What to put on a Christmas list, by age
Put on your list a mix of price levels and types: a few small things under $15, some useful items, one thing you want most, an experience and a gift card. For children keep it to 5 to 10 items, for adults 8 to 15. The ten-item example below shows the split, and the survey numbers show what other people ask for.
What people say they want most
| Gift type | Share of adults who want it |
|---|---|
| Gift cards | 50% |
| Clothing or accessories | 46% |
| Books and other media | 27% |
| Personal care or beauty items | 23% |
| Electronics | 22% |
A balanced list: five slots
- Small: two to four items under $15 that anyone can buy.
- Useful: things you will use up or wear out.
- Wanted: one or two things you really want. Star them.
- Experience: tickets, a class, a day out.
- Gift card or money: for a favorite store or a goal.
A worked list of ten
| Slot | Item | About |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Wool socks, size 11, gray | $12 |
| Small | Paperback: the next book in the series you are reading | $10 |
| Small | Hot chocolate mix, two tins | $14 |
| Useful | Slippers, closed back, size 9 | $35 |
| Useful | Stainless travel mug, 16 ounce | $25 |
| Useful | Phone charger cable, 6 foot | $15 |
| Wanted (star) | Cast iron pan, 12 inch | $40 |
| Experience | Two tickets to a local show | $60 |
| Gift card | Coffee shop | $25 |
| Gift card | Bookstore | $25 |
Ideas by age
| Age | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Baby and toddler (0 to 3) | Board books, big-piece puzzles, stacking blocks, the next clothing size up |
| Young kids (4 to 7) | A building set, crayons and paper, dress-up, a bike and helmet, picture books |
| Tweens (8 to 12) | Craft kits, sports gear, a series of books, a journal, a board game |
| Teens (13 to 18) | Shoes or a hoodie in an exact size, headphones, gift cards, a concert ticket |
| Young adults (19 to 29) | Kitchen starter pieces, a backpack, bedding, a class or a trip fund |
| Adults (30 to 59) | Hobby supplies, a good pan, books, a dinner out |
| Seniors (60 and up) | Photos, tea or chocolate, comfort items, outings with family |
How to write an item so you get the right thing
- Give the exact product name.
- Add size, color and version.
- Add a link to the item.
- Add a note such as "for the garden" or "not wool".
- Say how many.
What to put if you want fewer things
- Experiences: AARP's gift guides suggest classes, vouchers for a round of golf, a massage or tickets.
- Consumables: coffee, tea, sauce, a nice soap, a book you will finish.
- Donations: a gift in your name to a cause you like.
- Upgrades: one better version of something you use every day.
- Time: an offer of help, a babysitting night, a homemade meal.
What to leave off
Leave off vague items such as "clothes" or "something nice", things you already own, and items that need a lot of storage. Add a note if you do not want something, for example "no scented candles". Check the list in early December, since a few items usually sell out.
Each person needs a different list. See the specifics for kids, teens, college students, parents, grandparents and couples. Build your list in the template or make a shareable one.
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Ideas for kids to put on a list
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Ideas for teens
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Ideas for adults
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Frequently asked questions
What should I put on my Christmas list?
A mix of small, useful and wanted items, one experience and a gift card. Use exact names, sizes and links.
How many things should be on a Christmas list?
Five to ten for kids, eight to fifteen for adults.
What do I put on a Christmas list if I have everything?
Consumables, experiences, upgrades to things you use daily, and donations to a cause you like.
What are good cheap Christmas list ideas?
Books, snacks, socks, small games, phone accessories and gift cards of $10.
Should I put prices on my list?
A rough price or a tier helps relatives choose within a budget.
Make your list
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