The 4 gift rule: Four things for Christmas

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The four gift rule has become a popular concept over the past few years. Many of us, recognising the fact Christmas is becoming expensive and commercialised, are looking for ways around it. Choosing just four things for Christmas is a great alternative. So, here is an outline of the four gift rule and a few ideas for the whole family in each category. There are even a few gift suggestions for pets.

The 4 gift rule

1. Something you want
2. Something you need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read

The 4 gift rule is a pretty simple concept and can be adapted to be as expensive or budget friendly as you like. The suggestions in this gift guide are all things you could buy that won’t break the bank. But you could definitely pick up an item for each category from a charity shop or make them yourself. We wrap all our presents in brown paper and string to make them a little more eco friendly too.

The four gift rule: Something you want

The focus is on children in the “something you want” section of my four gift rule gift guide this Christmas. After all, this is the part that children look forward to the most. Receiving a coveted toy that they can play with on Christmas day or all year round with family and friends.

Don’t worry, there’s something for the adults as well – and even a little nod to our four-legged friends! If you buy your pet a stocking filler gift, you’re not alone. Many of us pop something under the Christmas tree so they can feel included on the big day.

The Four Gift Rule For Children: Something You Want

Brains vs Brawn

The combination of mental and physical tasks makes Brains vs Brawn the ideal family game for the festive season. Betting on who is going to pass the challenge they’ve been set adds a little extra strategy. This is suitable for those aged 10 and over and is designed for three players or more.

Anger Smash

Anger Smash is a card game for those aged 8 and over. Simply match pictures, outwit your opponents and engage in a little sabotage to win the game. It’s a race to collect zen and anger sets and the whole family can join in as it’s nice and easy to learn.

Plus-Plus Hexel

Children who love fidget toys are going to be delighted if the Plus-Plus Hexel is in their stocking. Pieces are connected using a flexible cord, so it can go into all sorts of fun forms. Whilst these are fun for everyone, they are particularly great for those with sensory issues such as restlessness, ADHD, Autism and anxiety.

Vegetarian Christmas Hamper

If you’re looking to score points with a gift recipient this year, a Christmas Sweet Hamper HAS to be on your four gift rule list. This vegetarian version is filled with treats like double dips, love hearts, parma violets, candy necklaces, vimto flying saucers and lots more. I highly recommend giving it to someone who is likely to share it with you.

The Four Gift Rule For Adults: Something You Want

Scandi Christmas Candle

It’s all about Scandi vibes at The Copenhagen Company this Christmas. This gorgeous Scandi Christmas Candle smells cloves, cinnamon and spices blended with citrus, vanilla, sandalwood and cedar. It’s beautifully presented and will ensure your recipient has a stunning smelling home.

Sprocket the Dog

Sprocket the Dog is a popular character whose colourful portraits by his owner Sarah Westwood are bringing a little extra colour to the homes of pet-lovers everywhere. Prints, cards, coasters, tea-towels and place mats all feature Sprocket on his fun days out.

Fragrances from Perfume Direct

For many of us, perfume, aftershave or EDT make the “something you want” section of our Four Gift Rule Christmas list. As the gift giver, you’ll be delighted to hear that Perfume Direct offers a huge selection of fragrances at a reduced price, including this Hugo Boss Woman gift set that contains both Eau de Toilette and body lotion.

The Four Gift Rule For Pets: Something Your Pet Wants

Grain-Free Nuri Soft Bites Treats

Nuri Soft Bites from Doodlebone make my dogs’ Christmas gift list every year. They’re natural, nourishing and grain free, as well as being high in Omega 3 fatty acids. They’re available in three flavours – beef, duck and salmon. Marco is willing to give a paw and spin around in circles for whichever flavour is on offer.

The four gift rule: Something you need

It’s all about self care, self-organising and self-indulgence in the “something you need” category of the four gift rule Christmas gift guide this year. This one’s mainly aimed at older children and adults – and of course something for the pets!

