Example list
Jordan's Christmas list
- Noise-cancelling headphones$99
- Weighted blanket Gifted
- Ceramic pour-over coffee set$30
- Climbing gym day passesExperience
- Fuzzy house slippers, size 9$25
How to work out what you actually want
Staring at a blank list rarely works, so try asking yourself better questions. What do you use every day that's getting worn out? What have you had sitting in an online cart for months? What did you borrow from a friend this year and wish you owned? What would make your mornings, your commute or your evenings a little better?
Next, think about what you'd love but would never buy for yourself. That's where the best gifts live: the nicer version of something you already use, like a quality pillow, a good knife or proper rain boots. These are easy for other people to give and a real pleasure to receive.
Don't forget the things that aren't things. Classes, tickets, subscriptions and days out make great list items, particularly if your shelves are already full. And it's perfectly fine to ask for contributions toward something bigger, like a trip, a bike or a laptop.
Finally, put in more items than you think you need, at a mix of prices. It gives each person a real choice, and it means nobody has to buy the one thing everyone else was also planning to get.
Turn your ideas into a list
- 1
Choose 10 to 15 ideas
Mix small, medium and big wishes so every budget has an option.
- 2
Add links and details
Paste a store link and note the size or color, so nobody buys the wrong one.
- 3
Share one link
Send it to family. They tap Gift on an item before buying, and each item can only be gifted once.
What to put on your Christmas list
Take what's useful, ignore the rest. Prices vary by store, so add the exact product you want.
For teens
The things teens ask for year after year, plus a few newer favorites.
- Wireless earbuds or headphones
- Portable charger and phone accessories
- Skincare and makeup sets
- Hoodies, sneakers and fan merch
- LED lights and room decor
- Instant camera and film
- Gift cards for games, music and clothes
- Concert or event tickets
For kids
Mix one or two big wishes with plenty of small things relatives can choose from.
- Building sets and craft kits
- A book series they already love
- Scooter, bike helmet or roller skates
- Science and experiment kits
- Dress-up clothes and role-play toys
- Art supplies and a big sketchbook
- Family board games
For women
Everyday upgrades and treats that are lovely to receive.
- Soft robe and matching slippers
- Quality skincare or a favorite fragrance
- A good handbag or tote
- Simple, everyday jewelry
- Heated throw or weighted blanket
- Cooking class or spa day
- Hair tools she's been eyeing
For men
Useful things he'd never get around to buying himself.
- Good wallet or leather card holder
- Grooming kit or quality razor
- Smart watch or fitness tracker
- Grilling tools or a cast-iron pan
- Multi-tool or quality tool set
- Nice wool socks and a warm beanie
- Tickets to a game
For parents and grandparents
Older relatives rarely ask for anything, so these help you suggest something.
- Digital photo frame loaded with family photos
- Custom photo book
- Cozy cardigan or slippers
- Tablet stand or large-print books
- Meal kit or restaurant voucher
- Family history or memoir subscription
Under $25
Handy to include so anybody can buy you something without stretching.
- Nice candle or hand soap
- Paperback from your to-read list
- Favorite snacks or coffee
- Fun socks and mittens
- Puzzle or card game
- Water bottle or tumbler
For college students
Small dorm, tight budget, always hungry.
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Mini fridge or kettle (check dorm rules)
- Gas, grocery and food delivery gift cards
- Backpack or laptop sleeve
- Cozy bedding upgrades
- Care package from home
Gifts that aren't clutter
If your home is already full, ask for these instead.
- Experiences: classes, shows and day trips
- Streaming, audiobook or recipe subscriptions
- Contribution to a trip or big purchase
- Membership at a gym, museum or zoo
- A donation to a charity you care about
For the home
Good for couples or anyone who just moved.
- Air fryer or coffee maker
- Quality bed sheets
- Table lamp or plant stand
- Set of good kitchen knives
- Robot vacuum for a big wish
How to ask without feeling awkward
Wait until you're asked, then send the link
Most relatives are relieved to have a list. When someone asks what you want, a link is an easy answer, and it saves you repeating yourself.
Include a range of prices
Listing gifts from $10 to $100 sends a clear message that small gifts are welcome, so nobody feels pushed to overspend.
Send it by Thanksgiving if you can
If people have your list before Black Friday, they can catch the sales, and they won't have already bought you something else.
Be specific about what matters
Note the size, the color and the model. If you're happy with any version, say so, and they get more choice.
Asking for money is fine
Add an item like "Contribution to my laptop" with a target price. A friend can start a group gift so everyone sees how close it is. You settle the money between yourselves.
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure? These are the questions we hear most.
What should I put on my Christmas list?
Start with things you use daily that need replacing, things you'd love but wouldn't buy yourself, and experiences or subscriptions if you don't want more stuff. Aim for 10 to 15 items at a mix of prices.
What should a teenager ask for at Christmas?
Popular choices include wireless earbuds, skincare sets, hoodies and sneakers, room lights, instant cameras, gift cards for games or clothes, and tickets to events. Add exact links and sizes to avoid the wrong version.
How many things should be on a Christmas list?
Ten to fifteen is a good number for most people. It gives each buyer a real choice without being overwhelming, and more items mean less chance of two people picking the same one.
When should I share my Christmas list?
By late November if you can. Early lists let people shop the Black Friday sales and order before the last delivery dates. You can keep adding to a saved list after you share it.
How do I stop people buying the same thing?
Share a GishFy wishlist instead of a text or a photo. Friends tap Gift on an item before they buy it, and each item can only be gifted once, so the next person is told it's taken.
Can I make a list without signing up?
Yes. Our free wishlist maker works with no account, and you can share or print the list straight away. Save it to a free account if you want people to be able to mark what they're buying.
Got your ideas? Put them in one place
Add them to a list, send one link to the family, and you won't have to answer "what do you want?" again.