It’s not as easy as it seems to find the best pre-lit Christmas trees out there. You’ll find the best of the best if you check out these tips before buying.

A guide to buying

As with any major purchase, set your budget before browsing pre-lit Christmas tree options. You shouldn’t buy something you haven’t prepared for right before going on the market.

Artificial Christmas trees cost an average of 100 dollars. However, if you’re not careful, the cost can easily double or even triple.

Despite being large and often forgotten, decorations are an important part of your budget for your pre-lit Christmas tree. The same is true if you choose to buy an unlit model.

Be sure that your budget aligns with your expectations. You might be disappointed if, for instance, you expect to get a tree that looks incredibly realistic for $150.

Purchase timing

Once you establish a budget, you’ll want to make your money go as far as possible by making sure you buy at the appropriate time. Waiting too long will limit your options, while too early can result in overpaying.

The first two weeks of December are the best time to purchase a pre-lit Christmas tree, according to USA Today’s Matt Granite. And sometimes, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the week after Christmas, and even the middle of July may also be good times for to buy pre-lit trees.

The bottom line is that you can’t simply get a ‘perfect’ time to buy a pre-lit Christmas tree. So, whatever you do, ensure to check out among retailers from time to time and be calm, until you actually locate the right tree that comes at exactly the right price for you.