The five gift rule is a rule of thumb for buying Christmas presents. Use it to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list any time of the year.
What is the Five Gift Rule?
The five gift rule offers guidelines for narrowing down your gift ideas, making it easier to think about what to get someone for a holiday.
The guideline suggests you get someone something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.
The fifth is the bonus round, offering a handful of other unique gift ideas.
Something They Want
What do they crave? It could be a fragrance they’ve wanted to try or a game just released for their favorite console.
Think about the things they’ve drooled over these past few months and nab one for Christmas.
Something They Need
Everyone needs something. Whether a new accessory, clothing, or appliance, there’s always something we put off buying.
Be careful not to go overboard with needs. When I was little, my father always gave my mother a new vacuum for special occasions. My mom wasn’t obsessed with cleanliness. She didn’t love vacuuming.
I always felt so bad for her when everyone else got cool toys and gadgets for the holiday, and she got something related to her chores.
Try to blur the line between something they need and something they’d actually enjoy. Foodies might both appreciate and need a new cookbook, while students or journaling fanatics might want and need a new notebook.
Something to Wear
A new clothing item can fulfill a specific desire, like that fantastic leather jacket they’ve been eyeing, or be something general like socks, slippers, or winter accessories.
Make sure it’s something they like and would actually want to wear. Ugly Christmas sweaters are out!
Something to Read
Books make excellent Christmas gifts. There are so many books on various subjects, and we can order them with the touch of a finger!
Help someone dive into a new series or grab a novel they’ve wanted to read.
The Bonus Round
There are far too many types of gifts to include them all in a five gift rule. The fifth ideas is a free-for all bonus gift, but there are a few options you can use.
Consider making the fifth (or sixth, or seventh!) gift:
- Something to do
- Something handmade
- Something sentimental
- Something Focused on their likes
Something to Do
Activities and events can be far superior to things. One of the best gifts someone can give is a scavenger hunt or tickets to see my favorite band live. Even tickets to a museum or theme park would be an incredible gift.
Something Sentimental
Sentimental gifts show how much you care. There’s nothing better than getting a framed photograph of a favorite memory or a relationship scrapbook that shows you how important you are to the other person.
Something Hand Made
Nothing feels better than knowing someone cares so much that they put time and effort into handcrafting something specifically for you.
My best friend’s mother crocheted me a hat and scarf set for Christmas last year, and it was one of the sweetest gifts I’ve ever received. Wearing this set gives me a warm feeling that store-bought items just can’t compete with.
Something Focused on Their Likes
You know your special someone better than anyone. Get them gifts focused on the things they like most.
Gift artists paints, canvas, and art supplies. Buy your favorite gamers gifts of video games, consoles, or collectibles.
Everyone on your list has a few favorite hobbies, so find something focused on that to give them a magical Christmas.
Check out all our gift guides to find that perfect item for your special someone.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Christmas is the season of giving. Have a wonderful holiday season, and embrace the spirit by giving gifts and making others happy.
Merry Christmas, everyone!