Discount Christmas Trees

General Christmas Tree Shopping Tips

Before you begin your search for discount Christmas trees, remember the following holiday shopping tips for buying an artificial Christmas tree:

• Make sure the tree will fit in your home. If you live in a small apartment, a seven-foot tree is probably a poor choice.
• If you’re the impatient type, buy a tree that’s easy to assemble with no tools required.
• Pre-lit trees are convenient, but this option means you won’t be able to change the type of lights on your tree each year. If you like an all white tree one year and a traditional color mix the following Christmas, a pre-lit tree may not be the best choice.
• Although retailers typically rate trees by the number of branch tips, the appearance of the needles is even more important in creating a beautiful tree. Look for graceful needles, a natural color, and good branch tip shape to ensure the most attractive Christmas décor.

Buying a Used Christmas Tree

Since Christmas trees are only used for a short time each year, used trees make great discount decorations. You can find used Christmas trees at garage sales, thrift shops, and consignment stores for a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay for a new tree. Websites such as eBay and Craig’s List may also have used discount Christmas trees. However, you’ll need to factor any applicable shipping and handling costs into your purchasing decision.

Buying a Tree through a Discount Retailer

Discount stores such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Target can be a great source of inexpensive Christmas trees. By November 1, most stores will have a display of artificial Christmas trees for you to review. This is helpful because you’ll be able to examine each tree carefully to look for signs of quality construction.

If you’re willing to fight the post-Thanksgiving shopping crowd, you may be able to find a great bargain on your tree. Christmas trees are a popular "Black Friday" sales item, along with lights, ornaments, tree skirts, and other holiday decorations.

Ordering Discount Christmas Trees Online

If you decide to purchase your Christmas tree online, check out the following sites for a wide variety of affordably priced trees:

• Smart Bargains, a popular site for frugal shoppers across the globe, has several artificial Christmas trees available for purchase.
• Merchant Overstock has everything you need to decorate your home for the holidays, including affordable Christmas trees.
• Artificial Christmas Tree has a variety of trees for sale, including pre-lit trees with both white and colored lights in sizes up to 10-foot.
• Tree Topia is your source for affordable yet unique Christmas trees, including upside-down trees and trees in creative colors such as pink, purple, and red.

Decorating Your Tree

Once you’ve selected your discount Christmas tree, it’s time to decorate. Here are a few affordable ideas:

• String popcorn, cranberries, or mini marshmallows together to make a rustic looking garland.
• Have your children make a construction paper chain for the tree.
• Make homemade sugar or gingerbread cookies, poke a hole in the top before baking, and tie to your tree with a pretty ribbon bow.
• If you don’t enjoy baking, hang candy canes from the tree for instant edible décor.
• Tie colorful bows to a few tree branches.
• Fill clear glass ball ornaments from your local dollar store with rolled strips of wrapping paper to create customized tree décor.
• Put your crafting skills to work. LoveToKnow Crafts has many suggestions for creating handmade Christmas tree ornaments. Whether you enjoy beading, sewing, knitting, or crocheting, you’re sure to find an inexpensive way to trim your tree.