Christmas Tree Shops- tell me about them!

[mjbaby]

My experience with the store has been largely positive. Not everything is made-to-fall-apart junk (although some is - but what store doesn't carry that stuff these days?). My last trip I bought a lovely made-in-India Madras tote for $6.99 just days after I passed up a similar version for $39.99 somewhere else. I also found a made-in-U.S. porch "rug" (what's that rough stuff...raffia? I can't remember). Anyway, it was $6.99 and has lasted all summer long and it looks like I'll be able to use it next year, too.

Sure, there's some wacky off-brand crap-o-rama, but definitely some good buys and useful stuff.

 

[TXMouseChaser]

and how about...now that YOU have a CTS down THERE (I have only seen them in New England thus far), how about sending ME a Hobby Lobby? Just one small one, please??

I drive 3.5 hours to Poughkeepsie NY to get my HL fix every few months. Nuthin like a HL!!

I'm coming home to Texas in 3 wks...I can't wait.

Btw, where IS the new CTS going in ?? The Dallas area perchance??

I LOVE HOBBY LOBBY and am spoiled we have three right around us!

It is going in Dallas by the Galleria Mall.. right off the tollway. There is a shopping center north of the big Galleria parking structure. They had the signs up this past weekend and it got me curious about them.

 

[Dismom55]

Hobby Lobby lover too, and we only have had one in our little town for a couple years now. Great now since our Wally World has cut down on craft items and taken yard goods out all together.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Its 90% cheap junky stuff but if you happen to find one of the other 10% you can get pretty good deals on name brand products. ... You have to look around the whole store and some days can find absolutely nothing and other days leave with a cart full of stuff.

Ditto this.

Adding to the list of things I'll go to CTS for- picture frames, gift bags, note cards, stocking stuffers, birthday party goods. You can often find good deals in cookware, spices, books (I have gotten alot of quality children's books there- including all the Welcome to __'s World" AG books.) I'm past the ages of needing alot of them, but they often have name brand toys mixed in with the junkier stuff.

You go need to look through and see what's good. They have added more health and beauty and food stuff-- a junkier line of goods in my opinion and the better stuff isn't that much a bargain.

 

[mackeysmom]

From my vantage point - sitting at my desk, without swiveling my chair - I see at least a dozen things purchased from The Christmas Tree Shops!!

Love, Love, Love it there

It is "hit or miss" - but even on a "miss" day, I can't walk out without a bag or two

In addition to some small furniture, shelves, frames, kitchenware - I go crazy with the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff. While some of the stuff is of a lesser quality - the prices are so low, I don't mind if I only get a season or two out of it.

This thread reminds me that I want to take a ride there and pick up another scarecrow - the one from last year held up well and I'd like to get him a pal

 

[DaisyLynn]

I go there once in a while - as others have said, it is hit or miss. I have purchased decent quality furniture there, as well as other home goods, holiday items, gift wrap, etc. I really try to not go if I am not looking for anything specific. That's a recipe for disaster: Christmas Tree Shop + no purpose for being there = cartload of crap that I don't need. Sure, that entire cart will probably only come to a grand total of $20-30, but it'll surely end up in my next years yard sale.

 

[TandLMommy28]

My entire living room is CTS. I live in Indiana now so when I am back home in RI, I go CRAZY buying New England-ish decor. I'm looking at my fireplace and there is nothing on my mantle that isn't from Christmas Tree!

 

[debranator]

I go there once in a while - as others have said, it is hit or miss. I have purchased decent quality furniture there, as well as other home goods, holiday items, gift wrap, etc. I really try to not go if I am not looking for anything specific. That's a recipe for disaster: Christmas Tree Shop + no purpose for being there = cartload of crap that I don't need. Sure, that entire cart will probably only come to a grand total of $20-30, but it'll surely end up in my next years yard sale.

Wow!
you have some self control!
when I get a cartload of unplanned stuff there..it costs me hundreds...
I always went to the one in Staten island..
and..I am a super fussy high end shopper.
I cannot speak for the other stores.../
But,I always considered it a higher end dollar store..
and..I have found amazing high quality stuff there...
like all my down comforters....about 30 bucks..and they compare to the ones that cost me 200..
so..if you know quality..and what you are looking for..
it is an amazing store.

 

[njmom47]

We have one near my house...I agree, hit or miss, but I like the food and health/beauty section. I've found stuff that I haven't found in other stores, but you should know your prices, because some things really aren't a deal. But for decorations and home items, I'm pleased with the store.

