Need to get a Christmas wish list ready for your family name exchange or for your parents, but not sure where to start? It is difficult to make a great Christmas list on the spot. Usually as adults we are busy thinking about our gifts to others and our kids lists and gifts. Our own Christmas list is the last thing on our mind.
It can be difficult to think of good ideas for someone else to buy for you. It is not like you can just jot down anything you need at the moment. They need to be list friendly items. This means you want the items to be something easy for the gifter to get. It should be something easy to understand, specific, in a good price range, and readably available.
For example, do not write down “black shoes.” This would be very difficult for someone else to pick out for you. On the other hand, if you don’t care about a specific brand, something like blue bath towels is a simple gift idea for someone to buy. This is something they can get at many different places and have lots of options.
7 Easy Steps to Make a Great Christmas List
1. Keep a Running List
The easiest and most important way to make a great Christmas list is to keep a running list all year long. This is the most important thing my husband and I each do to make a great Christmas list. We actually get compliments on how nice our lists are each year. Continually, we keep a running list in a note on our phone. Then each time we think of a gift idea we type it in. This may not help if you need a list immediately, but going forward keep a list and you won’t have to be in a crunch.
2. Look at Past Lists
Each year I review the past several year’s Christmas list to see if I could use anything again or more of something. If you needed it before chances are you may need it again. There is nothing wrong with having the same thing on your list each year. For example, each year I put my specific face lotion on my list. I use it every day so after a year I need another one.
3. Think Through What You Wear
Go through everything you wear or put on throughout the day. Do you need anything for your feet (socks, shoes, sandals, nail polish, foot care products)? Or how about your face (lotions, make up, accessories, sunglasses)? Check through all body areas.
4. Daily Use Items
Go through things you use daily. What do you need a refill on or something that would make your daily life easier.
5. Go Through Your House
Think about your house room by room. Determine if there is anything you need in a certain room. If it helps – walk into each room and take a look around. Do not forget your basement and garage as there are many of potential gifts ideas in these areas. This is a great way to come up with ideas for a Christmas list.
6. Be Specific
Be specific with what you want and your list items. Give a lot of details and avoid being vague. This makes it easier for the gifter and ensures you get what you put down. For instance, a list item “sweatshirt” is not as good as “Large green Nike sweatshirt with or without a hood.” Include details like color, size, brand, style, even potentially where to find it.
7. Have a Variety
Lastly, come up with a variety of list items. You can’t have a list that is too long. In addition, try to have all different price ranges for the items.
Sample List Ideas
Some good sample homewares that you can always use and make good list items:
- Kitchen towels
- Bath towels
- Kitchen dishcloths
- Kitchen utensils
- Hand soaps
- Lotion
- Candles
Some good sample clothing items that make good list items:
- Socks
- Scarves
- Accessories
- Exercise or athletic gear
- Sportswear
Click here for some more gift list ideas.
Final Thoughts on Making a Great Christmas List
With making a great Christmas list you please the gifter besides getting items you want. Generally, make a larger list with details to give the gifter options and so they know what you are thinking. I love getting people in name exchanges with a detailed list with a variety of items. It gives me some options on what to purchase especially if i can’t find something on the list. On the other hand, if you have items that are so exact that leaves nothing up to the gifter which is not fun either.
Leave a Reply