Okay, so listen up, because I’m about to spill the tea on the best holiday decor secret you’ll hear all season. For many of us, the magic of decorating for Christmas is more than just a tradition; it’s a pure shot of joy and nostalgia that warms you from the inside out. As a home editor, I’m absolutely obsessed with finding and buying new holiday decorations. But here’s the thing, living in an apartment means I’m constantly battling the twin dragons of small spaces and, even worse, the utter lack of storage. Sound familiar to anyone else out there?
Last year, I was just doing my usual stroll through the aisles of my local Five Below – you know, just browsing for those little treasures you didn’t know you needed. And then, it happened. My eyes landed on this small artificial Christmas tree, and the price tag practically screamed at me: $5. Five. Dollars. My immediate thought? “It’s so cheap, why not give it a try?” Honestly, sometimes the best finds come from the most impulsive decisions, right?
And let me tell you, grabbing that four-foot tree was one of the best holiday decisions I’ve ever made. This tree? It’s not just cute; it’s *adorable*. I can’t even count how many times I’ve proudly bragged to my friends and family that this gem only cost me five bucks – to be exact, $5.55. Yes, you read that right. $5.55 for a Christmas tree that brings so much festive cheer, it feels like I’m getting away with something amazing. The sheer delight of that bargain is a holiday gift in itself!
What’s even better is that this super affordable Christmas tree is available both in stores and at fivebelow.com. And seriously, while you’re there, you absolutely have to check out their website because it’s a goldmine! They have a ton of other trendy holiday decor and home items, all for under $5. It’s like a magical wonderland for anyone looking to spruce up their space without draining their wallet. I mean, who doesn’t love a good budget-friendly haul, especially during the holidays?
Now, you might be thinking, “A $5 tree? It must be sparse and sad.” But hold on to your reindeer antlers, because you’d be delightfully wrong. Considering the incredibly low price point, this artificial tree boasts an impressive number of branches. Once you get it set up and give it a little love, it really takes on a full and lush appearance. It’s not some measly twig; it truly gives off that cozy, festive vibe we all crave.
One of my favorite things about this tree, besides its charming fullness, is how wonderfully lightweight it is. Seriously, you can practically lift it with one hand. And it’s all one piece, which is a dream come true for assembly. The only separate components are the three easy-to-assemble pieces that make up the stand. You don’t need to be a DIY expert or have a toolkit to get this baby ready for decorating.
Speaking of getting it ready, there’s one small step, but it’s actually kind of therapeutic. You’ll need to spend a little bit of time – I’d say maybe 15 to 20 minutes – fluffing up the branches. But trust me, it’s not a chore. The branches are incredibly bendable and super easy to maneuver. You can shape them exactly how you want, coaxing them into that perfectly full silhouette. It’s like a mini crafting session before the main event of decorating.
Now, let’s be real here for a second: don’t get me wrong, this tree is small. At four feet tall, it’s not going to be the towering centerpiece of your living room, the one you gather around for gift unwrapping on Christmas morning. You probably wouldn’t want it to be your *main* Christmas tree, and that’s totally okay! It’s designed for something else, and it absolutely excels at its purpose.
I truly think it works beautifully, especially if you’re navigating the unique challenges of decorating a smaller living space. If you’re an apartment renter, like me, or even a new homeowner who isn’t quite ready to commit to a pricey, enormous artificial tree, this Five Below gem is your new best friend. It’s the perfect stepping stone to creating a festive atmosphere without the huge investment or the storage headache.
Its compact size makes it incredibly versatile and ideal for decorating those overlooked nooks and crannies. Imagine it perched on a dresser in a kid’s room, adding a whimsical touch to their space. Picture it brightening up a kitchen counter, bringing holiday cheer to your morning coffee routine. Or, how about nestled on a window ledge in the living room, casting a warm glow outwards? The possibilities for charming small-space decoration are endless.
And can we talk about storage? This is a game-changer for anyone who dreads packing away holiday decor. The tree actually includes a small storage bag, which is just brilliant. It makes stowing it away after the holidays an absolute breeze. No wrestling with cardboard boxes or trying to cram it into a tiny closet. It tucks away neatly, barely taking up any space at all.
I recently unpacked my tree for this holiday season, and I was so thrilled to see that it looked just as great as it did last year. It hadn’t lost its charm, nor did it seem to have suffered any wear and tear from being tucked away. It popped right back into shape with a little fluffing, ready to spread cheer once again. That kind of durability for $5.55 is truly impressive and speaks volumes about its unexpected quality.
When it comes to decorating, you might wonder about the sturdiness of the branches. While they aren’t super robust, I can confirm that they supported my string lights and a collection of miniature ornaments without any issues whatsoever. You just have to be mindful of what you’re hanging, but for those smaller, lighter decorations, it’s perfectly capable. You won’t find it drooping under the weight of a heavy glass bauble, but it’s perfect for the light, delicate touches.
