Spider Stack

Amidst the variety of half-baked Christmas trees on here, I spider gap in the market.

A strong and slender hollow pole rises from the base. Stacked on the pole are six or so artificial spiders of differing sizes, the largest lowest. With their hairy, tarantula-like legs poking out in all directions, the overall size and shape is at least roughly like a Christmas tree. Some of the leg hairs are soft and hairy, but others are firm so that you can hang baubles, chocolates and other decorations from them.

Switch on the power to make the spiders' motorised legs wiggle gently so your decorations jingle merrily.

Of course, a Christmas tree isn't a Christmas tree without an angel on the top. Well, this isn't a Christmas tree. On the top of this tree is a fly in a tutu.

The design isn't quite as random as it sounds. Far from it! You can use it to teach your kids about the dangers of consumerism. The spiders with their decorations represent the baubles of consumerism - bright and colourful, tempting but dangerous - and ultimately empty and hollow, as the central pole reminds us. The fly is our soul, easily trapped in the webs of material comfort, but capable of soaring high and free if we so choose.

P.S. If you thought the 'spider' pun was bad, be glad I resisted the temptation to call this a Treerantula.