Make the list before you shop
Christmas shopping goes wrong in two familiar ways: panic buys in the last week, and three people giving the same thing. Ten minutes of planning prevents both.
- Write down everyone you're buying for, with a budget for each. Knowing the total up front keeps December affordable.
- Ask for wishlists early. People can keep a Christmas list apart from their birthday one; here's how to keep separate wishlists.
- Claim before you buy. When the family shares one group, everyone sees which gifts are taken, so nobody doubles up, and the person receiving them never sees the claims. See how group gifts work.
For everyone without a list, the ideas below are a starting point, grouped by who they're for.
For parents
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- A digital photo frameAmazon (opens in a new tab)
Load it with family photos before you wrap it, and it becomes the gift they show every visitor. Frames that connect to Wi-Fi let the whole family add photos later.
- A cutting board engraved with a family recipeEtsy (opens in a new tab)
Send the maker a photo of a handwritten recipe card and it becomes a keepsake. Engraving takes time, so order in November.
- A heated throwAmazon (opens in a new tab)
Comfort most people never buy for themselves, and especially welcome for parents who feel the cold.
For your partner
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- A star map of a night that mattersEtsy (opens in a new tab)
The sky over the place and date you met, or got engaged, printed and ready to frame. Personal without needing a big budget.
- Noise-cancelling headphonesAmazon (opens in a new tab)
For a partner who commutes, travels or works somewhere loud. A splurge they'll use every day.
- A silk pillowcaseAmazon (opens in a new tab)
A small luxury people rarely buy for themselves.
For kids
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- A LEGO setAmazon (opens in a new tab)
Sets are labelled by age, which takes out the guesswork, and a bigger one becomes a project for the Christmas break.
- An art supplies kitAmazon (opens in a new tab)
Markers, paints and paper in one box keep kids busy long after the toys are unwrapped. Choose washable paints for younger children.
- A personalized storybookEtsy (opens in a new tab)
The child becomes the hero of the story. Read it together on Christmas Eve and it can become a tradition.
For teens
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- An instant cameraAmazon (opens in a new tab)
Prints they can stick on a wall or hand to friends. Add a pack or two of film, since it runs out fast.
- A portable speakerAmazon (opens in a new tab)
Music in their room, at the park or on holiday. A water-resistant one survives beach trips.
- A custom phone caseEtsy (opens in a new tab)
Something they'll show off every day. Check their exact phone model before you order.
For friends
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- A board game for game nightsAmazon (opens in a new tab)
For the friend who hosts. Pick one that plays in under an hour, so it actually gets played.
- A cocktail setAmazon (opens in a new tab)
For the friend who likes having people over. Tuck in a card with the recipe for your favorite drink.
- Personalized glassesEtsy (opens in a new tab)
Engraved with their name, their initials or a line only your group will get.
For coworkers
Keep it small, shareable or useful at a desk: good chocolates for the team, a nice notebook, a handmade mug. If your office runs a gift exchange instead, our Secret Santa gift ideas are sorted by budget, and the Secret Santa guide covers the draw.
Order in time
- Order personalized gifts by late November. Engraved, printed and custom items are made to order, and makers get busy in December.
- Order everything else by mid-December. Delivery slows in the last two weeks before Christmas, especially across borders.
- Keep gift receipts. They let people swap a size or a duplicate without anyone feeling awkward.
- Have a plan B. If something won't arrive in time, wrap a printout of it with a note. The gift still lands on the day.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start Christmas shopping?
Start in November. Personalized and handmade gifts need two to four weeks, and delivery slows down in the last two weeks before Christmas.
How much should I spend on Christmas gifts?
Set a total you're comfortable with first, then split it by person. Many families agree on a limit per gift, or draw names so everyone buys for one person instead of everyone.
How do I stop family members buying the same gift?
Share wishlists in one place and claim a gift before buying it. In GiftCrew, everyone in the group sees what's already claimed, while the person receiving the gifts never does.
What do you get someone who has everything?
An upgrade of something they use every day, something they'll use up, a one-of-a-kind personalized piece, or time together. Our guide to gifts for someone who has everything goes through each.
Share Christmas wishlists with your family
Create a family group in GiftCrew, ask everyone for their wishlist, and claim gifts so nobody doubles up. The person receiving never sees what's been claimed.