I’ve noticed that this year, UK stores are wholeheartedly embracing the felt-animal Christmas tree trend – and I couldn’t be more delighted. Everywhere you turn, charming little foxes, owls, rabbits, and hedgehogs are ready to nestle among the branches, transforming an ordinary tree into a whimsical woodland tableau.
When it comes to Christmas decorating, felt animals are a charming way to introduce personality without overpowering the overall look. They pair effortlessly with traditional baubles, twinkling lights, and sprigs of greenery, while their soft, tactile texture adds a subtle layer of warmth and whimsy. For anyone who delights in creating a tree that feels thoughtfully curated, playful, and just a touch magical, these little creatures make the perfect finishing touch.
Here are just some of the felt Christmas decorations I’ve been coveting, and with the sales happening now, it’s the perfect time to nab any that tug at your heartstrings.
Christmas doesn’t need to be overly polished or impeccably serious; it can be delightfully whimsical – ridiculous, even – and all the more charming for it. Felt animal ornaments embody this spirit perfectly. Yes, they are novelty pieces, but in the very best sense: beautiful in their simplicity, quietly humorous, and brimming with personality. A tiny fox peeking through fir branches, an owl perched between baubles, or a hedgehog nestled beside a string of lights brings not only life and character to the tree but a gentle sense of narrative, too. To me, this is what Christmas is truly about – playfulness, magic, and those small, enchanting details that make you smile every time you notice them.
What elevates felt animal decorations even further is the cosy, cottagecore charm they lend to your scheme. Their soft textures, handcrafted appeal, and woodland-inspired forms evoke the comfort of a countryside retreat, where every detail feels warm, thoughtful, and a little bit whimsical. When paired with twinkling lights, natural greenery, and classic baubles, these little creatures transform a Christmas tree into a miniature enchanted forest – nostalgic, inviting, and beautifully atmospheric. It’s a decorating approach that embraces simplicity, celebrates nature, and invites a touch of storytelling into the heart of the home.
I asked Oxfordshire-based interior designer Caroline Borgman where she sources her Christmas tree decorations. 'I love giving felt Christmas decorations to family and friends as gifts around Christmas time,' she says. 'I’m drawn to charming, unique pieces rather than masses of shiny glitter or uninspiring glass baubles. For the most tasteful decorations, I always look to Rowen & Wren, Anthropologie, The White Company, and Daylesford when I’m in the mood to splash out. I also really rate Graham and Green for quirky touches to mix in. I try to pick up at least one new decoration every year.'
The Felt Animals You Need on Your Christmas Tree
Daylesford offers a delightful array of Christmas decorations that are well worth exploring. I was immediately drawn to the little gardening mouse – a nod to my own green-fingered passions –, but the collection truly has something for everyone, from farmers to chefs. There’s a charmingly rustic, countryside sensibility to the range that makes it feel utterly authentic; you won’t find a single corporate executive mouse in sight. It’s this whimsical, storybook quality that gives the collection its undeniable charm.
Habitat has quietly assembled one of the most charming collections of Christmas tree decorations this year, and I am genuinely hooked. This little felt frog is a perfect example of why. They're very budget-friendly, and each felt creation is a charming character you're sure to fall in love with.
British designer Sara Miller has teamed up with John Lewis to create a delightfully enchanting collection of felt woodland creatures, from fiery red foxes to plump, perfectly rounded squirrels. There’s even a bear in the mix – a decidedly unexpected addition, but utterly irresistible – adding a touch of playful whimsy that makes the collection impossible to resist.
All of Heal’s Christmas tree decorations are on sale this weekend, so if any of these charming little creatures have caught your eye, now is the perfect time to bring them home. While you’re there, be sure to explore their delightful selection of stocking fillers, too.
Even The White Company, known for its signature white-glass Christmas aesthetic, has embraced the felt trend this year with these utterly charming reindeer. It’s a delightful surprise from a brand so famously polished, and they pull off the whimsy beautifully
Selfridges has completely won me over this year when it comes to Christmas decorations. The felt animals are the undisputed stars of the season, and the flying pig is, without question, my favourite piece in the entire collection. It even comes as a Christmas tree topper, which I snapped up the moment I laid eyes on it.
Felt decorations don’t have to live only on the tree. Threaded through ribbon or natural twine, they make lovely additions to wrapped gifts. A tiny fox perched atop a parcel or a knitted sheep dangling from a bow feels thoughtful and personal, turning every gift into part of the overall festive decor.
