The five gift rule for Christmas

8th September 2025Rachel.McCarty Share:FacebookShare

It’s easy to get carried away at Christmas and overspend or buy gifts just for the sake of it. To keep gift-giving thoughtful (and budget-friendly), lots of people swear by the five gift rule. 

 

Christmas storage bag filled with gifts

 

Christmas storage bag, £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. The fifth gift is where you can get creative - it’s something they didn’t even know they wanted. Think quirky, unusual, and personal touches that show how well you know them. To inspire you, here are some fun ideas for following 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. Do they love to travel, or are they a candle enthusiast? Here are some of our favourite gifts by interest!

 

 

Water bottle, candles, cocktail glasses and wash bag in four separate images

 

Stainless steel water bottle, £12.95
Dark grey & pink twisted candles (set of 4), £6.95

Green retro glasses (set of 2), £19.95
Quilted makeup bag, £9.95

 

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 lunch ware for all that money-saving meal prepping, storage tins for working from home, or something to stop them losing their glasses, take a look at our collection of colourful essentials to help make the everyday joyful. 

 

Storage tins, glasses case, brush and tea towel images in a four

 

Cacao storage tins, £8.95

Daisy glasses case, £5.95
Table brush and pan set, £8.95

Kitchen garden tea towel, £5.95
 

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 jewellery or fancy dress? Alternatively, keep it low-cost with something small like a pin badge or a hair accessory.

 

headband, apron, pin badge and children's skirt

 

Star headband, £7.95

Khaki utility apron, £19.95
Roller Skate pin badge, £2.95
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?

 

A set of magnetic cat bookmarks, next to a book

 

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 rattan mushroom house? Absolutely. A backscratcher? We’ve got you! 

 

rattan house, sallt and pepper shakers, carafe and backscratcher


Rattan mushroom house, £18.95

Cornish salt and pepper shakers, £6.95

Retro amber carafe, £12.95
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! 

 

 

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