12 Days of Christmas Ideas for couples, newlyweds and married

This is such a cute idea. 12 days of gift giving is becoming a popular couple Christmas tradition.

Some start on the 13th of December and give a gift a day until Christmas day. But actually the 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas day, so traditionally should start then. But hey, we say do it the why you want to.

I am going to do it this year as a surprise and I will start on Christmas day. Mainly because after Christmas can be a little meh and I am hoping this will carry on the fun!

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The 12 days of christmas

The “12 Days of Christmas” refer to the festive period starting on Christmas Day (December 25th) and ending on the eve of Epiphany (January 5th).

This period is traditionally known as Christmastide, and each of these 12 days historically had its own significance, often associated with different saints or feast days in Christian tradition.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the days:

December 25th (Christmas Day) – Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
December 26th (Second Day of Christmas) – Feast of St. Stephen (Boxing Day in some countries).
December 27th (Third Day of Christmas) – Feast of St. John the Apostle.
December 28th (Fourth Day of Christmas) – Feast of the Holy Innocents, remembering the children killed by King Herod.
December 29th (Fifth Day of Christmas) – Feast of St. Thomas Becket.
December 30th (Sixth Day of Christmas) – St. Egwin of Worcester.
December 31st (Seventh Day of Christmas) – New Year’s Eve (Feast of Pope St. Sylvester).
January 1st (Eighth Day of Christmas) – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
January 2nd (Ninth Day of Christmas) – Feast of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen.
January 3rd (Tenth Day of Christmas) – Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.
January 4th (Eleventh Day of Christmas) – Feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
January 5th (Twelfth Day of Christmas) – Eve of Epiphany, sometimes called Twelfth Night, celebrating the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

The 12 days of christmas song

The song “The 12 Days of Christmas” is a traditional English Christmas carol that lists a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the 12 days of Christmas. The song begins on the first day of Christmas and adds a new gift with each verse, culminating in a long list of all the gifts by the twelfth day.

Here are the gifts mentioned in the song for each of the 12 days:

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

couple embracing on the sofa at christmas

12 days of christmas gift ideas based on the song

Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Gift a Fruit Tree or Plant: Start with something literal—a small pear tree or a favorite potted plant that symbolizes growth in your relationship.
“Partridge in a Pear Tree” Breakfast: Serve up a cozy breakfast in bed featuring pears—like pear pancakes, a pear tart, or even pear preserves on toast.
Birdwatching Date: Plan a nature walk where you can do some birdwatching together, enjoying time outdoors and connecting with nature.

Day 2: Two Turtle Doves

Dove Chocolates: Surprise him with a box of Dove chocolates and enjoy them together with a movie or while sharing stories.
“Love Birds” Couples Massage: Book a couple’s massage or create a spa-like experience at home with soothing music, candles, and massage oils.
Matching Dove Tattoos or Jewelry: If you’re both into it, get matching dove tattoos or a piece of jewelry that symbolizes your connection and peace.

Day 3: Three French Hens

French-Themed Dinner: Prepare or order a French dinner with dishes like coq au vin, French onion soup, or croissants. Light candles and play some French music for ambiance.
“Three Little Surprises”: Plan a day with three little surprises—like a surprise coffee date, a small gift, and a favorite home-cooked meal.
Visit a Local Farm: If you’re near one, visit a local farm that has chickens or hens. You could even buy farm-fresh eggs and cook a special breakfast together.

Day 4: Four Calling Birds

Send Each Other “Calling Cards”: Throughout the day, send each other little love notes via text or sticky notes hidden around the house. Each one could be a reason why you love each other.
Sing Karaoke Together: Get into the spirit of the song with a night of karaoke—singing duets or holiday classics.
Make Bird Feeder Treats: Spend time together making homemade bird feeders to hang in your yard. Enjoy watching the birds that come to visit.

