comp image of tree and baubles: mermaid, vegan roll, turtle, joe exotic and a rainbow
Gone are the days of plain old elves and sleighs (Picture: Metro)

December is here, the advent calendars have been cracked open, we’re knee-deep in terrible Christmas movies, and it’s time to start thinking about getting your tree up.

And for anyone wondering if it’s still a little too soon, it officially isn’t.

Tradition actually dictates that Christmas trees should be put up at the beginning of Advent, the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

This year, that fell on November 28. So what are you waiting for?

If you’re anything like us, one of the most exciting things about putting up your tree is finding a place for all the different baubles.

Each year, the the selection gets better – and anything goes. Gone are the days of plain old elves and sleighs, there’s everything from Joe Exotic to cartons of Almond Milk…

So, if you fancy adding to your collection, here are some of the best ones out there this year, starting from just £3.

2021’s best Christmas baubles

John Lewis Wool Mermaid

john lewis mermaid
The cutest decoration going (Picture: John Lewis)

Who needs an angel when you’ve got a mermaid…

Made of wool and felt, this blush pink mermaid is said to be inspired by ‘the British coastline and natural patterns from its wildlife and the sea’.

While not particularly Christmassy, this beauty does come holding a yellow star, to ramp up the festive feel.

Complete with a teeny pearl necklace, she will look amazing perched on your tree. Especially if you want to incorporate an ‘under the sea’ theme this year, which we’ve spotted on Instagram.

Buy for £10 from John Lewis.

Sea Turtle from Amazon

Sea turtle from amazon
Look at those tiny shells (Picture: Amazon)

While we’re on the sea theme, this sea turtle from Amazon is worth checking out too.

Look at the tiny shells and the rope detail – it might be on the pricey side, but those little extras make it feel worth it.

Buy for £13.95 from Amazon.

Cotton On Espresso Martini

Espresso martini bauble
A steal at three for £6 (Picture: Cotton On)

If your Christmas is less eggnog and more espresso martini, then this little decoration is available from Cotton On as part of a deal – a brilliant three for £6.

And there’s loads to choose from. Whether you fancy a margarita, a six pack of lager, or even a pink rubber duck wearing sunglasses (why not?), this bargain range is amazing value for money.

Buy for £3 from Cotton On.

Typo Peace Sign with Rainbow Nails

peace sign bauble
Great nails hun (Picture: ASOS)

Liven up your Christmas tree with this glorious peace sign hand – complete with a rainbow manicure.

And, at a total bargain price.

Buy for £3 from ASOS

Glittery Rainbow from Fenwick

rainbow bauble
Add a bit of multi-coloured sparkle to your tree (Picture: Fenwicks)

Continuing with the rainbow theme, this glittery number from Fenwick is gorgeous if you want to add a pop of colour to your tree this year.

It’s a bit more pricey than other rainbows out there but the quality and finish reflects the higher price tag.

Buy for £12 from Fenwick.

Santa in a Face Mask from Wish

santa in a face mask bauble
A nice memento, or a depressing reminder? (Picture: Wish)

OK, it might be time for a more festive themed ornament now… or how about festive, with a pandemic twist?

If it’s not too depressing, this little face-mask-wearing Santa is made out of glass and is a subtle keepsake for the weird times we are living through.

They also have a surgical mask bauble, but that might be taking it a little too far…

Buy for £3.49 from Wish.

Vegan Sausage Roll from Paperchase

vegan roll from paperchase bauble
One of several vegan themed baubles in Paperchase this year (Picture: Greggs)

For the Gregg’s vegan sausage roll lover in your life… This Paperchase ornament pays homage to one of the most hotly anticipated hot-pastry releases in recent years…

There’s also a vegan sandwich and some almond milk, if you want to go all out.

Buy for £6 from Paperchase (or as part of deal).

Unicorn Balloon Model from Paperchase

unicorn gold balloon bauble
So nice and shiny (Picture: Paperchase)

As it’s ‘3 for 2’ on all Paperchase baubles, it wouldn’t be right not to include any more.

