Written by contributing writer, Trina Holden.
Chances are this week you’re in the thick of making a list and checking it twice and I’m sure you don’t think you need one more thing to think about. But even while encouraging simplicity this Christmas, I’m gonna throw out a unique challenge.
I’m gonna suggest you add one more thing to your list.
Your husband.
Yes, I know you have him on your list already, and maybe you’ve already found just the right gift to bless him on Christmas Day. But what about today? What about the busy weeks counting down to Christmas, when your time and energy are stretched to fulfill all that this season requires of you as a wife and mother and homemaker? Is there a way you can keep this most important relationship – this man God has given you, in the forefront of your thoughts, maintaining your friendship even in this hectic season?
There is a way you can add a little holiday spice to your marriage. It’s so simple, it’s almost corny. But I’ve been keeping this little tradition with my husband for 6 years and every year he says it’s his favorite part of the whole season.
We call it “Twelve Days” but it has nothing to do with Partridges and Pear Trees. The idea is that I give him a little gift on each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas. The gifts are not big, often just a favorite cookie or candy, but the value of the gift lies in that I’ve thought of him. When he finds 3 envelopes on the ‘Third Day of Christmas’ or a half a dozen of his favorite cookies on Day Six, his eyes light up like a kid at Christmas, and I fall in love with the tradition (and him!) all over again.
If you’d like to start this tradition in your house, it’s not too late! I usually call Dec. 13th our ‘first day’, so you still have time to gather some things from around the house or on your next trip to town. Here’s a list of items to get you started…
Day 1: Any single object – this is where I usually spend a little money and give him something I’d otherwise have tucked under the tree. A hat, tool, piece of masculine jewelry, etc.
Day 2: Think pairs! Socks, gloves, matching mugs for him and her, sunglasses, pants, long underwear, tickets to a concert or a game.
Days 3, 4, 5, and 6: What comes in packs? Golf balls, socks, briefs, favorite candy, guitar picks, favorite beverage, refills for his razor.
Days 7, 8, 9, 10, 11: Higher numbers get a little trickier – just think ‘small’ and you can do it! Cookies, packaged and delivered to work. A CD with 11 songs. Post-it-note love notes hidden through the house.
Day 12: Think ‘by the dozen’ or ’12 months in a year’. A magazine subscription, coupons for a monthly date night or a dozen chicken wings for lunch.
More ideas…
- A book or film with a number in the title
- A series of emails or texts sent to him throughout the day
- A gift certificate or coupons for his favorite meal
- A collection of poems (Haiku is a quick and easy!)
- One year I publicly praised my husband by posting 10 things I loved about him on my blog
Get Romantic!
- Decorate your bedroom with a number of lit candles
- Love letters — New or old
- A custom CD of your favorite love songs
- Coupons to redeem for a massage — given by you!
Once you’ve collected your little gifts, wrap the items up and stash them away where he won’t find them. I jot down which gift I’m giving him on which day in my day planner so I don’t forget. I also like to plan when and how to present each gift — under his pillow, on his vehicle seat, in his work boots — so I have everything thought out in advance, and I can pull off our little tradition with ease despite the rush of those final days leading up to Christmas.
It takes just a little extra effort on my part to fit this in with everything else, but it is totally worth it for the sparkle it brings to our relationship at a time where it might otherwise suffer. It helps me keep my man my priority even when so many other things call. I look forward to Dec. 13th and eagerly anticipate to the look on his face when he realizes his favorite tradition has begun again.
How about the twelve days after Christmas instead?! Give gifts until the last day of Christmas, January the 6th!
I really do love this as nothing makes me happier than showing my love to my husband. That being said, I am so busy with being the “mother, wife and homemaker” how about a post for the woman?.. Believe it or not I am more than just a mum, wife and homemaker and while I may not have time to spend with my husband and kids it is as a result of running around after them so how about 12 days for me?? I do so much for my husband and I am constantly thinking of new things to do for him, it is automatic, I just want to please him, but I, for sure need a piece of that special treatment for a change. He works hard to provide for the household but so do I and all other women, we are deserving of these special tokens too.
I am trying this out this year for my fiancé! He already has his actual present and it is our first Christmas living together so I wanted to make it special. I’ve already done 1 & 2. I didn’t tell him what was going on, just leavin little notes in the mornings. I think he’ll catch on by tomorrow. Here are my ideas:
1. Snickers bar
2. 2-$2Lotto tickets
3. 3 Doughnuts
4. Underwear
5. Movie from his Top 5, which a big deal for him
6. Six pack of mtn dew
7. 7 o’clock dinner reservation for a home cooked meal-meatloaf, his favorite
8. Guitar picks
9. 9 Coupons for back/foot rub
10. 10 Reasons why I love you
11. Lord of the Rings-because he always talks about “elevensies” from the movie and I’ve never seen it.
12. List of my favorite memories from each month with him
This is the 2nd year doing this for my boyfriend! Last year he was so surprised on Day 1 and could hardly wait for the next 11 days to see what he was getting…
Good luck and hopefully you all have as much fun doing this as I have!
Here is what I am doing this year
1. Ornament for our 1st Christmas Tree
2. Two movie tickets for date night
3. Three Pairs of socks to keep his feet warm
4. Four bible versus about Love
5. Five Love Languages Book
6. Six Reese’s Christmas Tree’s
7. Seven lucky scratch tickets
8. Eight O’Clock date night (I bought tickets the Christmas Carole, starts at 8pm)
9. Nine O’Clock Naughty Night (I bought some lingerie to wear for him)
10. Ten reasons why I love you
11. Eleven songs to dance too
12. Twelve months of memories (I made a calendar with pictures from the last year)
Last Year I did the below
1. Ornament for our first Christmas together
2. Picture of his two favorite girls (it was of myself and our dog)
3. Three new ski resorts to ride
4. Four bible versus on how to love
5. Five hour round trip plane ride
6. A picture frame with six of my favorite memories from the last year
7. A world map with seven places that I want to watch the sunset with him
8. Eight day all expense paid vacation
9. Nine songs to dance too
10. Ten minute massage
11. Eleven Hershey kisses with eleven real to follow
12. Twelve reasons why I love you
I left out that last year his 12 days of Christmas revolved around his actual gift which was a trip to Lake Tahoe to go snowboarding… His Birthday is in January so I spent a little extra money and combined his presents. The best part was we were able to cross something off his bucket list together!
One year I did 25 days of Christmas and I wrote my husband a love note everyday. I plan to do this for him and our 3 children that are at home. I will do 12 days beginning on the 13th and put the items in their stockings
Thanks for all of the wonderful ideas everyone! This is what I did
1. A framed picture of us (with the 12 days of Christmas poem)
2. 2 Christmas coffee mugs and shots of baileys to drink together on our first Christmas morning
3. 3 packs of gum
4. Package of 4 Chapstick
5. $5 Starbucks card
6.six pack of different kinds of holiday beer
7. Lucky number 7 lotto ticket
8. Package of 8 chocolate santos
9. 9 homemade cookies
10. 10 reasons why I love you ( I got a mini box and cut up 10 pieces of paper and wrote it on there)
11. Mix cd of 11 love songs
12. A book full of sexy pictures of me (something to keep him happy all 12 months of the year!)
Hope some of my ideas come in handy!
Your ideas are great! What about some good quality steaks for the hubby? I ordered meats online for my husband for his birthday and he was so excited to grill them. If your husband is a foodie like mine, I definitely recommend it. Food is the way to his heart!
Need ideas for my hubby for day 7 and 11 maybe love/thank you notes or maybe something on the intimate/sexy side?
I did this last year too and love it, trying to it a bit less expensive then the past year…but ya this is our new tradition….
Thank you!!
I made a CD with slow songs to dance too, might be good for day 11.
Day 7 maybe do a 7′o clock dinner reservation or get tickets to a show that starts at that time… Last year I got a world map and marked 7 places I wanted to watch the sunset with him…
Hope this helps, Merry Christmas!
1-bottle of whiskey
2: movie tickets
3: boxers
4: coffee essentials-mug, lb, cold press, cooler
5: five course meal
6: march 6th concert
7: oclock dinner reservations
8: red bull 8 pack
9:lottery tickets
10: gift card to dunn bros
11: brownies
12: pack of beer
I was stuck for ideas on what to get my boyfriend for Christmas as I am extremely tight on money this year because I’m saving for a holiday I’ve booked with my friends in January. I didn’t want to get him nothing because he always buys me small things and surprises me, he’s going through a hard time and I couldn’t not do anything. I have been looking for ideas all over and have come up with ideas just not sure what numbers to put them under. number 1 I was going to get him a wallet as he always says his is broken. 2. movie tickets. I was going to make dinner reservations to the place we had our first proper date. I wanted to take him camping for a weekend as he keeps saying he wants to go camping. I was going to set up Christmas lights and make a pathway of lights in the ground (my friends suggestion) but not sure what number to put this under.
I have read all of your posts but am still stuck for ideas, he is trying to get fit, he loves going out and doing new things. was thinking of giving him a photo of us in a photo frame as he is always wanting to get photos together and writing him a note as he has written me so many already but stuck on what number to put them under
I love all of your ideas, thank you for all your ideas also
Absolutely in love with this idea! I wasn’t sure how to get my boyfriend a practical and thoughtful gift at the same time, and this an awesome way! I thought I’d share my list since so many others’ lists helped me make mine
I wrapped all of the little gifts the same and put a tag on each one saying “On the first (second,third,etc..) day of Christmas my true love game to me….
And inside the wrapping I finished the sentence with a rhyme that goes with the gift
Day 1. A heated zippo lighter – to keep his hands warm during smoke breaks
Day 2. A pair of movie tickets
Day 3. A three pack of Mach 3 razors
Day 4. $40 gift card to his favorite store
Day 5. Five coupons for five minute back rubs
Day 6. Six pairs of socks
Day 7. Seven Lotto tickets
Day 8. An eight pack of red bulls
Day 9. 9 o’clock dinner reservations at a nice restaurant
Day 10. A candy bouquet with 10 of his favorite candies
Day 11. A CD with 11 Christmas songs for when we drive around looking at Christmas lights
Day 12. A dozen reasons why I love him, its also my 12th month knowing him so I might do something about that, not sure yet
I’m going to deliver the gifts different each day, I’ll put some in the house for him to find, or waiting in his car, or even delivered to him at work. I’m so excited for this and I know he is going to love it.
Thank you!
I’m doing this for my boyfriend this year. The only issue I’m having is that his birthday is on 12/12 and I’ll be starting his 12 days on 12/13. Normally I wouldn’t combine his birthday with Christmas but the gifts he’ll be getting are pretty big. Basically I need a way to tell him on his birthday that I didn’t forget its his birthday but that Christmas and his birthday will be rolled into one because wonderful things are on the way Lol. Help!
hi,
already working on ideas for my hubby, got two items already but I wanna spice it up a bit with some romantic/ sexual items…any ideas ? tia
I suggest reading through the other comments, as there have been a few people who shared their really creative ideas!
I love your name!!
Fyi the 12 days of Christmas begins on Christmas day and runs through the epiphany. 12 days of feasting and celebrating the lord after the quiet preparations of advent.
I gave my dh the redskins football Jersey today and I’ve never in life seen him this excited about a gift. This was day 10 so of course i gave him the quarterback Jersey (#10) at 1pm in time for the redskins game. I think he swooned lol
I am looking for a summary to the 12 Days to print out and give me husband. I did find one, but for the life of me cannot find it again and did not save it at the time.
Please help…Thanks!
What do you mean by a summary?
My husband and I have been married 18 years and have been together since 7th grade. Love of my life. I always try to do something cute for gift giving. He is always appreciative and loves the sentiment behind even the smallest gift. We have a 14 year old and a 4 year old and it is hard for us to ever have one on one time with him. He has said numerous times that “we” are what he loves most. So we decided to give “us” to him. We (me, my son and daughter) are giving him 12 Dates of Christmas. We have planned 12 dates with him, one per month, alone with only one of us. We each picked what we wanted our Date with Daddy to be. It has been fun to see both children really enjoy getting it together as we each picked and planned our four dates.
Jan-1 game with Garret (courtside basketball tickets to the local college ballgame alone with our son)
Feb-2 concert tickets (I bought two tickets for us to go to a concert together. It’s right at Valentine’s Day, so it can be a Christmas gift that keeps on giving all the way to Valentine’s Day!)
Mar-3 chicken strips (A gift gard to ChickFilA for him to take our four year old daughter. They love this! ChickFilA is both of their favorites and she plays on the playset and they get chicken strips and share an ice cream at the end. She actually said, “I want to go to ChickFilA with Daddy all by myself!”)
April-4 hours with Mama (I’ll get a sitter and have a date night at home. I bought a RedBox gift certificate and a bottle of massage oil and wrapped them together with a pack of tortillas and a can of green chiles. Enchiladas are his favorite, so we’ll do dinner, a movie and a little massage.)
May-a 5-stack o’pancakes (I got a gift card for Craker Barrel…the 4-year-old’s idea. She loves to go to CB with him and eat pancakes and shop in the country store and play checkers and rock in the rocking chairs out front and get candy on the way out.)
June-6 days at youth camp (We just moved out of state and my son immediately said that he wanted his “Big Gift to Daddy” to be that they would both go to camp with his youth group from our church where we moved from. He wants my husband to go as a chaperone. So, I called the youth minister and reserved and prepaid for two spots for them. It’ll be a road trip to meet them at this summer’s destination, but both of their best friends will be there and it’ll be good father/son time.)
July-7th inning stretch (Tickets are cheap and easy to come by for our local minor league baseball team. I wrapped a 2013 baseball schedule and highlighted July and explained that he gets to pick the game he wants to go to. This is supposed to be a date with me, but may turn out to be a famly event. Either way, it’ll be fun and cheap.)
Aug-8 rounds of skee-ball (ChuckECheese giftcard to use with our daughter. They spend all their time at skeeball. LOL)
Sep-9 NINE-teen years with Mama (Our anniversary is in September and I asked new, local friends for date night suggestions. I bought a gc for a nice restaurant that was suggested and am working on burning a CD with a nineteen important songs from our years together.)
Oct-10 piece chicken wing (We don’t live near our favorite football team, so my son said he wants to go eat wings with Dad somewhere they can watch a Georgia game “without the girls.” We, again, asked the new locals where to have good guy time during football season. I bought a gc and put a football schedule with it so they can decide when to go.)
Nov-11 I need a cheesy phrase, but my son wants to go to a movie, “just them,” to see a movie that “only a guy would like.” So I got them a gift card to the movies and wrapped it with 11 movie titles that are to be released in 2013.)
