Need inspiration for your Christmas shopping?
Use the five gift rule, an easy way to simplify your gift-giving for everyone on your list.
What is the Five Gift Rule for Christmas Gifts?
The five gift rule makes buying presents easy by narrowing down the range of options into five distinct categories:
- Something they want
- Something they need
- Something to wear
- Something to read
- Dealer’s Choice!
The fifth gift is a dealer’s choice, because each gift guide has a different idea of what belongs in the fifth category – but hey, that just gives you more ideas, right? (Don’t you worry – we’ll talk about all the different “5th gift” options below!)
Here’s how to use each category in the five gift rule to give all your loved ones a magical Christmas!
Hey folks! Transparency Disclosure- Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. That means I’ll receive a small commission if you decide to click on it and buy something. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra!
Something They Want
Okay, the first rule almost brings us back to square one. If you knew what they wanted, you wouldn’t need a gift guide, would you?
But don’t despair, it’s easier than you think.
What do they crave? What have you seen them eyeballing all year long?
Gear this one towards your specific person. Someone might want a fragrance or bath bomb gift basket, while another person may be longing for a new game.
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. It’s the perfect time for kitchen appliances, watches, wallets, and purses.
Don’t get too crazy with needs, though. Find something that they need and will actually appreciate, rather than something like a mop or vacuum cleaner that the house needs, but nobody wants to get for Christmas.
Walk a fine line between something they need that they actually like and want to use, like a new yearly planner for someone who’s constantly writing stuff down, or an OtterBox for someone notorious for dropping their phone.
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, and that matches their personality. Ditch the plain white socks for quirky, fun designs, and get blouses that match their style (and size!).
Ugly Christmas sweaters are out – unless they’re obsessed with them.
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.
Shop around on Bookshop.org for the best books of the season – you’re sure to find something everyone will want to read!
The Bonus Round
There are far too many types of gifts to include them all in a five gift rule. The fifth idea is a free-for-all bonus gift, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best four options.
Consider making the fifth (or sixth, or seventh!) gift:
- Something to do
- Something handmade
- Something sentimental
- Something focused on their likes
Something to Do
Iryna Kalamurza via Shutterstock.com.
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 Handmade
DimaBerlin via Shutterstock.com.
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
Pixel-Shot via Shutterstock.com.
You know your special someone better than anyone. Get them gifts focused on the things they like most.
Gift artists paint, canvas, and art supplies. Buy your favorite gamers’ 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.
Explore all our gift guides to find the 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!