12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas for Him

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure and privacy policy.

Finding Christmas gifts for the men in your life can be tricky. Whether you’re shopping for your husband, dad, son, brother, nephew, or a friend, it seems like the men on our Christmas lists are often the hardest ones to shop for!

That’s where the 12 Days of Christmas can make gift giving a little more fun, and it’s such a fun way to bless him all month long!

Below, you’ll find a quick breakdown of how to organize your 12 days, followed by specific gift ideas for every single day.

Quick Guide: What’s Inside This Post

How Do You Give the 12 Days of Christmas?
Day 1: Budget-Friendly Start/Small and Thoughtful Gifts (A Partridge in a Pear Tree)
Day 2: Gifts for the Coffee Lover (Two Turtle Doves)
Day 3: Gifts for the Guy Who Loves Games (Three French Hens)
Day 4: Gifts for the Gadget Lover (Four Calling Birds)
Day 5: Gifts for the Outdoorsman (Five Golden Rings)
Day 6: Gifts for the Classic Man (Six Geese a-Laying)
Day 7: Gifts for the Tech Lover (Seven Swans a-Swimming)
Day 8: Experience Gifts for Him (Eight Maids a-Milking)
Day 9: Gifts for the Traveler (Nine Ladies Dancing)
Day 10: Gifts for the Book Lover (Ten Lords a-Leaping)
Day 11: Gifts for the Handyman (Eleven Pipers Piping)
Day 12: Gifts for the Man of Faith (Twelve Drummers Drumming)

How do you give the 12 days of Christmas?

The beauty of this holiday tradition is that you can change it to fit your home and your budget! Here are three popular ways families pull this off:

The Traditional Countdown: Give him one small surprise each day starting on December 13th and ending on Christmas Day.
Christmas Day Bundle: Wrap all 12 gifts individually and let him open them all in order on Christmas morning.
Secret Blessing: This is one of my favorite ideas. You could anonymously leave a small gift or treat on someone’s doorstep each day. It could be a friend who needs some encouragement, a neighbor, or a family who could use a little extra Christmas cheer. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, either. A favorite snack, a handwritten note, homemade cookies, or a small act of kindness can be just as meaningful as a purchased gift. Sometimes it ends up being just as much of a blessing to the person giving as it is to the person receiving.

Related: Fun gift exchange game

Day 1: Budget-Friendly Start/Small and Thoughtful Gifts

The 12 Days theme: A partridge in a pear tree

We’re starting small! The first day is a fun opportunity for a little surprise rather than a big expensive present.

Gifts that fit the theme

Fresh pears
Sparkling pear cider
A small bonsai tree for his desk

first day of Christmas gift ideas for him

Other inexpensive gift ideas

His favorite chocolate
Beef jerky
Gourmet popcorn
A favorite snack or drink
A handwritten “coupon” for quality time together
A note telling him something you appreciate about him

You don’t have to spend much on the first day. In fact, a small gift that shows you know what he likes can be more meaningful than something expensive.

Best for: A husband, dad, son, or friend who appreciates the little things.

Day 2: Gifts for the Coffee Lover

The 12 Days theme: Two turtle doves

Gifts that fit the theme

Homemade turtle chocolates (pecans, caramel, and chocolate!) or chocolate covered pecans.
Dove chocolates

Gifts for the coffee lover

Yeti coffee mug
Gourmet coffee beans
French press
Chocolate-covered espresso beans
Gift card to his favorite coffee shop
Coffee bean grinder
Milk frother

If he’s already particular about his morning coffee, a grinder or French press could make a great gift. If he’s more of a grab-and-go coffee guy, a good travel mug or coffee shop gift card might be the better choice.

Best for: The guy who doesn’t want to talk to anyone until he’s had his coffee. 😂

Day 3: Gifts for the Guy Who Loves Games

The 12 Days theme: Three French hens

Three French hens is definitely one of those days where you have to think outside the box!

Gifts that fit the theme

French cookbook
A box of macarons or croissants
French restaurant dinner
Chicken homemade dinner

Or skip the theme altogether and use this as an excuse to give him something he can actually have fun with.

Gifts for the guy who loves games

This is a good day to think about what he already enjoys doing. If he’s always up for a game night with the family or enjoys getting together with friends, a game can be a gift that everyone gets to enjoy.