Dec-12 favorite flavors (Our local icecream shop has a menu item that is 12 tiny balls of different icecream flavors, all lined up in a cute little presentation like Christmas balls on a triangular, green thingy. Cheesy and cute and delicious. And my daughter got her love of icecream from her Daddy and the icecream place says they have it every Christmas as a menu item.)
I have to say… I have thoroughly enjoyed ALL of the input on this thread, but yours is the angel atop the tree, so to speak. I absolutely LOVED ALL of yours. A lot of Love and thought put into your hubby and their Daddy. Hats off to you guys! Sounds like you have a sweet family. (We are high school sweethearts and have been married for 31 years. He is the Love of my life.) Merry Christmas! Wanda
Thanks for your kind words, Wanda. It’s definitely not a new idea, but a spin on a classic that works for my little family. My son and I have talked about how to present these dates and have gone round and round with ideas. We finally decided on this: We made simple scrapbook pages for each date and I’m putting them in a 12×12 scrapbook. (I love to scrapbook and always buy extras when I see them on clearance. I already had the supplies and it only took a little while to put them together.) My son suggested that I give him the scrapbook first and let him open that as a gift. He said that I should then take it and “read “it to my husband like storybook, turning one page at a time as he and my daughter give him each gift. We shall see. We have two days to perfect our plan.
Jami,
You are most welcome! What a (yet another) great idea! I’m sure he will love that!
Cant wait to do this again next year. It has been so much fun!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Wanda
love it !!
next year i will be doing things different, we will have a newborn (our 1st) and i will be doing this with baby boy involved into things….
so many great ideas i found through this thread….
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
I don’t think my six year old would even get excited about things like pudding cups and underwear. No offense but if you want to treat your husband to something special, why not give a man what he really wants? 12 Days of Sex! After 16 years with my husband, things are spicier than ever, despite two kids and many many challenges. Our romance and love is what keeps me sane, lol, and helps us both feel connected. I survived lung cancer this year and it’s given me even more resolve to live life unabashed and with great enthusiasm and joy!
If anyone else is interested in really dazzling your man, try twelve days in a row of something that will bring him true excitement and fun! I’m treating my hubby to twelve days of bj’s, starting Dec. 25th. Each morning, I’ll hand him a scroll tied with a sexy red ribbon and these words:
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Naughty Santa
(I’ll wear a santa hat and creatively use a candy cane.)
One the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Tingles and Tangles
(I’m using a strand of red lights to tie his wrists.)
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Hot Stuff
(I’ll put a satin eye mask on him and use warming lotion.)
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
It’s a Mystery
(I’ll wear a Mardi Gras mask with smokey eye and pretty lipstick.)
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Sweet Surrender
(I’m using a pair of playful handcuffs and creatively using a mug of warm cocoa and can of whipped cream.)
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Hot Lips
(I’ll wear cherry red lipstick and use cinnamon warming lotion.)
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
A Magic Carpet Ride
(I’ll place our super soft throw blanket over a plush rug on our bathroom floor, decorate the bathroom with candles and red Christmas lights only, and play Steppenwolf and Van Halen which I always find very sexy to listen to. Also using a warming lotion – I found a 12-pack of different flavors on amazon.)
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
A Pretty Present
(I’ll dress up in red lingerie.)
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
A tie
(I’ll tie him up with red satin ribbon and also decorate myself with red ribbons and one of his business ties and shirts.)
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Something Naughty and Nice
(I’ll put a satin eye mask on him and use some special bedroom toys.)
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Sugar & Spice
(Using another bedroom toy and also creatively using melting chocolate after being warmed in microwave, and whipped cream.)
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
My Own Snow Bunny
(I’ll dress up in white lingerie and decorate our bathroom with white Christmas lights and candles.)
Hope this might help other couples enjoy a fun Christmas and bring your man into a fantastic New Year! Your husbands can thank me later, lol.
Hope Santa brings you the definition of “TMI.” Do you honestly believe a bunch of strangers actually are interested in the intimate details of what you and your husband do in your privacy? This was really rather gross.
Love the ideas!! There is nothing wrong with having a healthy and fun sex life with your husband, disregard the other comment, sad that they don’t have what you do
Congratulations on having such an amazing relationship with your husband after so many years… you go girl!!! You’ve made it so through so much with surviving cancer, etc… I’m so happy for you and thank you for sharing for the rest of us that are lucky enough to be as fortunate.
Take care and Happy Holidays.
Thank you for this post! It inspired me to put together a 12 days of Christmas care-package for my husband who is currently deployed. He has some fairly strict rules of what can or can’t be sent (nothing that can’t be used or has to come back or takes up room, hold off on the sweets), but it was a great way to use some creativity and send him some holiday cheer.
Day 1 – Irish Spring shower gel and scrubber
Day 2 – a pair of insulated work gloves (he had actually just requested some, so perfect timing)
Day 3 – summer sausages (requested list item from FRG)
Day 4 – packs of Prilosec
Day 5 – five 5x Scratch Lotto Card
Day 6 – air freshners
Day 7 – $70 i-tunes gift card
Day 8 – Hot Hands Warmers
Day 9 – 9 Ferrero Rocher truffles
Day 10 – pairs of socks
Day 11 – bags of microwaveable popcorn
Day 12 – instant hot chocolate packages and marshmellows
I love this idea! I started this on the December 12th and will end on the 23rd, doing real Christmas presents on the 24th and 25th. Lots of my gifts have been pintrest inspired:
1 – 1 Rice Crispy Treat shaped like a Hershey Kiss
2 – 2, $2 scratch off lottery ticket
3 – 3 homemade jars of bath salts
4 – 4 jars of homemade seasoning packets (taco, ranch, jerk, cajun)
5 – 5 coupons for back rubs
6 – 6 pack of unique beers (make your own six pack at Total Wine)
7 – 7 day pill pack – filled with different candies and love notes in each day
8 – CD with 80 minutes of favorite Christmas Music
9 – Balloons filled with air and little treats (candy, gift certificates, notes, little stocking stuffer stuff)
10 – TBD
11 – 11 candles leading up to a romantic evening
12 – 12 month subscription to favorite magazine
I made little cards that say “On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me 1…” (and so on with numbers). I place that card on the door knob or more obvious location in the room the actual gift is hidden. Then I hide the other gift (usually wrapped) within that room. That way the searching for the gift doesn’t take all day. I started the whole thing with a note explaining the game and why I was doing it.
This has been a really fun and inexpensive activity to show my man I love him.
This post has been so inspiring!! I love to hear what everyone comes up with!
Because everybody’s husbands and relationships are different, I think it’s great to keep sharing ideas! I think for this to be truly special for him, really take some time to think of things that will be special TO HIM! Don’t just try to come up with gifts just to get it done. There should be some really heartfelt items included. And that’s not saying every gift has to be the bomb but the majority should be ones you know he will be really delighted with.
That said, here are my 12 gifts I came up with. My husband and I like to keep the “spark” alive (we’ve been together over 20 years and still going strong!)
Day 12 – 12 red roses
Day 11 – 11 reasons I love him (one of his favorite)
Day 10 – 10 back rub coupons
Day 9 – 9 o’clock “naughty” party (presented with a new piece of lingerie)
Day 8 – 8 Godiva chocolates
Day 7 – 7 loving quotes. – taken off Pinterest and texted throughout the day (another favorite)
Day 6 – 6 oz of Redi-Whip
Day 5 – 5 sexy pics sent throughout the day
Day 4 – 4 scratch off tickets
Day 3 – 3 pack of boxer briefs with love coupons tucked inside
Day 2 – “2nd chance” at day 9′s gift (we weren’t able to have our “party”)
Day 1 – Christmas Eve breakfast out with the family
This post has been so inspiring!! I love to hear what everyone comes up with!
Because everybody’s husbands and relationships are different, I think it’s great to keep sharing ideas! I think for this to be truly special for him, really take some time to think of things that will be special TO HIM! Don’t just try to come up with gifts just to get it done. There should be some really heartfelt items included. And that’s not saying every gift has to be the bomb but the majority should be ones you know he will be really delighted with.
That said, here are my 12 gifts I came up with. My husband and I like to keep the “spark” alive (we’ve been together over 20 years and still going strong!)
Thank you so much for sharing this! Just finished up day 6 so far and my husband has LOVED it! He has been truly touched. I enjoyed reading all the ideas in the comments too! It helped get the gears in my head to turn, so I wanted in turn to share mine.
1 walmart gift card
2 pairs of jeans
3 bags of twizzlers
4 frappacinos
5 peppermint patties
6 ice cream sandwiches
7 scratch offs
8 foot rub coupons
9 packs of reece’s peanut butter cups
10 yoo-hoos
11 toasted coconut marshmallows
and 12 snackwell’s devil’s food cookies
If you are still struggling to think of an item for the higher numbers, consider shoes. A cheap pair of flip flops to decent kicks, shoe sizes could help fill in 9-12.
Day 8, I’m combining the #26 acts of kindness in honor of the Sandy Hook victims with our 12 days for my hubby. I’m making 8 gift bags w/ homemade cookies, misc Dollar store toiletries, and a small gift card with the note to my hubby:
Day 8, let’ share our love by celebrating it with others, so today here are 8 gifts to pass along to fathers, sisters, daughters, mothers or brothers. Random acts of kindness can be passed to a stranger or a friend. One of the many things I love about you my dear, is that you kindness knows no end.
Just an idea to pass along…Merry Christmas!
I love it! So very sweet!
Ooh I like this one! Excellent. These all are so creative!
I am on day 5 today and here is my list, as well as the poem. Boyfriend is loving this!!
Day1: a really nice new hat (a cap to show off his swag)
Day 2: new cycling socks (2 awesome socks)
Day 3: 3 bars of soap made with beer (3 soapy beers)
Day 4: 4 stacks of nano post-its (4 tiny notes)
Day 5: 5 clementine oranges (5 fruit rings)
Day 6: coupons for massages (6 hands a rubbin’)
Day 7: 7 lucky 7 scratchers (7 chances o’ winnin’)
Day 8: 8 gold chocolate coins (8 chocolate coins)
Day 9: 9 handmade chocolate dipped pretzel rods (9 yummy snacks)
Day 10: $10 gift card to his favorite coffee shop (10 free lattes)
Day 11: Cd with 11 love songs (11 sappy songs)
Day 12: calendar with vintage bicycle prints (12 vintage bikes)
Love the poem that went along with it. I sang it out in my head! Good job! Def doing this for my husband next year!
I love this idea–and I think my husband will love it, too! And even though it’s a little late for me to do this now up to Christmas, I realized I can still do it on the actual 12 days of Christmas–up to Epiphany! This gives me a little more time to plan it out and get it done. Day 1 will be on Christmas Day–although he already got his main Christmas gift early, I still have the “smaller” gift I can use for this.
1. One leather wallet (he’s been needing a new one). I already removed the inserts, and I will include a few things to make it more personal, like wallet-sized photos of family and a gift card to his favorite store.
2. Two hunting/fishing permits (one for him and one for our son to go with him).
3. Three-pack of boxers. Since underwear can be boring to get as a gift, each will also include one special “love coupon” for him to redeem with me.
4. He’s a hunter/fisherman, so I’m thinking four inexpensive, outdoors-related items… maybe an animal call, box of ammo, fishing lure, and a thermos or something. Or if all that costs too much, maybe just four fishing lures.
5. I will make and serve a five-course, candlelit meal (will have a babysitter for that night).
6. Keepsakes made by our children (we have six children, so one from each of them).
7. Seven lottery tickets.
8. An 8-pack of socks–which he *always* needs! Also an 8-minute foot massage to go with it and make it a little more fun.
9. Nine large brownies (one square pan cut into 3″ x 3″ squares) for him to take to work. Also, a novena I’ve been praying for him for a special intention.
10. “Ten Reasons I Love You” letter (or poem) written by me.
11. Eleven sticks of his favorite beef jerky.
12. A dozen new arrows for archery practice. (These are custom-made and a little expensive, but I had planned to give them to him for his birthday in January, anyway, so this will just be a little early. Now to come up with a new birthday gift idea, lol!)
Great idea’s!!
I have done this for my boyfriend. I started it a little early because we will be out of town for over the holidays..
Day 1 Over the door ironing board (he needed this!!!)
Day 2 two movie tickets
Day 3 three pack of mints
Day 4 4 pack of wisks
Day 5 5 hour energy
Day 6 6 pack of special k bars
Day 7 7 lucky scratch offs
Day 8 8 pack of gatorrades
Day 9 I am not sure yet may do some candy or something
Day 10 gift card to a local restarant he enjoys
Day 11 maybe 11 oz of something or some kind of food
Day 12 12 seasonal beers!
I am trying to make mine not so expensive because I got a lot of gifts for him for christmas
I absolutely love this idea! I’m on the third day, and so far my boyfriend loves it. He says it’s like having Christmas every day!
I started with 1 and am counting up until Christmas Eve, mostly so we could see the Hobbit around day 2.
Day 1: A Webster’s Teach Yourself Spanish book (what he asked for this year)
Day 2: 2 movie tickets to see the Hobbit
Day 3: 3 donuts from his favorite donut place that’s across town (that I never want to drive to) — had them before he woke up.
Day 4: 4 pairs of boxers
Day 5: A gift certificate to 5 Guys Burgers
Day 6: A 6 pack of beer (either his favorite, or I like the Dos Equis idea someone else had)
Day 7: 7 Lotto Scratch-offs
Day 8: 8 of his favorite cookies to take to work. This will be hard to do sneakily… maybe bake at a friends’ house?
Day 9: ???
Day 10: 10 cans of Dr. Pepper 10 for him to take to work — his favorite soda
Day 11: ???
Day 12: A photo book with all of the places we’ve traveled this year (the last 12 months)… ha this one is a bit of a stretch but oh well!
Does anyone have ideas for Day 9? We will be going to a high school football game at Cowboys Stadium that day — I’m trying to think of something football related, or something we could use on the drive over / at the game / etc.
And I’m stuck on day 11 too. Maybe a coupon book with 11 coupons? It’s also our 11th Christmas together, but I don’t want to do a photo thing because he’s also getting a photo book the next day on the 12th. Help??
Any ideas would be WONDERFUL!
Day 9- 9 butterfingers, hoping the other team fumbles the ball.
Day 11- 11 minutes of heaven or romantic coupons (30 minute long massage, shower time, evening of dancing, picnic in the park etc.)
I love the butterfingers idea! I’m not a sports person, and would have never thought of that. Thanks!
For day 11, you could burn a CD with 1 important song from each of your 11 years. For day 9, you could load 9 nine songs to his ipod (or burn them) for the car ride to and from Dallas.
