Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back Its Famous $10 Winter “Living Decor” Gem, and I’m Getting One for Everyone I Know

When it comes to my holiday decor, the more colorful and whimsical it is, the better. From my magenta Christmas tree to my multicolored string of lights and garland made of felt, I try my best to find fun and cheery gems that stray from traditional. One of those items is something I buy every holiday season at my favorite grocery store: Trader Joe’s. Best of all, it’s under $10!

This quirky $9.99 “grump tree” is actually a fast-growing evergreen called lemon cypress, native to California’s Monterey Peninsula. I love decorating my home with this adorable greenery, as it’s so reminiscent of the grumpiest Christmas character of all: Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch, and his hometown of Whoville. 

I love the cartoon-y curve on this evergreen that makes it look like a Whovillian tree, along with the sparkly ornament dangling from the end, just like in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The wrapped red ribbon, contrasting perfectly with its verdant hue, also gives the tree a bubbly effect. The final festive touch is the red burlap sack, a nod to the Grinch’s holiday thievery. 

The grump tree has a light lemony scent (not exactly a holiday scent), which makes it perfect to display on my kitchen counter — one of the few areas in my home that doesn’t typically have Christmas decor already. I also have one on the credenza in my dining room to create a more lush and festive ambience. If you’d like to take your decorating skills a step further, mini ornaments, fairy lights, and thin strings of tinsel might even steal your Christmas tree’s spotlight! It also makes for the perfect holiday host gift.

As for care, these evergreens can grow to be huge (up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide!), but they’d need to be planted outdoors in well-drained soil. Inside, the plant needs partial shade in hot areas, or full sun in moderate coastal zones (like its native Northern California), along with weekly waterings to keep it hydrated, but never soggy. Lastly, the ribbon can be removed to naturally let the plant turn back to its upright position. Take care of this low-maintenance shrub and it can last for years depending on where you live!

Along with other Trader Joe’s seasonal decor items (like these adorable felted wool garlands and wreaths), these grump trees have gone totally viral, and are in high demand — so be sure to snag one soon to give your home a true Grinch-mas vibe.

In case you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s, some people are selling the adorable tree on eBay for a few dollars more. Otherwise, check out your local nursery to see if they have the Seussian evergreen — and happy decorating!