Kid’s Christmas Tree: The Magic of a Christmas Tree in Kids Bedrooms

Why we let our kids have a Kid’s Christmas Tree in their bedroom: and tips for finding a super affordable tree and decorations to help create this childhood memory and extra Christmas magic with Christmas trees in bedrooms.

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A Christmas Tree in Kids’ Bedrooms

When my son was only four years old, as we packed up Christmas tree decorations, he turned to me and said something that seemingly came out of nowhere:

“Mom, can I have a Christmas tree in my bedroom next year?” 

It caught me off guard! We’d never discussed this. I don’t believe he’s ever seen a kid’s Christmas tree in a bedroom before. So, of course, the first thing that every parent says came out of my mouth: 

“Maybe we can see about it next year!” 

I didn’t think he’d remember the next year. But apparently, this was a dream he held onto all year! Because we have a big Halloween obsession in our house, but as Halloween decor emerged, he asked about the Christmas tree. And I instantly knew this may be something he wasn’t going to easily forget. 

My First Thoughts and Response

My first thought was, ” I don’t want to spend that much! And shortly after, I wondered if I’d set some precedent or expectation I didn’t think I could maintain throughout his childhood. 

But one day, a TikTok crafter shared how easy it was to find a tree for $5-$10, and I instantly perked up. I learned quickly, there are all kinds of creative ways to find a kid’s Christmas tree without a huge budget. 
I don’t say that to shame anyone who doesn’t mind dropping some cash on a Christmas tree for kids! I’ve seen people splurge on full-sized trees for kids’ rooms. I just knew that wasn’t in our budget. And I’m glad I found some for a great deal! 

But I admit, two years later, we upgraded to a nicer tree like this one now that my kids are a little older and less likely to damage it. 

Finding a Great Deal on a Kid’s Christmas Tree

If you want a great deal, I’d recommend looking early in the season (like early November) at discount stores. We found ours at Five Below, which is a sister company to Big Lots. Here’s a link to our $5 tree– they do sell out quickly, so grab one early! 
Also, the 5 Below decorations are quite a deal and will save you tons of money too! 
These are often cleaned out and donated to thrift stores, sold on online marketplaces, and you can commonly clip coupons at major retailers to get half off a tree. 

Michaels is a fantastic place to look throughout the holiday season for a more durable tree that’s still affordable. Plus, they always have a good stock of 4″ trees that make perfect kids Christmas trees.

If you’re looking to buy new, we’ve rounded up several inexpensive options, many with coupons and offers to save even more. 

Creating Christmas Magic

When I realized there were so many affordable tree options, I dropped all my worries that I’d create some precedent as an overly aspirational Pinterest mom. It became so obvious this was a fun and easy way to add some extra holiday spirit to my children’s lives, and give them a sense of ownership over their own tree without as much concern over mine.
That’s when I instantly started thinking about how I’d help create some bonus magic and we said yes, let’s get that Christmas tree for your bedroom! 

I kept thinking about how quickly their childhood passes. I can hardly believe that my son I prayed for through so many years of infertility, is already in school! My husband and I may only have a few more years with a little believer on my hands. Particularly in such a difficult year, I couldn’t stop thinking about how, if I could find an affordable tree and decor, it would add an extra amount of joy to his life. 

And the day I found those five-dollar trees, and a handful of discount decorations to go with some old lights we had on hand, my heart screamed it was time to be the fun mom. It was time to spoil my little guys and let them have a tree. 

My First Christmas Tree Ideas

I’d advise you to check the dimensions of your space and the tree, and make sure you have enough room for it. Even a small tree adds a lot of magic, so don’t stress going small!

Decide on a few decorations exclusively for the tree. You’ll want to get a few colorful ornaments, a string of lights, some garland, and a star topper (or bow or other topper) with a festive tree skirt or mini tree collar.

And let me remind you, none of this needs to be expensive or fancy! Try making your own popcorn garland, or use an old spool of ribbon. Let those little hands create their own ornaments with crayons or crafts. Use old toys and add a loop of ribbon with hot glue as the ornament hooks without the sharp points or extra expense.
You can easily make salt dough ornaments. And Candy canes look lovely on a first Christmas tree! Get creative here, and make it a fun memory for your kids!

Felt Christmas Tree Option

If you have a little one who you know will break things, or a tree with small parts may be a hazard, a great option is felt Christmas tree. And, we have a post all about felt Christmas trees for toddlers if you need some inspiration!

Benefits of Having a Christmas Tree in a Kid’s Bedroom 

I’ve been surprised by how much we’ve loved having a tree in each of our boys’ bedrooms. Let me share a few more reasons it’s been wonderful in ways I didn’t expect: 

• Extra joy and excitement for the holidays
• A magical glow 
• A night light 
• Holiday decor extension that feels extra special
• A place to put ornaments you may not want on the family Christmas tree
• Our toddler rearranges his own tree instead of the family’s tree, constantly honing his fine motor skills and DIY creativity
• It lets kids feel a sense of opinion and control 
• A creative outlet for kids 
• Extra light during the darkest time of the year 

Endorsed by Thousands of Moms and Grandmas

I shared a few behind-the-scenes when I found the trees over on Instagram. What I didn’t expect that helped confirm I’d made a great choice was the comments from so many seasoned moms and grandmas.

I had many tell me this would be a gift they’d remember all their lives. Many mothers told the story of their children growing up and taking their tiny trees to college. So many stated they wished they’d caved earlier and told me the magic is worth creating as soon as you can. I had several grandmothers inform me they’d wished it were a cultural norm when their children were small. 

And so many other moms went and found those inexpensive trees, free donations or cheap thrift store trees, or others online or from discount stores. They shared their smiling children’s faces. It honestly made me cry! 

So, to anyone on the fence on a Kid’s Christmas tree, and if it’s worth it, put a Christmas tree in a kid’s bedroom, I can’t tell you the difference one year of saying yes has made! My kids are so happy, so proud of their trees, and I can only hope one day they’ll pack them up and take them to college with them too! 

Photos by: Chrissy Blake

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