Gave my husband gift number two today. Two massages balls. Left it on his bathroom sink. He came in this mornigpng when he saw it and crawled over the bed and gave me a big kiss! His hip had been hurting him last night and like magic, there was a massage! Yesterday, I gave him a French pear tart from his favorite French bakery. He didn’t get it but I think he’s getting it now.
1- a purple tie b/c it is our wedding color
2 – (2) 2-liter bottles of mountain dew
3 – tins of mini altoids mints
4 – mini bottles of tangueary
5 – $5 giftcard to his favorite place to get a milkshake
6 – reasons “i love you” taped all over
7 – lucky lottos
8 – handmade (by me!) ornaments reflecting our favorite/best moments (including day we met, where we got engaged, 2 different vacations, etc)
9 – ‘love’ coupons
10 – giftcard to red robin (his favorite to eat at with a guy pal)
11 – hershey’s kisses
12 – a new Yankees calendar (even though i hate them – go Mets!)
I pinned this months ago, and found it the night before the 13th! My husband and I got married less than 2 weeks ago, and for a wedding gift I went all out and bought him a $200 watch from fossil that he has been wanting. So, the 12 Days of Christmas is perfect so I can give him a lot of inexpensive gifts, but the idea of it makes it more special!
I am doing day 2 today. Since I had a late notice I just got he first thing I could find for day 1, here is my list, some may change if I get better ideas!
Day 1: A tub of his favorite popcorn!
Day 2: House shoes,
Day 3: a 3 musketeers
Day 4: A 4-frame picture frame with a picture of us from each year we have been together.
Day 5: A 5 in 1 car safety kit
Day 6: A 6 pack of coca-cola in the bottles, decorated like this:
http://pinterest.com/pin/305611524683088663/
Day 7: 7 Lottery tickets, lucky #!
Day 8,9,10 will be something to do with a new book, homemade coupons of things I don’t
particularly like doing! lol, and maybe a back massage for the # of min the day is,
but that could be a “coupon,” so I am going to try and think of something funny to
do for the remaining day, or maybe boxers, socks, or undershirts!
Day 11: CD with 11 songs he likes, or that have meaning to us
Day 12: Chic Fil A Calendar with coupons
For Day 1, I didn’t tell him what was going on, he just thought it was a random gift.
And for today, Day 2, I am making him do a little work! I am leaving a note on our front door that says “Micah, Do not pass go, do not collect $200, Go directly to my car and read the note in the seat. Seriously.” And the note there explains what is happening and at the end says “If you want gift #2, go to the place where I first told you I love you!” Which is next door at his parents house in his old room! Kind of a little scavenger hunt.
Day 3, I planned on leaving the candy bar in his car, but just realized tomorrow is Saturday and he won’t be going anywhere! If anyone has anymore awesome ideas, please let me know! I love doing out-of-the-box things for my hubby(:
Cute idea on the bottles!
Love it! Doing it for my son & hubby.
1- belt
2 – gloves
3 – Orbit gum 3 pack
4 – Fusion razor refills
5 – pairs of boxers (out dog likes to eat them and pull them out of the laundry)
6 – pack of beer
7 – A week of something… i dunno
8- days of diaper duty (we’re expecting #2, and I know he’ll want to get out of it!)\
9- Reasons I love him
10 – $10 gift card (car wash or BK)
11 – CD of “our songs” one for each year I ‘ve known him + our wedding song.
12 – Maximum PC subscription.
i am so excited about this…i had a poem that someone posted on the first gift this morning with the fact that he expect more but i took it off last night..when he saw the first gift this morning he started singing the 12 days of xmas song…and was like so i can expect more gifts….i said maybe..
than tonight at supper time he brought up the Hobbit…he is like guess what is coming out tomorrow and knew exactly what he was talking about (i bought two Hobbit tickets for tomorrow night ) and he is like i am not to excited about it and i probably wanna wait till after Christmas…haha if he only knew what i am up to…now he has been watching some trailers and is excited to watch now….and probably not after Christmas…..Am so glad i found this idea!! Thank you!!
From now on this will be our new tradition for Christmas…
Day 9 idea: ammo for a 9 mm to go shooting at the range
Tomorrow we do Day 3 and he’s LOVING this! All gifts are wrapoed in red paper, white bow and a printed label with the number on ir.I was struggling with #4 and decided to do a 4 generation picture frame! His Grandaddy, him, his mom and our daughter all as kids. His Grandaddy passed this year and his mom passed when he was 14, so he’ll like this. Day 9 is the big one-going to see the Radio City Christmas show with the Rockettes (dancing ladies!).
1-brita filtered water bottle
2- pr of black socks
3-Ferraro rocher chocolate 3 chocolates
4-king sized almond joy 4 pieces
5-Nivea gift set has five items in it (lotion, body wash, loofa, lip balm, body cream)
6-small tin of cookies
7-book by Tony Dungy has 7 chapters
8-Reece’s pieces candy cane
9-3 pk handkerchief and king sized twix
10-pocket calendar
11-iced animal crackers 11 oz
12-$12 giiftcard
I’m starting mine tomorrow morning! SO EXCITED! I know I got most of my ideas from the help of viewing all of your ideas so I thought I’d post mine in case anyone else needs last second ideas!! I’m starting from 12 and going down to 1 to end on Christmas day.
12 – A dozen doughnuts I’m putting in his car before he leaves for class
11 – CD with 11 songs for us to listen to while we drive to Atlanta that day
10 – Gift card to Chic-Fil-A
9 – Cookies
8 – Snack Pak pudding (they come in sets of 4)
7 – 7 Packs of gum
6 – 6-pack of Sam Adams (his favorite)
5 – Pepto – (funny joke between us) – & there’s 5 symptoms relieved!
4 – the movie “Four Christmases”
3 – 3-wick candle (Twisted Peppermint is his fav!)
2 – Pair of gloves that he can still use on his iPhone while wearing
1 – 1 year of preplanned, prepaid dates!
I LOVED this idea!!! I planned everything out and couldn’t wait to start! I told all of my friends and coworkers…. My husband hated it! What the heck! I got him a shirt on the first day that he could wear to work outside and I wrote a card that said “on the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… A warm shirt to keep me cozy” and he HATED it. What the heck?! Has anyone else had this experience? Not that I think I should try it again, but I’m just curious….
Keep trying…he probably thinks he owes you 12 gifts. Just explain. My man didn’t get it at first either. Not sure he does yet but I will just keep telling him it was a way to demonstrate I love him,
Yeah…mine didn’t tell me he hates it but he doesn’t seem very excited about it. I feel really disappointed because I was so excited about it. Day one he sent me a thanks text message, day two he was grumpy and just set his unopened gift down…he still hasn’t looked at it. He only seemed excited today because it was a set of tickets for his favorite sports team. I kind of feel like I shouldn’t bother finishing…
Similarly, my husband is not excited about this either. Seems more like a bother to him than bringing him joy. I too was very excited to be a blessing to my husband for 12 days before Christmas, also he didn’t get any presents for the first 12 years of his life. I feel more disappointed than happy each day when he just doesn’t act all happy about his gift. I explained to him about it and that I was tring to recreate new memories for him but I guess it boils down to the fact that gifts are not his thing, but rather words of affirmation. Lesson learned for me.
Need help with my rhymes
today I am doing 1 dozen cookies
12-
tomorrow I am doing 11 love songs on a cd
11-
10- i am doing a pair of gloves that he use with his touch screen phone (10 fingers)
9-
8-
7-
6-
5-
4-
3-
2-
1-a watch
I have bought a shirt like a dress one, a tie, a cardigan vest, 5 pairs of dress socks, We have been together 7 1/2 years married almost 6 years…have 3 daughers between us. He likes politics, Aggies and Cowboys football…Texas Rangers baseball. HELP PLEASE. Not a big beer drinker and is trying to eat healthy.
Oh and 3 pairs of boxers… I was also thinking of getting some undershirts.
For day 6 i got a six pack of coke in glass bottles, (its his favourite drink) and the glass bottles made them look a little more like a gift! And for 10 i got a £10 gift voucher for his favourite shop! Hope this helps a little! =)
I would use the tie, vest, and shirt as day 3 (3 articles of clothing… maybe for “date night”)
I bought my fiance a nice dress shirt and a black blazer and am going to give it to him for day 2 with a date night tag on it.
I had forgotten until last night that I had pinned this, so I’ve been scrambling trying to get everything but I’m thankful for all the ideas that have been posted! I gave my husband the first one at his lunch break today…he was a little confused as to what it was for, so I just told him “There are 12 days of Christmas, right? Looks like you’ll be getting a little something everyday!” He was excited and I think he’s really looking forward to what the next 11 days will hold!
1) FM transmitter for his work van, so he can listen to his favorite preachers podcasts while he’s driving around all day.
2) Handmade cards from our two boys…letting him know why he’s such a good daddy!
3) Holiday Boxer briefs…not sure how I can make that fit #3 but I’ll think of something.
4)Reasons I love him on our mirror!
5)$5 gc to Dunkin Donuts
6)cookies/brownies/truffles…6 of one of these!
7)7 minute foot massage…he’s always begging for this!
8)mini boxes of junior mints
9) 9′s scratch off lottery ticket
10)a “tin” of chocolate truffle cookies
11)handmade ornament celebrating our 11th “married Christmas” together
12) chick fil a calender-12 months of his favorite fast food!
I tried to make a rhyme for each day and then I printed them out and attached each to the corresponding present. Excited to see his reaction each day…thanks again to everyone and their ideas!
For #3 – boxers have 3 holes in them.
(ok, technically 4, but it works – legs & waist!)
Day number one.
All twelve gifts are wrapped in the same red paper and tied with a green bow.
The note and book (gift #1) was left in the car seat in the garage.
Though it took a while for the car to back out of the garage, the immediate phone call was full of joy and surprise. I could hear the smile in his voice.
The book opened under the tree would not have delivered 1/2 of the experience.
So once again, I thank you all for the ideas and this very special Christmas journey. Oh, by the way, he is clergy. I explained in the note that I realized the twelve days of Christmas should officially begin after Christmas.Surprisingly there was no compliant that his journey is beginning twelve days before Christmas.
I am so excited! I am starting tomorrow with a countdown 12-1, with 1 being Christmas Day:
12- Months in a year (calendar- outhouses!)
11- Ingredients in his favorite cookies
10- Dollars to spend at Subway (gift card)
9- Letters to spell Liverpool (his favorite soccer team- I got an ornament)
8- Reasons to love my hubby (will send him 8 texts throughout the day)
7- Agent 007 (got his favorite James Bond DVD)
6- Special nights (coupons)
5- Treats for a plane ride (we are leaving to visit family that day- gummi candy, Pez, gum, Wooly Willy, jelly beans)
4- Coupons for 4 days that I will cook all three meals for him- and that doesn’t mean pouring a bowl of cereal!
3- Books he’s never read (Lord of the Rings trilogy)
2- Dinner date for two (we have a 5 month old baby and a sitter lined up!)
1- His big Christmas gift!
I am sooo excited to start this today!!!! Here is what I did
1. A wallet
2. Two tickets to see the Hobbit
3. 3 packs of his favorite gum
4. 4 Dallas cowboy ornaments that he wanted
5. 5 lottery tickets
6. A six pack of his favorite soda
7. 7 white t-shirts
8. 8 pairs of socks
9.
10. 10 DVD’s that I got for stickin’ cheap
11.
12. A cd with his top favorite songs.
I haven’t figured out 9 and 11. But lucky I have some time!:)
12 days of Christmas starts today here at our house! SO EXCITED! He is on call this week and he worked all night last night so I have to wait until he wakes up at 11:00 to give him his first gift! The way I feel right now, there is so much truth to “tis better to give than to receive”! CANNOT WAIT FOR HIM TO WAKE UP!
Here is my (almost complete) list: I must admit, I have waited until the last minute to post mine because you all have been SO helpful in helping me decide what to include in the gifts! Cuz I had nothin – except the 5th of whiskey! Still gonna be watching for days 8 and 11 : )
1) Keurig travel coffee mug, Starbucks ornament and peppermint bark from Starbucks – We enjoy coffee together first thing in the morning while we watch an episode of one of the million shows we record to watch. American Pickers, Homeland, Storage Wars… : )
2) Harley Davidson fingerless gloves (pair)
3) 3 of his favorite childhood candies, tin of Butterfinger bites, 3 large Chic-O-Stics and Banana Laffy Taffy
4) 4 cigars from the cigar shop that he/we love going to.
5) A Fifth of Woodford Reserve Whiskey – He is on call this week, ABSOLUTELY HATES it and he will be off call on the 5th day of Christmas and will have a little in his coffee. ; )
6) 6-pack of Dos Equis – He is the most interesting man in my life (LOVED this suggestion!)
7) Gift card to Studio Movie Grill (or as I like to call it the adult movie theater) to see 007 Skyfall.
8) Still trying to come up with something for this day…
9) HE LOVES Sterling Silver so .999 silver it is for this day.
10) Warm cozy slippers (ten toes – great suggestion!)
11) Still trying to come up with something for this day…
12) Calender to Twin Peaks – Hooters type joint (freebie monthly coupons – and yes… he goes there because the food is GREAT ; )
I am wrapping the gifts in plain brown paper (great suggestion) with On the ? day of christmas… my true love gave to me… Lettering in black, the day in red (great suggestion) and under my pink Christmas tree in our bedroom! It looks amazing!
This has been SO much fun!
Love that dos equis idea!
Thank you all so much for sharing. Money is tight this year but I couldn’t stand the thought of not doing anything for my guy. This was a perfect idea. I was able to think of so many things that didn’t cost much, or were even free. And I know he’ll love it!
I will start mine this FRiday, I’m excited! I know he will be very happy and proud of this..thank u for the idea…
Thank goodness I seen this in time. I’m so excited to do this for my husband. I’m starting tomorrow. Here is what all I have planned for him.
Day 1: A card (poem saying he has entered the 12 days of Christmas blah, blah, blah) and a pair of headphone.s
Day 2: A bag of Rolo’s and Ande’s mints (his favorite candies.)
Day 3: Sexy coupons
Day 4: A picture frame with 4 picture slots. I’m putting the pictures of us, our animals, and his motorcycle in it for him to take to work and put on his desk
Day 5: 5 gum
Day 6: A six pack of cherry limeaids.
Day 7: 7 lucky 7′s lottery tickets
Day 8: 8oz of his fav cologne
Day 9: “I love you because..” post it notes placed randomly all over the place.
Day 10: 10 dollar gift card for us to go get ice cream and have a date night.
Day 11: I found his favorite cereal that he thought they didn’t make anymore and it’s 11oz.
Day 12: A calender with all our special dates circled.
Feel free to copy any of it. I have absoloutely racked my brain. We’re both young (I’m 20 and he is 22) and I am going to try to make this a tradition. I want to thank you all so much for giving me such a great idea. I can’t wait to see his face in the morning.
excited for tomorrow….first gift will be given to my hubby…
thanks ladies for all your ideas ( for next year )
Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to all of you!!
