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Original poster

A gift every day in December

77 replies

PinkFizz1 · 11/09/2021 16:50

I was thinking of something different I could do for DP instead of an advent calendar.

I was thinking of wrapping a small (maybe stocking filler sized) present for every morning in December. Does that sound like a good unique idea? Does anyone have any ideas what I can do?

He loves books, nature, junk food!, science, eco friendly things, fantasy shows like GoT, and gardening.

Would this be a really silly idea?

OP posts:
Islamorada · 11/09/2021 19:06

Do it. Is fun and something to look forward in the darkest days of winter. It is not unique we do it as a family.

Auroreforet · 11/09/2021 19:12

You could get a jigsaw made from a photograph and do a bit each day of December.
One gift that lasts and is personal.

MsSquiz · 11/09/2021 19:16

I once did an advent calendar for DH before we got married. It was 24 A5 envelopes and included things like bags of haribo, foodie items he likes but doesn't often buy, offers of making his favourite meal, watching his favourite film, a walk along the coast with fish and chips, cinema date, lunch out, etc.

He really appreciated the thought that I put into it

Original poster
PinkFizz1 · 11/09/2021 19:17

@Auroreforet

You could get a jigsaw made from a photograph and do a bit each day of December. One gift that lasts and is personal.
Fantastic idea, thank you!
OP posts:
Original poster
PinkFizz1 · 11/09/2021 19:18

@MsSquiz

I once did an advent calendar for DH before we got married. It was 24 A5 envelopes and included things like bags of haribo, foodie items he likes but doesn't often buy, offers of making his favourite meal, watching his favourite film, a walk along the coast with fish and chips, cinema date, lunch out, etc.

He really appreciated the thought that I put into it

That’s brilliant, just what I was thinking of. Thank you!
OP posts:
BendingSpoons · 11/09/2021 19:23

My mum did something similar when I was about 18. She had a small envelope (A6) with a present in. Some days were chocolate, a pound coin etc, others were a bit of makeup etc.

Thethreecs · 11/09/2021 19:29

Well last year on here I discovered adult advent calendars, I didn't even know they were a thing. There was such excitement from so many posters opening their calendars every morning. There were food ones, make up, perfume, beauty products etc so I guess what you're suggesting is quite similar except you are making it yourself. If you think he'd enjoy opening something every morning then go for it, it's not like you're wrapping cars and diamonds.

thelegohooverer · 11/09/2021 19:29

I make a fuss of dh in December. It’s the hardest time for him work wise and he misses out on all the fun the rest of us have.

It’s not gifts, as such, but silly things like warming his coat on the radiator, putting a Christmassy air freshener in his car, getting him a box of flavoured coffees for work.

He gets an advent calendar but it’s always chocolate and he shares them with the dc so I like to find ways to pamper him too.

Poppins17 · 11/09/2021 19:32

Why don’t you do 24 notecards with personal messages and maybe a ‘voucher’ on the back… sometime along the lines of 1 - date night, 2 - massage, 3 - takeaway of his choice, 4 - cook his favourite meal - not all food related but you get the idea

VestaTilley · 11/09/2021 19:43

It is silly. The period you’re talking about is Advent - the time of waiting and anticipation.

Where is the excitement on Christmas Day if he’s already had 24 presents?! Mad.

StoatMilk · 11/09/2021 20:07

@PersonaNonGarter

I wouldn’t do gifts - it’s sort of grotesque.

You could do ‘treats’ - lift to work, coffee in heated mug, his choice of tv.

But honestly, this is a bit…consumer

‘Grotesque’ give over, talk about over dramatic Hmm
FlatteredFool · 11/09/2021 20:16

I know someone who was bought a gift for the 12 days of Christmas by her now DH when they were first courting. I thought that was terribly romantic but then I know them well and they are romantic and thoughtful and not at all into consumerism. They are the most down to earth people I know and possibly the loveliest people too.

I think a gift for every day is a bit much. I think the expensive advent calendars are too much though and think back to my card calendar as a child that had a sprinkling of glitter and how I loved opening it each morning to see what the picture was. We have a refillable one that I've had since dd14 was 1. I fill it with their favourite chocolate but door 24 always has something special in for them to hang on the tree.

