12 days of Christmas gift ideas

Give one small gift a day for twelve days, each with a theme. Keep each one under about $10, deliver them in order and put the day number on the tag.

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How the twelve days work

The twelve days of Christmas are traditionally counted from December 25 to January 5, but many people use December 13 to 24 to give gifts before the holiday. Pick whichever window suits you. What matters is the order: small to bigger, with a fun link between them.

Decide the total first. Twelve gifts at $5 to $10 each costs $60 to $120 before wrapping, so many people give smaller items or shorten the list. For a lower total, use a coupon or a note on some days.

Ways to deliver them

  • Left at the door. Hang a bag on the knob each morning.
  • At the desk. Slip it in a drawer before they arrive.
  • By mail. Send a box with twelve small wrapped items and a label for each day.
  • By message. Send a digital gift with a short note each day.

Tips for a series of gifts

  • Number every gift. People enjoy knowing where they are in the list.
  • Keep a theme such as warm, cozy or movie night.
  • Make sure at least three gifts are not food, so the series is not all sweets.
  • Do not make anyone feel they must reciprocate. Say so on the first card.

Do not promise delivery dates if you mail them. Ship early and add a day of buffer.

Using it in a group

For a Secret Santa, the twelve-day format can run in the weeks before the swap, with small clues and one gift each day. Hollyhush has a group wall for clues and a guess-your-Santa game for the reveal. For a simpler format, see advent calendar ideas and stocking stuffers under $10. For setup see Secret Santa reveal ideas.

Make the exchange a series with one link, a wall for clues and a reveal. Create your group, free

  1. Day 1: Cocoa

    A packet of good hot chocolate and a small bag of marshmallows. A note: start with something warm.

  2. Day 2: Tea

    Three tea bags in a small envelope with a tasting card.

  3. Day 3: Pen and paper

    A small notebook and a pen for lists or letters.

  4. Day 4: Socks

    One pair of warm socks, wrapped in a bow.

  5. Day 5: Snack

    A small bag of the person's favorite snack. Check allergies.

  6. Day 6: Game

    A small card game or a puzzle for the next free evening.

  7. Day 7: Self care

    Lip balm or an unscented hand cream.

  8. Day 8: Movie night

    A bag of popcorn kernels and a movie suggestion card.

  9. Day 9: Candle

    A small candle and a matchbook. Choose a gentle scent.

  10. Day 10: Plant

    A small low-maintenance plant or a packet of seeds.

  11. Day 11: Coupon

    A card for a favor: a coffee run, a dinner, an hour of help.

  12. Day 12: The bigger one

    One nicer item up to $20 that ties the days together, such as a mug that matches the cocoa.

Mix and match with the list above.

Small gifts for the twelve days

DT Dog training clickerA simple clicker for training. ~$7 RM Reusable metal strawsA set of steel straws with a brush. ~$8 TP Two-deck playing cardsTwo standard decks in a box. ~$8 MB Magnetic bookmarksSmall magnets that clip to a page. ~$8 NS Novelty socks pairPizza, cats, tacos. ~$9 LS Luggage scaleA handheld scale for checking bag weight. ~$10 AP Adjustable phone standA foldable stand for calls and video. ~$10 EC Earbud caseA hard case that keeps earbuds from tangling. ~$10 MJ Mason jar chalkboard labelsReusable labels for jars and gifts. ~$10 SB Snow brush and ice scraperA scraper with a foam brush for the car. ~$10 TC Tealight candlesA bulk pack of small tea lights. ~$10 HC Holiday cookie cutter setMetal cutters in classic winter shapes. ~$10

As an Amazon Associate Hollyhush earns from qualifying purchases. Gift links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the 12 days of Christmas gift ideas?

Cocoa, tea, notebook, socks, snack, game, self care, movie night, candle, plant, coupon and one bigger gift to finish.

When do the 12 days start?

Traditionally December 25 through January 5. Many people use December 13 to 24 instead.

How much does it cost?

Roughly $5 to $10 per day, so $60 to $120 total. Adjust the size or number of gifts to your budget.

Can I do it at work?

Yes, if the group agrees. Keep it small and make sure it is fair to everyone.

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