I have been working on this for over a month and I cannot wait to start tomorrow, I have changed things around so many times I cant count anymore lol. And yes I am aware that the 12 days are after Christmas, but the 12 days before work so much better. Feel free to steal any ideas, cause I know I did!
1. 12v Electric thermos ( he works for our town Highway Dept so he spends many long cold hours in his truck)
2. A perfect dinner for 2
3. 3 handmade Christmas cards from his 3 kids
4. 4 sets of helping hands for the day doing his stuff around the house
5. Something for a family of 5 to do (him, me, and his 3 kids) Movies, paintball, ice skating, etc…
6. 6 pack of mini bacardi and coke
7. 7 packs of gum
8. 8 of my favorite memories of things we’ve done (Via text message since I will be out of town this day)
9. 9 hershey kisses
10. $10 gift card to Dunkin Donuts, and 10 scratch off lotto tickets
11. 11 fishing lures, reflecting how he “hooked” me in 2011
12. A christmas eve box of 12 goodies. (1 Christmas boxers,1 christmas pj, 1 pkg of popcorn, 2 bowls for popcorn, hot chocolate, 2 mugs for hot chocolate, marshmallows, the movie “How the grinch stole christmas”, a bottle of baileys, and a tin of cookies) = 12 things in the box
I cannot wait until tomorrow. Hope everyone had/is having as much fun with this as I am!
I thougth I should put all my ideas up here for others to pull ideas from, since I got some of my ideas from others as well…
)
Day 1- 1 fishing lure (he love to fish)
Day 2- 2 pack of Deodorant (no he isn’t stinking just something he won’t have buy himself later)
Day 3- 3 pack of white t-shirts (to wear under his work shirts_
Day 4- 4 pack of boxers
Day 5- Pepto Bismol ( Relieves 5 symptoms.. he has tummy problems
Day 6- 6 pack of socks
Day 7- 7 $1 lotto tickets
Day 8- 8 pack of Batteries (for his XBox controller)
Day 9- 9 packs of gum (so he stops stealing mine!)
Day 10-???? he doesn’t wear gloves EVER so that is out! Whatever he gets he will be getting it at 10 o’clock
Day 11- a cd with 11 songs that he ALWAYS sings!
Day 12- a calendar with picture from a boudoir photo shoot I did
Hope this helps someone who is struggling!
I love this idea! Here is my list for anyone who needs some ideas:
1- deer call (that he asked for)
2- 2 Reeses Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
3- 3 crossword puzzles books & 3 mechanical pencils
4- pack of 4 white t-shirts
5- $5 gift card to McDonald’s
6- 3 pairs of socks
7- 7 homemade coupons (massages, etc.)
8- 8 pack of soap he uses
9- popcorn (a 6 pack and a 3 pack)
10- c.d. (10,000 Reasons)
11- 11 Bible verses to encourage him
12- 12 pictures of special memories
Hi! Thank you for the great idea! I’m in Australia but I thought I’d share my ideas
12- homemade calendar with photos of us
11- legs 11- pair of shorts (seeing as that’s the only thing that he’s insisted that he wants this Christmas)
10- $10 gift card to his favourite shop
9- Tim Tams (there’s 9 in a pack)
8-
7-
6- six reasons why I love being with you… or a 6pack of his favourite drinks and make this another number?
5- 5 gum
4- 4 ingredients honey roasted peanut butter (he will love it!)
3- three 10min massages
2- date for two- (picnic fish and chips down on the beach near where we first kissed)
1- one-on-one water fight (it’s summer here!)
Ok I have all the gifts but now I need cute sayings or rhymes that go with them.. there are just a few that I am struggling with..
Day 1: 1 fishing lure (he loves to fish)
Day 2: 2 pack of deodorant
Day 3: 3 pack of white tees
Day 8: 8 pack of batteries for his XBox controller
Any suggestions?!?!?!? Thanks in advance!
day 1: fishing lure, i think you will use this one and will catch one for sure
day 2: ?
day 3: i sure hope these …. will not up in the trees
day 8: since they dont work on solar you need these for your controller
hope this is kinda what you were looking for
You ladies have been great! Oh the ideas you’ve given! Here is my list:
1 all expense paid date night
2 movie tickets (or basketball tickets, haven’t decided)
3 Ties
4 course meal
5 chick fil a gift card
6 Half a dozen alcohol infused cupcakes
7 pairs of socks
8 of his favorite snacks
9 items for grooming (presented in a gift bag
10 RGIII jersey (most quarterbacks are #10 so this was easy)
11 ounce of hot cocoa mix in a jar
12 sexy coupons for him to cash in.
I plan on doing the 12 days leading up to Christmas, I love the idea of leaving the gift in different areas each day so I may do that also. I am using the poem so that he’ll know what is for.
Here is my list
1.a new hat( he really needs one)
2. pair of pj pants ( we have a christmas eve eve slumber party with our kiddos)
3. packs of gum
4.boxer briefs
5. a handwritten letter
6. IOU back massages
7.e-mail ( I’ve drafted 7 notes I will send to him throughout the day)
8.tootsie rolls
9. new pens for work
10.pairs of socks
11. pieces of chocolate licorse
12. a year subscription to mens health
Ladies – Don’t forget that the twelve days of Christmas START on December 25th and go to January 5th. Don’t panic if you thought it was starting THIS week. You have time!
For the odd numbers I just can’t find, I created coupons… massages, doing his chores around the yard/house, car washes, etc…
This is such a fantastic idea. i love it. started on it about two weeks ago and pretty much have everything laid out. I think its going to be a wonderful surprise for 12 days!.
1. Printer ink
2. two pints of his favorite ice cream creation from the creamery
3. three small packs of coffee, hes always trying new coffee
4. a bathroom Axe body set (deoderant shampoo body spray body wash)
5. his 5 fave beverages
6. 2 of each of his fave candy bars.
7. seven lottey tickets ( thanks for this one girls)
8. Hes a computer nerd, so i got his eight small things techy related
9.nine hours of gaming. he loves call of duty
10.
11. eleven love notes through out the house.
12. his fave cookies
I know hes just gonna love this.. cant wait ive been counting down the days and i cant wait
Thank you so much for the wonderful ideas. I have decided to do this for my boyfriend this year and I am very excited. Although I have not finalized my list (yes, I know I am running out of time!), I wanted to share what I have put together in case someone needs some ideas.
Short back story: this will be out first Christmas together. We moved into our house a few months ago and will be having a small Christmas with family. I am really excited to shower him with love when he doesn’t expect it!
1-I made a homemade Christmas tree ornament with an imprint of our first house key (pinterest)
2-pair of slippers
3-?
4-pack of boxers either here or the 5th
5-?
6- half dozen cookies from Tiff Treats (his fav)
7-bottle of Seagrams 7 (his fav)
8-
9-3 lottery tickets (called 9s in a row or something like that)
10-a “tin” of cinnamon cashews
11-December will be the 11th month we’ve been together so I will do something along the lines of a memory for every month
12-a 12 pack of his favorite beer
I like your ideas. For one of them…say number 8 you could do a CD with love songs on it (:
ladies how are you giving the presents to you husbands ?
i put them all under the tree a few minutes ago but maybe this isnt a good idea
any ideas ?
I’m leaving mine in different places each day so he’ll just see one every day, the first i’m leaving in his car for him to find when he drives to work! =)
I’m leaving mine on the front seat of his car each day before work
Oooohhhh GREAT IDEA!
I always kiss him in the garage before he leaves, I’ll slip it in the Tahoe then! Thanks!
I was thinking that I would buy a cheap Christmas santa cookie platter and have it sitting on the table. Since I leave for work first, I will either put his gift on the plate, or a card that gives him a clue as to where to find it
Going to try leaving in different places. Will try to enlist some of his friends/coworkers to help me be sneaky.
Love looking at the lists. I decided to not try so hard to match numbers, but instead just planned on something for each day. Since I want him to open the gift from our kids on Christmas Day, I will start on the 14th. I’d feel really bad if he had nothing to open on Christmas—
I’m starting on the 14th too! I decided to countdown from 12 to 1 (1 being on Christmas) because his biggest gift is 1 Flight Lesson and would be more appropriate as his official X-mas gift. The days leading up to this, will be the smaller gifts of course. So excited!!!
Happy Holidays ladies
I’m going to place them around the house-probably in the place that they will end up once they’re opened. I’ll only set out one per day.
I won’t be in town when I start mine so I’m going to mail it to him. He has no idea! I’m so excited!!!
Love this. So excited to start this tradition this year! I’m counting down from 12th day- 1st day.
12th: The Office themed calendar (our favorite show-and in its last season)
11th: 11 pictures and notes of some favorite memories- including the way he looked the night I knew I was in love! (Thank God for facebook!)
10th: guitar pics- he can never have too many
9th: undershirts- somehow he always needs more
8th: brownies
7th: underwear
6th: guitar strings (6 strings on his guitar)
5th: razor refills (why are these so expensive!?)
4th: Haikus
3rd: 3 of his favorite candy bars
2nd: jeans
1st: gift card to Home Depot (was gonna but him a tool, but he’s too picky so I’ll let him choose what he wants instead)
Thanks for the great idea!
Tools… Ok, so my boyfriend saw this on TV, stopped what he was doing and DROOLED! He didn’t know I caught his reaction, but he even said, “Woah!”
http://www.lowes.com/pd_407198-34170-63084_0__?productId=3930175
Thought I’d share to help others out
1. New cellphone
2. 2lb Reeses
3. 3 pack of underwear
4. 4 pack of socks
5. 5 gum
6. 6 pack of beer
7. Lucky 7 scratches
8. Shots Keith your wife
9. Rocawear IX cologne
10. Foot lotion (10 toes)
11. 11 reasons why I Love You
12. Chain necklace he asked for
Love this! Thanks!
For my husband I’m doing:
1.) angry bird ornament (he’s OBSESSED with the game!
2.) pairs of argyle socks
3.) home cooked meals
4.) movie tickets (two sets)
5.) gift card to 5-guys
6.) “reinbeers” (beers dressed as reindeer, which I found on Pinterest)
7.) scratch-off lottery tickets
8.) sexy-time coupons
9.) Reese’s peanut butter cups (favorite candy)
10.) pair of gloves (for his 10 fingers
11.) reasons why I love you
12.) dozen of his favorite cookies
I also wrote poems to go with each day (feel free to use):
1. On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me: an angry bird for our Christmas tree
2.) on the 2nd day of Christmas we’ll need to keep from cold, 2 pairs of argyle socks make your toesies look so bold!
3.) on the 3rd day of Christmas I thought you would enjoy, all three meals made by me for my handsome boy.
4.) On the 4th day of Christmas it’s your turn to decide, 4 movie tickets for you and your “bride”.
5.) on the 5th day of Christmas your tummy might get queasy, a gift card to 5 Guys will make your lunchtime easy.
6.) on the 6th day of Christmas, you deserve a rest. 6 “reinbeers” are just what I suggest
7.) on the 7th day of Christmas let’s hope you make some money, 7 lottery tickets for my sweet, sweet honey.
8.) on the 8th day of Christmas, I give a little wink, 8 coupons for anytime, you will be pleased… I think…
9.) on the 9th day of Christmas, I’m feeling pretty sweet, 9 Reese’s candies for my baby to eat.
10.) On the 10th day of Christmas, the weather’s getting frigid, here’s a pair of gloves for each of your 10 digits.
11.) on the 11th day of Christmas I picked just a few, reasons I love being married to you.
12.) on the 12th day of Christmas, the last and final day, a dozen cookies for my baby on a Christmas cookie tray.
Love this! Thanks!
For my husband I’m doing:
1.) angry bird ornament (he’s OBSESSED with the game!
2.) pairs of argyle socks
3.) home cooked meals
4.) movie tickets (two sets)
5.) gift card to 5-guys
6.) “reinbeers
It took me about a month to figure out what I was going to do! Good thing I saw this soon enough!
I’m doing it backwards as well, leading up to 1!
12. Homemade cookies in a mason jar.
11. CD with 11 corny love songs.
10. Giftcard to Starbucks
9. Magnets with pictures from dates we’ve gone on that are off my instafram (they came out awesome).
8. Of his favorite beer (they come in 4 packs).
7. 7 day pill container filled with candy and pieces of paper that say why I think he’s awesome.
6. Pack of mustaches, since his Asian blood doesn’t allow real ones.
5. Giftcard to in n out
4. Pins for his work uniform.
3. Xbox live subscription
2. A pair of tube socks (inside joke).
1. A freaken awesome dreamcatcher I made for him.
I’m proud. I’m proud.
I will give him the 12th day on Dec. 13, and give him the slip with the added line to the poem each day (see below) with each gift.
12 – I Love Lucy Calendar – favorite show – will watch reruns over and over
11-Fudge Stripes – favorite cookie
10-Hardee’s gift card – passes by it on way to drop boys off
9-9 Reasons I love him will be posted on the bathroom mirror
8-razors – just what came in the pack
7-Snickers – favorite candy bar
6-6 pack of Sundrop
5-can of pineapple rings – corny – but his favorite fruit
4-air pressure check for his tires – he had mentioned wanting one as a stocking stuffer
3 – 3 pack of different flavored peanuts – he likes peanuts
2 – pair of black socks
1- shirt and pants to make an outfit.
12 Days Before Christmas Poem
Yesterday was the last of its kind (12/12/12) for no dates will ever do the same,
As with you – you are unique and I remember the day I first heard your name.
Today starts a little countdown before Christmas to you from me,
I hope you know my love for you is more than can fit under a tree.
So with each day that passes a little treat for you you’ll find,
I hope you always know that you are always on my mind.
On the 12th day before Christmas I give to my true love,
12 months of the year I am happy that God sent you from above.
On the 11th day before Christmas you get some Keebler Elves,
They make about 11oz of Fudge Stripes upon store shelves.
On the 10th day before Christmas you get a Hardee’s Gift Card,
Ten Dollars for you, because you work at home so hard.
On the 9th day before Christmas I have made you a ‘Honey Do List,’
9 reasons why Honey, I Do Love You! – I hope you get the gist.
On the 8th day before Christmas you get 8 new razors for your face,
Just something to remind you that no one could take your place.
On the 7th day before Christmas you get 7 Snickers for a week,
Each day you eat one remember, it is only your true love I seek.
On the 6th day before Christmas you get a 6 pack off Sundrop,
With each drink I hope you know my love will never stop.
On the 5th day before Christmas you get 5 golden rings,
Well, pineapple ones for you, I hope, a smile that it brings.