Best for: The competitive guy, game-night lover, or anyone who always says, “Just one more game.”

Day 4: Gifts for the Gadget Lover

The 12 Days theme: Four calling birds

Calling birds gives us a few fun directions to go.

Gifts that fit the theme

But if birds aren’t really his thing, this is a great day to shop for the gadget lover.

Gifts for the gadget guy

9-in-1 multi-tool pen set for his pocket.
A key finder or an Apple air tag so he never loses his keys or wallet before work again.
A universal socket tool for quick household fixes.
Roku or Fire TV stick for his favorite streaming shows.
Endoscope camera

The best gadget gifts are the ones that solve a little problem or make something easier. If he’s the guy who loves having the latest little tool or gadget, this is the day to have some fun with it.

Day 5: Gifts for the Outdoorsman

The 12 Days theme: Five golden rings

Okay, we’re stretching this theme a little!

Gifts that fit the theme

A fun lawn ring toss game.
A sleek Ring video doorbell for the front porch.

But if the guy you’re shopping for loves being outdoors, I’d use this day for something much more practical.

Gift ideas fir the outdoorsy guy. — Gift Ideas For the Outdoorsy Guy

Gifts for the outdoorsy guy

A heavy-duty Lodge cast iron Dutch oven or skillet.
A high-quality pocket knife.
First Aid Kit
Solar-powered portable phone charger for camping or road trips.
Pack of reusable handwarmers for chilly winter mornings.

Think about what he actually likes to do outside. Camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, working in the yard, or just spending time outdoors can all give you clues about what would make a useful gift. Practical gifts are not boring when they’re things he’ll actually use.

Best for: The outdoorsman, camper, hunter, hiker, or backyard adventurer.

Day 6: Gifts for the Classic Man

The 12 Days theme: Six geese a-laying

Gifts that fit the theme

A plush goose feather comforter or pillow.
A bottle of Grey Goose if he enjoys a classic drink.
Or Cadbury chocolate eggs.

Gifts for the classic man

A classic pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses.
Genuine leather gloves for winter.
An RFID-blocking slim leather wallet.
A bottle of his signature cologne or a fresh tie.
A wristwatch.

If you’re shopping for a man who tends to stick with the classics, you don’t necessarily need to find something unusual. Sometimes replacing something worn out like his wallet, gloves, or everyday shoes makes a fantastic Christmas gift.

Best for: The husband, dad, or son who appreciates classic, timeless gifts.

Day 7: Gifts for the Tech Lover

The 12 Days theme: Seven swans a-swimming

For this one, we’re going with the swimming theme.

Gifts that fit the theme

Swimming trunks.
oversized beach towel.
Goggles.
A day at the pool.
Take him somewhere you can go swan watching.

And if he’s more interested in technology than swimming, I’ve got you covered there, too.

The best gifts for the tech guy

Noise-canceling wireless headphones.
A portable Bluetooth speaker for the garage or backyard.
A Rocketbook reusable smart notebook for work notes.
LED flashlight gloves for working in dim spaces.

The best tech gift really depends on what he already owns and what he enjoys. A Bluetooth speaker might be perfect for someone who loves music, while a reusable notebook could be a better fit for someone who is always making lists or taking notes.

Best for: The tech lover, music lover, or guy who is always excited about a new tech gadget.

Day 8: Experience Gifts for Him

The 12 Days theme: Eight maids a-milking

We’re just going to say milk is the theme for today, mmmkay? 😂

Homemade cookies and milk.
Hot cocoa mix.
A nice mug.
Take him out for a milkshake date.

But I’m going to take this day in a completely different direction because experience gifts are always an excellent choice.

If you’re shopping for a man who already has plenty of stuff, give him something he can actually experience.

Experience gift ideas

Tickets to see his favorite sports team play.
A gift card to a restaurant he’s been wanting to try.
An overnight weekend getaway just for the two of you.
Passes to an amusement park or local museum.
Gym membership.

Experience gifts can be especially meaningful because you’re not just giving him something to open. You’re giving him something to look forward to.

And honestly, an overnight getaway with your husband sounds pretty good to me!

