Frugal creator calls out $1,000 Christmas trees at Hobby Lobby: 'Don't buy this'

When a seasonal decoration carries a four-figure price tag, it stops being just a question of holiday style and starts raising concerns about needless overconsumption.

After spotting Christmas trees at Hobby Lobby marked at regular prices as high as $1,000, one creator issued a simple warning to viewers: "plz don't buy this."

Here's what to know

As the creator explained in a TikTok video, a run to Hobby Lobby for posterboard turned into sticker shock when she passed the store's Christmas tree section. 

@hellobrownlow plz don't buy this... I should have taken a picture of the one that was $1000ish full price but alas, I was so shocked that I did not 🤣☠️ #livebelowyourmeans #underconsumption ♬ original sound - Amanda the Frugal Minimalist

"The regular prices on some of these trees are upwards of a thousand dollars. One thousand dollars!" she exclaimed. 

The creator, who goes by Amanda the Frugal Minimalist (@hellobrownlow), was objecting not so much to holiday decorating itself as to the idea that people should feel pressured to spend that much on a nonessential item.

"Frugal friends, here's another thing that we don't need to be buying this year," she said.

For context, she compared those prices with the tree she already owns. She said her "viral Home Depot Christmas tree" cost about $99 when she bought it years ago, around 2019 or 2020, making the Hobby Lobby tags seem especially steep by comparison.

Viewers shared the creator's disbelief.

"For a Christmas tree???" one commenter asked incredulously.

"Outrageous!" another responded. 

More background

The video taps into concerns that many shoppers have around holiday spending: Festive items are often marketed as must-haves, even when the prices can add strain to already-tight budgets.

A Christmas tree may serve as a centerpiece in many homes, but for families trying to live within their means, a $1,000 version can feel far removed from reality.

The situation also raised questions about waste and overconsumption. Artificial trees are typically designed to last for years, so replacing one that is still perfectly functional simply to fit a trend can be particularly wasteful while also driving unnecessary spending.

While noting that "the full price at Hobby Lobby is never the actual price of things," the creator argued that seeing such a high listed amount was enough on its own to give shoppers pause before making a seasonal purchase.

Passing on an overpriced decoration, reusing what is already in storage, or shopping secondhand can leave more room in a household budget for necessities while also helping to keep still-functioning items out of the landfill. 

What can be done?

The creator's frugal recommendation was simple: skip the purchase if a new tree is not necessary. And if you are in the market for a new tree, shop around for the best deal. 

"If you do plan on buying this, I highly suggest that you start shopping around," Amanda advised. 

Commenters offered a few lower-cost alternatives that can also help keep usable items out of the waste stream.

"Hahahah go to the thrift store or marketplace," one said. "That's just insane! There are always used ones!"

"My friend's parents had a very high end tree and part of the light strand went out," another added. "I took it and just string it with my own lights. It still works great and is in great condition!"

Where can I learn more?

For more budget-friendly, lower-waste ideas for Christmas trees and holiday shopping, these articles cover everything from a thrifted bargain and a living rosemary tree to reuse tips, a Wisconsin farm dispute, and even goats helping with cleanup.

• A Redditor showed off a $15 thrift store Christmas tree that looked ready for the holidays.

• On Reddit, users embraced this creative no-waste Christmas tree made from rosemary that stays alive.

• A professional gardener showed how your Christmas tree can keep helping in the garden after December.

• In Wisconsin, a grower said a pipeline company destroyed hundreds of holiday-ready Christmas trees.

• After the holidays, goats proved the perfect clean-up crew solution for discarded Christmas trees.

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