Virgin Organic Hemp Seed Oil Super Cleanser

I’ve popped this in the four gift rule “something you need” category, but it’s definitely appropriate for “something you want” as well – especially if you ask my 12 year old. Virgin Organic Hemp Seed Oil Super Cleanser contains no nasties so it replenishes and soothes the skin while it cleans. It’s easy for toxins to get into the pores, so removing them is essential, but some abrasive cleaners damage your skin in the process of cleaning it. This cleaner only contains pure, natural ingredients and is handmade in Scotland and not tested on animals. Ideal for cleansing, protecting and enhancing the skin.

Taylor Swift Calendar 2025

For busy families like ours, a calendar definitely fits into the “something you need” category of the four gift rule. But when it’s a Taylor Swift calendar, there aren’t many tween girls who wouldn’t put it into the “something you want” category as well. This A3 calendar has an image of the singer every month with plenty of space to write in appointments.

Star Wars The Mandalorian Grogu A5 Diary 2025

I know some people tend to use electronic diaries these days but for me, a paper diary is a must. If it’s not in my diary, it doesn’t happen. This adorable hard-back Star Wars The Mandalorian Grogu A5 Diary contains quotes and images of Grogu as well as space for plans, notes, to-do lists and addresses.

Wild natural deodorant, lip balm and body wash

Wild make a wide range of refillable products that would make the “something you need” section of anybody’s four gift rule list. From natural deodorant to body wash and lip balm, the stylish cases are all refillable. For 20% off your whole order, use Wild discount code PLUTOWILD at the checkout or use this money off link to apply it automatically. (Affiliate code / link).

Opies Boozy Fruit

If you have a recipient who enjoys creating boozy recipes for the festive season, they definitely need to be introduced to the Opies selection of fruits in liqueur. These are ideal for trifles, pies and crumbles. They taste pretty amazing on their own too, a Christmassy take on tinned fruit for dessert.

Hot Sauce gifts from the Sauce Shop

Say hello to a giant celebration of Buffalo Hot Sauce, including the latest 3-star Great Taste Award winner. Featuring the Original and friends to excite any true Buffalo lover, the Sauce Shop Buffalo Hot Sauce Flavour Mix makes the a great gift for hot sauce fans. All five of these hot sauces are crafted with Sauce Shop’s very own fermented jalapeño and habanero chillies, bringing layers and layers of flavour. Better still, they’re all suitable for vegetarians.

YAMAS! Greek & Cypriot Cheese Range

Cheese lovers will definitely have the YAMAS! Greek & Cypriot cheese range on their “need” list for the four gift rule. Their selection of authentic products include squeaky halloumi, feta and grilling cheese. They are a huge hit in our house, and ideal for Christmas dinner. They even have a suggestion for squeaky pigs in blankets, using halloumi instead of sausages. I’ll be making those with vegetarian bacon in our house this year, my girls would be furious if I didn’t!

The Four Gift Rule For Pets: Something Your Pet Needs

Doodlebone Light Up Dog Lead

At this time of year, most of us end up walking our pets in the dark. This Doodlebone light-up dog lead will make sure they’re seen. In fact, we recently used ours at a dog-friendly music festival and it made our staffy Bubbles very popular! The lead is easy to recharge and has three fun settings with both still and flashing options. It’s nice and strong and water resistant as well, everything you’d want from a dog lead.

The four gift rule: Something to wear

It’s all about the winter warmers in the “something to wear” section of my four gift rule this year. Warm, dry feet and limited edition hoodies, here we come!

Limited-edition Sock Geeks Christmas Cracker

This Christmas, Sock Geeks are relaunching their popular, limited-edition sock Christmas Cracker that includes a stylish and comfortable pair of socks. Choose a men’s or women’s pair in a festive or non-seasonal design to go in your recipient’s Christmas cracker. All their socks are made from organic cotton and crackers also contain a hat and a joke. This is the ultimate Christmas cracker, containing a gift your recipient will actually want! Their gift presentation boxes are gorgeous too, so if you would prefer to order a gift that doesn’t come in a cracker, do check those out.

Vintage Football and Rugby tops from Toffs

Toffs create handmade replica classic rugby and football shirts in the UK. Sports fans will love the opportunity to get themselves a kit from their favourite era. Options include t-shirts, tracksuit tops, sweatshirts, polos and hoodies like this Vintage British & Irish Lions 1930s zipped hoodie. These are great “something to wear” gifts for four gift rule recipients who love sport.