On the 4th day before Christmas you get a tool to check 4 tires and their air,
I hope you know by now it is for you that I do care.
On the 3rd day before Christmas you get 3 different nuts to eat,
Philip-Mark, Sam and I (the nuts) all think that you are sweet.
On the 2nd day before Christmas you get a pair of socks,
There is a lot of love for you packed into this little box.
On the day before Christmas you get a whole new outfit,
I hope you know my love for you will never, ever quit.
I hope you have enjoyed the 12 days before Christmas with me,
Just counting all the ways I could say how much I Love Thee!
I absolutely love your poem. I was trying to figure out a way to start this…an explanation. And the beginning of your poem is perfect! Happy Holidays!
it was funny today we just set up our christmas tree ( hubby and me ) and we bought 12 days of christmas ornaments last year and he was singing with each ball we put in the tree….cant wait to see his face tomorrow after work when i put most of the presents for the end week under the tree….
Okay, I seriously need help.
I have every day figured out except 1… DAY 8. And I can’t come up with anything! HELP. We have been together for 8 years this December (4 years dating & 4 years married) so I thought about maybe doing a book of memories over the past 8 years… but I don’t know… Thoughts>
The rest of my 12 days are below…
1 – The advengers
2 – Double date with close friends
3 – 3 pack of Stride
4 – 4 pack red bull
5 – 5 question journals
6 – 6 pack Christmas Ale
7 – 7 saucy nights coupons ( Hey, we’re married! No judgement)
8 – ???
9 – 9 Things I love about you cookies
10 – $10 gift card to local coffee shop – his fave.
11 – Pre-order Chris Tomlin CD – Costs $11.99 ( I know, It’s a stretch ) Also has 11 letters in name.
12- A year of pre-planned date night (Mostly paid for) YAY! Something he will NEVER expect. I am too indecisive.
So please help me thing of something for day 8 I am stumped.
Thanks!
Since you’ve been together for 8 years, for Day 8, could you do a framed picture collage with one picture from each year you’ve been together?
I was going to suggest the same thing! Doing a quick search at Kohl’s I found a really cute frame for 8 pictures https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1190584/a-home-8-opening-collage-frame.jsp
I was thinking the same thing!
i was stumped on 11 but you could use 8 as well…….
“my 8 favorite memories of US” or “my 8 favorite things about you”
Dillards (And I am sure any other nice store has a toiletry set with EIGHT gadgets. Found it as I was buying my gift number Eleven..
My dear “sisters” thank you for all of your ideas. I have been so excited to participate in this very special way,
So below are my offerings for a husband who LOVES GOLF..
First the note.
My Love
Though advent is a time of preparation, we have already received the gift of Christmas and can live in the celebration of it. Yet we limit our celebration to one morning and the passing flurry of it. I hope you know my love for you is more than what could ever fit under the tree. So if I cant buy bigger presents then I needed to find a way to make your celebration of Christmas, bigger.
This year you will experience a very special journey through advent.
We are officially 12 days from Christmas and with it begins a celebration of my love for you.
So having said that… On the first day of Christmas…
1) Your love is timeless:
Golf book – The timeless swing
2) 2DVD set –
3) 3 pairs of socks
4) 4 pck of Scotch
5) Golf glove
6) Six pack Starbucks Frappacino
7) Golf book 7-point plan building better swing
8) Eight Gadget-Toiletry kit
9) Golf game- Play Nine.. And it was 9.99(LOL)
10) 10 pack golf hand warmers
11) Size Eleven bedroom slippers
12) Golf balls.
WOW,,,cant wait.
Ah I love #11! Wish I had thought of that… good job
For 8 I did lingerie because there is 8 letters in the word. The lingerie I of course will wear lol
Starting the 14th going backwards until Christmas (:
12th: A dozen cookies
11th: 11 song mix tape
10th: 10 minute back message
9th: reasons I love you
8th: Brownies
7th: Standford lanyard (ranked number 7)
6th: love coupons
5th: gift card to five guys
4th: haiku poems (funny)
3rd: books
2nd: Two tickets to the Hobbit
1st: sexy underwear/ Christmas sex
Absolutely love this idea… it’s my husband and my first Christmas together as a married couple, so what better time to start this tradition? He’s going to love it (and I’m having a blast planning it)! Because everyone’s ideas have been so helpful to me, here’s my own list so far:
12 – new alarm clock
11 – different Lindor chocolates
10 – slippers, size 10
9 – “I love you because…” notes
8 – little Stocking Stuffers or dollar store toys he might get a kick out of…
7 – National Geographic Explorers 25 Year Edition DVD (2+5=7… bit of a stretch, I know)
6 – 6pack of Dos Equis (because he is… the most interesting man in MY world)
5 – 4pack of regular underwear + 1 gag-gift one
4 – rolls of droppies (Dutch salty licorice he loves)
3 – new CDs
2 – pair of tickets to see the Hobbit
1 – bonsai plant for his desk at work
I am having so much fun I keep changing the ideas. I forgot about the lucky seven scratch tickets for 7. For the 12th day, I got him 2 fleur de lis cufflinks ( he is originally from France) and 10 cookies cut from a fleur de lis cookie cutter.
I love, love this idea. I’m doing the countdown (On the xth day ’til Christmas…). He always needs undergarments, and that’s kind of a gift for me since I have to do his laundry ;o)
Th, Dec 13: 12 socks
Fri, Dec 14: 11 coupons
Sat, Dec 15: 10 cookies (bake Friday when I’m off work)
Sun, Dec 16: 9 ???
Mon, Dec 17: 8 undershirts
Tue, Dec 18: 7 calendar (has #7 on front)
Wed, Dec 19: 6 fancy/local beer (Kroger has a thing where you can mix and match bottles)
Thu, Dec 20: 5 underwear
Fri, Dec 21: 4 books (2 home improvement, 2 grilling)
Sat, Dec 22: 3 3 meals (I rarely cook, so this is huge)
Sun, Dec 23: 2 sweaters (had already bought on clearance last spring)
Mon, Dec 24: 1 ??? (thinking maybe something with “last” in title?)
Someone said they use plain brown paper, a red ribbon, and wrote on it with a sharpie. I love the idea and plan to do it that way. Most days, I hope to leave it in his car, since I leave for work first.
Now off to scour the comments for more ideas for 1 and 9!!
For day nine, I bought my husband a baseball almanac…9 players. He loves baseball.
I’m so excited about this! I debated for a week prior to committing to this, but I’m fully invested.
12- LOLcats calendar
11- Geocaches (a new activity for us to do together.. http://www.geocaching.com/
10- $10 Jersey Mikes gift card (he goes there once a week with his work buddies)
9- 9 oz. of Christmas wrapped chocolate
8- George Foreman grill that can grill up to 8 servings
7- Lucky lotto tickets
6- 6 pack of Malta (gross! but he likes it)
5- Workaholics foam hand (5 fingers)
4- 4 Volcom shirts (his fav. brand)
3- 3 step, step ladder
2- Either a pair of stress boobs or a pair of nikes
1- a small coffee maker for his office desk
ahh! can’t wait!
Jess – I geocache too! Mandollyn is my ID… HIS is DisGuyHere
I was having a really hard time with 8, until I realized there are 8 reindeer in the classic stories (not counting rudolph), so it would be really cute to do something with that, like reindeer cookies.
I am so happy to have found this! My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost two years and this is our second christmas together. He is an officer in the Air Force and is currently at training school while I am finishing up school. I wanted to make this Christmas even more special since we won’t be able to be together for it and this is just the best thing ever. Thank you so much.
I revamped my list a little
1. Concha (Mexican sweet bread)
2. Tickets to see Muse at the Staples center in January
3. Assassins Creed III
4. 4 pack of his favorite after shave gel
5. Soccer player ornament with the #5 (his jersey number)
6. Boxers
7. Beckham Cologne (#7 was Beckham’s number for Manchester and England)
8. Razor refills (these are surprisingly pricey!)
9. 9 of his favorite cookie that I make,
10- In n Out Gift Card
11- $11 Gamestop card
12- Black Ops II and 10 pairs of socks= 12
Hilarious!! I bought Assassins Creed III too and couldn’t decide whether to do it for day 1 or day 3.
I want to do this as well, but I’ve already bought him his gifts for Christmas. I’m a giver, but do you think having bought his gifts and doing this would be excessive? He works a lot, so maybe I just could get creative with doing more instead of buying him more…any ideas would be great:)
What I did this year is spread out the Christmas gifts I got for my hubby and added a few homemade treats on the days in between.
LOVE this idea! I’m going to try it this year, as my husband and I decided to not do big gifts for each other. This time of year is always stressful for him, as he hates shopping and worrying about what gifts to buy people. I’m determined to do this on a budget, but make it just as fun for him! I’m stuck on day 10. It will fall on Saturday Dec. 22nd, and he loves music so I thought a $10 iTunes gift card, but I think I want it to be some kind of experience instead. Since it’ll be the weekend, I want us to do something (Christmas-ish) together – but what that goes with 10?? Any ideas??
My husband really wants to see Skyfall, but I don’t know how to incorporate that on the 10th day. Could do the 7th day for 007, but that’s a random Wednesday. Any thoughts on that?? I looked to see if it was playing at 10pm or after, but no luck. Or possibly, even the Hobbit… ?
Hey Amanda! You could put a cute note that says you have 10th row tickets to Skyfall. When you get there you could sit in the 10th row…… or not. If your husband is really excited to see the movie I don’t think he’ll even notice
Jolanda, thanks for the idea! I’m already planning a candlelit dinner for 2 on the 2nd day, and making his favorite meal. Melissa, love that idea!! And you’re right, he won’t care, he just wants to see it! Thank you.
Buy the tickets for the movie for Friday or Saturday night on fandango and wrap them up to give to him on Wednesday.
You could give him the tickets on the 7th day, but go on a night that is convenient for you. I’m giving my hubby 2 tickets to the Hobbit for the 2nd day, but we already have plans that night, so we’ll have to go on a different night.
hi amanda,
i got tickets for the hobbit and going to give that on the 2nd day as in pairs will be going together…maybe this is an idea…
Maybe go to a concert or somewhere to hear some music, then give him the iTunes card so he can get that music to download if he liked it?
I am doing 10 beers from around the world.
You could drive around and find the top 10 Christmas decorations! Or see who can spot 10 decorated houses first.
Bowling? Aren’t there 10 pins?
Could you do 10 random acts of kindness together throughout that day…. like go around looking for ways to help others… randomly
Amanda, You guys can have a date night but through out the night y’all have to do 10 good deeds together. hold the door for someone. Pay for someones…whatever, etc.
You could do a set of gloves…for his ten fingers.
Or 5 pairs of socks.
Thank you for sharing. After 33+ yrs of blissful marriage it is hard to think of something different that hasn’t been done. THIS is it.
Kudos to your hubby for being the kind of man that deserves this kind of thought and love.
We truly are blessed.
Merry Christmas.
~Louise
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tradition. After 33+ yrs of blissful marriage to the best man in the world, it starts to get difficult to find things that are different. I will definitely use this this year.
Kudos to your hubby for being the kind of husband that deserves such thought and love. I am blessed and sounds like you are as well.
Merry Christmas!!!!
~Louise
I am also starting this tradition with my boyfriend, this is our first Christmas together. So I want to do something really special for him, since he has been so amazing to me since we started dating. He has no idea this is coming. Here is my list, but I need some help with a few last minute items:
1st Day- The Dark Night Rises DVD
2nd Day- 2 Movie Tickets (to see the Hobbit, since that is the first day it is open)
3rd Day- 3 Axe Body Sprays
4th Day- 4 Razor Blades
5th Day-
6th Day- 6 Pairs of Boxers
7th Day- 7 Lucky Lottos
8th Day- 8 Boneless Wings
9th Day- 9 Packs of Gum
10th Day- $10 Gift Card
11th Day-
12th Day- 12 Balls for Golfing
Any Ideas for 5 & 11?
I am trying to not to do sweets becuase he is working out and getting into shape right now so I don’t wanna ruin that for him
My husband is a body builder, so sweets are out of the question on my list too.
For day 5 I am making him 5 coupons for a muscle massage (by me) that he can cash in when he is sore after a workout. It might be wise to put a time limit on them so that you don’t need a new hand by the time you are done the massage (I’m sure you know that it’s a lot of work to massage big muscles).
You could also think of E as the 5th letter in the alphabet and get him something that starts with E.
Not sure if you know your man’s eating habits, but my husband eats a LOT of eggs- you could always get him 5 cartons (dozen or half dozen) of eggs if he eats a lot of them.
Another option that I am doing for day 4 which you could do for day 5 (this would depend on how long you’ve been dating and how well you know his friends) is to get 5 of his close friends, or a mixture of family and friends, to each write him a letter that he can open up at different times of the day. Tell them how much thethey mean to your boyfriend and ask them to write something, even something short, that either recalls their favourite memory with him, something they appreciate about him, or just words that they want to say to him. The guys have already sent me their letters and I know my husband will die when he reads them- they are very funny, yet very serious and heart felt.
If you decide to go with something other than the 5 coupons for massage for day 5, you could always give him a coupon for an 11 minute massage after a workout for day 11.
what about protein bars or drinks from a vitamin shop?
I love this idea, and my boyfriends friends are super jealous!
Day 1: Christmas Boxers (i know it’s a pair, but it’s only one thing)
Day 2: Coupon for a Bikini Car Wash (2 piece bathing suit)
Day 3: His favorite candy (comes in packs of 3)
Day 4: A calendar (4 seasons)
Day 5: Cologne (5 is the number that represents men in numerology)
Day 6: 6 pack of his favorite beer
Day 7: fuzzy dice (lucky number 7)
Day 8: A list of favorite memories I’ve had with him (our anniversary is the 8th)
Day 9: Mix CD of all of “our songs” titled “Cloud 9″
Day 10: Tin of cookies
Day 11: a dozen brownies
Hopefully I’m done with these! I’m starting on the 14th to end on the 25th and counting backwards.
12. Chick-fil-a calendar (comes with a card with a free menu item each month)
11. A book with 11 words on the title (had to get creative on this one!)
10. $10 Chipotle gift card
9. 9 of his favorite cookies
8. 8 things I love about him
7. Lucky 7 scratcher
6. 6 pack of beer (decorated like reindeer http://pinterest.com/pin/74731675036397812/)
5. $5 Subway gift card (and free cookie for doing a survey from the receipt!)
4. An ornament I had made with the picture of the two of us and our 2 boys
3. 3 packs of holiday Tic Tacs
2. 2 lbs of Pure Protein powder and shaker bottle
1. The Dark Knight Rises Blu Ray
Can’t wait to start giving him these!!!
