The anticipation of Christmas is almost more fun than the main event itself. We start getting excited early, sometimes even before November 1 (I’m looking at you, mom!). We bust out the decorations, blast the music, bake the cookies, and really get into the holiday spirit.
Starting December 1, advent calendars are ready to go, counting down the days until December 25. Some folks are even embracing the idea of gifting for the 12 days of Christmas, choosing to split the gifts up over a longer period of time and enjoying them day by day, or just by shaking things up a little bit. Some are even just giving one gift to a different person each day leading up to Christmas. If gift giving is your love language, this is just for you!
So here are some fun gift ideas for the 12 Days of Christmas festivities. As always, my focus is bringing it hyper small, supporting the shops handcrafting and making goodies over mass-production. I hope you love them!
12 Days of Christmas Fun Gift Ideas
1. For the Pizza Lover:
A Pizza Moon Phase Hat from Bre Making Things
I will say, I don’t know many people who don’t love pizza, but there are some that just LOVE pizza, you know? That would be me, not going to lie.
This hand-embroidered hat from Chicagoan Bre Making Things is the perfect idea for the pizza lover. While you’re at it, take a look at her other foodie embroidered hats featuring hot dogs and iced coffee.
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2. For the Adventurer:
A “Take a Few Dirt Paths” John Muir Art Print from Lucky Dog Design Co.
This art print from me, Lucky Dog, is perfect for someone who is always ready to spend time outdoors - whether that’s going on a hike, traveling to a new place, mountain climbing, or kayaking on a river. The desert-style color block design of the print is paired with one of my favorite quotes by John Muir (a mountaineer and writer): “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” You can also get the matching sticker here.
All Lucky Dog Art Prints are designed by me and then carefully printed on thick, felt-textured stock with a vivid, longlasting ink, so it’s sure to make a statement on an adventurer’s wall for a very long time!
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3. For Someone Who Just Loves a Good Candle:
A Candle from Kitchen Sink Candle Co.
Raise your hand if you’re someone who loves to set a vibe with a candle or just loves having fun scents around you. If it’s not you, you definitely know someone who does.
Kitchen Sink Candle Co. has so many amazing scents, but also really knows how to make an incredible quality candle - they only use natural, pure soy wax. What I love most about them is their story - two Boston chefs that met through work, fell in love, and then started a candle company that focuses on their passion for food.
So go ahead, get someone a candle, and while you’re at it, you might as well get yourself one, too.
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4. For the Dog Parent:
A Personalized Dog Bone Ornament from Thorne Creek
Don’t forget the dog parent! Courtney and Dylan at Thorne Creek know wood and pets, and they’ve been designing home pieces centered around dogs for over 7 years now. I just love their leash holders, but let’s give a moment for their dog bone ornaments. This is for the loved one that always puts their tree up early and treasures a new ornament. It’s also perfect for a new dog parent who may not have had a Christmas to get a dog ornament yet - so help them by giving them their first!
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5. For the Sentimentalist (with a pet):
A Custom Pet Portrait from Maker/Scholar
While we’re on the topic of pets, nothing is quite as perfect as commissioning your favorite pet parent a custom hand drawn portrait of their furry friend (or even not-furry friend!). There’s no doubt this piece of art will be framed and cherished for life - a keepsake furever loved.
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6. For the Daydreamer:
A Rainbow Magic Pocket Notebook from Lucky Dog Design Co.
This one IS for the daydreamer, the one who always has a million ideas and dreams as big as their heart. But it’s also for the artist, the one who loves to draw or write things down throughout the day. And it’s also for the planner, who’s always planning the steps or writing the lists for the next project or task ahead. This pocket notebook can go anywhere with someone and makes sure they never miss a beat. Plus, its fun retro rainbow cover (with matching inner cover) will always brighten someone’s day.
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7. For the Bookworm:
A Custom Pressed Flower Bookmark from Kaylie Reads
I am truly obsessed with all flower pressing - it’s a hobby of mine, and I love seeing how people get creative with it. Finding and picking and curating the flowers alone is impressive, but then to organize them to create perfect layouts - phew that’s amazing.
I absolutely adore these bookmarks from Kaylie Reads. You can get a simple flower pressed bookmark or even get someone’s name in it. It’s the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life who loves physical books. This also pairs as a wonderful stocking stuffer!
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8. For the Inspiration-Seeker:
A Happiness & Women Empowerment 2025 Desk Calendar from Lucky Dog Design Co.
For the one who loves inspiration and color. For the one who loves an aesthetically gorgeous desk or home decor. These 12-month desk calendars do both! They give a pop of color and feature a quote from an inspiring woman every single month.
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9. For the Kiddos:
A Timeless Analog Game from Birch House Living
We can’t forget the kids! These handcrafted game boards are perfect for parents (and kids) who are looking to get a bit analog with classic games like tic-tac-toe or matching tiles. They are wonderful for around the house, but also for travel - they make great car and restaurant games. You can also find something for every kiddo at Birch House Living - they design game boards for so many personalities, and also for states.
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10. For the Sticker Obsessed:
A Sticker Subscription from Lucky Dog Design Co.
This isn’t just for the sticker obsessed, this is for the person who always says “oooo sticker!” while out and about, or tries to find the sticker that perfectly matches them. The cool thing about this gift is that it keeps going for as long as you want. Every month, the recipient gets 5 stickers that are perfectly curated from them. Lucky Dog has hundreds of stickers, and we make sure that the ones they are getting, they’ll love.
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11. For the Crafty:
An Embroidery Kit from Keller Design Co.
Portland-based designer Amy pulls from her love of adventure and the outdoors to create truly unique embroidery kits. If someone on your list loves crafting or loves embroidery, take a look at all of the different options Keller Design Co. has. You can get one for a National Park, patches to get crafty on whatever medium, and there are even some ornament options!
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12. For the Person Who Needs a Li’l Self Care Moment:
A Treat Yourself Gift Box from Bon Vivant Gift Boxes
Bon Vivant is the place for gift boxes, and the Treat Yourself Gift Box is perfect for someone who needs to have a moment to themselves (for whatever reason). We all need to take a little time for ourselves, and this box gives the amazing excuse to take an evening or afternoon off to enjoy. If this box isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, you can always add or take out items by making it a custom box. This is one of two gifts on this list where you can order it and have it delivered directly to the recipient, already wrapped beautifully and with a handwritten note.
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And don’t forget the card! Find the perfect card for the perfect human and watch them cherish it. Check out these holiday cards in my shop.
