The 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas

Use this guide to put a modern twist on the classic holiday song.

Almost everyone is familiar with the cumulative Christmas carol, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” in which the singer bestows almost two weeks’ worth of gifts on his true love. We have our theories on the origin of this song, and we also eagerly await PNC’s annual Christmas Price Index that compiles the cost of each set of the items in the song in today’s market.

If you actually sent these crazy gifts, you’d be giving your true love 50 people in action, 23 birds, 5 pieces of jewelry, and one tree. No thanks! A quick and easy way to send your true love The 12 Days of Christmas is through The Days of Gifts. You tell us about your true love, and we put together a package of 12 gifts tailored just to him or her, beautifully wrapped and ribboned, and labeled for each day the gift should be opened. (Learn how it works!)

But if you want to stay true to the concept of the song, we’ve put together this guide for The 12 Days of Christmas gifts that loosely follow the lyrics.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The first day could kick off a theme for the entire 12 days by giving an ornament of a partridge, and the following days would each be ornaments. A little predictable after two or three days, but still fun and beautiful.

Or consider a jar of pear preserves, offered by smaller shops like Sparky’s in South Carolina, Casa de Fruta in California, and The French Farm in Houston.

2 Turtle Doves

Instead of hearing non-stop cooing from those doves, give your true love a box of gourmet chocolate turtles. DeMet’s Candy Co. was founded in 1898 and specializes in these caramel nut clusters, what DeMet’s calls “America’s most beloved chocolate indulgences.”

Want to really knock his or her socks off? Consider making your own turtles from scratch. We found two great and delicious-sounding recipes on Lil’ Luna and Creations by Kara, both under 45 minutes.

3 French Hens

Although daily fresh eggs would be ideal, not everyone can have chickens for pets. So how about a set of Hens & Chicks? These hearty succulents grow well indoors and come in a variety of colors, textures, and forms. Swing by your local nursery to grab a few plants as well as a plant potter. Harry & David offers this rustic wooden box with a charming combination of succulents.

4 Calling Birds

Let your true love sound his or her own mating call with a hand-crafted wooden Bird Call from The Wooden Wagon, available in a variety of bird groupings. And if he or she doesn’t want to attract any feathered friends, then try a set of porcelain water bird whistles—not just for kids!

5 Golden Rings

Guys, the obvious choice here would be to pop the question. She’s your true love after all. But maybe this is a newer relationship, or maybe you gals don’t want to be the one proposing. Instead, consider a set of 5k gold hoop earrings or even a bracelet. Although my personal choice would be a dozen glazed doughnuts, the original golden ring.

6 Geese a Laying

Because the Christmas spirit is all about giving, for this one, consider making a gift in your true love’s name to Heifer International. This non-profit organization is on a mission to end world hunger and poverty while also creating sustainable environments and caring for the earth. For just $20, you can give the gift of a flock of ducks to a family, which will provide eggs for the family to eat and sell on a regular basis.

7 Swans a Swimming

Swans represent the very focus of this song: love. And with a swan-themed face mask, your true love will think of you with every wear. Another option is a swan ring holder, which accents this stunning bird’s long neck. We found one at Francesca’s that fits the bill.

8 Maids a Milking

Personally, I’m not sure who could drink the amount of milk these ladies are providing. But when that milk is used to make delectable cheeses? Now we’re talkin’. And why not go to heart of the country, Wisconsin, which produces about a quarter of America’s cheese. Wisconsin Cheese Mart has a variety of gourmet cheese gift baskets at varying price points. If your true love is lactose intolerant, Choose Veg has 12 vegan cheese recipes for you to make your own.

9 Ladies Dancing

For this day, you could plan a night out dancing for the two of you. Or, find a local dance instructor to take lessons together. Even better, though, is learning from the comfort and privacy of your own home, on your own schedule. Great news: Dance Plug offers online dance classes. It’s the perfect way to get started in any style, from Bollywood to Hip-Hop.

10 Lords a Leaping

If your true love has ever wanted to be addressed as a Lord or a Lady, it’s now possible, thanks to Highland Titles. Founded in 2006, this company is on a mission to “conserve Scotland, one square foot at a time.” For just $43, your true love will personally own a square foot of land in Glencoe Wood Nature Reserve and the luxury of calling himself/herself a Laird, Lord, or Lady of Glencoe, the official titles of landowners in Scotland.

11 Pipers Piping

Being serenaded by flutes—and 11 of them at that!—would be delightful. But instead, consider a set of champagne flutes for your true love, and perhaps just two of them. As a special twist, pair the flutes with a delightful bottle of champagne and write your own toast. Want to go the extra mile? Get the flutes engraved with your names.

12 Drummers Drumming

If the Stomp tour is making a stop in your town, tickets to the show would be a no brainer. But if “the Rhythm of New York” isn’t coming your way, then bring the beats to your true love’s ears. Beats by Dre are some of the best headphones on the market today, and they’re available in a variety of styles and colors.

So there you have it: a fresh spin on The 12 Days of Christmas gift ideas. But you might not have the resources (time or financially) to pull these 12 gifts together. Save yourself the frustration and let The Days of Gifts send your true love The 12 Days of Christmas. Although it won’t be the items listed above, it will be a package of 12 gifts tailored just to your true love, beautifully wrapped and ribboned, and labeled for each day the gift should be opened.