I go once or twice a month but don't always buy something.

 

[monarchsfan16]

They're hit or miss on a lot of stuff, but their deals on wrapping paper, gift bags, and tissue paper, year round, are fantastic. They also have awesome deals on the boxes of Christmas cards when those are in season. We always make a special trip before Christmas to stock up on gift wrap and cards. We've found some decent kitchen stuff and picture frames there as well.

 

[beansmom]

My entire living room is CTS. I live in Indiana now so when I am back home in RI, I go CRAZY buying New England-ish decor. I'm looking at my fireplace and there is nothing on my mantle that isn't from Christmas Tree!

my whole house but from Home Goods...I swear they only stay in business because of me!

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the tins! The best place to buy your tins for holiday goodies...they have so many sizes, the price is reasonable...I actually wait to the end of the season and get them even further marked down.

I also like their tissue paper.

My Aunt purchased an entire set of amish? pottery.

The sunscreen is an awesome price...used the spray all summer - no burns.

They have great lamps for a reasonable price.

Picture frames for the school pictures.

awesome notecards, and Christmas cards.

Baskets.....

I love the place, I used to have to drive 45minutes to one. Everytime I went with DH he would put in a comment card asking them to put one in my town...I now have one 2 miles from my house! But since it is so close I only buy things I LOVE and I find I buy less stuff I don't use than when it was further away.

 

[aprilgail2]

I stopped in there last night because my daughter needed 4 boxes of tissues for school ( I normally would send them in anyway but this time it was blackmail- if they bring in 4 boxes they get 5 points extra on their final first quarter grade!!!!) I think the store is just full of junk and cheap crap. I didn't didn't find anything there that I would want to buy to use in my home.

 

[shamrock30]

I think they had nicer merchandise years ago. I bought some nice lamps there that lasted for many years. I only go about twice a year now, and usually come out with just one or two small things and sometimes nothing at all.

 

[JenLanDisney]

I was just at CTS today. I got 4 roman shades for 12.99 each. I really could not beat that price. My whole den's window coverings (they are energy efficient, too) for about $50 with tax.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Its 90% cheap junky stuff but if you happen to find one of the other 10% you can get pretty good deals on name brand products. I buy alot of my holiday/seasonal/garden/decor there because I change it throughout the year. I have also found Nordicware cake and muffin pans, cuisinart baking sheets and Calphalon pans there. I have also found good selections of books, especially when they stocked alot of the Food Network star's books. I have found picture frames from Hallmark too, and they get K-cups in for a decent price. You have to look around the whole store and some days can find absolutely nothing and other days leave with a cart full of stuff.

Yup, that's how it is. Someone that really loves shopping would like this place, because you have to really look. I've gotten some cool things there but sometimes leave empty handed.

 

[JCMHutch]

Definitely hit or miss there. I love to go to the one near us and wander around. They are great for decorations. We found our wedding reception centerpieces there, candles, invitations for my sister's shower, great wrapping paper and gift bags, throw pillows, a fantastic reading lamp for our bedroom.

They also sell Emeril's pasta sauces for $1 less than at the regular store and have portuguese sweet bread muffins (so good!)

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

LOL I just got back from there with a few bags of crap!!! I do like the store but hate the crowds. I love their holiday decorations. Fabric placemats were $1 ea. can't beat that with a stick.

 

[Mickey527]

I have furniture on my back porch that I bought in 1998. It has withstood the winters uncovered and the hot summers and still looks great. It is black metal legs and supports with wood slats. I love it and it cost me something like $68 back then.
I do like the store for holiday decorating, and most of the stuff I have has lasted for a while with the exception of the outdoor windsocks. For some reason those things last me only one season before they fall apart.
I also love those thin cookies especially the chocolate mint. They used to be $1.00 but have gone up to $1.29,and are great with a cup of tea at night.
I do go in and walk out with nothing, but it is fun to look around. When I get up to MA to visit family we go to the store there and it is much larger and better stocked than the one here in CT.

 

[KayW]

I love Christmas Tree Shop! I got curtains for my dining room there and with the tie backs with was under $40 for 3 windows. Considering at some places one curtain is $40 it's a great deal.

We go there for cleaning products, shower curtain liners (2/$3.00), sandwich bags. Cards are good deal too. I love their holiday decorations. I get items for home decorating as well as for my classroom.