13 Expensive Christmas Decorations You Don’t Actually Need
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Ah, Christmas. The lights of fairyland, the scent of fresh pine, the gift hunt. It’s a magical time of year that even the grinchiest of hearts can be warmed by. However, it can also be a budget buster. You may be digging deep into your wallet with gifts, holiday meals and all the extras. Then, there are the decorations — those oversized sparkly ornaments and themed baubles store convince us we need. But do we really need them?
The truth is, some of the most expensive Christmas decorations are more about impressing people than spreading holiday cheer. While they may be pretty in glossy catalogs, they don’t always put a cozy feeling into your home. That’s why I’m going to share with you what you can skip this year to make sure you keep more cash in your pocket while still maintaining the spirit of the season.
Pre-lit Designer Christmas Trees
Pre lit designer trees might seem like the height of convenience and style but these are expensive. They’re sure decked out with professionally placed lights, but do you really want to pay a premium for something you can do yourself? The same festive glow can be achieved without emptying your bank account, with just a basic tree and a string of warm lights.
Oversized Lawn Inflatables
We know those giant Santa and snowman inflatables can turn your house into the talk of the block. While they’re pricey, these decorations often look like more of an eyesore than a necessity unless you’re running a neighborhood light show. And they gobble down electricity like there’s no tomorrow, causing your energy bill to soar. You don’t need to spend extra money to achieve curb appeal: A few simple string lights or a classic wreath will do the trick.
Crystal Ornaments
It’s true, crystal ornaments are beautiful, but they’re also fragile, and ridiculously expensive. If you make one misstep during tree trimming, your investment is gone. If you’ve got kids or pets scampering around, stick to shatterproof or handmade decorations which are not only budget friendly but safer as well.
Themed Wrapping Stations
The picture perfect wrapping stations you see on Pinterest? They’re great for inspiration, but not worth recreating in your home. While fancy carts with matching paper, ribbons and tags may be very appealing, they’re not necessary. Markers or a sprig of pine and a roll of brown kraft paper will give your gifts a personal, heartfelt touch.
Custom Advent Calendars
As for advent calendars, you can pay hundreds of dollars for a bunch of artisanal chocolates or luxury trinkets. They’re a fun way to count down to Christmas, but a simple DIY version (candy from the dollar store, or handwritten notes) is just as festive and way more memorable.
Luxury Tree Skirts
A piece of fabric under your tree, who knew it could cost as much as a weekend getaway? I guess it is part of the $231 average Americans spend yearly on holiday decor according to Bankrate, but is it worth? A luxury tree skirt may look elegant, but a blanket or inexpensive cloth will do just as well. Most guests won’t even notice what’s under the tree, honestly.
Personalized Stockings
Cute monogrammed stockings, but do you really need to spend extra for a letter or two? You can personalize standard stockings at home with fabric paint or iron-on letters, or they can be just as festive.
Imported Wreaths
It doesn’t take a wreath from halfway across the globe to sound exotic. Even a faux wreath, that you can reuse year after year, will do the trick. Bonus: It’s better for the environment.
Gold-Plated Decorations
Of course, gold looks lovely, catching the light, but gold plated ornaments and decorations are the ultimate splurge. Save your money for gifts or experiences that will last instead of décor that your little hands can’t reach.
Designer Christmas Dinnerware
While plates, mugs, and cutlery in holiday themes can make a beautiful table, their cost is not worth their one time use. Use your normal dinnerware, but spruce them up with inexpensive chargers or napkins. You can use the savings to go on a winter vacation.
High-End Light Displays
You could have some light setups that rival theme parks in extravagance, but you’re not going to get them very cheaply or easily. And honestly, a simple string of white or colorful lights can be just as enchanting, and they’re much easier on your wallet and your time.
Snow Machines
If you live in a snow free region, a snow machine might just seem like the ultimate Christmas accessory. But let’s be honest, does fake snow coming down onto your lawn really make the season any brighter? For a fraction of the price, choose a wintery playlist, or a snowflake projector for a similar vibe.
Holiday Scent Machines
Let’s not even get started on this one. According to the National Retail Foundation, the average American spends about a $1000 every Christmas, and for what? Scent? Candles or stovetop potpourri can do the same thing, and without costing an arm and a leg. They also add a more natural warmth to your home.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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