Instead of fussing with a traditional, often heavy, tree topper, I decided to keep things simple and elegant last year. I just attached a beautiful white ribbon to the very top. It created a clean, minimalist look that perfectly complemented the tree’s charm and didn’t put any undue stress on its delicate peak. Sometimes, less truly is more, especially when you’re working with a sweet, petite tree like this.
This year, I decided to switch up my decorating game a little bit, aiming for an even cozier and more intentional vibe. I skipped the individual ornaments entirely. Instead, I adorned my little tree exclusively with warm white lights, which cast such a soft, inviting glow. To add a touch of texture and luxury, I wrapped a mini faux fur skirt around its base. And for the topper? The same simple, elegant white bow I loved from last year.
Once it was all dressed up, I tucked the decorated tree into a perfect little corner right next to my reading chair. The end result? Oh my goodness, it feels so incredibly cozy and inviting. It creates this warm, magical little sanctuary in my apartment, perfect for curling up with a book and a hot cocoa. Honestly, looking at it now, I can confidently say this might just be the best $5.55 I have ever spent on holiday decor. It’s a small investment that delivers massive holiday happiness, and that, my friends, is what the season is all about!
So, you’ve heard my personal rave review about this little $5.55 wonder, and honestly, I’m just one voice in a massive chorus celebrating this holiday season’s biggest bargain. What started as my happy little secret has exploded into a full-blown viral sensation, taking over social media feeds and inspiring countless decorators to embrace the budget-friendly festive spirit. It’s truly wild to see how something so simple can capture the collective imagination of the internet, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to spread some serious holiday cheer.
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve almost certainly seen this tree pop up. The search term ‘five below christmas tree’ has racked up an astonishing 110.8 million views, with the broader ‘company’s $5.55 tree’ garnering over 112 million views! People are absolutely buzzing, practically screaming at their screens for everyone to ‘run’ to Five Below and grab one before they’re gone. It’s that kind of undeniable excitement that makes you want to join the festive frenzy immediately, right?
Creators are totally on board, sharing their finds with captions like, “Don’t walk BUT RUN it’s so cute a little ugly but in a cute way I think.” That’s the vibe exactly! It’s not about perfection; it’s about the charm, the value, and the sheer joy of a fantastic deal. One TikToker even took aim at the exorbitant prices elsewhere, declaring, “I cannot believe some of ya’ll are falling victim to that $600 Home Depot tree,” while proudly showcasing her three Five Below trees that cost her a mere $30 total.
Now, let’s be real. With all this buzz, there’s always a little room for playful criticism, and some folks online have affectionately, or perhaps sometimes a little critically, compared our beloved Five Below spruce to the infamous ‘Charlie Brown Christmas tree.’ Yes, the one that’s wonderfully puny and charmingly bare. Some users unboxed it and declared, “It’s giving Charlie Brown Christmas,” while others found the ‘skeletal spruce’ lacking the volume of higher-end artificial trees. And you know what? They’re not wrong, not entirely! This tree does need a little love, as one creator put it, “because they are, for lack of a better word, cheap.”
But here’s where the internet’s creativity truly shines! Far from being deterred, TikTokers have transformed these ‘Charlie Brown’ trees into dazzling displays with some seriously clever hacks. One brilliant idea? Adding green garland from Dollar Tree, pushing it into the middle and wrapping it around to make a “SUCH a difference to the fullness!!” Genius, right? Another creator, @gigixelle, admitted her trees “do need a little bit of extra love” but then showed how she worked with it, saying, “we’re gonna work with that, even though these trees are a little Charlie Brown Christmas.”
And if you want even more volume, another ingenious hack involves buying *two* trees, pushing all the branches on each to opposite sides, and then fastening them together with zip ties. Voila! You get one super bushy, fuller-looking tree. It’s like a DIY Christmas magic trick! And for those who want a completely different look, someone commented, “I got 4 of the 4ft trees and flocked them. They look totally different now.” These aren’t just trees; they’re blank canvases for your holiday imagination, inspiring solutions that are both practical and incredibly fun.
But the holiday magic at Five Below doesn’t stop at the trees, oh no! This store is an absolute treasure trove for budget-friendly festive finds, perfect for decking your halls or stuffing those stockings. Seriously, I could spend hours just browsing their holiday section, finding adorable gems for under $5 or just a smidge over. Let me tell you about a few other ‘must-haves’ that caught my eye and are sure to bring some extra sparkle to your season without breaking the bank.
First up, for all the Sanrio lovers out there (and who isn’t?), you absolutely *need* the endearing Hello Kitty holiday stuffed animal. This lovable plush toy is the perfect companion to add a touch of undeniable cuteness to your festive decorations. Imagine this adorable little pal snuggled on your couch or peeking out from under your newly decorated Five Below tree. It’s all about embracing the magic of the holidays with a huggable, sweet addition that feels just right.
