Bye bye, baubles: The $3 trend taking over this Christmas
Love decorating the Christmas tree, but bored to death with baubles and tinsel? Reminder: there’s no law binding you to tradition.
If you’re in the mood to branch out (so to speak) with your ornaments, some fun alternatives are emerging this festive season, seemingly taking cues from some unexpected sources. (Ahem, our wardrobes.)
Pearls and tinsel tassels and bows, oh my: this Christmas is full of bauble alternatives. Supplied/Kahla Preston
Just look at Kmart’s 2026 Christmas range, which makes a case for pearls being included in our December decorating.
Yes, the classic gemstone is making the leap from your jewellery box to your Christmas tree.
Pearl-look ornaments were front and centre at a preview event for Kmart’s new range in Sydney this week, proving some contrast in a sea of colourful baubles.
Pearls are jumping from your jewellery box onto your Christmas tree. Supplied/Kahla Preston
It’s the first time pearls have featured in the brand’s Christmas decor.
A three-pack of pearl-look bows will set you back $7, or if you’re more of a florals fan, two flower clips are $3.
You could even go the whole hog and drape your entire tree in a cascading pearl-look garland ($12).
Elsewhere, if you love the sparkle of tinsel but can’t stand the prospect of strands shedding all over the floor, a happy medium has emerged.
Love the sparkle of tinsel, but not the mess? These tassel tinsel ornaments could be exactly what you need. Supplied/Kahla Preston
Also in the range are tiered tinsel tassel ornaments, adding glitz to your tree in a more compact form. A pack of three is $7, coming in all-gold or a red, pink and purple design.
If this is giving you déjà vu, that’s because tassels and fringing are also having a major moment in fashion – the celeb-approved trend has exploded over the past year.
From fully fringed skirts to tops and handbags adorned with strands and tassels that move as the wearer does, it’s appearing everywhere from red carpets and Fashion Weeks to your local shopping centre.
Who knows what fashion trend could make the jump from our wardrobes to our Christmas trees next year?
