Unique 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas: Bring the Song to Life
Get creative and have fun with these “The Twelve Days of Christmas” gift ideas, in a unique and slightly cheeky way!
Is there a person on your Christmas list who has everything? I think we all know that one person who is hard to buy for. For those people, we have to dig down into our creativity bones and find something out-of-the-ordinary.
While there are countless options out there, one classic source of inspiration is the popular, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song. This traditional English carol has been a staple in holiday celebrations for centuries and features an ever-growing list of gifts given over the 12 days following Christmas. In this blog post, we will explore some creative and unique gift ideas inspired by the 12 days of Christmas.
How Does the 12 Days of Christmas Gift-Giving Work?
The tradition of the 12 days of Christmas gift-giving is a fun and exciting way to extend the holiday festivities. It begins on December 26th, the day after Christmas, and continues until the Epiphany on January 6th. However, in modern times, we usually end our Christmas celebrations on December 25 instead of starting them! In that case, the first day of Christmas would start on December 14 and continue until December 25.
The concept is simple: you give a gift on each of the twelve days. These gifts don’t have to be lavish or expensive – the emphasis is on the thought and sentiment behind each gift. You can choose to follow the items mentioned in the song closely or use them as a theme for your own unique and personalized gifts.
It is a delightful way to show your loved ones how much you care, adding a touch of anticipation and surprise to each day of this special holiday season. Obviously, we don’t give gifts like doves or geese anymore–but these 12 days of Christmas gift ideas are so much fun and an easy way to keep the Christmas spirit alive all month long.
Every day is open to interpretation, but these themed gift ideas are the perfect way to start a new tradition for family members or co-workers.
Who Should You Do the 12 Days of Christmas For?
The beauty of the 12 days of Christmas gift-giving is that it can be adapted to fit anyone on your list. Whether you are doing it for your significant other, children, parents, friends, or colleagues, the possibilities are endless.
You can tailor the gifts to the recipient’s interests and hobbies, making each day even more meaningful.
It’s especially fun to give 12 days of Christmas gifts to children because of their excitement and anticipation. You can use the traditional items mentioned in the song but also add in some educational or interactive gifts to make it extra special. Keep reading for some fun and inexpensive ideas for kids.
12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas
A few years ago, I decided to try the “12 Days of Christmas” gift-giving tradition with my husband, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. Since we enjoy the holiday season and the joy of giving and receiving presents, I thought this would add an extra dose of excitement to our celebrations.
I began planning and buying presents in advance, making sure to keep everything a secret. As much as I enjoyed the process of selecting gifts based on the verses of the song, the real fun began on December 14th. Since he didn’t know my secret plan, he was surprised to get his first gift!
Every day was fun and exciting for both of us. Even though they were only small gifts, it was a fun way to give presents to my “true love” at Christmas.
Not only did this tradition bring us closer together, but it also made us realize that the joy of giving is truly more rewarding than receiving. We’re looking forward to sharing the 12 days of Christmas gifts with our sons this year to keep this tradition alive.
Now, let’s dive into some 12 days of Christmas ideas that loosely follow the classic holiday song. These great gifts will surely bring joy and a smile to your loved ones’ faces.
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The First Day of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The first day of Christmas may seem like an odd place to start when it comes to gift ideas but don’t worry, we won’t be suggesting any actual birds or trees. Instead, you can play around with the concept of “pear” and gift your loved one a pear-inspired gift.
Here are a few ideas:
- basket of pears
- pear pie
- a pear tree from a local nursery
- pear-scented candle
- a Partridge Family CD
- a can of pears
The Second Day of Christmas: Two Turtle Doves
Another day with birds? Thankfully we have Dove chocolate to save the day! Get creative and wrap up some Dove chocolates in a cute box with a bow. You can also choose to go with the turtle theme and gift something related to that like sea turtle earrings or a cute turtle stuffed animal.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Dove bath products in a gift basket
- two turtledove tree ornaments
- necklace or bracelet with a dove charm
The Third Day of Christmas: Three French Hens
This one may be tricky, but there are still plenty of options for fun ideas. Consider gifting something from France or a French-inspired gift like a beret, or an Eiffel Tower-shaped trinket. You could also get creative and find three different types of chicken-themed gifts.
Here are a few other ideas:
- hens and chicks succulent
- French recipe cookbook
- French macrons
- Chicken noodle soup
- Chick-fil-A or KFC gift cards
The Fourth Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds
Although the original lyrics are “colly birds,” many people have changed this to “calling birds” over the years. Either way, you can play with the concept of communication for this day’s gift. Consider gifting something related to your loved one’s favorite form of communication such as a calling card or a new phone case.
Or, go all-out with the bird-themed gifts!
Here are some more ideas:
- bird-watching book
- binoculars
- bird feeder
The Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Golden Rings
Who wouldn’t want to receive gold jewelry for Christmas? Whether it’s a gold ring, earrings, or a necklace, pick out something special to surprise your loved one with these 5th day of Christmas gifts.
But if jewelry isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are still plenty of options to choose from that play on the ring idea:
- ring toss game
- donuts (or a donut shop gift card!)
