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12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas for the Whole Family

Want to recreate the gifts from the classic Christmas carol, The 12 Days of Christmas? Here are our top budget-friendly gift ideas for adults and kids that don't involve ten lords a leaping, or a partridge in a pear tree.
12 mini Christmas gifts boxes labelled 1 through 12
Updated: December 1, 2022

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No matter the culture, the Christmas spirit infuses our thoughts and motives during the holidays. Even if you’re a humbug, the magic is contagious. In whatever way you choose to celebrate Christmas, having at least one tradition, like an advent calendar or opening pajamas on Christmas Eve, is an important part of building heartfelt memories for your family.

More:5 Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas for Big Families

Heather Wallace, FamilyEducation’s positive parenting expert and facilitator of Empowered Parenting, agrees, “Adding traditions to your family culture can be an invaluable experience that can lead to a greater connection.”

One thoughtful approach to getting your family in the holiday spirit is with gifts relating to one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, The Twelve Days of Christmas. In this article, you’ll find well over 12 clever ideas that will help you or someone you know, build a Christmas tradition that could last a lifetime.

On the First Day of Christmas…

Golden State Pears to Compare Deluxe Fruit Gift
Golden State Pears to Compare Deluxe Fruit Gift
Product Price
$27.83

A partridge in a pear tree brings to mind the juicy taste and uplifting aroma of pears. Consider gifting a box of Golden State Pears to Compare Deluxe Fruit Gift or bake a delicious pear treat for your special people.

Similar Ideas:

Pear-Shaped Serving Tray

Bake a Caramel Pear Pie

Pear and Water Lily Chesapeake Bay Candle

For the Kids:

Juicy Pear Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

The 12 Days of Christmas lyrics and history free printable.

On the Second Day of Christmas…

Kurt Adler 4.5" Resin Friendship Dove Ornament Set of 2
Dove Ornament Set of 2
Product Price
$13.98

Two turtle doves are a symbol of love, friendship, and devotion. There are many ways to express these feelings to friends and family, and turtle dove ornaments for the Christmas tree are one of them.

Similar Ideas:

12 Days of Christmas Family Card Game

Dove Soap

For the Kids...

The Turtle Dove’s Journey book

Dove Stuffed Animal

On the Third Day of Christmas…

HAPPYPOP Womens Cute Chicken Rooster Socks Gifts for Girls, Novelty Farm Rooster Chick Socks
HappyPOP Chicken Socks
Product Price
$9.66

Not everyone can have three French hens running around their yards, but we can always replicate their meaning of faith, hope, and love through gifts. Or maybe you just really like chickens? If so, why not grab pairs of HappyPop chicken socks for the whole family?

Similar Ideas:

50 Shades of Chicken: A Parody in a Cookbook

A Learn-to-Speak French phrasebook

Chicken Soup for the Soul: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: 101 Tales of Holiday Love and Wonder

For the Kids...

LEGO Minecraft The Chicken Coop 21140 Building Kit (198 Pieces)

Hen Stuffed Animal

On the Fourth Day of Christmas…

Nature Anywhere Window Bird House Feeder with Sliding Seed Holder and 4 Extra Strong Suction Cups. Large Outdoor Birdfeeders for Wild Birds. Birdhouse Shape.
Nature Anywhere Window Bird House Feeder
Product Price
$24.90

Four calling birds can call in the holiday spirit in so many clever ways, including with a birdhouse or a bird feeder, like Nature Anywhere Clear Window Bird Feeder.

Similar Ideas:

Kintrot Cuckoo Clock

A Bird Field Guide

Red Cardinal Pop-Up Card

For the Kids:

National Audubon Society Birds with Authentic Sounds

Binoculars for Bird Watching

PajamaGram Family Christmas Pajamas

On the Fifth Day of Christmas…

Magic Makers Linking Rings Small 4 Inch Set of 8 Rings with Online Learning
Magic Makers Linking Rings
Product Price
$24.97

You don’t have to purchase five gold rings for this Christmas tradition. Summon your inner Christmas magician with these Magic Makers Linking Rings so you can belt out your favorite Christmas carol line, "five gooooooooold rings!"

