While the Ornament Anchors (sold in packs of 24, 36, 48, and 96) are more expensive up front than standard hooks—coming in around $1 per anchor, in contrast to $1.50 for a 200-pack of regular wire hooks—I have found that they’re well worth the investment, especially if you’re looking for a way to petproof your tree.
“They seem expensive compared to the usual hooks, but if you have precious ornaments, they may be worth it,” says Joanne Chen, Wirecutter’s senior editor of home-decor coverage. “I’d probably also put those ornaments at the top of the tree to be extra safe, though.”
The company claims that these durable anchors can hold up to 8 pounds securely. Keeping in mind that most ornaments are only a few ounces each, I tested this claim by filling a canvas sack with about 4 pounds of loose change and trying to hang it—while the tree branch wilted under the weight, the Ornament Anchors held strong.
They come in a variety of colors, too, which is helpful if you’re aiming to match them with your tree’s aesthetic. I opted for green anchors, which blended seamlessly into my tree’s branches, creating a magical illusion of floating orbs.
Though I found the initial setup to be a bit of a hassle, I’m planning to leave the anchors attached to my ornaments when I pack away my Christmas decor in January—that way I won’t have to restring them. This will make hanging the ornaments a much quicker (and less involved) process in the future. Though the company doesn’t disclose what kind of material the anchor loops are made of, I found that they were quite sturdy, and considering that I’ll use them for only about one month out of the year, I can see them lasting for quite a while.
The Ornament Anchors have also given me the peace of mind that I’ve craved since my first Christmas with a cat. It’s such a relief not to have to go hunting for fallen ornaments every day, and now I can actually start investing in nicer ornaments again without worrying that they’ll shatter to pieces.
People who have pets aren’t the only folks who can benefit from the anchors, though. The cinch clip that holds the string to the tree branch is just finicky enough to thwart curious toddlers and younger children, as well. “When my daughter was little and getting into everything, I could imagine buying a small pack just for the lowest ornaments,” says Wirecutter senior staff writer Jackie Reeve.
And though we haven’t tested the anchors outside ourselves, plenty of Amazon customers say that they’ve had luck using them to hang holiday decor on outdoor trees and bushes, and many report that they’re strong enough to hold up in most weather.
No longer do I have to choose between a cat-free tree or a tree full of ornaments. With these anchors, I can have both. My tree has been up for over a month—and it’s still a sparkling, unscathed centerpiece full of bulbs and baubles that my cat can’t figure out how to dismantle despite her best efforts.
Best of all, I can start investing in the kinds of beautiful ornaments I’ve always wanted, knowing they’ll stay safe no matter how many playful paws are around. The Ornament Anchors have proven to be the ultimate holiday hack—and the best way to keep your Christmas decorations (and spirit) intact.
This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