Shoezone Ankle Boots

Winter boots are an absolute essential in the UK for anyone who wants to keep their feet dry. These Lilley Monica Women’s black lace up ankle boots from Shoezone are a great alternative to Dr Martens. They replicate the Docs look at a more affordable price-point. They have both zips ans laces and provide both great foot / ankle support and a stylish look that goes with everything.

Novelty fluffy socks in cupcake packaging

During the winter, there’s nothing quite like a pair of fluffy socks for wearing around the house. So, it’s not surprised that they are popular Christmas gifts. These novelty socks come in various designs and each is packaged as a cupcake. Dog lovers will enjoy the “All My Other Socks Are Covered In Dog Hair” design and Prosecco enthusiasts can use the bottom of their feet to demand “If You Can Read This Bring Me Prosecco“.

The four gift rule: Something to read

This year’s something to read section of the four gift rule Christmas gift guide is fabulous. Younger children, older children and adults will all find lots of inspiration for their 2025 TBR pile here.

The 4 Gift Rule: Something to Read For Children

Santa Steals Christmas by Eve Nairn-Magnante

It’s Christmas Eve, and a mysterious looking Santa is stealing all the presents that Santa has just delivered! How could this be?! Santa, Rudolph, and the other reindeer must beat the ticking clock to unmask the naughty imposter. Will Rudolph and the elves be able to save Christmas before all the girls and boys wake up? Originally by six-year-old Eve, Santa Steals Christmas is a magical Christmas story written by a child for children everywhere! A fun-filled mystery that will hook in young listeners in the hunt for Santa. Delightful, detailed, colourful illustrations capture the humour and magic of Santa’s world.

Meli and Mac – Rendez-Vous With A Flamingo by Elena Joannides

“It’s expedition o’clock!” cries Mac, putting down his French book. “Expedition Supervisor ready!” replies his sister, Meli. Adventure isn’t far away when they stumble across a lost flamingo who speaks French. Can they help Freddie find his way to the flamingo festival of the year? Join Meli and Mac for some flamingo fun in Serendipity Forest – and use the translation guide to learn a little French along the way! This fully illustrated children’s picture book is packed with magic gadgets, adventure and entertaining characters. The book is written in English but includes a basic introduction to French words and phrases. No background in French is required.

Santa’s Lost Buttons by Kirsty-Louise Garbutt

Kirsty-Louise Garbutt, award-winning author of Santa’s Lost Buttons and the ELF.B.I series, is on a heartfelt mission to keep children believing in Santa for longer. Her beautifully illustrated books blend magical storytelling with interactive elements, creating lasting family traditions. In Santa’s Lost Buttons, Belle the Elf embarks on a global adventure to recover the missing buttons from Santa’s suit, introducing readers to festive traditions from around the world.

Jump 2 by JG Nolan

In the world of football, a blend of physical prowess and mental strength shapes champions. Jump 2, follows Jamie Campbell, a talented young footballer whose sporting journey takes an unexpected twist when a family tragedy shatters her dreams and plunges her into a dark, lonely world from which she feels she will never escape. In the depths of despair, Jamie finds solace and strength in her loyal friend, Robbie Blair. Sent to the Lake District for a change of scene, Jamie embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery, where she must confront her fears, unlock the past and unearth her true potential. But will she find all the answers and ultimately … is she enough? My girls read Jump a couple of years ago and have been waiting for the sequel ever since, so this is a great “something to read” selection for their four gift rule list.

Emma and Bob: A holiday that reveals the miracle of life by Agnes Horvath

You are perfect and wonderful just the way you are! And the key to your life is in your hands. Don’t know what that means? You can live a joyful and full life, calm your emotional storms and the thoughts swirling in your head. You can find deep peace even when you are hurt or grieving. Don’t know how? Let the story of Emma and Bob guide you. Thanks to their curiosity, Emma and Bob’s ordinary holiday becomes extraordinary. In addition to enjoying time at the beach, in the forest and at home, Gran explains to them ‘the endless cycle of life’ and the importance of ‘self-kindness’, ‘positive thinking’, ‘listening to your heart’ and ‘being present’. You can learn these too, just open your mind and heart. You’ll find that even simple things like breathing, a sandcastle or half a glass of lemonade can teach you things about yourself and life that you may have never heard before.