Balloon model tree decorations seem to be a favourite this year, and this shiny, golden unicorn is an absolute beaut.

Buy for £6 from Paperchase (or as part of deal).

Round Body Sloth from Paperchase

sloth christmas bauble
A strange looking sloth, but cute all the same (Picture: Paperchase)

The sloth must be one of 2021’s most popular animals (when Selling Sunset’s Christina insists on having one at her party, that’s when you know…).

Granted, this bauble is slightly odd looking, and there’s probably cuter sloths out there, but there’s something charming about its weirdness.

And, well, it’s in the deal…

Buy for £6 from Paperchase (or as part of deal).

David Bowie from The Gifted Few

david bowie bauble
Ziggy Stardust is worth every penny (Picture: The Gifted Few)

This Ziggy Stardust bauble is pricey at £16.95. But it’s David Bowie. If there was ever a bauble to invest in, this was it.

If this one isn’t to your taste, The Gifted Few have lots of pop culture legends to hang on your tree, including Grace Jones, Kurt Cobain, George Michael – and even the Queen.

Buy for £16.95 from The Gifted Few.

Joe Exotic from The Gifted Few

joe exotic bauble
Secret santa present for a Joe Exoctic fan? (Picture: The Gifted Few)

Joe Exotic clearly a controversial character and not everyone will want him watching over their Christmas dinner but, for those who do, the option is there… that’s all we’re saying.

This glass bauble would also make a pretty great Secret Santa present, for the right person.

And, you guessed it -there’s also a Carole Baskin bauble, for all you cool cats and kittens.

Buy for £16.95 from The Gifted Few.

Adele from The Gifted Few

Adele bauble
Pop art perfection (Picture: The Gifted Few)

This pop art inspired portrait of Adele, on a shiny silver bauble, is an eye-catcher and will be a festive conversation starter for sure.

She’s the gal of the moment and now you can have her on your tree. What else is there to say, other than: buy it.

Buy for £9.50 from The Gifted Few.

Planets from Sass and Belle

Best Christmas baubles - planets
These are out of this world… sorry (Picture: Sass and Belle)

In four colours, these mini planets would be an out of this world addition to any tree… And the gold rings add a touch of Christmas sparkle.

PSA: Sass and Belle also have a cute yoga mat bauble for £7, which is worth a mention.

Buy four for £16 from Sass and Belle.

Felt Gin Bottle from the Sous Chef

felt gun bauble
Hand made and very cute (Picture: The Sous Chef)

The perfect gift for the gin-lover in your life, this cute felt decoration is hand crafted in Nepal, by skilled artisans who use traditional techniques.

And to make it even more appealing, all materials and dyes are natural and biodegradable.

Buy for £7.99 from The Sous Chef.

Glass Dinosaur from John Lewis

green glass dinosaur bauble
The beautiful green glass makes this stand out (Picture: John Lewis)

While there are a variety of different dinosaur tree baubles out there, this glass fella from John Lewis stood out.

The shape and colour make it really fun and contemporary, and is a subtle nod to the balloon animal trend doing the rounds just now.

Buy for £12 from John Lewis.

Popcorn from Accessorize

popcorn bauble
Look at the intricate beading (Picture: Accessorize)

Popcorn decorations are another one that have been around for a while but this embellished offering from Accessorize is giving a new twist on the theme.

The tiny, beaded detail and intricate stitching is beautiful and is definitely deserving of a place on your tree.

Buy for £7 from Accessorize.

Tortoiseshell Bauble from Lisa Angel

tortoiseshell bauble
For those not looking for a novelty bauble, this is ideal (Picture: Lisa Angel)

Tortoiseshell has been huge this year and, if you’re looking for something a little more classy and less novelty, why not treat yourself to this gorgeous bauble?

The gold topper and red velvet bow to hang it on your tree, are both lovely finishing touches. In fact, why not treat yourself to a whole set?

Buy for £4.95 from Lisa Angel.

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