Similar Ideas:

Deluxe Hook and Ring Toss Game with Attached Scoreboard

Lord of the Rings: The Card Game

For the Kids:

LED Light Up Rings

Ring Toss Game

On the Sixth Day of Christmas…

Cosweet 3 Pairs Goose Head Socks- Novelty Untitled Geese Game Socks Funny Goose Animal Sock Puppets Unisex Gift for Women Girl Costume Party Your Family and Friends
Goose Head Socks
Product Price
$11.99

Have some fun goofing around with these goose head socks that can be worn or used as sock puppets for family fun!

Similar Ideas:

Egg Nog Making Kit

Grey Goose Metal Cocktail Stirrers

For the Kids:

Jimmy Kimmel’s picture book, The Serious Goose

Does a Gaggle of Geese Giggle? book

On the Seventh Day of Christmas…

Pursuestar Acrylic Crystal Hand Crank Gurdy Gold Movement Mechanism Music Box Wedding Valentine Christmas Birthday Gift - Swan Lake
Hand-Crank Music Box
Product Price
$7.98

Your true love sent you seven swans a-swimming but in the form of a tiny music box that plays Swan Lake.

Similar Ideas:

Swimline Giant Inflatable Swan Pool Float

For the Kids:

The Trumpet of the Swan classic book

Swan Rocker Toy

On the Eighth Day of Christmas…

Tinsel Town Vintage-style Winking Santa Ceramic Pitcher & Cups Set of 5
Winking Santa Ceramic Pitcher & Cups
Product Price
$74.95

The eight maids a-milking will love to pour their fresh drinks with a Christmas-inspired pitcher and mugs, like this vintage-style Tinsel Town winking Santa set.

Similar Ideas:

Reusable Glass Milk Bottle Sets

A certificate for a post-holiday cleaning service

Santa’s Milk and Cookies Mug

For the Kids:

Milk and Cookies for Santa Set

Kids Play Dairy Food Set

On the Ninth Day of Christmas…

Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa - Charcoal
Echo Dot Smart Speaker
Product Price
$39.99

When we see nine ladies dancing, we’ll know they got these gifts. A good place to start would be the Echo Dot Smart Speaker.

Similar Ideas:

Dancing Emoji Decal

Zumba or dance classes

Sound Activated Party Lights with Remote Control

For the Kids:

Just Dance 2020 - Nintendo Switch Edition

Ballerina Jewelry Box

On the Tenth Day of Christmas…

Catan The Board Game, Multicolor
Catan The Board Game
Product Price
$39.98

Ten lords a-leaping are also a-lording over their lands in Catan, an award-winning, civilization-building board game that’s sure to bring out your most competitive, holiday spirit!

Similar Ideas:

Ellenium Speed Jump Rope

Take the Leap: Do What You Love 15 Minutes a Day and Create the Life of Your Dreams

For the Kids:

Catan Junior

Frog Hoppers Bucket

LeapFrog Interactive Learning System

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas…

Baker’s Dozen Premium Cake Decorating kit 50pcs.Cake Decorating Supplies/Baking Supplies-36pc Numbered Piping Tips,Silicone pastry bag,Icing tips Coupler,BONUS x10 Piping Bags,eBook Cake Decorating
Baker’s Dozen Premium Cake Decorating Kit
Product Price
$11.95

Eleven pipers piping can have a holiday break when you make desserts with these piping tips and cake decorating set from Baker's Dozen.

Similar Ideas:

Aluminum Pipe Wind Chimes

16 Pipes Eco-friendly Pan Flute

For the Kids:

Pipe Cleaner Animal Kit

DIY Pan Flute for Kids

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas…

12 Days of Coffee Advent Calendar Christmas Gift Set
12 Days of Coffee Advent Calendar Christmas Gift Set
Product Price
$9.99

The twelve drummers drumming most likely needed a bit of a holiday caffeine boost. This 12 Days of Coffee Gift Set is an Oliver & Taylor advent calendar that contains an easy-to-make single-serving coffee for each of the twelve days of Christmas.

Similar Ideas:

The Little Drummer Boy Ornament

Steel Tongue Drum

Nutcracker with Drum

For the Kids:

Momma Bear Drum with Mallet

Kids Percussion Floor Tom Drum

The 12 days of Christmas have never been more fun with these clever ideas that will get you and your family in the holiday spirit. And remember, it doesn’t always have to be about gifts.

As Wallace suggests, “Inspired by the ‘five golden rings’, a fun idea would be to have donuts as a family. A tradition of eating a tasty treat together around the breakfast table can kindle many family memories.”

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

Miranda Altice

About Miranda

As a Montessori and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher for nearly 15 years, Miranda has… Read more

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