Christmas may be the most magical time, but it can also feel like a festive frenzy full of gift-giving grinchiness. Between deciphering wish lists, avoiding duplicate pressies, and trying not to blow the budget, it’s easy to forget the many reasons for the season. Enter the Five Gift Rule: your holiday hero, here to save you from present pandemonium.
If you haven’t heard of it, the Five Gift Rule is a simple way to shop smarter, not harder. Instead of drowning loved ones in piles of wrapping paper, you stick to five categories: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, and something to surprise. It’s thoughtful, thrifty, and brimming with yuletide cheer. Here are our tips to unwrap this concept and sleigh this year’s secret Santa!
1. Something they want
This is your chance to be the Christmas elf who delivers the goods they’ve been dreaming of. Whether it’s a shiny new bike for the kids, the latest gadget for your techy cousin, or that posh candle your mum keeps eyeing in the shop window, this gift is all about making their festive wish come true. Bonus points if you can drop hints like Santa and keep it a surprise!
Our picks:
Raspberry & Rhubarb Soy Candle, $44.95, by Circa
Infuse your home with the invigorating blend of tangy rhubarb and sweet raspberry. This soy candle offers a vibrant yet cozy fragrance, perfect for creating memorable moments this holiday season.
Limited Editon Jewel Stand, $279, by Fazeek
Elevate your dessert game with this stunning, handmade borosilicate glass Jewel Stand. Designed to showcase towering creations like tiramisu or croquembouche, it’s a centrepiece worthy of admiration and the ultimate gift for entertainers.
Medicine Ball $310, by Technogym
Upgrade any fitness routine with this premium medicine ball, designed for stability and functional workouts. Its even weight distribution ensures smooth, controlled movements, making it an ideal tool for any health enthusiast.
2. Something they need
A “need” doesn’t sound terribly exciting at first, but practical gifts can truly be the star (atop the tree) that steals the show. Think cosy new bedding, a proper coffee grinder for the caffeine connoisseur, or a sturdy backpack for the one whose old bag is hanging by a thread. These gifts say, “I see you and I’ve got your back,” wrapped up in a bow.
Our picks:
Premium 100% Bamboo Toilet Paper, $66, by Who Gives a Crap
Luxuriously soft and sustainably made, this 100% bamboo toilet paper is as eco-friendly as it is plush. Double-length rolls and 3-ply strength make it a thoughtful, practical gift for eco-conscious loved ones.
2025 Essential Planner + Luxe Pen – Vintage Sage – Ltd Edition, $79.95, by Steph Pase
Plan your best year yet with this compact, feature-packed planner in a chic Vintage Sage design. Perfect for staying organised on the go, it includes habit trackers, meal planners, and even a library of downloadable resources.
Six piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set w/ Magnetic Knife Block, $720, by Hexclad
For the culinary aficionado, this knife set features 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel for precision and durability. Paired with an elegant walnut magnetic block, it’s both functional and stylish—a true kitchen must-have.
3. Something to wear
Nothing says Christmas like a new piece of clothing or an accessory to keep them snug as a Christmas beetle. A cute cozzie, fun flip flops, novelty Christmas socks, or matching family pyjamas are always winners. If you’re feeling extra festive, throw in a touch of sparkle for the season. Glitzy earrings, a sequin bag or a shiny new pair of heels can light up their holiday wardrobe.
Our picks:
EverAU Adjustable Strap Embossed Slip-on Summer Sandal Slides Terrain, $63, by Ugg Express
Comfort meets versatility in these suede slip-on slides with adjustable straps. Designed for all-day wear, they’re perfect for beach trips, casual outings, or lounging – available in neutral colours for effortless styling.
Go Series Tote, $129, by Kiki K
Stay organised in style with this 10-pocket tote, ideal for commutes or travel. Weather-proof zips, padded laptop compartments, and a sleek design make it a practical yet chic gift for busy loved ones.
Hunter Hoops, $199, by Alana Maria
Timeless and versatile, these chunky 14k gold-filled hoops transition effortlessly from day to night. A gift of understated elegance, also available in 925 Sterling Silver.
4. Something to read
Books are the gift that keeps on giving, even after the Christmas tree comes down. For the little ones, a beautifully illustrated storybook or an activity book can ignite their imaginations. For adults, a gripping novel, a cookbook brimming with recipes, or a coffee table book filled with stunning photography is perfect. Not sure what they’d like? A subscription to their favourite magazine or an audiobook voucher will keep them turning the (digital) pages well into the New Year.
Our picks:
Time for Dinner, $49.99, by Adam Liaw
Help loved ones whip up smarter, faster meals with this recipe book from the SBS Food star. Perfect for busy families, it’s packed with practical yet delicious dishes for every day.
Kindle Scribe, $649, at Amazon
The latest release of the popular e-reader Designed combines the benefits of Kindle with a powerful notetaking device. Not only is the world’s greatest e-bookstore at your fingertips, users can now journal, create meeting notes and to-do lists, and even convert handwritten notes to text and email them to themselves or contacts.
Nellie the Narwhal (3 Pack Paperback), $34.95 at Majestic Whale Encounters
This trio of books from the Ocean Tales children’s book series is the ultimate Christmas gift for young ocean lovers. Created by sisters Carmen Ellis and Sarah Cullen of Majestic Whale Encounters, these beautifully illustrated, rhyming books inspire kids to care for marine life.
5. Something to surprise them
Here’s where you can let your creativity shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose. The best surprises are those unexpected little touches that leave the recipient grinning ear to ear. Perhaps it’s tickets to an exotic overseas escape, a personalised mug for their morning brew, or a quirky experience like alpaca walking (yes, that’s a thing!). Surprises are the sprinkles of joy that make Christmas truly unforgettable.
Our picks:
Pacific paradise
Give a loved one a week-long island escape to Tahiti or Fiji. For options for the former, start with a 5-night stay at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts followed by 2 nights at the gorgeously tranquil Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts. Or, surprise someone special with a 5-star, wellness-focused escape to Six Senses Fiji.
Lo Scoglio, Byron Bay
Travel to Italy via Byron Bay at Lo Scoglio. Inspired by the owner’s Sicilian heritage, this luxury villa was designed from the ground up with focus on sustainability, alongside a dedication to healing, health, and happiness. The suite of special features includes a pool, spa, gym, yoga deck, ice bath, and infrared sauna.
Sweet staycation
If a big-budget trip is off the cards, opt for a closer-to-home staycation at your local capital city. One of the best is Pullman Hyde Park in Sydney, located in the epicentre of the Harbour City’s arts and retail precinct