I’m doing exactly the same! End on the 25th and count backwards. : )
Love these ideas! I also did a 12 days of Christmas for my hubby a couple of years ago. Check it out: http://naptimejournal.blogspot.com/2010/12/gift-of-meaning12-days-of-christmas-for.html
THis year I am doing a year of dates! So fun!
-Becca
1: One hour full body massage
2: turtle candies
3: 3 pack of t shirts
4: razor cartridges
5: 5th of bourbon
6: 6 pack socks
7: lucky 7 scratch tickets
8: milky way candy bars
9: Nutcracker tickets!!
10: 10 minute hand massage (each hand)
11: 11 fave memories
12: 12 pack of winter beers from World Market
Been having fun with this:
1. Haven’t chosen – too many choices!
2. 2-pack of massage balls (for back, sore muscles, etc.)
3. Batman trilogy Blue Ray DVD set
4. 4 pack of lip balms
5. 5 pack of small sample size round lotion containers (he keeps them in his car and everywhere
6. 6 pack of his favorite bottled tea
7.
8. 8 count box of Godiva chocolates
9. Taking him to see the “9 ladies dancing” in the Moscow Ballet Nutcracker on Dec. 9 (ok, this might be for me – LOL!)
10.
11. Found an article about the best 11 non-alcolholic beers, so printed it out and will buy a six pack of the winner
12
Day 1- Concha (Mexican Sweet Bread- he’s obsessed)
Day 2- A Pair of Tickets to see Muse at the Staples Center in January
Day 3-The shave gel he really likes
Day 4- razor refills
Day 5- $5 to In n Out (his favorite restaurant)
Day 6- Boxer Brief Packs
Day 7- David Beckham Cologne (Beckham wore #7 when he played for Manchester and boyfriend is a Beckham fanatic)
Day 8-
Day 9-
Day 10- $10 to gamestop
Day 11-
Day 12- a dozen red velvet whoopie pies.
I need ideas of 8, 9, and 11! Any ideas are appreciated!
Nice idea BUT the 12 days of Christmas are after Christmas. The 12 days of Christmas are the Christmas season in the church calendar and refer to the days between Christmas and Epiphany on January 6.
Thank you! I kept thinking this the whole time..so frw people know that!
I know the 12 days are supposed to be after Christmas, but I think my husband will enjoy it more if I do it before Christmas. Although, it would be fun to be recieving gifts after Christmas!
Yup, I’m aware, but part of the fun is building up to Christmas Day so I’m counting down the days. I do a 12 elf book count down with my boys so this will be for my hubby.
Yep! That’s come up a few times if you read through the comments. I’m doing the days before and just doing “On the xth day til Christmas, my true love gave me to me…”. It’s the thought, not the logistics. Personally, I’m from such a big family, that by the time Christmas comes and goes, I’m exhausted!
I love this idea!!! We are going on vacation and we come home on the 14th at midnight, so I decided to start mine on the 14th so that I didnt have to bring more than one gift on the trip. But it still ends on the 25th this way. Here is my list:
Day 1 – Lingere (for me to wear and we will be on a trip, so he will love it)
Day 2 – a pair of new hockey gloves
Day 3 – a 3 pack of briefs
Day 4 – 4 bags of his favorite doritos
Day 5 – a 5 pack of his favorite chocolate bars (they usually come in packs of 5)
Day6 – a 6 pack of socks
Day 7 – the movie Seven
Day 8 – a Denver Broncos hat with Peyton Mannings number on it (his favorite NFL player). His number is eighteen, but there is an 8 in it.lol
Day 9 – Package of 9 golf balls
Day 10 – gloves (10 fingers)
Day 11 – 11 ironing cupons. I hate ironing and rarely do it and he is always asking, so he should get a kick out of this
Day 12 – a 12 pack of Blue Light (his favorite beer)
Just thought I would share my ideas to try and help others! Good luck!
1 gotta think of something! running out of time!! lol
2) pair of saxx undies
3) 3 cupons for me to clean his car (something I don’t normally do…)
4) 4 toblerone bars, his favorite
5) 5 pack of pliers, Canadian tire had an amazing sale!
6) 6 books by his favorite author, got these second hand to keep costs down
7) 7 nights in a row… he gets to pick what he would like me to wear to bed
’8)
9) scrapbook of a trip we took this year – it took me 9 hours to make lol
10) 10 part mini series, the pacific, on blue ray
11) 11 chocolate truffles
12) 12 pack of his favorite beer
wanted to get him 8 cheap leather bracelets cus he wears those all the time but cannot find them anywhere…..
What a great idea ..twelve gifts…thanks all for the ideas
A book or film with a number in the title
A series of emails or texts sent to him throughout the day
A gift certificate or coupons for his favorite meal
A collection of poems (Haiku is a quick and easy!)
One year I publicly praised my husband by posting 10 things I loved about him on my blog
Get Romantic!
Decorate your bedroom with a number of lit candles
Love letters — New or old
A custom CD of your favorite love songs
Coupons to redeem for a massage — given by you!
Im so glad you shared that was really helpful. I know my boyfriend will love this!
This is such a great idea and i laready starded on it. I am soooo excited to start it.So far, this is what I have..
1) protective eye glasses ( he needs them to work on projects)
2) Expendables 1&2 in blu ray
3) 3-pack socks
4) underwear
5) gift card to Five guys for dinner
6) 6 pack of gargae matts ( hes been wanting)
7) Lucky 7 scratchers or 7 scrach tickets
8) 8 pack razors
9) This one was gard for me but I went with 3- 3 musketter bars
10) working gloves ( 10 fingers:))
11) Oceans 11 trilogy in blu ray
12) A large clock for garage he has been wanting. ( 12 hours on clock )
Then to make it more exciting I wrapped all gifts in same plain brown contruction paper, red ribbon bow and w/ a sharpir black marker on front wrote on each: On the ? day of christmas my true love gave to me…..making the day bigger then the rest. Looks so good and cant wait!!
Day 1 (Hat):
Leading up to the day set aside to celebrate Christ’s Birth,
Comes 12 days of Christmas, which you are about to unearth.
This present for you is one you will wear,
I’ll give you a hint *it’ll mess up your hair
Day 2 (Sunglasses):
Yesterday was fun, and it has only just begun!
Today’s gift is is a pair that will help block out the sun.
Day 3 (Movie Tix):
This outing is something to look forward to,
Your turn to pick, let us enjoy it with you.
Day 4 (Underwear):
Some like them short, others like them long;
Let’s just hope none like them thong.
Day 5 ($5 Grocery Store Gift Card):
All day you strenuously work so hard,
Here is a small financial relief in the form of a card.
Day 6 (6 Pack of Energy Drinks):
Need energy to finish the day?
Drink some of these and you’ll be on your way!
Day 7 (Seven things I love about you, one a day ending on Christmas):
There are Seven Days in a week
All of which your love I seek
Day 8 (Black Socks):
Long, Black and Warm,
Wearing these are the Norm
Day 9 (Shoes):
Working, Walking, Jogging, Run
Using these will help a ton!
Day 10 (Healthy restaurant gift card):
Something easy, on the go and fast,
Without compromising health that lasts
Day 11 (CD of songs that remind me of him):
There are moments that I think of you,
Especially when I hear these songs play through
Day 12 (Twelve Ordinary Men Book):
Not only our Stomachs, but our brains we do feed;
That is why today, you receive something to read.
Hint * How did the Master Shape His Disciples for Greatness?
What He Wants to Do with You, is no less.
I love these little poems
very cute!
I love this! I’m doing
12 oz Faygo (his fave and hard to find here) and a calendar
11 sugar cookies (favorite cookie)
10 …well…he’ll get this one at 10 o’clock…;)
9 Random Loves Notes and a 9 track homemade CD
8 Reeses cups and 8 oz drink
7 “coupon” to drive to get scratch lotto tickets
6 pack low sodium v8 (odd, I know, but he’ll like it)
5 Take 5 candy bar
4 Pair of underwear
3 pack razor refill
2 Season 2 of Rome
1 Sweater
I need help with 11!!! i have already spend a bunch of money on all the others, and no edible things please (i am already doing his favorites). i’m trying to think and its so hard. Here’s whats up… I am 21 and he is 26, we are both missionaries in mexico so some things are hard to find here. For the holidays, there has been money donated to get me home for the holidays but unfortunately we cant afford for him to come as well, so he will be stuck on the missions base over christmas, so this idea is great! It gives him something to look forward to each day while i’m away. We are not married no no sexy bed things (yet) haha but if i could get some help that would be really great. he loves romance things because hes latin so he has that sweet heart but somewhat picky about clothes and food. HELP!
For 11, I’m making a mix cd of songs from concerts we’ve gone to together. You could do something like that, but maybe of songs that have been special to your ministry.
11 significantly memorable photos of the two of you together. Or pictures of special people & projects he works on, maybe even with notes included. From them or about him & how he’s been crucial in spearheading an aspect of the mission. Something sentimental along those lines. Or a recap of 11 romantic dates you have been on…& ways you can get him to remember each of them & how they were special to you as well!
Sit and remember 11 memories from the past year!
Shayleigh, what about different places the two of you have visited together, or places that you would like to visit; 11 scriptures, or as I assume your are LDS pictures of the temples that you would like to visit.
Shayleigh,
I have two ideas for you. Each year though very lean times and more lush times I have created home made “love coupons” cookies; massages; guilt free football game we waitress service, etc. —the second is perfect for your ministry. A note each day with a favorite scripture-the things you pray for him. – be still; god provides for even the sparrow; the greatest of these is loce..you get the idea.
Iron 11 shirts or a coupon to do it. I hate ironing and don’t do it, so this is big for my hubby.
Hi there, I was thinking hard on this one too! How about the Apollo 11 movie?
I want to do this for my boyfriend and I have come up with all of the gifts, but I need a creative way of giving them to him. I am going to wap them and out them in his car and at work and different spots to surprise him each day, but how do I let him know that it’s the 12 days of Christmas and to expect a surprise each day???
I am not telling my boyfriend what the gifts are for and going to wait to see if he figures it out on his own. I will eventually tell him if he doesn’t catch on on his own. Maybe a note on the last gift?
It is the Christmas Season
So I will use that as my reason
For showering you with love and affection
Because I want to truly celebrate our connection
But when I thought about what to get you
One gift just simply wouldn’t do
So these next few days are all about YOU
My feelings for you are deep, genuine and true
This is just a small way to say I LOVE YOU.
So be looking ahead for things coming you way
The 12 days of Christmas, me dear, starts today!
Wonderful poem, Shayleigh!
Love this little poem!
Hi. I am wrapping mine in plain brown construction paper tied w/ red ribbon. Then with black sharpie marker on each I am writing, On the ? day of christmas my true love gave to me….. Then I am writing small but putting the number big to stand out! Looks great!
1 pair of headphones (he has been wanting a new pair)
2 dinner and movie for two
3 cook all three meals for him
4 pairs of boxer briefs
5 all five assassin’s creed video games
6 pack of beer
7 lotto tickets
8 pairs of socks
9 packs of gum or candy
10 dollars to a restaurant close to his work
11 credits on itunes/app store
12 a dozen of his favorite cookies
Super fun idea!!!!
Day 1: Day one of Santa’s Surprises is finally here, so this slice of caramel pie is just for you, my dear. Caramel pie from Oh Charley’s his favorite pie.
Day 2: Day 2 is gonna be groovy, here’s two tickets to a movie.
Day 3: For day 3 here’s something I never do, I’m going to cook all 3 meals just for you.
Day 4:
Day 5: Today is day 5 and I have for you 5 eye popping, heart racing, SEXTS from me. But open in private so no one else can see.
Day 6: For day 6 here’s pepsi and chips but be careful, eat too much and it’ll go straight to your hips.
Day 7:Lucky #7 is today, keep these coupons in your wallet and cash them in when you want to “play”.
Day 8: Don’t be late, meet me at (name of restaurant) at 8:00 for our dinner date.
Day 9: These nine new boxers are for day 9 because I know when you wear them you’ll look oh so fine!
Day 10:
Day 11: Star shaped cookies w/ reasons why I love him. I love you more than all the stars in the sky but here’s 11 reasons why.
Day 12: Kisses on 12 different parts of his body with reasons explaining why I love those parts (hands – working so hard for his family, etc.)
12 : his favorite chocolate
11:love notes ( sticky notes around the house)
10:candies
9:cookies
8:beer ( his favorite or a mix, not sure yet )
7:sweetheart candy
6: coupons for date nights ( in / out the house )
5:not sure yet for this one
4:movies ( i will watch with you without complaining and sleeping maybe LOR )
3:xmas ornaments that represent my husband
2:two hobbit tickets ( movie comes out on the 14th)
1:pair of jeans
starting on the 13th with 12 and end on the 24th with 1 and then on Christmas day i want to give my husband one bigger Christmas present.
12 : his favorite chocolate
11:love notes ( sticky notes around the house)
10:candies
9:cookies
8:beer ( his favorite or a mix, not sure yet )
7:sweetheart candy
6: coupons for date nights ( in / out the house )
5:not sure yet for this one
4:movies ( i will watch with you without complaining and sleeping maybe LOR )
3:xmas ornaments that represent my husband
2:two hobbit tickets ( movie comes out on the 14th)
1:pair of jeans
My boyfriend is in law school and the 12 Days actually falls during his semester-end finals so this will be a GREAT way to cheer him up throughout the week & leading to Christmas! I’ve decided to do it backwards, starting on Dec 13 with 12 and ending with 1 on Christmas Eve.
12 – Year long Subscription to The Economist or Beer Advocate (haven’t decided)
11 – A list of the 11 ingredients needed for his grandma’s pumpkin pie – his FAVORITE, with the promise to make it together sometime over winter break
10 – A bottle of “Ten FIDY” beer, one of his favorites
9 – Nine things I love about him
8 – Eight coupons for date nights for over winter break (I’m back in school too so we have some time to ourselves!)
7 – Lucky 7 lotto tickets (to pay off that law school debt haha)
6 – Six pack of beer, like a make your own mix of his favorites. This day happens to fall on his LAST day of finals, so it works perfectly! I’m sure he’ll need a drink
5 – I am a health freak, but he loves burgers so I’ll take him to Five Guys for lunch
4 – Four coupons for him picking the movie OR four new bow ties (haven’t decided)
3 – The League season 3 on DVD
2 – A pair of new dress shoes
1 – A nice bottle of scotch for Christmas Eve!
love this idea!
These are mine…
dec 13-1-bigger gift – havent decided yet
dec 14 -2-leather gloves
dec 15- 3-golf balls
dec 16-4-2 pack socks
dec 17-5-lotto tickets
dec 18-6-pack beer
dec 19-7-pairs boxers
dec 20-8-lindor chocolates
dec 21-9-golden oreos
dec 22-10-mcdonalds $10 card
dec 23-11-pepperoni sticks
dec 24-12-dozen homemade cookies
I love, love, love this idea!