- ring dish
- gold napkin rings
- Lord of the Rings memorabilia
The Sixth Day of Christmas: Six Geese a Laying
For this gift, think about gifting something that has to do with eggs or geese. You could create a DIY gift basket filled with different types of egg recipes and kitchen gadgets, or you could go for a more symbolic gift like a goose-shaped figurine.
Here are some other ideas:
- quiche dish
- Cadbury Cream Eggs
- Six eggs
The Seventh Day of Christmas: Seven Swans a Swimming
This day is all about embracing the beauty and grace of swans–although we aren’t thinking much about swimming here in the middle of winter! Consider gifting something elegant and luxurious, like a spa day or a high-end scented candle.
Or you could stick with the aquatic theme and gift some fun pool toys.
Here are some other ideas:
- swan pool floaties
- swimming gear/toys
- Swan Princess movie
- Rubber ducks
The Eighth Day of Christmas: Eight Maids a Milking
While I don’t recommend gifting actual maids for Christmas, you can still honor this day with some creative ideas that relate to milk and cows. Consider making homemade dairy products like cheese or butter, or giving a gift card to a local creamery.
Here are some other ideas:
- ice cream
- milk jug
- creamer set
- reusable milk bottles
- Milk Duds
The Ninth Day of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing
This day is all about celebrating the joy of dance! Consider gifting something related to dance, like a gift certificate for a dance class or tickets to a show–a great experience gift for kids, sisters, or moms! Or you could go for something more practical and gift some cozy ballet slipper socks.
Here are some other ideas:
- dance lessons
- tickets to the ballet
- Just Dance video game
- CD with dance music
The Tenth Day of Christmas: Ten Lords a Leaping
This day is all about embracing fun and adventure! Consider gifting something that will get the recipient outside and active, like a gift card for an outdoor activity or some new hiking gear. Or you could opt for something more low-key but still adventurous, like a puzzle or escape room game.
- jump rope
- trampoline park gift card
The Eleventh Day of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping
Today we celebrate pipes and piping! Consider gifting something related to music, like concert tickets or a subscription to a music streaming service. You could also gift some fun musical instruments or sheet music for the recipient to enjoy.
Here are a few more ideas:
- cake decorating piping bags and tips
- bagpipe CD
- toy flute
The Twelfth Day of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Last but certainly not least, we celebrate with drums! Consider gifting some fun and unique percussion instruments or music-themed decor. You could also go for something practical and gift a set of quality drumsticks.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Little Drummer Boy ornament
- Drum ornament
- Toy drum
- Drum cookie tin filled with treats
Some Inexpensive 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun and affordable 12 days of Christmas gift ideas out there. Here are some suggestions for each day:
- Day One: Partridge in a Pear Tree – a small partridge or pear tree ornament.
- Day Two: Two Turtle Doves – a pair of dove-shaped soap bars or dove-themed bookmarks.
- Day Three: Three French Hens – a set of hen-shaped cookie cutters or a French cuisine cookbook.
- Day Four: Four Calling Birds – bird calls whistle or a bird-themed puzzle.
- Day Five: Five Golden Rings – golden ring-shaped keychains or DIY golden ring ornaments.
- Day Six: Six Geese a-Laying – goose-themed socks or an egg-shaped bath bomb.
- Day Seven: Seven Swans a-Swimming – swan-shaped pool floaties or a set of swan stickers.
- Day Eight: Eight Maids a-Milking – cow-patterned mug or dairy-free chocolate bars.
- Day Nine: Nine Ladies Dancing – ticket for a local dance recital or a ballet-themed coloring book.
- Day Ten: Ten Lords a-Leaping – jump rope or a deck of playing cards with leaping lords design.
- Day Eleven: Eleven Pipers Piping – a simple recorder instrument or a music-themed notebook.
- Day Twelve: Twelve Drummers Drumming – drumstick-shaped pencils or drum-themed coasters.
What Should You Include Each Day?
Most of these are simple ideas for inexpensive gifts, so they’re fun for neighbors, family members, and co-workers. The best gift ideas little things that make the receiver smile. I can’t imagine anything that would spread happiness better than giving 12 days of Christmas gifts!
Make your fun gift even better by putting it in a gift bag, or in a little box with festive wrapping paper. Since we love to spread the love of Christ during the Christmas season, adding a Scripture verse is a fun option. You could also add packs of hot chocolate or candy canes to individual gifts.
Top it off with these 12 Days of Christmas gift tags. Just these little extra steps take a great gift and turn it into the perfect gift! And don’t forget to have fun with it! The 12 days of Christmas are all about spreading joy and cheer, so get creative with your gift ideas and make each day special for your loved one.
Go out and give!!
In conclusion, the 12 Days of Christmas presents us with an excellent opportunity to shower our loved ones with thoughtful gifts. Whether you opt for a Little Drummer Boy ornament or a basket of Dove chocolate, these gift ideas bring the magic of the season to life, without breaking the bank. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and let these 12 Days of Christmas gift ideas inspire you. After all, it’s the thought that counts, and these unique gifts are sure to make this holiday season one to remember.