Best for: The man who has everything or would rather make memories than collect more stuff.

Day 9: Gifts for the Traveler

The 12 Days theme: Nine ladies dancing

Anything involving music or dancing is a great choice for this one.

Gifts that fit the theme

Ballroom or swing dancing lessons together.
A vintage-inspired record player.
Or a digital music subscription.

Gifts for the traveler

A sturdy carry-on suitcase or a leather passport wallet.
A compact travel power strip or European plug adapter.
Power Bank.
A supportive travel neck pillow for long car rides or flights.

Best for: The frequent traveler, road trip lover, or guy who is happiest with a suitcase packed and a trip on the calendar.

Related: Comforting Travel Bible Verses

Day 10: Gifts for the Book Lover

The 12 Days theme: Ten lords a-leaping

Jumping, lords… Lord of the Rings. See what I did there? 😂

Gifts that fit the theme

Or use this day for the guy who always has a book nearby.

Best gifts for the book lover

A clip-on LED book light.
Leather bookmark.
A wood book page holder for easy reading.
A cozy pair of fun socks.
Kindle Paperwhite

If he loves to read, you don’t necessarily have to buy him another book. A few useful accessories can make his reading time even better.

Best for: The reader, history buff, audiobook listener, or guy who always has a book on his nightstand.

Day 11: Gifts for the Handyman

The 12 Days theme: Eleven pipers piping.

Pipes are another theme that requires a little imagination.

Gifts that fit the theme

Soothing pipe wind chimes for the back porch
Or a heavy-duty pipe wrench set.

Gifts for the handyman

A high-powered shop vacuum for the garage.
Portable LED work lights for DIY projects.
Heavy-duty leather work gloves.
A gift card to his favorite local hardware store.

If your guy is happiest wandering around the hardware store looking for his next project, a hardware store gift card might honestly be one of the best gifts you can give him.

Best for: The handyman, DIY guy, woodworker, or man who always has a project going.

Day 12: Gifts for the Man of Faith

The 12 Days theme: Twelve drummers drumming.

And for the final day, you could always give him a bucket of chicken drumsticks. 😂 But if you’re looking for a more meaningful gift, this is a beautiful opportunity to give something to the man of faith in your life.

Gifts for the man of faith

A beautiful new leather-bound Bible or a daily devotional book.
The Chosen DVD collection for family movie nights.
A Bible study companion guide, charts, maps, and timelines.
But my favorite idea on this list might be the simplest one: Write him a note telling him how much you love and appreciate him. Tell him what you admire about him. Thank him for the things he does that might go unnoticed. Tell him what kind of husband, dad, brother, son or friend he has been to you. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give someone a meaningful gift. Sometimes a few sincere words are the gift he’ll remember the longest.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 12 Days of Christmas

How much should I spend on 12 days of Christmas gifts?

You don’t need a big budget to make this meaningful! I’ve seen some people mix simple treats, printable coupons, and homemade baked goods for the first 11 days, saving one bigger or special gift for Day 12 or Christmas morning.

When do you start giving the 12 Days of Christmas gifts?

If you want the final gift to land on Christmas Day, start giving your first gift on December 13th. However, usually, the traditional 12 days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas Day (December 25th) and run through Epiphany on January 6th. You can choose whichever timeline works best for your family!

What are good cheap ideas for the 12 days of Christmas?

f you’re trying to keep your Christmas spending under control, don’t feel like every one of these gifts needs to be something you purchase. Some of the best gifts are homemade.

Make his favorite cookies. Put together a basket of snacks he loves. Cook his favorite dinner. Plan a date night. Write him a letter. Give him a coupon for an afternoon doing something he enjoys.

And if you’re shopping for the guy who already has e v e r y t h i n g, sometimes the answer isn’t to find him more stuff.

Give him an experience.

Give him something he’ll use.

Give him something that reminds him of you.

Or simply give him your time.

Blessings on Your Holiday Season!

I hope these 12 Days of Christmas gift ideas for him have given you some inspiration and made your Christmas shopping a little easier.

And if you’re feeling stuck on what to buy, remember that you don’t have to find the perfect gift. The best gifts usually come from simply knowing the person you’re giving them to.

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day here with me.

From my home to yours, I wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas season spent with your loved ones.