The 12 Days of Christmas Gifts

"The 12 Days of Christmas" is a holiday song many of us know by heart. But, in addition to being a festive tune, it also serves as a fun way to create a theme for your next holiday gift exchange with friends, family, or coworkers. While some verses are easier than others to imagine presents for, the unique aspect of each day's lyrics poses a fun challenge sure to break any holiday gifting rut you find yourself in.

01 of 12
A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The Spruce

You'll notice that many "12 Days of Christmas" gifts can be food-related, and we're certainly not objecting. Keeping your gift exchange edible works well no matter who your intended audience is. For the first verse, bake up anything that has pear as the main ingredient, like a fresh pear cobbler. Wrap your baked goods up in a holiday-themed disposable container and add a festive bow to complete your gift.

Other Ideas:
- A basket filled with pears and other fruit
- A fresh pear tree from a local nursery or garden center
- A pear-scented candle
02 of 12
Two Turtledoves

The Spruce

Don't worry if you only take one word from "The 12 Days of Christmas" verse and run with it for your gift. In honor of the song's second line, why not gift a platter of homemade turtle candy? The chocolate shop classic—which consists of chocolate, caramel, and pecans—has been beloved since 1918, so you know it's bound to be a hit with adults and kids alike. Wrap your platter or plate in colorful decorative cellophane, then add a gift tag with "The 12 Days of Christmas" verse.

Other Ideas:
- A dove art print
- A gift basket filled with Dove bath products
- Two turtle dove tree ornaments
03 of 12
Three French Hens

The Spruce

In the middle of winter, who wouldn't love to receive a soul-warming dinner? Your favorite chicken soup recipe lends itself perfectly to the third verse in "The 12 Days of Christmas" and, while it doesn't necessarily include an actual hen, we think your friends and family will give you a pass. If you don't have the means to deliver a fully-cooked soup to your gift recipient, compile all the dry ingredients into a mason jar and gift that, along with the recipe, instead.

Other Ideas:
- Hens and chicks succulent basket
- A cookbook filled with recipes from France
- A cute hen Christmas card, filled with a gift certificate to a French restaurant
04 of 12
Four Calling Birds

The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

At first listen, "four calling birds" may seem sort of confusing and, while you could opt for another present with birds, we love the idea of gifting something geared toward giving and receiving messages. For a play on the phrase "calling" in the lyric, opt to gift a pretty DIY custom phone case, decorated using the favorite colors of your intended recipient.

Other Ideas:
- A bird-watching book with binoculars
- A charming letterboard
- A bird feeder with birdseed ornaments
Continue to 5 of 12 below.
05 of 12
Five Golden Rings

Almost Makes Perfect

Unless you are doing this gift exchange with your significant other, we doubt you'll want to purchase actual gold rings in honor of this next verse. Instead, opt for a clever spin that your host or hostess is sure to love and gift gold napkin rings. You can purchase a set or make your own, depending on how much time you have for a weekend DIY project.

Other Ideas:
- Outdoor ring toss game
- From-scratch or delivery donuts
- A gold ring dish
06 of 12
Six Geese a Laying

The Spruce / Katarina Zunic

To honor the sixth verse from "The 12 Days of Christmas," look for a gift that incorporates eggs or geese. Our favorite idea: a delicious batch of homemade eggnog. Not only does it fit the theme, but it's a seasonal classic and can be enjoyed by itself or as part of a larger holiday cocktail recipe. If you want to, you can take your gift one step further by including holiday mugs for the beverage to be enjoyed in, too.

Other Ideas:
- An egg-centric cookbook
- "Wild Geese" poem art
- Playful goose socks
07 of 12
Seven Swans a Swimming

Design Love Fest

To us, swans evoke a sense of peacefulness and tranquility. Allow that to inspire your gift by theming your present around relaxation, like a spa gift basket. Include luxurious goodies like body lotion, bath salts, and even a robe, then package it all up in a stylish wicker basket that your recipient can use over again in their home.

Other Ideas:
- Inflatable swan pool float
- Swan Christmas garland
08 of 12
Eight Maids a Milking

Shaken Together Life

This "12 Days of Christmas" gift idea is another one you can make yourself. Encourage a little self-care this holiday season by whipping up a batch of this chamomile lavender oatmeal milk bath from Shaken Together Life. The good news: One recipe makes a lot of milk bath, so you'll have extra left over to gift to other loved ones—or use yourself!

Other Ideas:
- Christmas mugs filled with hot chocolate ingredients
- Cow milk creamer set
- A surprise ice cream delivery
Continue to 9 of 12 below.
09 of 12
Nine Ladies Dancing

Classen Rafael / Getty Images

You have so many options for honoring the ninth verse of "The 12 Days of Christmas" and honestly, nothing feels more festive than nodding to the idea of dancing. If you have the budget, splurge on a smart speaker to help get your gift recipient grooving. If you're looking to be more frugal, consider making a playlist of all your favorite dance tunes that you can then share through an app like Spotify.

Other Ideas:
- A gift certificate for dance lessons
- Tickets to a dance performance, like The Nutcracker or The Rockettes
10 of 12
Ten Lords a Leaping

Say Yes

When it comes to the tenth verse, encourage your friends or family to get up and at 'em with a jump rope just made for leaping. If the receiver is a fitness fanatic, you can splurge on the real deal (they'll appreciate it!) but more novice recipients may rather receive a charming DIY version, like this vintage-inspired rope style from Say Yes.

Other Ideas:
- A trampoline or gift certificate to a trampoline park
- "12 Days of Christmas" appetizer plates
- A charming leaping tree ornament
11 of 12
Eleven Pipers Piping

C.R.A.F.T

Piping technically has to do with playing the flute, but it also calls to mind piping frosting, like you would onto a cake or cookies (or maybe we've just been watching too many episodes of "The Great British Bakeoff."). Pull together a gift set with everything you need to bake up and decorate holiday cookies, then finish it all off with a fun themed printable from C.R.A.F.T.

Other ideas:
- A cute Christmas-themed kettle for piping hot tea
- A creative copper pipe candle holder
- A colorful toy flute
12 of 12
Twelve Drummers Drumming

Engin / Pexels

If you've made it this far in your "12 Days of Christmas" gift-giving, you should go out with a bang—a drum bang, that is. The percussion instrument is the obvious choice for the twelfth and final verse of the popular Christmas song, and one that suits recipients both old and young. Opt for a toy drum if gifting to a child, or splurge on a few drum lessons if you're buying for a friend or family member.

Other Ideas:
- A tin drum of holiday popcorn
- A drum coffee table (with storage!)
- A mason jar filled with the makings for classic fried chicken drumsticks

The 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

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Two Turtledoves

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Three French Hens

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Four Calling Birds

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Five Golden Rings

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Six Geese a Laying

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Seven Swans a Swimming

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Eight Maids a Milking

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Nine Ladies Dancing

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Ten Lords a Leaping

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Eleven Pipers Piping

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Twelve Drummers Drumming

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