. Best of all, its slim design takes up minimal living space, so you can fit more family and friends in around the tree. Prime members get free shipping with no minimum purchase. Try a 30-day trial (enough time to order your tree!) here.
FOR THE FRESH TREE CONVERT
Deluxe 1.2M Reno Pine Tree, Myer, $149
Over and over, the reviews for this tree state how realistic it looks - photographs just don’t do it justice. If you are making the move from fresh trees cut down at your local Christmas farm, to an artificial tree you can use year after year, this is the one to make the transition to. 253 tips give this Christmas tree its density and lushness, while carefully integrated shades of forest green add to its natural appearance. Mounted on sturdy four legs, it will endure as long as your children’s childhood and beyond.
FOR THE DESK WORKER
Typo Mini Christmas Tree Pack, The Iconic, $19.99
If you spend the vast majority of your time at a desk you may need some extra help getting into the Christmas spirit come December. These adorable miniature trees from Aussie brand, Typo, come fully decked out with star and colour palette-perfect baubles; just the thing to make you smile from nine to five. Only hard thing about this purchase is which one to choose: one comes in a classic green with primary coloured decor; the other in a joyful pink, with baubles in a similarily warm-coloured palette.
FOR THE OUTDOOR LOVER
Balsam Pine Tabletop Tree, Catch, $15.95
Perhaps you’re the sentimental type, and have an ornament or two you’d like to keep close to you during the week; or maybe you already have majestic tree to put in the corner of your living room, and are looking for miniature ones with which to dot your home. Whatever the reason, you won’t be disappointed with this darling miniature Christmas tree. Differing shades of bristles gives this tree its realistic quality, and a burlap bag finishes its rustic appearance. At 65cm tall it is big enough to make an impact without taking up too much real estate. Plus, at its price point, it’s well worth the cheer it’ll bring.
FOR THE MINIMALIST
Hanging Branch Christmas Tree, Adairs, $79.99
Should the idea of tinsel and baubles strewn about your home be all too much for your liking, there is still a way you can get into the Christmas spirit without sacrificing your personal style (or floor space). This minimalist, timber wall hanging is ideal for those living in apartments or smaller homes - and quite brilliantly, will also keep curious babies and pets from destroying your holiday centrepiece. Hang fairy lights, Christmas cards, whatever takes your fancy - it’s yours to personalise.
FOR THE TRADITIONALIST
Jingle Jollys 1.8M Christmas Tree, eBay, $71.50
Perhaps the most nostalgic of all the trees listed here, this gorgeous 1.8 metre tall tree looks like it was just chopped down from a Christmas tree farm... only without the need to exert any energy, whatsoever. It is easily assembled, and those branches don’t only look good; their thin, short bristles mean hanging ornaments is an easy task. You’ll also love how full the tree’s foliage is, while its slim silhouette leaves plenty of living space in the room.
FOR THE PLAYFUL
Jingle Jollys 2.1M Christmas Tree, Catch, $89.95
Christmas is a time of wonder and joy - and we could all use a little bit more this year than usual. This optic fibre tree contains 280 tips, giving it its healthy and dense appearance. An emerald green during the day, this Christmas tree takes on a multi-coloured, Willy Wonka-level of fanticism at night, thanks to 50 small LED-lit stars and its complimentary star topper. We know any kids - big and small - will want to touch this tree, but you needn’t worry about any harm being done, thanks to its low voltage.
FOR THE WHITE CHRISTMAS LOVER
Jingle Jollys 2.1M White Christmas Tree, OzSale, $123.20
With 1200 tips, this may very well be the most lush faux Christmas tree we’ve encountered. This tree has been designed in a way that its thick bristles fan out, giving it a dense, authentic appearance. Should you be missing family in the Northern Hemisphere, surrounded by snow - and are instead to spend Christmas in sunny Australia - this white Christmas tree might do a little to make you feel at home. Clad with crystal ornaments and strings of golden lights for that extra touch of magic.
AND LASTLY, FOR THE ENTERTAINER
Classic 1.5M Pine Christmas Tree, Temple & Webster, $139
If you love nothing more than to host Christmas lunch at yours, you’re going to want the perfect centrepiece - and there are few trees more worthy of being the centre of attention than this one. Designed in the image of the Brighton Spruce Tree - one of the most popular Christmas trees in the Northern America - it has all the fullness loved of the natural equivalent, without having to buy a new one every year. From its brown branches to skinny spindles, it is remarkably lifelike - with the exception of its sturdy, metal feet that are sure to last a lifetime.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ARTIFICIAL TREES OVER REAL TREES?
Some will say it’s just not Christmas unless there’s a fresh pine tree in the living room. However, there are many things to recommend an artificial tree over a fresh one. Firstly, artificial trees come with minimal mess; no pine needles scattered everywhere, forming a trail from your car to your living room. Secondly, artificial trees, as above, are often cheaper than fresh ones - both at initial purpose, and for the fact they are intended to be used for many years to come.
Another reason is safety - many artificial trees these days come pre-wired with lights, and are designed to avoid fires. The same safety cannot be assured of live trees.
Lastly is consistency - you can always be assured your tree will fit in its designated area, and that year after year, it will look as you intend it to. Nature is much more unruly a designer.
WHY DO WE PUT STARS OR ANGELS ON THE TOP OF CHRISTMAS TREES?
In the Christian tradition, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who was found and worshipped by three wise men, thanks to a guiding, bright star - the Star of Bethlehem - that ended its journey above the stable in which he was born.
Angels are significant figures in Christianity. Not only did their appearance in the Bible herald a momentous occasion - including the birth of Jesus - but each person is said to have a guardian angel. Their presence atop a Christmas tree can symbolise the protection of the family over which it watches.
WHERE DOES THE NAME ‘BOXING DAY’ ORIGINATE?
There are two widely-accepted theories as to where the term ‘Boxing Day’ originates from: the first, is that it started in the 1800s, when the affluent would give their servants the day off after Christmas festivities, often sending them away with a box of small gifts and leftover food. The second is that like the holiday it succeeds, Boxing Day has its origins in Christianity, and references the almsgiving plate passed around church services, the contributions of which were handed out on the feast of St Stephen’s - December 26.
After taking your pick of Christmas trees, make sure it’s properly dressed, with our selection of best Christmas tree decorations. There’s something for every aesthetic, from traditional to novelty (you’ll want to lay your eyes on the burger-shaped bauble).
Make sure you know when to send your gifts off to loved ones by - we break down the last postage and delivery dates here.
Last, but certainly not least, bookmark news.com.au’s Best Of section - we’ll be populating it with gift guides and upcoming sales - including November’s Click Frenzy, Singles’ Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday - so this year’s gift-giving season doesn’t stress you (or your wallet).
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