Christmas baubles: sets by size, material and colour
The Christmas Workshop
Set of 14 Santa decoupage baubles in gift box, red and green, 7.5 cm
Prices checked on Amazon UK on 3 October 2026; they may have changed since. The price ranges and medians quoted in the text of this page come from the check of 29 September 2026. Ratings and review counts are those of Amazon shoppers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Christmas baubles: plastic, glass and everything between
Plastic baubles outnumber glass ones in this range by a wide margin, and for most trees that is the right choice. Plastic is light, does not break and costs less per piece, so it suits homes with children or pets and the thinner branches of slim and pop-up trees.
Some plastic baubles are finished to look like glass, so check the material line in the listing. A few sets are resin, acrylic or wood.
| Material | Weight and breakage | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shatterproof plastic | Light, does not break, usually under 40p a piece in sets of 40 or more | Whole-tree sets, slim and pop-up trees |
| Glass | Heavier, breaks if dropped | Sturdy branches, close to the trunk |
| Resin, wood and acrylic | Light to medium, often single pieces or small sets | Characters, keepsakes and crafts |
How many Christmas baubles do you need?
About 10 baubles per foot of tree gives a standard look, with 6 per foot for a lighter tree and 15 per foot for a full one. The counts below assume mostly 6 cm baubles, and they are starting points, because trees vary in width.
| Tree height | Light (6 per foot) | Standard (10 per foot) | Full (15 per foot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft (122 cm) | 24 | 40 | 60 |
| 5ft (152 cm) | 30 | 50 | 75 |
| 6ft (183 cm) | 36 | 60 | 90 |
| 7ft (213 cm) | 42 | 70 | 105 |
| 8ft (244 cm) | 48 | 80 | 120 |
Packs here run from 9 to 108 pieces, so a 6ft tree takes one 60-piece set or two sets of 30. Under 4ft, use 3 to 4 cm baubles instead, and expect to need more of them.
Sizes
Sizes run from 3 cm minis to 10 cm statement baubles. Use 6 cm for the body of the tree, hang 8 to 10 cm ones deeper in, close to the trunk, and use 3 to 4 cm minis as fillers between the larger ones.
Choosing Christmas baubles by colour and finish
Red and gold is the most common pairing here. Burgundy, silver and blue, copper and bronze, and plain white or clear sets are also on offer, and shiny, matt and glitter finishes are often mixed in one set to add depth to a single colour.
Pick two or three colours and one or two finishes, and repeat each in several places round the tree. Our Christmas tree decorating ideas list 12 themes with colour schemes, and how to decorate a Christmas tree gives the order of work.
Personalised and fillable baubles
Personalised baubles take a name, a date or a baby’s first Christmas from text fields in the listing, and are usually a single piece. Clear fillable baubles come in sizes from 5 to 8 cm, for photos or your own filling.
Hooks and storage
Most sets come with hooks or cords already attached. Keep the tray or box after Christmas, and see how to store a Christmas tree, lights and decorations. To finish the tree, pair them with Christmas tree toppers from the wider Christmas tree decorations range.
Frequently asked questions: Christmas Baubles
What are the best Christmas baubles?
The best baubles are the ones that suit the size of the tree and your colour scheme. Use 6 cm for the body of the tree, minis as fillers, and a few 8 to 10 cm baubles deeper in. Plastic is the practical choice if the tree is within reach of children or pets.
Why are baubles called baubles?
Bauble is an old word for a small, showy trinket, and a jester’s decorated stick was also called a bauble. The name moved to tree decorations later and stayed.
Are glass or plastic baubles better?
Neither is better, because they suit different homes. Plastic is light, does not break and usually costs under 40p a piece in large sets, so it suits children, pets and slim trees. Glass is heavier and breaks if dropped, so it belongs on sturdy branches out of reach.
How many baubles do I need for a 6ft tree?
About 60 for a standard look, 36 for a lighter tree and 90 for a full one, using mostly 6 cm baubles. One 60-piece set or two sets of 30 covers the standard count. Add a few larger baubles deeper in the tree for depth.
Can you buy personalised Christmas baubles?
Yes. Personalised baubles take a name, a date or a baby’s first Christmas from text fields in the listing, and they are usually a single piece. Clear fillable baubles are the alternative if you want to add your own photo or filling.
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