I am always looking for unique holiday gifts for the Christmas season. This year I decided to do the 12 Days of Christmas. Most of us are familiar with that song, but if you aren’t, it’s about a true love gifting to his beloved for twelve days and what he gets her each day. There are a few ways that this can be done, but basically, you gift gifts according to the song “The 12 Days of Christmas”. The themes are:
- A partridge in a pear tree
- Two turtle doves
- Three French hens
- Four calling birds
- Five golden rings
- Six geese a-laying
- Seven swans a-swimming
- Eight maids a-milking
- Nine ladies dancing
- Ten lords a-leaping
- Eleven pipers piping
- Twelve drummers drumming
I think this is a fun and special way of gifting and I am so excited to do it. There are several ways to do gifts the “12 Days of Christmas” and here are some of them:
- Gift one gift per day for twelve days based on each days’ “theme”
- Gift twelve gifts together based on each “theme”
- Gift for twelve days xx number of gifts for each day
What I am doing this year, is I am gifting one gift per day for each theme over twelve days. All of my gifts are outdoor-related or can be used on outdoor adventures, and vary in price. I’ve tried to keep each gift as affordable a possible. You do not have to take each verse literally. It’s all about having fun. If you choose to gift one gift per day, if you start on the 13th the final gift would be on Christmas Eve or if you start on the 14th, the final gift would be on Christmas day. Most gifts are under $20.00 and there are several under $10.00.
Day 1: A Patridge in a Pear Tree
The main words that stick out to me are tree and pear. I think anything related to wood, trees or pears would be perfect for day one.
- Dried Pears or Fruit – This makes a great healthy and convenient snack perfect for camping, hiking or any outdoor adventure
- Enamel Mug with Candle – This durable mug is perfect for camping and comes with a pine/vanilla scented candle inside. It’s two presents in one and just use the mug for any outdoor adventure once the candle is burned done.
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
For the second day or as the second gift, I chose something with turtles. I thought that a neck gaiter was perfect, especially because it looks like a turtle-neck. Get it?
- Turtle Fur Neck Gaiter – This is perfect as an ear or neck warmer in the cooler weather. It is super soft and warm.
- Neck Gaiter with Turtles – I continued with the turtle neck ideas, but this one has turtles printed on it and is perfect for warmer weather. I use mine as a face covering, but also to pull my hair back or as a sweat barrier.
Day 3: Three French Hens
I don’t think I’ll be finding any French hens soon, but I can think of a few things that are French and useful for outdoors. I wanted to pick items that I usually use when camping or backpacking, but were useful too.
- French Press – Without having electricity while camping, there has to be a way to make coffee quickly and efficiently. If you don’t like cowboy coffee, a French press is perfect to make that morning cup.
- Pocket Knife – One of the most common outdoor tools, a pocket-knife is one of the most useful objects to have when on any outdoor adventure.
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
On day four, I decided to give something that had to do with birds. This was an easy one, because there are so many outdoor bird-related items. I love bird watching, but I also wanted to include something useful too.
- Binoculars – This little pair is perfect for slipping into a backpack or day pack. I usually pull mine out once or try to watch birds or wildlife.
- Bird Identification Guide – If you are a bird watcher, then you know that there are hundreds of different kinds of birds. I am in a Facebook group that is all about bird identification.
- Emergency Whistle – This should be something that should be in anyone’s pack in case of emergencies. It is one of the best ways to signal for help if you are hurt or get lost.
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
This was an easy one too. So many ideas to choose from, even more if you don’t take golden rings literally. After a lot of contemplation, I was able to narrow it down to things that were gold.
- Spork – This is our go-to utensil for camping and backpacking. Having one less utensil means less gear to pack and keep track of.
- Carabiners – I love carabiners, especially for backpacking and fishing. It’s a great way to hook gear to the outside of your pack so it’s easily within reach.
- Tactical Flashlight Lighter Combo- Fire and light are two of the most important essentials for any outdoor adventure.
Day 6: Six Geese A-laying
When I think of geese, I think of eggs and feathers. Down sleeping bags, booties, hoods and jackets are perfect for cold weather camping. And eggs make the best breakfast.