The 4 Gift Rule: Something to read for young adults

Bright Midnights by L S Delorme

Most high school students find life challenging, but 17-year old Amelie has a lot more to contend with than typical teenage angst in Bright Midnights. Ever since she turned 11, others have been irresistibly drawn to her — with tragic consequences. Her only escape is at night when she flies to different times and places through her “dreams”. Her life begins to change when, on one of her flights, she meets Clovis, an alluring and mysterious young man who hides a secret. As Amelie finds herself increasingly drawn to him, she learns his story, how it intertwines with her own and finally discovers how to live her life in the real world. Until her own secrets are revealed to the wrong people and that world turns upside down.

The 4 Gift Rule: Something to Read For Adults

A to Z: Everything You Need to Know about LinkedIn for Business Owners & Leaders by Esther Partridge-Warner

If you are buying a gift for a small business owner this Christmas, this LinkedIn A to Z guide should be at the top of your list in the “something to read” category of the four gift rule. Esther is the ultimate LinkedIn expert. She has not only built her own business on the social media platform, but she’s guided numerous others through the process as well. This guide isn’t designed to be read cover to cover. Instead, it’s a reference guide to dip into when you need a bit of help with LinkedIn. For anyone looking to build their network and expand their business, it’s a game changer.

Ready, Set, Life by James Gwinnett

In ‘READY, SET, LIFE’ former SAS: Who Dares Wins recruit, James Gwinnett, explores how we can all build resilience to all the negativity that’s going on around us, channel our inner warrior and unlock infinite potential. This is an honest and inspiring book in which James opens up about his journey from a broken neck that he sustained playing rugby and the subsequent depression and alcoholism he suffered from. He takes us along on his journey to redemption and how he took on a series of extreme endurance challenges. He also speaks to a fascinating array of interviewees for their take on a variety of topics.

The Consciousness Company by M N Rosen

The Consciousness Company is a funny and philosophical novel, which follows the story of a near-future well-being company and its founders, from an idea in its second founder’s garage to the prospectus drafting session for the company’s initial public offering at the top of a New York skyscraper. The company and its founders progress through a meeting with their first investor, a discussion with the company’s artificial intelligence, a pitch to a venture capital fund, and the deliberations of the company’s ethics committee, in a journey that is brought to life by virtual reality experiences, headsets that observe and insert thoughts, the recurrence of arbitrary, unexpected events, and an immersion into the consciousness diaries and mental lives of the company’s users. In a world of companies without limits and technology that can rewire minds, The Consciousness Company is a story about a quest for fulfilment and peace that is as old as consciousness itself.

Thirty-Eight Days of Rain by Eva Asprakis

“What matters more, your place as a daughter or as a mother?” In Thirty-Eight Days of Rain, Androulla is twenty-four and newly married when she learns that she is infertile. In a bid for Cypriot citizenship, she is undergoing adoption by her stepfather, and wondering if she will have to adopt a child one day herself. As this reality sets in, Androulla’s marriage unravels. Between migration departments and doctors’ appointments, she must question what it means to be from somewhere, what it means to be a woman and, when an impossible choice presents itself, which of those things means the most to her.

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R Weaver

Artificial Wisdom is an enthralling murder mystery with a vividly realised future world, forcing readers to grapple hard hitting questions about the climate crisis, our relationship with Artificial Intelligence and the price we would be willing to pay, as a species, to be saved. Fans of Blake Crouch, Neal Stephenson, Philip K Dick, Kim Stanley Robinson and RR Haywood will enjoy this. It’s 2050, a decade after a heatwave that killed four hundred million across the Persian Gulf, including journalist Marcus Tully’s wife. Now he must uncover the truth: was the disaster natural? Or is the weather now a weapon of genocide?

Zero Risk by Simon Hayes

Zero Risk is an enthralling, multi-layered debut that follows the story of a disillusioned banker facing unthinkable financial Armageddon, where money has no value, stock and bond prices are meaningless, and the economy is destroyed. Can Tanner unravel the mystery of the hacker’s obsession with Bosch, sin and retribution before modern society returns to the dark ages? You’l love this if you enjoy a gripping thriller with a financial twist, in the style of Dan Brown.