Then there’s the oversized hanging Christmas light bulb, which is pure retro charm! It instantly reminds you of those classic, magical Christmas tree lights, but this one is free from the constraints of a string. You can literally place this giant bulb anywhere – hang it on your porch, in a window, or even just set it on a mantelpiece to infuse your surroundings with joy and festivity. It boasts three LED lights inside and an automatic timer function (6 hours on, 18 hours off), making it both dazzling and incredibly convenient. With a built-in hook, hanging it is a breeze, spreading cheer effortlessly.
And what’s the holiday season without cozy pajamas? Five Below has you covered with their adorable holiday pajama tops. You can experience a stylish and comfortable slumber, snoozing in festive flair while staying warm all night and morning. With a variety of styles to choose from, you can mix and match to create the ultimate holiday sleepwear ensemble. It’s the perfect way to feel festive from head to toe, even when you’re just lounging around watching holiday movies.
Let’s not forget our furry friends! The Peek-a-Boo Dog Toy with a hidden cinnamon stick inside is an absolute delight for pups. Whether it’s a gift for your beloved companion, a thoughtful present for a fellow dog lover, or even a playful prop for those adorable pet photos, this toy is a fun addition to your holiday festivities. Who knows, with this cute and festive toy, your pup might just steal the show on your Christmas card this year! It’s all about spreading that holiday joy to every member of the family, four-legged ones included.
Finally, elevate your holiday decor with these charming Metallic Christmas Ornament Pillows. Designed for maximum coziness and undeniable cuteness, these are so versatile! With an attached hanger, you can easily use them as decorative ornaments – imagine a giant, plush bauble hanging playfully on your wall or door. Or, arrange them as luxurious throw pillows on your couch or bed for an instant festive update. Available in four festive colors, they bring that extra sparkle and snuggle factor to your home, making it feel extra inviting for the season.
Now, while Five Below offers some truly incredible deals, especially on those viral trees and fun impulse buys, a truly smart shopper knows that sometimes, even at a bargain store, it pays to do a quick comparison. We’re all about getting the ‘best bang for our buck’ this festive season, and that means being savvy about *every* purchase. While many items at Five Below are indeed around $5 or less, it’s worth noting that some seasonal items might actually be found for less, or with comparable quality, elsewhere. Let’s dive into a few examples to ensure your holiday budget stretches as far as it can go.
Take the very same four-foot artificial Green Christmas Tree we’ve been gushing about. While Five Below sells it for $7 (a slight price increase from my $5.55 tree, but still an amazing deal!), you could actually save $1 by getting a nearly identical tree at Dollar Tree. And here’s a little secret: while Five Below’s trees only come in green, Dollar Tree offers these similar trees in both green *and* white. So, if you’re dreaming of a snowy white tree for a dollar less, Dollar Tree might be your unexpected holiday hero on this one! It’s a small difference, but every dollar counts, right?
Next up, ornaments! At Five Below, you can grab individual Christmas tree ornaments – from balloons and crowns to little boots – for $1 apiece. This still feels like a bargain, but Dollar Tree again steps up its game, offering more bang for your buck. For instance, you could snag a set of two dangling holiday boots for $1.50, which breaks down to just $0.75 each! Or, if you’re aiming for that classic, timeless look, you can pick up a seven-pack of round Christmas tree ornaments for the same $1.50. That’s a serious difference in cost per ornament, allowing you to fill your tree with festive cheer for even less.
And for those essential twinkle lights, Five Below’s prices on 70-count multicolor string lights at $4 are hard to beat – but not impossible! If you happen to have a Dollar General nearby, you might find a comparable item for $1 less. Both options are great for dressing up the interior or exterior of your home, and both need an outlet. The main difference? Five Below’s lights are 15.2 feet long, while Dollar General’s are 14.5 feet long. So, for a tiny difference in length, you could save yourself a dollar. These are the kinds of little discoveries that make holiday shopping feel like a victory!
It’s also worth noting that while Five Below truly nails the *super* budget end of the market, other retailers do offer slightly pricier but still affordable artificial trees. Walmart, for example, sells 4-foot, pre-lit artificial Christmas trees for $23.99, though they often go on sale for around $16. Big Lots also offers pre-lit 4-foot trees for $20.99 online. These are definitely a step up in price, but they come pre-lit, which is a convenience some might prefer, making them another option for comparison if your budget allows for a little more.
So, whether you’re racing to Five Below for the viral $5.55 tree and its surprisingly sturdy branches, or strategically picking up ornaments and garland from Dollar Tree and Dollar General to achieve that lush look, the message is clear: the holiday season doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and savvy shopping, you can craft a truly magical and personalized festive wonderland in your home. The joy isn’t in the price tag; it’s in the cheer you create, the memories you make, and the incredible feeling of snagging those amazing deals. Happy decorating, everyone – may your holidays be bright, cozy, and wonderfully budget-friendly!
