The best Christmas tree decorations and baubles revealed

There are some surprisingly fierce debates around Christmas trees (and the best Christmas baubles and tree decorations to go on it).

Real ones can look nicer, but they shed a lot, and end up having to be unceremoniously dragged out of the house come January.

Fake ones, on the other hand, lack the rustic charm of an authentic tree, but can be easily shoved in the attic again for next year – making them more economical, too.

Some people are fiercely anti-tinsel, decrying it as tacky and tasteless; others see it as an essential part of the festive season.

But however you like your tree, we can agree on one thing: you're going to need some baubles. And from stylish monochrome chicness to kitsch ridiculousness, we've picked the best of the bunch. Now get decorating!

• While you are putting up your decorations, you will want to listen to the best Christmas songs of all time.
• And, these are the best board games to play with your family on Christmas Day

The best baubles for your coolest Christmas tree ever

£6 at AmazonThe aubergine isn't a traditional Christmas vegetable, no. But if you have a saucy sense of humour, you'll probably love this glass decoration from Paperchase.

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£25 at marmite.co.ukThis bauble is part of a limited edition set, which sees Marmite team up with PG Tips, Hellmann's and Colman's for a great set of baubles that showcase the iconic brands. This one is set to sell out soon, when it's launched 1 December. The good thing is100% of net proceeds are being donated to the Trussell Trust.

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£7 at AmazonThe idea for this one is so simple, yet so effective. To be honest, living in the UK the tree we usually get can be held in one hand and has to be balanced on a big, hidden table for it to look mighty. But, boy, one day do we dream of having a tree so big that you have to strap the thing to a car to get it home. Until then, having it in miniature form is a good substitute.

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£34.99 at Master of MaltThese gin baubles will look fantastic on any tree and are packed with some fantastic gin brands that you can slowly sip throughout the Christmas period. There are six separate gin drinks to try, with each bauble containing a 30ml wax-sealed dram.

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£10 at paperchase.comThere's not much to say about this one, except that it's freakin' dinosaur on skis. Look at it! It's a work of art. We can't quite work out if it's happy in skis or not, but this one is making us very happy indeed

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£8 at paperchase.comThis one is really nicely designed and reminds us of a Christmas when our brother got a gum ball machine. Before the Queen's Speech was finished, the gum was gone. There's a tale about greed in that story but we aren't going to pick it apart, instead marvel at this mini Christmas tree ornament.

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£10.99 at AmazonIf you like a drink at Christmas – or any other time, for that matter – have we got the decorations for you. This colourful and bold set of four baubles is sure to brighten your tree.

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£8.99 at AmazonIt might look empty, but that's the point. This DIY bauble set can be filled with gifts, glitter, or other decorations – making it the most personal thing on your tree. Just wrap a ribbon in the top to attach it to your tree.

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£15 at awin1.comIf you prefer the rustic look, there's a lovely little decoration in this personalised wooden bauble. You can have any house number or name engraved onto the piece, making it a good gift for someone in a new home, too.

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£12 at L'Occitane en Provenceand your tree will be looking as good as each other.

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SOMETHING MISSING FROM OUR SHORTLIST?

Tell us about it, and if enough people agree we'll add it in.