12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas
The 12 Days of Christmas isn’t just a cute song with a bunch of birds and dancing people, it’s also a super fun way to spread out the holiday cheer and make gift-giving extra magical! Instead of doing one big gift, you can stretch the fun over 12 days with small, themed surprises. It’s perfect for your kids, your spouse, a best friend, or even your neighbors!
Whether you want to go full-on themed, or just use the song as a fun jumping-off point, I’ve got you covered with creative, simple, and budget-friendly ideas for each of the 12 days.
Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Okay, we’re starting off strong with a partridge…in a tree. Unless you have a bird-loving friend, let’s go with the pear part!
Gift Ideas:
- A jar of pear jam or pear preserves
- A mini pear-scented candle
- A cute little pear-themed ornament
- A small tree in a pot (bonus if it’s a fruit tree!)
You could even make a little tag that says, “We are the pear-fect pair!”
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Turtle doves symbolize love and peace, aww! So this day is perfect for something cozy and sweet.
Gift Ideas:
- A pair of cozy socks or gloves
- Dove chocolate bars
- A handwritten note about how much they mean to you
- A little stuffed animal duo (like two cute plush doves or lovebirds)
Wrap them together with a note: “Double the love today!”
Day 3: Three French Hens
Ooh la la, we’re feeling fancy now! Time to bring in some French flair.
Gift Ideas:
- A mini French pastry or a macaron box
- A fun Eiffel Tower keychain or ornament
- French vanilla coffee or hot cocoa mix
- A small bottle of French hand cream or perfume
Include a note: “You’re très magnifique!”
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Now, I know the idea of four actual birds might ruffle some feathers, so let’s get creative!
Gift Ideas:
- A cute bird-themed mug
- Birdseed ornaments (great for nature lovers!)
- A journal (for “calling” or writing thoughts)
- A playlist of songs you love, aka “calling birds” music!
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
This one’s iconic. Say it with me, FIIIVE GOOOLDEN RIIINGS!
Gift Ideas:
- Five gold-wrapped chocolates (like Ferrero Rocher)
- A set of gold bangles or stacking rings (fun costume jewelry!)
- A gold ornament
- A donut with gold sprinkles (yes, edible rings count too!)
Tag idea: “You shine brighter than gold!”
Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying
Alright, not everyone needs geese laying eggs in their yard… but we can have fun with this!
Gift Ideas:
- A carton of mini chocolate eggs
- Bath bombs shaped like eggs (yes, those exist!)
- A little stuffed goose or chick
- A breakfast-themed gift, maybe pancake mix or eggnog
Note: “Hope this gift is eggstra special!”
Day 7: Seven Swans a-Swimming
Swans are all about beauty and grace, this is your day to go elegant.
Gift Ideas:
- A swan ornament
- Bath salts or bubble bath (think: swimming!)
- A small spa kit
- A lovely framed quote about confidence or beauty
Day 8: Eight Maids a-Milking
Milkmaids may be old-fashioned, but hey, milk-themed gifts? Yes, please.
Gift Ideas:
- Milk chocolate treats (go wild!)
- A mini bottle of milk bath or milk lotion
- A cute milk jug-style mug
- Hot cocoa mix with marshmallows
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
Time to dance! This is your chance to give something joyful and fun.
Gift Ideas:
- A dance-themed playlist
- A pair of cozy leg warmers
- Movie night with a dancing movie (like Happy Feet or Footloose)
- A sparkly scrunchie or bracelet
Day 10: Ten Lords a-Leaping
Lords a-leaping? Sounds like an energy boost to me!
Gift Ideas:
- A jump rope (seriously fun!)
- An energy drink or fun coffee
- Tickets to a local event or show
- A little frog-themed item (because frogs leap too!)
Tag it with: “Hope this gift puts a spring in your step!”
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Musical vibes incoming! Let’s get those tunes going.
Gift Ideas:
- A mini flute or kazoo (kids LOVE this, parents… not so much)
- A music gift card (Spotify, Apple, etc.)
- A playlist you made just for them
- A musical ornament or cute earphones
Add: “Just piping in with some holiday cheer!”
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Time to finish strong, with a bang!
Gift Ideas:
- A set of drumsticks (for music lovers)
- A small toy drum or rhythm toy
- A music-themed cookie or cake
- Tickets to a concert or musical show
Final tag: “Ending this gift-a-thon with a drumroll!”
How to Gift the 12 Days
Now that you’ve got all the ideas, how do you actually give them? Here are some fun options:
Option 1: Countdown Style
Wrap each gift and label it “Day 1,” “Day 2,” etc. Give your person the whole set at once and let them open one each day. It’s like a mini advent calendar after Christmas!
Option 2: Surprise Delivery
Drop off or send one small gift per day. Leave it on their doorstep, pop it in their lunchbox, or sneak it into their bag. The mystery is half the fun!
Option 3: Group It Together
Bundle everything into a basket or box and label each item. This is great for teachers, grandparents, or neighbors, super thoughtful without needing daily delivery duty!
Extra Tips
- Keep it simple. These gifts don’t need to be big or expensive, it’s the thought and fun that count!
- Add personal notes. A little handwritten tag goes a long way in making it feel extra special.
- Think outside the box. Don’t feel tied to the song too literally, use it as inspiration!
The 12 Days of Christmas gift idea is such a sweet way to spread out the joy and make the season feel extra magical. It’s perfect for kids, spouses, teachers, or anyone who could use a little cheer. I’ve done this for my kids before, and let me tell you, they LOVED waking up to a new surprise each day. It was like having a mini celebration every morning!