Day 5: Five Golden Rings

Ring-Inspired Jewelry: Gift a piece of jewelry—like a ring, bracelet, or necklace—that holds special significance.
Golden Ring-Themed Dessert: Bake or buy a dessert shaped like rings, such as donuts, bundt cakes, or cookies with gold sprinkles.
Five Small Gifts: Give him five small gifts throughout the day, each wrapped with a little golden ribbon or in gold wrapping paper.

Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying

Brunch with Eggs: Cook up a delicious egg-based brunch—think omelets, quiche, or eggs benedict—using farm-fresh or organic eggs.
“Nest” Building: Spend the day making your home cozier by working on a project together, like building a reading nook or rearranging a room to make it more comfortable.
Gag Gift – Goose Down Pillow: Give a fun and cozy goose down pillow, perfect for snuggling up during the cold winter months.

Day 7: Seven Swans a-Swimming

Swimming Date: If possible, go for a swim together—at a local indoor pool, a hot springs, or even an ice plunge if you’re adventurous!
Swan-Themed Gift: Give a small, elegant gift featuring swans, like a delicate ornament, a piece of art, or a swan-shaped item.
Spa Night: Create a “swimming” experience at home with a luxurious bath for two, complete with bath bombs, candles, and relaxing music.

Day 8: Eight Maids a-Milking

Milkshake Date: Head out for milkshakes at a retro diner or make your own gourmet milkshakes at home with all the toppings.
DIY Ice Cream Night: Make ice cream together from scratch. Get creative with flavors and toppings!
“Milk Maid” Costume: For a playful twist, dress up in themed attire (think something fun like a vintage or playful costume) and enjoy an evening of laughter and games.

Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing

Dance Lesson Date: Take a dance class together—whether it’s ballroom, salsa, or a fun online tutorial in your living room.
Living Room Dance Party: Have a private dance party at home, creating a playlist of your favorite songs, including your wedding dance song.
Attend a Live Dance Performance: If possible, go see a ballet, contemporary dance performance, or holiday show like “The Nutcracker.”

Day 10: Ten Lords a-Leaping

Trampoline Park Adventure: Visit a trampoline park and spend an afternoon leaping around like kids. It’s fun, active, and will make you laugh.
Bungee Jump or Zipline: If you’re adrenaline junkies, surprise him with a bungee jump or ziplining experience. It’s an unforgettable way to get your hearts racing!
Pillow Fight or Jump on the Bed: Keep it simple and fun with an old-fashioned pillow fight or jump on the bed—because sometimes acting like kids is the best way to bond.

Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping

Live Music Event: Take him to see a live band or concert—preferably one with a good brass section to really get into the spirit of “pipers piping.”
Bagpipes and Brunch: If you can find it, attend a brunch or event featuring live bagpipe music or traditional Celtic music.
DIY Music-Making: Buy a set of small instruments (like a recorder, harmonica, or kazoo) and have a silly, impromptu music session at home.

Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming

Finale with a Bang: End the 12 days with a “bang” by attending a festive event with fireworks, drumming performances, or by creating your own noise with drums, pots, and pans to celebrate the final day.
Drumming Workshop: Attend a drumming workshop together or have a drum circle experience if available in your area.
Drum-Themed Gift: Give him a small percussion instrument, like a djembe or bongo, and have fun making your own rhythms.

12 days of gift ideas for couples

Day 1: A Personalized Love Note

Idea: Start with a heartfelt, handwritten love letter. Reflect on your relationship, what you appreciate about him, and your hopes for the future. Hide it somewhere unexpected—like in his coat pocket or on his pillow.

Day 2: “Two of a Kind” Matching Gifts

Idea: Get something you can both enjoy together. This could be matching cozy socks, personalized mugs, or even matching T-shirts with a fun inside joke or a phrase meaningful to you both.

Day 3: Three Favorite Snacks

Idea: Gather three of his favorite snacks or treats and package them in a festive way. You could include a note saying something like, “Here are three reasons why I love you—each one sweeter than the last.”

