How to Shop for the Perfect Artificial Christmas Tree
Christmas may still be nearly a quarter of a year away, but the best time to be picking out a Christmas tree is now (if you're going for artificial, that is).
Rebecca Robeson, a renowned interior designer, has collaborated with Amber Marie & Company this holiday season. One of the most frequently asked questions she receives each year is “ How do I pick out an artificial Christmas tree, and where do I buy one?” From traditional green trees to beautifully flocked options, she offers expert advice on style, size, and lighting.
However, the Amber Marie & Company trees are a little out of my price range, so I've included some more budget-friendly options and dupes alongside Rebecca's top picks.
Here’s a look at the highlights of Rebecca's top five Christmas tree selections, plus some great value alternatives:
Table of contents
Disclaimer: Redesign may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.
1. The Marie Tree
The Marie tree is a classic green tree with some extra flair. Rebecca chose this one for its sturdy branches, perfect for holding large ornaments and spinners. The tree’s branches are flexible, allowing for easy manipulation and ornament placement.
Additionally, this 9-foot tree comes with nearly 1,000 lights, with a dimmable feature that creates a soft, beautiful glow, ideal for nighttime displays. For those with lower ceilings, the tree can convert into a 7.5-foot version by removing a section.
Similar tree on a budget
The New York Time's Wirecutter voted the Puleo 7.5-foot Pre-Lit Aspen Fir Tree as their top budget pick. Available at Home Depot and on Amazon for $259, this tree has a similar shaggy shape to the Marie Tree and also comes pre-lit:
Puleo 7.5-foot Pre-Lit Aspen Fir Tree
2. The Amber Tree
Similar to the Marie tree, the Amber tree has LED lights and requires no fluffing. This “One-Two-Tree” is incredibly easy to assemble—just three pieces click together, and the branches automatically spring into shape.
Perfect for those who want a hassle-free setup, this tree is also equipped with various lighting options, including both white and colored lights. It’s the most affordable of the five trees, making it a great value for those on a budget...
Similar tree on a budget
However, for even more value, we recommend the Puleo 7.5-foot Royal Majestic Douglas Fir Downswept Tree. Fuller than the Aspen, this tree has a more conical shape and is the most similar we could find to the Amber Tree. It also made the NY Times' top 5 list:
This tree is available at Home Depot, Lowe's, and on Amazon, but Amazon offers the best value:
Puleo International 7.5' Royal Majestic Fir Artificial Christmas Tree with 800 Lights
3. The Rebecca Tree
Named after Rebecca herself, this flocked tree is a personal favorite. Its sturdy plastic branches can handle the weight of large ornaments, making it perfect for a designer look.
The flocking creates a natural snow-dusted appearance, while the deep branches allow for ornaments to be placed closer to the trunk for a fuller, layered look. Rebecca emphasizes how the gradual flocking on the branches mimics how snow naturally falls on trees, adding to the tree’s realistic charm.
Similar tree on a budget
The Alandis Vickerman Flocked Alaskan Artificial Christmas Tree was awarded Best Flocked Tree by The Spruce's lab and is available at Walmart, Wayfair, and on Amazon.
At the time of writing, the best value can be found at Walmart (Amazon's price is nearly double the price of the same tree at Walmart and Wayfair!), so it's always worth comparing just in case there are discounts or sales.
Alandis Vickerman Flocked Alaskan Artificial Christmas Tree
4. The Becky Tree
The Becky tree is a slim flocked tree, ideal for those with limited space. Whether placed in a tight entryway or a cozy corner, this tree maintains a stunning design without taking up too much room.
Rebecca highlights its practicality, noting that a slim tree like this one works well in various room sizes and styles. This tree’s branches allow for modern ornament placement, giving a more sleek and contemporary look compared to traditional trees.
Similar tree on a budget
The Spruce lab voted the Treetopia Artificial Pencil Christmas Tree as their top budget artificial tree. The shape is similar to the Becky Tree, but without the flocking. However, at just over $100 on Amazon, this is the best value tree on our list:
Treetopia Artificial Pencil Christmas Tree | No.2 Pencil - 6 Feet Height
Tip: If you really want the flocked look, you can always add the flocking yourself:
The Original Premium Self-Adhesive Snow Flock Powder with ShimmerSpec for Christmas trees & Decor
More About Flocked Trees
To learn more about flocking, check out our sister site Hometalk for DIY tips:
5. The Hannah Tree
The Hannah tree is the ultimate convertible tree, offering flexibility for various ceiling heights. Starting at 9 feet, this tree can be reduced to 7.5 or even 5 feet, making it adaptable to different living spaces over time.
Its realistic green foliage is enhanced with snow, creating a more traditional, snowy Christmas vibe. This tree is perfect for homeowners looking for versatility and an option to fit different rooms and decor styles.
Similar tree on a budget
For a similar look and feel, this lightly flocked Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree from Target is a great budget option, at only $250:
7.5' Pre-lit Glitter Flocked Indexed Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree Pure White Lights
Twinkle Lights and Spinners: A Must-Have for Extra Magic
Rebecca’s love for twinkle lights is no secret. Last year, she added twinkle lights to her flocked tree and encourages viewers to do the same for extra holiday magic.
Brizled Christmas Lights, 65.67ft 200 LED Color Changing Tree Lights
Whether it’s through the twinkle lights or LED spinners, these add-ons create a dynamic, enchanting look. Rebecca recommends adding more lights than you think you’ll need, noting that twinkle lights create a warm, inviting glow that makes any tree look spectacular.
Final Thoughts
For those interested in purchasing a Christmas tree, Rebecca encourages acting quickly, as stock tends to sell out fast, especially during the holiday season.
For those looking to get a head start on holiday decorating, now is the time to choose the perfect tree and add some twinkle lights for extra Christmas magic.
What do you look for in a Christmas tree and when do you start shopping for holiday decor? Let me know down in the comments.
Comments
Join the conversation