A good pair pruning shears is like gold.
A bad pair of pruning shears is blisters on your hands.
I own these shears and they are amazing for pruning small bushes, roses, and decorative trees (like a red bud or Japanese Maple). And I paid WAY more for mine at Home Depot.
Get the Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears
Pricing was current when the post was published, however Amazon prices change often, so please check before you buy.