Auroreforet · 11/09/2021 20:20

@thelegohooverer

I make a fuss of dh in December. It’s the hardest time for him work wise and he misses out on all the fun the rest of us have.

It’s not gifts, as such, but silly things like warming his coat on the radiator, putting a Christmassy air freshener in his car, getting him a box of flavoured coffees for work.

He gets an advent calendar but it’s always chocolate and he shares them with the dc so I like to find ways to pamper him too.

That's so lovely.
ImNotDancing · 11/09/2021 20:41

God there are some grumps on here Hmm

No ideas but sounds really fun!

FizzyDibdab · 12/09/2021 08:51

Very over the top idea. He'll be thoroughly sick of it by 25th Dec & will be meh about the main gifts as you've taken away the wow factor early.

I'd get him either a traditional picture or chocolate advent calendar and be done with it. Or do something like the reverse advent, where people make daily donations to the Foodbank. Would be a good habit to instill & a reminder that some people are in need. So it's not all focused on kids receiving kids, do crafts, walks, charity activities & Xmas light spotting etc. It's not all about the gifts.

FizzyDibdab · 12/09/2021 08:54

Apologies I misread DP as ds and thought oh Lordy what fresh hell is this. 24 gifts before Xmas on top of normal gifts. Very sorry op but read more slowly!

Anothermothernamegame · 12/09/2021 08:57

A few years ago I did a weekly 'treasure hunt' through December, for DP.
Every Saturday morning I'd leave a clue as to the date we'd have that night. It was really nice and much more memorable than presents, plus I got to enjoy them too.
The dates were - a couple's massage, Christmas markets, whiskey and cheese tasting, and a Christmas movie marathon (proper organised event with mulled wine etc).
I actually might do it again this year, it was a really nice way to spend December.

spotcheck · 12/09/2021 09:04

I do it for my kids- it's our tradition. They love it, I love doing it.

When they were small, it was a bit of stationary ( or a pencil), a joke, maybe a bit if chocolate. The 24th is generally pyjamas.
As they got older, it has become interesting food items ( one likes to cook), Christmas themed socks, nice lip balm, coffee. Things they will use, but are just a bit more special.

It is fun ( for me too! I sometimes relate the advent treats to activities we have done in the year). Better than a crappy bit of waxy chocolate in an indeterminate shape.

In all the years I've done it, they have never, not even once, been bored by their presents on Christmas morning.

SelkieQualia · 12/09/2021 09:06

Unless it's something like the 24 piece puzzle, I would hate this, particularly from an ecological point of view.

LadyCatStark · 12/09/2021 09:12

It depends on your DH to be fair, mine would absolutely hate it, but you know your DH best.

SaturdaySpread · 12/09/2021 09:14

Boring as hell after the first few days, I'd imagine.

CrazyBaubles · 12/09/2021 09:28

Definitely some grumps on here!

I did something similar a few years ago when DH was up to his eyes with a job and his final year of uni.
I did a mix of actual gifts (a bottle of cider, favourite chocolate bar, small gifts for his hiking hobby) and random vouchers (to cook his favourite meal, promise of a lift home from the pub, control of the tv (with no moaning from me) for an evening). Didn't cost very much and was appreciated.

As being eco friendly is a focus of his, could you maybe give him promises of eco swaps or something instead?

FiloFaxx · 12/09/2021 09:35

I think it's a lovely idea and everyone needs to remember we're all different. I think it would stress me out but you sound like you know what you're doing and obviously know your partner more than anyone on here!!

A mix of small gifts and gestures sounds lovely.

Charley50 · 12/09/2021 09:41

It's a no from me.

lannistunut · 12/09/2021 11:05

The thing about Christmas for me is the traditional formula of waiting for the big day is what works best, once you mess with that you sort of spoil it/diminish it. So loads of gifts isn't going to make things better.

I think really focusing on Christmas prep, getting in the Christmas spirit in the run up all helps to make it more enjoyable when it arrives, so maybe plan some really lovely things to do instead?