Day 4: Four-Photo Collage

Idea: Create a small photo collage with four pictures that capture your favorite moments together. You can frame it or make it into a digital slideshow accompanied by your wedding song or another meaningful tune.

Day 5: Five-Star Home Dinner

Idea: Cook a five-course meal at home featuring his favorite dishes. If cooking isn’t your thing, order in from a restaurant you both love. Set the table with candles, play soft music, and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

Day 6: Six-Pack of Craft Beer or Special Drink

Idea: Surprise him with a six-pack of his favorite craft beer or another drink he enjoys. If he’s not into beer, consider something like a selection of specialty sodas, wine miniatures, or even a variety of hot sauces if he’s into that.

Day 7: Seven Days of Sweet Texts

Idea: Over the next week, send him a sweet or flirty text message each day. It could be a reason why you love him, a fond memory, or even a playful inside joke.

Day 8: Eight-Hour Adventure

Idea: Plan an eight-hour day trip or adventure together. This could be a hike in a nearby park, a road trip to a new town, or visiting a local museum or attraction you’ve never been to. End the day with a meal at a cozy restaurant or a picnic.

Day 9: Nine Holes of Golf (or His Favorite Hobby)

Idea: Treat him to nine holes of golf at a nearby course or arrange a day dedicated to his favorite hobby. Whether it’s a round of golf, a session at a driving range, or something else he loves, it’s a thoughtful way to show you care about his interests.

Day 10: Ten-Item Scavenger Hunt

Idea: Create a scavenger hunt with ten clues that lead to small gifts or love notes hidden around your home or neighborhood. Each clue can be a fun memory, an inside joke, or a hint about the next location.

Day 11: Eleven Reasons Why I Love You

Idea: Write down 11 reasons why you love him and present them in a creative way. You could create a small booklet, write them on slips of paper and place them in a jar, or even record a short video of you reading them out loud.

Day 12: Twelve Days of Memories Jar

Idea: For the final day, give him a “Memories Jar” filled with 12 memories or moments from your relationship that mean a lot to you. Each slip of paper can have a note about a specific moment, trip, or experience that you cherish.

female couple hugging in christmas outfits and hats

12 days of gift ideas for newlyweds

Here are some ideas for newlyweds to make their first Christmas together special and memorable:

Create a Personalized Christmas Ornament with your wedding date or a photo from your big day.
Recreate Your Wedding Day Menu for Christmas dinner, complete with dessert.
Set Up a “First Christmas” Photo Shoot in festive attire or with holiday-themed props.
Write Each Other Love Letters to be opened on Christmas morning.
Make a “First Christmas Together” Scrapbook with photos, notes, and memories from the holiday season.
Host a Mini “Christmas Reception” for just the two of you, with your first dance song and wedding cake.
Start a New Tradition Together, like baking a special holiday treat or watching a favorite Christmas movie.
Create a Holiday Memory Jar filled with notes about your favorite moments from your first year of marriage.
Exchange Personalized Gifts that reflect something unique about your relationship.
Plan a Cozy Christmas Eve at Home, with matching pajamas, hot cocoa, and a holiday movie marathon.
Visit a Local Christmas Market or holiday event to experience the season in a festive setting.
Decorate Your First Christmas Tree Together, incorporating elements from your wedding like ribbon in your wedding colors.
Watch Your Wedding Video or look through your wedding album on Christmas Eve as a special reminder of your journey.
Create a Time Capsule to open on a future Christmas, filled with memories from your first year of marriage.
Take a Romantic Christmas Walk under the stars or through a beautifully lit park.
Recreate Your Honeymoon Destination at Home with themed decor, food, and music.
Write Your Goals for the Next Year Together and place them in a special box to open next Christmas.
Host a Holiday Brunch with family or friends, showcasing a mix of your family traditions.
Create a “12 Days of Christmas” Gift Exchange with small, meaningful gifts leading up to Christmas.
Toast to Your First Christmas with a special bottle of champagne or wine saved from your wedding day.