The Ten Best Baubles

2. House of Fraser - £2
A simpleway to decorate the tree is to buy a length of pretty ribbon and tie bows on each of the boughs. Or you can cheat with this pretty, glittery, bow-shaped bauble instead.
www.houseoffraser.co.uk; 0845 602 1073

3. Hope & Greenwood - £2.99
Replace chocolate ornaments with old-school sweeties: this traditional candy cane is irresistible – as is the little box of rhubarb and custard.
www.hopeandgreenwood.co.uk; 0870 850 9049

4. Dot Com Gift Shop - £3.95
Rudolph and Blitzen sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G... These reindeer will add cheer to any tree and will last for years, unlike cheaper, plastic baubles.
 www.dotcomgiftshop.com; 020-8746 2473

5. Paperchase - £8
Bright, wacky and just a little tacky, this sparkling ice-cream cone is just the thing for a kitsch Christmas. A sparkly hamburger (£10) is also available to complete the junk-food theme.
www.paperchase.co.uk; 0161 839 1500

6. Marks and Spencer - £3.50
Made from hand-blown glass, this bauble is straight out of a Victorian Christmas scene. Not recommended for those with small children or pets.
www.marksandspencer.com; 0845 302 1234 

7. Nigel’s Eco Store - £2.99 each
Why waste raw materials when you can have recycled decorations? These circuit-board baubles will appeal to eco-warriors and computer enthusiasts alike.
www.nigelsecostore.com; 0800 288 8970

8. Habitat - £6
Every year, we hope for a white Christmas. To save disappointment, buy your own snowflakes. Available in a range of hues, these metal ones will last longer than a frosty flurry.

9. Ikea - £4.49 for two
Not a partridge in a pear tree; rather, a chicken on a Christmas tree. These ceramic baubles add a Scandinavian feel to your tree and will look simple, yet charming, nestling in tinsel.
www.ikea.com

10. The Shop Floor Project - £10
For the girl who has everything, this unusual bauble depicts a country cottage for sale. Fabulously quirky, it will look right at home in any des res.
www.theshopfloorproject.com; 01229 715 154