I love the name of your blog
And all the extra ideas in the comments! I can’t wait for Dec. 13th now
LOVE this idea. Like other’s have said – it’s perfect for so many different occasions, just tweak it to your needs. For those of you bothered by the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas – so start on Christmas! Or call it the 12 days TIL Christmas and start before. Sheesh.
If you’re stuck on ideas for a specific number, make that a special homemade baked treat day – like that number of cookies or pine bark pieces, that many cake pops to take to work and share, or favorite/retro candy basket. You can do that many balloons tied to his car or delivered to work. Or deliver that many flowers. That many chocolate covered strawberries given in a box or pretty plate for dessert and bring out a bottle of champagne or wine (or whatever) as a prelude to a romantic night.
And if you dont want to think of multiple numbers of things each day, just try a theme for 12 days – like “the 12 naughty,sexy, sparkly theme days” idea of 12 romantic gifts leading up to the final 1 romantic night (or last or the 12 romantic nights
. i know my hubby would love this idea.
What a fantastic, versatile gift idea. Thanks so much for the inspiration, Trina!
had a message from Carolyn, ( author ) that you can do the first day on the 25th instead of before but i am not sure if my husband will like that …January 1st X-mas is out the door so he probably wouldnt like gifts than either…and i was thinking since i have his favorite chocolate for the 12th day ( and kinda cheap looking ) to give him a bit bigger special gift that day besides the chocolate what do you think ?
i post a message before….i would like some ideas for my hubby since he will be a daddy for the first time in January and i need some inspiration…we started also our own company in April of this year and he has been working like crazy full time …he loves skiing, golfing and waterskiing, reading…maybe you ladies can help me out…i have some ideas but like to see some more things in this brainstorming chain that is going on…Thank you!! and Merry X-mas to you all!!
Thanks for the great gift ideas!
Also, we all have PLENTY of time to do this and you don’t have to do the countdown backwards as someone suggested! The FIRST day of Christmas is December 25! 2nd Day is the 26th and so on! Advent is the 4 wks before Christmas; Christmas isn’t celebrated until the 12 days beginning Christmas Day and leading to the great feast of Epiphany. Hope everyone has a beautiful Christmas! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas_(song)
I have decided to start 12 days before and to end on Christmas day. I’m starting off with 1 day filled with. memories. I have asked secretly. for a vacation day for him. While our kids are at school I am taking him to breakfast and have arranged a tour at a cool site. I just called and told them about my gift and we have our own private tour! So excited!
I’m also ending on Christmas Day. The weekends will work in my favor that way…
I am also going to end on Christmas Day. We will be on vacation and we head home on the 14th. I figured if I start it on the 14th I wont have to bring two gifts on the trip, only 1 to begin on the last day before we leave! This is exciting!
having a hard time so far of figuring out what i should give to my husband…but i will get it…
thanks for the ideas ladies…
so every day he gets to open up one gift ? thats the point right ?
This is an AWESOME LIST! All you gals have given me great inspiration for my sweet bf’s list! We are in a LDR so a lot of this stuff I am going to be sending by mail and marking each package appropriately so he only opens what he should on any given day
. I am also going to go backwards because #1 is going to be the “big” gift.
12. – 1 dozen “i love you more than…” cookies (smoke loves fire, homer loves marge, etc)
11. – 11 of “our songs” as we used to make mixed cds for eachother to listen to on the long car ride home after a visit
10. – $10 dunkin donuts card
9. – 9 pairs of dress socks
8. – sexy coupons
7. – 7 $1 Lucky Scratch tickets
6. – So Co Nips & 6 pack of coke
5. – 5 meals of his choice
4. – Halo 4
3. – 3 pairs of boxers
2. – 2 movie tickets
1. – northface fleece (the only thing he has asked for)
I am not even going to keep track of the price tag. There is no budget on making my baby happy!
I am dying to do this for my husband. I have always been big on thoughtful gifts and I think this is about as thoughtful as one can be!
1 – One Dozen of his favorite Cookies
2 – Two Sy-Fy Movie Date Nights without complaint (I hate Sy-Fy and he loves it!)
3 – 3 Packs of his favorite gum
4 – 4 “Outfits” to choose from (Don’t judge me;) These will be “outfits” I already own but he can pick his favorite for me to wear)
5 – 5 Foot massages
6 – 6 of his favorite Drinks – A Bottle of Baccardi & diet coke (his fave). It’s just enough for to make six drinks
7 – Lucky 7 Scratch Off Tickets
8 – 8 Great Back massages
9 – A list of 9 of my favorite memories of us
10 – $10 Subway gift card (He eats here almost every day for lunch)
11 – 11 Songs that make me think of you (Some romantic, some that make you think of funny memories). I was going to put them on a CD and then write the “story” behind each song and format it like a CD insert.
12 – Twelve Things I love About You (a Wallet sized list for him to keep).
I meant to include the “poem’ I wrote. It is SUPER cheesy but that is my personality. I am planning to put it on his nightstand to wake up to on the first day. Then I will include the gift in his stocking every day. I can not wait for December 13th!!!
It is the Christmas Season
So I will use that as my reason
For showering you with love and affection
Because I want to truly celebrate our connection
But when I thought about what to get you
One gift simply wouldn’t do
All year long you work so hard to support your wife
So these next few days are all about YOU, for once in your life
My feelings for you are deep, genuine and true
This is just a small way to say I LOVE YOU.
So make sure to check your stocking each day
The 12 days of Christmas starts today!
Okay… with the help of all of you lovely folks, here is my list:
(I still haven’t decided if I’m going backwards or not…)
Day 1 – one year of Pandora One
Day 2 – tickets to something TBD… we’ve already bought a lot of concert tickets unfortunately!
Day 3 – 3 pack of disposable razors (he travels a lot for work)
Day 4 – 4 pairs of boxers
Day 5 – 5 different kinds of nuts, folded in origami boxes I found on Pinterest
Day 6 – 6 pack of beer or Coke
Day 7 – 7 dry rub spices I found on Pinterest
Day 8 – eight $1 lotto tickets
Day 9 – 3 dates: 3 dinners, movies, and popcorns… he’s a math guy. Hopefully he’ll get it
Day 10 – Cheryl’s Cookies – a 10-piece holiday pretzel gift set, delivered to work.
Day 11 – CD with 11 songs on it, from concerts we’ve gone to together
Day 12 – a dozen oatmeal scotchies, his favorite cookie
I’ve recruited his roommate to deliver gifts on days I won’t see him, since we don’t live together. I’m excited to do this for him this year. 5 years of dating, I want to do something different! Good luck to everyone else!
This is an awesome idea. My boyfriend said he was on board with this, so it took me by surprise since he has so little time for anything nowadays. I actually feel bad that I proposed this idea to him knowing he has no “me” time and now has to spend what little time he has for himself on others, but he’s insisted he wants to do this.
1) The Hobbit gift card for the movies, since we’re starting Dec 14 and the movie comes out on that day.
2) Pair of boobs stress balls, thought we could keep it light hearted for his stress level.
3) Pair of thermal underwear.
4) $5 gift card for McDonalds
5) Pack of guitar picks and strings
6) Secret
7) 1 lb peanut butter Reese’ cups
8) Golden Eye or Casino Royale on DVD
9) Bottle of Rum
10) Visor for his helmet
11) Some tape for his hockey sticks & maybe some pucks
12) Hoodie for one of his favorite bands
I played around with numbers (birthday, anniversary, # of family members, etc…I also kept in mind firsts, seconds, thirds, etc…which helped me a lot). Here’s what I came up with:
1 – movie night downtown (our first date)
2 – chocolate kisses (second date, first kiss)
3 – a trio of ties
4 – 4 oz of jalepeno jam (his fav)
5 – 5 kids cooking dinner
6 –
7 – 7 passes to an indoor play-thingy-majiggy (mainly for the kiddos, but a family day!)
8 –
9 – a playlist of nine of my favorite love songs (from my mac to his iPod)
10 –
11 –
12 – 12 love notes from the ones who love him most (parents, siblings, 2 living grandparents, and 5 kids = 12! PERFECT)
I’m also thinking locations…the place where I got my ring (the corner of 21st & 10th?!)
proposal dates….4/16 = 11
his work address
# of buddies he’s always with for game nights
his favorite sports player’s jersey number
hhmmm?
Here is my list, he will still have a couple other “big” gifts under the tree. I also really like the idea of going backwards so he gets one of his big gifts as number one. If I do that option I will just use #1 on this list as a stocking stuffer. I am not opposed to practical gifts as every year I get him some of those, like others have said; “it’s the idea of thinking about them specifically for 12 days.”
1. Belt (his work on is looking pretty shabby and it’s the only thing I don’t get to throw out when I do laundry.)
2. 2 nerf guns and some ammo to go with it ( got to have a little fun)
3. flashlights (one for the house, one for shop, and one mega one to use in the yard/camping, it seems we are always looking for our flashlights.)
4. 4 nice dress shirts for work(one appropriate for each season)
5. 5 special boxers (he always buys the cheapest ones from Walmart and every year I buy him some nice ones that last longer than a couple months)
6. 6 pack of gatorade
7. 7-11 gift card for gas
8. 8 rice krispie treats with chocolate chips (his favorite treat)
9. 9 pairs of dress socks for work ( 3 brown, 3 black, and 3 grey)
10. $10 gift card to his favorite sandwich shop
11. peg board hooks for his newly renovated shop
12. a sports trivia calendar
I’m doing this for my boyfriend cos I couldn’t think of anything to get him for Christmas and his birthday (Dec. 21) so I’m doing it all in one.
12: picture collage of 12 pictures
11: CD of 11 songs
10: 10 peanut butter cookies
9: homemade coupons
8: post its
7:
6: 6 cans of his favorite dip (it comes in a six pack)
5:
4: (his birthday) can’t think of anything.
3: 3 notes
2: 2 packs of his favorite fishing lures
1: the hat he really wants
I’m going to do the count down, too. So I’ll start with the 12th day on the 13th. And I know that the official 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas day, but that’s not really the point. I think it’s a nice way of showing my husband how much I appreciate and love him.
I make calendars for the family every year for Christmas through Snapfish- that will be my 12th day.
11 – K-cups (they recently installed Keurigs at work)
)
10 – $10 GC for Starbucks
9 – 3 3-packs of something. Not sure what yet….
8 – coupons for date nights (still 6 more than we’ve had this year!)
7 – a week of his favorite dinners
6 – a 6 pack of Christmas Ale
5 – letters (stealing the past, present, future, but adding 2 for the kids)
4 – 4 of his favorite candy bars
3 – frame for his desk
2 – Snickerdoodle muffins at his desk (a benefit of working for the same company, but starting at different times…
1 – a laptop bag that he’s been eyeing
Steve – I think it’s great that you’re planning ahead. I’m sure my husband will be waiting until the week before Christmas to get started.
As for ideas – think of some of her favorite things, some of her hobbies, something she wouldn’t normally spend money on for herself. Maybe a nice pair of slippers for day 2, a GC for a manicure for day 10, a pack of 12×12 scrapbook paper if she scrapbooks for day 12, a trilogy of books for day 3 (Hunger Games, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Nora Roberts has quite a few trilogies).
I want to do this for my wife but I am lacking in the idea department. Please help.
Kudos to you for thinking ahead! How about a gift card to a video store with popcorn and/or drinks.
My favorite wine (barefoot) has a mini 4 pack.
I would love for my husband to leave random sticky notes with compliments,
Nail polish.
Mints or a favorite little candy.
Our local florist has $5 Fridays, a small bouquet, very lovely.
1 day of memories (take her somewhere special or reflect on special moments from past)
2 cozy slippers
3 meals prepared by you
4 oz of perfume or favorite yummy treat
$5 Starbucks card
8… I think it would be sweet to get to work and have 8 sweet notes…. one to open each hour
10 top ten reasons I love you
12 calendar with pics of your memories
This is a really nice idea! But what about us? Our partner should do the same back. It should be a mutual giving celebration! As women, sometimes so much is expected of us, and we don’t think we deserve the same in return.
The point of giving a gift (or 12 in this case) is to do something nice for someone without expecting anything is return. If you feel like you are expected to do this for him, then it’s not really a gift, it’s an obligation. We can’t expect our husbands to do this for us, because then it wouldn’t be a gift, it would be an obligation also.
Too bad there’s no Like button here
100% agree with Stacy.
Such a cute idea! I’m so excited for 12/13 now! I’m doing 1 romantic night, 2 wool socks, 3 fish flies, 4 laffy taffies (fav candy), 5 cans of chew (yuck but he loves it), 6 beers a brewing, 7 lucky lottos, 8 spicy wings, 9 naughty nights where I’m giving him cute, handmade, suggestive coupons
, 10 ???, 11 players playing, where I’m giving him a cookie and beanie from his fav. Football team since there’s 11 players and 12 months of lovin with a personal planner! I tried to make it sound like the song but it’s rough! Thanks for a fantastic idea!
could also be cute to reverse it and do like a countdown to christmas so youd start at present 12 (12 pack of beer for me) then go down the last counting down the days until christmas and then that way too they would get the 1 bigger present on christmas eve.
I plan on wrapping them all up and numbering them under the tree so each day he can unwrap one and then the presents he gets on christmas could have a 0 on it.
Cute fun way to countdown till christmas. Could be cute too if you have kids and do it for them as well
i like that idea for the countdown….
Love this!! Started on some ideas as soon as I saw the post…stuck on Eight and Eleven… Has anyone got any ideas that dont involve food for these two?
i am doing candy on 11 so it doesnt help BUT 8 -i was stuck here too.! but 8 undergarments is what i picked. ( i know its silly but…) mixing up boxer briefs, socks, and wife beaters.
My husband is a systems administrator and always keeps a handful of those little thumb drives on hand, so my number 8 is an 8-gig thumb drive. I’m still trying to come up with an 11 too.
8 reasons you’re great! Write 8 reasons why your husband is the greatest and put each one in an envelope. He can open one each hour. :]
Very excited to do this. Coming up with ideas and keeping it cheap was kind of difficult, but my husband is a gamer and that helped a little!
1st day Dec 13.
1. Romantic night filled with lights , candles , and FOOD! introducing my 12 day gift giving binge.
2. 2 slippers (1 pair) OR 2 matching cups (one for each of us).
3. 3-month XBOX LIVE membership.
4. 4 Throwback Mountain Dews (his favorite)
5. 5 packs of cigs.
