Gift ideas · Friday, December 25, 2026

Christmas gift ideas for kids, plus the magic that costs nothing

The presents matter less than the rituals around them. A letter, a wish list and a few traditions do more for the magic than any single gift.

Make it together, free

New pajamas on Christmas Eve. A tradition that makes the morning photos.
An advent calendar of small things. Or of activities: a walk to see the lights, hot chocolate, a Christmas film.
An ornament every year. With the year on it. When they leave home, they take their set with them.
Books on Christmas Eve. The Icelandic Jólabókaflóð: a new book each, and everyone reads in bed.
A gift for someone else. Let the kids choose a toy to give to a donation drive.

Something to want, need, wear and read. Four gifts, one of each. It keeps the pile sane.

A big shared gift. A trampoline, a game table, a family day out. For everyone, from everyone.

When is Christmas 2026?

Christmas 2026 is Friday, December 25, 2026. In 2027 it falls on Saturday, December 25, 2027.

What can the kids make for the kids?

A letter from Santa — Personal, with the details only Santa would know. Printed at home on Christmas Eve. It is free on Keepers of Childhood.

What is a good Christmas gift under $20?

New pajamas on Christmas Eve. A tradition that makes the morning photos.

What if we want to spend more?

A big shared gift. A trampoline, a game table, a family day out. For everyone, from everyone.

Never miss it again. Add your husband or partner on your account and we’ll email them before Christmas with ideas like these. Set up reminders.

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