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 “Something you want” section of the four gift rule could be anything from something fun to a little sweet treat, or the one big item on a Christmas list. We’ve got a few suggestions for adults, children and even pets. It’s so much more common to buy a gift for the pets these days and we always find it a lovely touch at Christmas.

Micro Speed Deluxe Scooter

Add a dash of retro flair to someone’s commute with Micro Speed Deluxe adult scooters. Designed for riders aged eight and up, it combines style and practicality with chopper-style handlebars, large 180 mm wheels for a smooth glide, and a one-click folding mechanism for easy storage. Adjustable up to 103 cm and built to last, it’s a fun, eco-friendly gift that makes everyday journeys effortlessly fun.

Mood Bears

Mood Bears are thoughtful, emotion-focused plush pals designed to help children (and adults) explore, understand, and express their feelings. Available in both large (30 cm) and compact mini versions, each bear embodies a unique emotional theme. Including Happy, Hope, Calm, Nervous, Love, Silly, Angry, and Sad – matched with expressive colours and a charming poem to uplift the spirit. Mood Bears are a meaningful and delightful Christmas gift for anyone in need of a cuddle with purpose.

Play in Choc

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as kind to the planet as it is delicious, PLAYin CHOC is a great pick. Their award-winning organic chocolate is vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and free from the top 14 allergens. So, everyone can enjoy it. Each ToyChoc Box includes a collectible 3D puzzle and fun fact card, making it an eco-friendly gift that’s full of joy, creativity, and guilt-free indulgence.

Monkey Mayhem

The Monkey Mayhem card game is a fast-paced, playful choice for a family games night with children aged 10+ and adults. Players race to hold the lowest score while triggering chaotic rounds of ­“mayhem”. With simple rules and big laughs, it’s a great stocking filler or game to pull out during festive gatherings.

Cupid and Comet Festive Treats for Cats and Dogs

Don’t forget the furriest members of the family this Christmas! The Rosewood Cupid & Comet Smoked Salmon & Cheese Cat Treats are packed with festive flavour that cats will adore, while the Rosewood Cupid & Comet Natural Christmas Selection Box for dogs is filled with wholesome, natural goodies in a charming holiday box. Together, they make an ideal pairing for pet lovers who want to spoil every member of the family this festive season.

Tribal Dog Food and Treats

Give your pets something extra special this Christmas with Tribal Pet Foods. This UK brand creates gentle, cold-pressed food, steamed wet meals, and hand-baked treats made from fresh, natural ingredients and superfoods to support digestion, joints, and overall vitality. Inspired by a love of dogs and grounded in nutritional science, Tribal combines raw-friendly nutrition with convenience, all while maintaining strong sustainability values and carbon-neutral practices. Perfect as a healthy treat or a full meal upgrade, it’s a thoughtful gift for pets who deserve the very best.

The four gift rule: Something you need

Help your recipient to get organised, or stay healthy, or provide some tasty festive staples for the kitchen cupboard in the “something you need” category of the four gift rule Christmas gift guide this year.

The Great British Bake Off Family Organiser

Bring a little sweetness and order to the new year with the Great British Bake Off 2026 Family Organiser Calendar with Stickers. Perfect for busy households, it features five spacious columns to keep everyone’s plans on track, along with fun stickers to mark special occasions. Each month also includes a delicious recipe inspired by the beloved baking show, turning everyday organisation into a true treat for the family.

Nourished Gummy Vitamins

This Christmas, give the gift of wellness with Nourished, the award-winning nutrition brand creating personalised, 3D-printed nutrient gummies. Each stack is sugar-free and wrapped in home-compostable packaging, making it as kind to the planet as it is to your health. With the option to build a bespoke blend based on lifestyle and goals, or choose from ready-made stacks supporting sleep, focus, immunity, beauty and more, Nourished offers a thoughtful and innovative way to show you care. A selection of Nourished Gummies are available in Holland & Barrett.

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. Opies fruits in alcohol are available from the end of October in Waitrose. They also offer some recipe inspiration on the Opies website.