- Down Hood – Even summer camping, I get cold and wear a hat to bed. We do lose more heat through our heads than anywhere else. Wearing a hat while camping is one of the best ways to stay warm while sleeping and stay asleep.
- Freeze Dried Meals – Freeze dried meals are a convenient way to eat while camping or backpacking. Just add water and no refrigeration required.
- Egg Holder – Eggs in cardboard cartons don’t don well in coolers, the paper just becomes a mess and the eggs break. I often will crack mine beforehand into a container or use a plastic egg carton.
Day 7: Seven Swans A-swimming
When I think of swans, I think of swimming or water. I decided to choose things that are water related. Again, you don’t have to take it literally.
- Dry Bag – This is a useful item for fishing, backpacking and kayaking. It keeps your gear nice and dry.
- Rain Poncho – A rain poncho is great to have in case of a downpour. Nobody likes being in the rain.
- Water Bladder – Staying hydrated is the most important thing on any outdoor adventure. Dehydration can lead to serious illness and death.
Day 8: Eight Maids A-milking
There are no milkmaids in the back country, but I have encountered cows while camping. I chose items that have to do with milk.
- Single Serve Hot Cocoa – Single serve hot cocoa is great for camping and backpacking. It’s a convenient way to have a hot drink without having to haul a huge container. Hot cocoa mix can also be used as coffee creamer.
- Goat’s Milk Soap or Lotion – Being outdoors can really dry out your skin. I have found a good goat’s milk soap or lotion really re-hydrates it and even prevents chaffing in certain areas.
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
Dancing and music go together like salt and pepper. I love gazing under the stars or over the lake and listening to music.
- Ear Buds – A good and affordable pair of Bluetooth air buds makes a great gift for any outdoorsy person. So many people listen to music while hiking, snowboarding, fishing and even to go to sleep.
- Mini Speaker – I have an older car, so I have a mini speaker so I can listen to music. It’s always nice listening to music around the camp fire. The kids love a good dance party with glow sticks.
Day 10: Ten Lords A-leaping
This was a hard one. Thank you to my awesome sister-in-law for helping me come up with good ideas. Lords a-leaping is basically guys moving around, alot. Think movement and guys.
- Guy Line (Paracord) – Paracord is one of those thing that you never know you will need until you actually need it. I’ve used paracord as a clothes line, tying things down, making a raft and even as an impromptu bungee cord.
- Healer Stick – I move a lot when I am outdoors, and the older a get, the more I hurt at the end of he day. I great healer stick for sore muscles is a must.
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
When I thinks of pipers piping, I think of plaid and bagpipes. You can’t haul bagpipes up a mountain, but you can carry something pipe-like.
- Reusable Straw – Using a reusable straw may not seem like a big thing, but every little bit counts to reduce the use of single-use plastics. A silicone tipped steel straw or a silicone straw is best, you’re less likely to ship your teeth, which is a huge problem with just regular steel reusable straws.
- Lifestraw Personal Water Filter – I carry one of these in case of emergencies while hiking and also have one in my emergency bag at home. Water is life.
- Plaid Camping Pillow – You can stuff your jacket into your stuff sack, but an inflatable camping pillow is better and makes for a better nights sleep.
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Dreaming
One of my favorite memories is my brother drumming on the bottom of a thermos around the campfire while my brother-in-law played the guitar. Not everyone is talented enough to play the thermos, so I picked a few useful outdoor items that are drum-shaped.
- Bear Canister – Any time you are in the woods, it is important to store your food properly.
- Cookware Set – A good cookware set is essential for any camping and backpacking trip. It’s a really useful piece of gear. How are you going to eat if you do not have something to cook it in?
If you haven’t found the perfect outdoorsy gift here for that special someone, I do have some other wonderful gift guides:
- Gifts for Hikers and Other Outdoorsy People
- Best Fishing Gifts for Men, Women and Kids
- Reader-recommended Gifts and Gear
- 25 Outdoor Adventure Books to Read Right Now
- Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Guys
Do you have any suggestions of other ideas that would fit for the 12 Days of Christmas theme? Be sure to drop your ideas in the comments. On a side note, I know that this year has been hard for all of us. We need to remember that we are all in this together and we will get through this. Have a wonderful holiday season. xxoo Love, Pauline
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