Rex London | The five gift rule for Christmas (2024)

It can be easy to get carried away and go overboard buying Christmas gifts or just picking up something for the sake of it. To help focus your gift buying (and watch your wallet), lots of people swear by the five gift rule.

Rex London | The five gift rule for Christmas (1)

Christmas gift tags, £5.95

What is the five gift rule?

In the five gift rule, the first four gifts are pretty straightforward - something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Then, the last gift is where you can really have fun. The fifth gift is something they didn’t know they wanted. We’re talking all things quirky and unusual, that show them just how well you know them. Here are some fun ideas to help you follow the five gift rule this Christmas.

1. Something they want

This sounds simple enough, but unless you have a very organised recipient who draws up a wish-list in advance, sometimes it can be hard working out what to buy. Identifying their interests is a good start, whether it’s a hobby, their job, or even a favourite band or TV show. Do they love to travel, or are they a vinyl enthusiast? Here are some of our favourite gifts by interest!

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Periodic Table mug, £4.95
Wonders of Nature flower press, £12.95
World Map 300 piece puzzle, £7.95
Record ‘I can see clearly now' microfibre cloth,£3.95

2. Something they need

These gifts are usually very functional and practical. But that doesn’t have to mean boring! Whether they need some new lunchware for all that money-saving meal prepping, a reusable shopping bag, or even a bicycle puncture repair kit, take a look at our collection of colourful essentials to help make the everyday joyful.

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Pink and green Daisy recycled shopping bag, £3.95
Table brush and pan set, £8.95
Garden Birds glasses case, £5.95
Le Bicycle puncture repair kit, £4.95

3. Something to wear

Hit your local charity shops if budget doesn't allow for brand new clothes. A cheesy Christmas jumper is always a winner, or crafty types could even add a personal flair to some pre-loved clothes with these three easy ways to update clothes. If you’re giving to kids, you could get creative and think beyond just tops and trousers. How about some fun fancy dress, or an apron for baking and crafting? Alternatively, keep it low-cost with something small like a pin badge or a hair accessory.

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Tilde fabric hairband, £6.95
Roller Skate pin badge, £2.95
Prehistoric Land apron, £8.95
Fairies in the Garden fairy skirt, £6.95

4. Something to read

A book can be one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. If you know exactly what book you want to buy, you can pick it up from your local bookstore. Otherwise, head to a charity shop for a wide range of interesting titles for less. Alternatively, why not pass on a much-loved tome of your own for the ultimate personal gift?

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Magnetic cat bookmarks, £2.95

5. Something they don’t know they want

Our favourite type of gift! Our collection of unusual gifts fits the bill perfectly. A fish-shaped bottle opener? Absolutely. A birdhouse in the shape of a vintage caravan? We’ve got you!

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Fish-shapedbottle opener, £6.95
Cornish salt and pepper shakers, £6.95
Butterfly Garden caravan birdhouse, £19.95
Telescopic back scratcher, £4.95

However many gifts you choose to buy, it really is the thought that counts. Have fun shopping and check out our online gifts if you need some inspiration!

Rex London | The five gift rule for Christmas (2024)

FAQs

What is the 5 Christmas gift rule? ›

The 5 Gift Rule offers a practical and thoughtful approach to Christmas gift-giving. By selecting something they want, need, wear, read, and experience, you ensure that each gift holds significance and brings joy.

What are the 5 gifts for Christmas adults? ›

The 5 gift rule simplifies gift-giving by emphasising five distinct categories: something they want, need, wear, read, and do. It encourages thoughtful, purposeful gift selection based on the recipient's desires, practical needs, style, interests, and experiences, making the process more meaningful and enjoyable.

Is 5 gifts enough for Christmas? ›

There is no magic number but the general consensus seems to be between three gifts potentially up to around five. There will be many factors that contribute to this decisions; how many children you have, presents other family members may buy, how old your children are and, of course, budget.

How many gifts were given in the 12 days of Christmas answer? ›

Now you simply need to substitute 'n' with the number 12 (the twelfth tetrahedral number) and you've solved our puzzle! So there you've got it! Your true love has given you a whopping number of 364 gifts over the 12 Days of Christmas.

What is the 7 gift rule for Christmas? ›

It's where you stick to a budget and buy your loved one (or yourself – no judgement here) a set number of gifts. Each present falls into a different category, and by the 24th; you'll have 7 gifts for them to unwrap. We've taken this concept and adapted it slightly to fit all your jewellery gifting needs.

What was the 5th gift on the 12 days of Christmas? ›

Day 2: Two turtle doves. Day 3: Three French hens. Day 4: Four calling birds. Day 5: Five golden rings.

How much does the average middle class family spend on Christmas? ›

Christmas is a major expenditure for many Americans. According to the latest data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans spend an average of $997.73 each Christmas.

What is the 10 gift rule? ›

10 gift rule for Christmas

In the 10 gifts rule, the four basic gifts remain the same and 6 more are added. These include something to give others, something to do for others, a toy to play with the family, something to make, and footwear.

What is an acceptable amount of gifts for Christmas? ›

“Quality is always better than quantity. Your child doesn't need 20 presents to be happy; a couple of thoughtful, well-chosen gifts will do just fine.” Of course, parents have varying opinions. Some follow the “rule of three.” This means that a child gets three presents, one for each gift baby Jesus received.

What is the best selling Christmas song of all time? ›

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is not only the best-selling Christmas/holiday single in the United States, but also the best-selling single of all time since the advent of recorded music, with estimated sales in excess of 50 million copies worldwide.

What was given on the 7th day of Christmas? ›

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five gold rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

How much would all the gifts cost in 12 days of Christmas? ›

If you wanted to give your sweetie the true “Twelve Days of Christmas” — with gifts repeated several times, according to the song — it would cost $201,972.66. That would include 364 gifts.

What is the 4 Xmas present rule? ›

The 4 gift rule is very simple: you get each of your children something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. Depending on your kid's age, you might ask for their input on some or all of these gifts, or you might choose them all yourself.

How many presents should a child get for Christmas? ›

5 gift rule for Christmas

This approach is typically the most popular. The five-gift rule continues the three-gift rule where the first four gifts are straightforward – something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Then, the fifth gift is something they didn't know they wanted.

What is the 3 gift rule for Christmas? ›

Myers models her list after the Wise Men and gives her children a “gold” present, or something a child would want and treasure, like a favorite toy; a “frankincense” present, or a gift that will be used in worship or spiritual life, like a Bible; and a “myrrh” present, which is something for the body, like clothing or ...

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