Wicked For Good Gift Set

Delight the theatre lover in your life with the Wicked For Good Movie 2026 Calendar & Diary Gift Box Set. A beautifully curated bundle that brings the magic of Oz to everyday planning. This officially licensed set includes a square wall calendar, matching A5 diary, and branded pen, all printed on premium-quality paper and elegantly packaged for gifting. Perfect for fans of the Green Witch and Glinda, it’s both practical and enchanting. A stylish way to keep track of appointments, dreams, and plans all year long.

Multivitamin Chews For Dogs

Looking for a thoughtful gift for someone who treats their dog like family? The Pambros Multivitamin Chews make a great gift for dogs who need a little extra nutrition. Vet-approved, naturally formulated soft chews that dogs love, packed with flaxseed, probiotics, krill oil, glucosamine and essential vitamins to support joints, coat, immunity and gut health. They’re not just supplements. They’re daily treats dogs look forward to, making health care feel like a reward.

The four gift rule: Something to wear

Blade and Rose Christmas collection

From one of the cutest Christmas collections I’ve seen comes the Blade & Rose Christmas Dress. The ideal outfit for little ones to shine in during all their festive celebrations. Crafted from soft, comfortable cotton with a touch of stretch, this adorable red dress features a playful festive design that’s ideal for Christmas Day, family photos, or winter parties. Both practical and full of charm, it’s a joyful addition to any child’s wardrobe and a wonderful gift that captures the magic of the season. If dresses aren’t your little one’s thing, I strongly suggest checking out the rest of this beautiful collection.

The four gift rule: Something to read

This year’s something to read section has sweet stories, mystery puzzles, football facts and even a lovely gift for non-readers.

Yoto Player and Accessories.

Give the gift of stories and style this Christmas with the Yoto Player paired with the Yoto Adventure Jacket. Because even if children are too young to read themselves, there’s nothing to stop them listening to stories. The Yoto Player is a screen-free audio player designed for kids, offering hours of stories, music, podcasts and more. All without cameras, ads, or screens to worry about.

The Adventure Jacket adds a splash of colour while protecting the device from bumps and drops, with a handy wrist strap that makes it perfect for little hands on the move. Together, they make a fun, practical and imaginative gift that keeps children entertained wherever the holidays take them. You can buy books for children of all ages to go with the player, or alternatively buy a bundle that includes books when you get the player as a gift.

If children share a room or listen to their player when other people are around, it’s REALLY handy to have some headphones. The Yoto Headphones are designed for young ears, with child-safe volume settings.

The Story of Football in 100 Objects

Show your football‑mad friend they’re on your radar this Christmas with The Story of Football in 100 Objects. A beautifully produced hardback that tells the history of the sport through 100 evocative artefacts. Curated from the National Football Museum’s collection, the book spans both men’s and women’s football. It contains moments of triumph, heartbreak, and cultural change. From Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup shirt to the collar of Pickles (the dog who famously “saved” the World Cup). Each object sparks its own story and insight. It’s a great gift for fans, historians, and anyone who loves to explore the deeper tales behind the game.

Murder by Christmas by Joel Jessup

If you know someone who loves puzzles AND reading, this book combines festive spirit and sleuthing fun. Murder by Christmas is a mystery novel that invites readers into the quiet English village of Candlestow. Cheerful preparations for Christmas are shattered by the death of Mr Holly, and it’s down to one of the characters to work out who killed him – with the reader’s help. Each day from December 1st brings a new clue (and a new dark secret). Join Detective Twelvetrees to unravel who among the villagers is responsible. With 25 puzzles built into the story and the challenge of solving the crime by Christmas Day, this is an ideal choice for lovers of cosy crime, brain‑teasers and advent‑style surprises.

Tales From Port Navas Creek

The Tales from Port Navas Creek series by Guy Beringer is the ideal gift for young readers and their families to enjoy together over the festive season. This beautifully illustrated trilogy whisks you away to the magical woodlands of Cornwall’s Helford River. Follow brave woodland creatures as they face dark forces, uncover secrets, and learn the true value of courage and friendship. Heart-warming, adventurous, and full of charm. An enchanting read to curl up with this Christmas.