6. 6 pack beer
7. 7 scratch-off’s (unoriginal, but i thought it was a good idea thanks XD )
8. 8 undergarments. a mixture of briefs, socks, and wifebeaters
9. 9 sexy coupons
10. $10 gift card to Gamestop
11. 11 Baby Ruths
12. Watch ( there are 12 hours on a clock.)
I’m going to do a CD of 11 songs from concerts we’ve gone to together…
I really love this idea and my mind is just racing with ideas. I was thinking three of his favorite meals for day 3! I also considered taking over some of his typical “chores” with certificates of a certain number (trash, filling car with gas, yardwork, clean his car, etc.). I thought a certain number of notes or treats hidden in his office at work might be fun. Having him look for them would be the best part! I have looked up romantic or love crafts on pinterest and have also found a few great items. Check that out… hmmmm…. so many possibilities.
Adorable idea! Can’t wait to start!
Some people were asking for additional suggestions…here’s what I’m doing.
1. Snuggie (his favorite football team) 2. cufflinks 3. razors 4. letters – past, present, future and one from our 3 yr old daughter (I love you, daddy, picture, stickers, etc). 5. cute panties for me to wear for 5 sexy nights 6. socks 7. lottery scratch offs 8. ITUNES songs on a CD 9. things I love about him around the house on post its or maybe on the bathroom mirror 10. Tie with 10 stripes 11. emails throughout the day 12. calendar of Scottland castles (his favorite) or a Mens Health magazine subscription…haven’t decided!
We travel to visit family over Christmas so I’m doing 12 days before we leave and skipping a traditional gift for him. I think this is great idea and easy to customize to your schedule, budget, etc.
Thanks again!
1st: I was thinking about making a romantic night for us dinner the house all decorated the works
2nd: coffee mugs (one travel, and one for the home draw on a white $1 mug with sharpies and bake!)
3rd: razors
4th: nice beer coozie with 3 packages of beer salt. I was going to wrap it in plastic like a basket
5th: a 5 piece boot cleaning kit
6th: 6 pk of liquor or socks
7th: lucky $7 lotto tickets, if they don’t have them I will buy a total of $7 worth of them
8th:
9th: Post it love notes
10th: $10 food gift card somewhere close to his work
11th: 11 no bake cookies
12th: 12′ clock?
Socks come in packs of 6 &10
6pks of beer are nice, but I was thinking about a 6 pk of mini bottles of liquor he likes putting them in a basket and giving them to him that way
for 8 I am unsure maybe 8 hand made nicnacks (I work at a craft store so this is easy for me) , and for 12 i don’t want to do a calendar (we have one) or a 12 pk of beer, maybe 12 gallons of gas? a 12 volt tire inflator. I may just make him an awesome 12″ clock it also has 1-12 on it.
I always write him little notes near the coffee maker and in his lunch
Since money is tight with many of us, remember that the gifts don’t have to be something you buy. They could be things like breakfast in bed, a cup of coffee waiting for after his shower, mints on his pillow, special cookies you bake or coupons for massages from you (or anything that makes him feel special). It’s okay to include practical items that you buy all the time such as razor blades, packages of socks, etc. since it is mostly the idea that you are thinking of him every day and want to do something special for him.
For those of you stuck on numbers, I found a favorite shaving cream and used the ounces as my number. I also got him an Avengers book and used the number of superheroes as the number.
Hope this helps!
It sounds like most of you must be young/newer couples, but ya know? I think my husband of 23 years will love this just as much! Maybe even more! It will certainly be a surprise for him. I can’t wait to do it!
You’re never too old, that’s for sure!
I did something similar to this when we were first married. My husband technically has 2 birthdays (he is Persian and they fudged his real birthday so they would have longer to leave the country before he would be drafted into the army..long story short) and there are 28 days between them so I created a set of 28 drawers and every morning he opened one starting on his real birthday and ending on his legal one.
I am doing this for my husband this year. We are on a pretty tight budget and this is the best I could come up with. 1) 1 morning of breakfast in bed 2) 2 sports documentaries 3) a 3-fold picture frame complete with pics of us and our baby 4) 4 massage coupons 5) 5 energy drinks for monday through friday at work 6) 6 individual mini-quiches for easy breakfasts 7) 7 things I love about him written on the bathroom mirror 8) 8 pillow cookies delivered to his work 9) 9 packs of gum/mints to stash in his car, backpack, etc… 10) $10 subway gift card 11) 11 chocolate covered strawberries 12) 12 chicken wings for lunch
I hope he’ll love it!
Very sweet. I am going to use your bathroom mirror idea! Thanks! Wanda
This is such a fantastic, fun idea…my hubby does soooooo much for me all year long, and I feel like I never do anything above and beyond for him…he is going to be so surprised!! I am going to leave each gift on his car seat in the morning so he gets it before work…what a great way to start the day!!
What about a voucher for 9 holes of golf for 9 days – any ideas for 8 and 4?
8 I am doing chocolate covered pretzel rods (best I could come up with for now) and 4 I am doing the DVD “Four Christmases” Four you could also do something golf related? If you can think of something else for 9 haha.
You could get 3 sleeves of golf balls…9 total.
Anybody know of anything doo for day 7 and 9?? I think I have everything else worked out, but I have no clue what to do for those two! any help would be greatly appreciated!! I’m so excited about doing this!
Thank you for the great idea!! X
I am also stuck on day 7. I was thinking lucky 7 lottery tickets but those are not around anymore in PA also I was debating a GC to Dunkin donuts for a weeks worth of coffees. For day 9 I am making a wall sign with all the reindeer names (there are 9). Hopefully this helps! I am also stuck on day 3 if you have any suggestions!! The best thing I came up with was razors but I am trying to stay away from every day items and more creative things.
For day 3 I’m doing a three-pack of Tic Tacs b/c my husband likes them. For day 1 I’m giving him The Dark Knight Rises because we both love all the movies, but that could also be for day 3 since it’s the 3rd in the series.
My husband LOVES James Bond, so I am going to buy him the new 007 movie for day 7.
GREAT idea! Thanks!
For my honey’s Day 7, I’m going with a “Lucky #7″ theme and getting him 7 scratch-off lotto tickets
I’m having trouble with Days 9, 8 and 5, though
Like another poster suggested, I’m doing my 12 days backwards: first gift is Day 12 on 12/13 and the last, main gift is on Day 1 on Christmas Day. Here’s what I came up with…
12. 2013 Calendar (12 months)
11. Mix CD (11 songs)
10. Gift Card ($10 value)
9. Custom handmade wooden tic-tac-toe game (9 squares; 9 custom marbles)
8. Gin & Tonic gift pack (4 mini bottles of gin + 4 small bottles of tonic)
7. Lucky lotto tickets (7 $1 tickets)
6. Godiva truffles (half-dozen)
5. Protein gels (5 packs)
4. Big Bang Theory coasters (4 piece set)
3. “3 Musketeers” framed photo (pic of 3: Daddy, DD & DS)
2. Movie tickets (pair)
1. North Face Hoodie (single big-ticket item)
I can’t wait to see the delight on his face every day as he makes his way through all of his gifts and- best of all- total cost was less than $200, so I’m under budget!
Im gonna do this for husband this year!! I’m not a creative person by any means so I’m already stuck. I have gifts 1,2,3,4,maybe 7 and 10. Does anyone have any other ideas for the days!? Love this!! What a great idea!!!
I am also trying to come up with ideas and would love to swap with anyone interested!!!! Feel free to drop me an e-mail with your ideas and I’ll respond with mine! [email protected]
I can’t wait to do this for my husband, too! How about scratch off lottery tickets?
Good idea!! Thanks! I’m only stuck on 3 more!!
I am super excited to do this this year! We have 3 young kids and it hard to find time for each other. For 12 I got him a calendar of his favorite football team, Seahawks. Also for 8 I got the Adam Sandler movie “8 Crazy Nights”
For Day 5 I’m doing a pack of white undershirts (I’m pretty sure they come in packs of 5) and for Day 6 I’m getting him a six-pack of his favorite beer. Stuck on 8 and 9!
This is such a great idea! My boyfriend and I have a long distance relationship and I know that that this would absolutely make his day! Thank you for such a creative idea!
Thinking of changing this up a bit to make it 12 spicy days of Christmas. Instead of doing gifts, do him!! Like one night in his favorite nighty, one nite giving a massage, you get the picture. Can’t wait to surprise him!
I really like this. My husband will probably be completely on board with this idea. Good thing I came across this post before the December 13th!
This is a great idea. My Hubbys birthday falls on Jan 6th so this would be perfect =)
Shouldn’t your husband return the favor so it’s a two-way street…? Doesn’t really seem very fair that he gets so many gifts before Christmas and you don’t. Haha. I’d love to talk with my honey about doing that together instead…much more fun and fair to a loving wife!
Sometimes it’s just nice to do something else for someone–with no expectation or request for them to do anything in return. If someone did something nice for me then followed it with “Okay, now what are you going to do for me?” I would be caught off guard and wonder why they had even bothered with their nice-ness.
Ever heard of an act of kindness? I don’t think you need to evaluate what’s “fair” or a “two-way street” if you both love each other and know that sometimes one person does something nice for their spouse and another time it may be the other person doing something nice.
Yup! Great post!
I agree i love the thought of making him feel special!
He has done so much for me this last year by working full time so i could go to school full time. i would love to do this as a thank you and make him feel really special.
I think someone needs to read the Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands (by Dr Laura Schlessinger)! I bet he rewards her with helping around the house more, being more willing to do things when asked and maybe he rewards her in the bedroom or emotionally. There is also a joy in giving and not expecting anything in return. That’s the spirit of Christmas.
My boyfriend is wealthy and I am not… So, while he can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a single present for me, I can’t return that same sort of gesture- which is why this “12 Days of Christmas” idea is perfect for me. This way, I can buy him a number of little things so it appears like he’s getting a lot, and that makes me feel like the gifts I get for him rival what he gets for me.
The best gifts are the ones with thought and meaning. I believe that you can give an awesome Christmas to someone with very little $$. I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas together!
My mom is German, and growing up, we always had a small gift to open on Ephipany (January 6th) which is technically the 12th day of Christmas. However, when I had my son, I did a small gift on each of those twelve days and he loved it! I don’t think it matters if you do the twelve days before or after Christmas. It REALLY is the thought that counts! Great suggestions, Trina!
Omygosh I LOVE this! My fiance and I are long distance…I love this idea to bring him smiles during Christmas when we can’t be together.
Love the idea especially because our anniversary is on Dec. 13th:)
This is great. My partners birthday is on the 13th of December and I’ve been meaning to do this for years but I was lacking ideas. You have inspired me.
This sounds like SO much fun!! I’m definitely going to do this. Thanks!!
Does he also return the favor with 12 days of gifts, or is this something only you do?
Love this idea now trying to figure out how to make it work for shipping to my husband during his upcoming deployment……
You could wrap the days in separate packages and send them all together with dates to open then and notes explaining each one in the separate mini packages
I’m sure he would like reading a letter from you for 12 days straight!
That is such a sweet and thoughtful idea!
This whole post is a thoughtful idea! And I’m not even married nor do I have a boyfriend!!
You could always do it for a friend! I came across this blog earlier:
http://gracie-senseandsimplicity.blogspot.ca/2010/11/12-days-of-christmas-gift-box-pass-it.html
The twelve days of Christmas are not the 12 days leading up to Christmas. They are the 12 days between Christmas and Ephinay (Jan. 6.)
so what?? That is completely irrelevant to the point of the post.
I dont think it matters if its before or after, i think its just the point of giving your special someone something else to give them a smile
Betsy is right, the 12 days of Christmas BEGIN on Christmas day. I suppose it doesn’t matter but it would be like celebrating New Years Eve on December 19…seems kinda silly not to celebrate it on the actual day, right?
I think the point is that these 12 gifts are to celebrate your husband and your life together, regardless of when you start it, it is just a cute way of showing your love to the man God made just for you. I’m not really sure that the “when” is really important, it’s the how and the why that matters. Props on the idea, I’m a newlywed and my husband will absolutely LOVE this!! Thank you!!
I was thinking the same thing for my husband. Maybe buy all of the presents, wrap them separately with the numbers attached to the outside and mail 1 big box to him.
Kassey — while my husband was deployed I would send out monthly packages to him. This would be such a great idea to wrap each gift with the date to open it and send them all in one box. Then it serves two purposes — it will brighten up his room with Christmassy packages and then he’ll also have something to look forward to each day. Gotta keep our guys happy while they are away!!
Since he is going to be deployed, how about making it 12 days of Memories, instead of gifts? You could take pictures of your first Christmas ornament, the place you met, etc and send those once a day. Just a thought! My prayers are with you while your husband is away.
Like everyone else I love this idea! I am putting together my list and this is what I have come up with…
1. the bigger gift, and iPod radio
2. romantic dinner for 2 , and since our first kiss was July 2, 2011 that fits nicely too
3. He has 3 kids so I am going to have each of them write him an “I love you dad” letter
4. The kids and I are going to spend 4 hours helping him with his chores, cutting splitting stacking wood, decorating the house, cleaning, whatever needs to be done around the house
5. Something for the 5 of us to do (him me and the 3 kids. paintball, hiking, go to the movies, etc.)
6. since he likes bacardi and coke I’m going to get him 6 tiny bottles of bacardi and a 6 pack of small cokes
7. Pairs of boxers
8. since I won’t be around on the 8th day, I am going to send him 8 special texts throughout the day
9.
10.either 10 or $10 worth of scratch of lotto tickets
11.
12. a dozen of his favorite cookies
9 & 11 I’m not sure of yet…
I can’t wait to see the expression on his face.
Sorry didn’t mean to post it as a reply to you specifically, stupid phone lol
This sounds so much fun! I love your ideas! Thanks! Definitely doing this this year!
This is great! I’ve been doing “14th Days of Valentine’s” for both my husband and my kids for a few years now. Just little notes, candy, etc..I didn’t think of 12 Days of Christmas…Thanks!
thats so cute! i guess ill have two more traditions instead of just one =]
I think this would be a great way to weekly honor my husband throughout the year. Maybe a Wed gift each week to get him through the mid-week slump. Thanks for the ideas!!!
I am totally doing this! Thanks for such a great idea….something for my wonderful husband!!!
I love this idea. My husband’s birthday is on 13th Dec, so what better day to start it. Thanks for the idea
This is such a great idea! My boyfriend’s birthday is on Christmas so he always gets 1 ” big” gift, but this will help me out tremendously!
Thank you very much. I just LOVE this idea. I think I may do this for our anniversary as well. Just to let him know how much he means to me.
thankyou for inspiring me! i need to focus on the people inside my home, i tend to always look outward and get overwhelmed! thankyou so much!
day one is awesome already!!!
I’m set to start tomorrow. I have a set of little (2 1/2 inch square) cards you can download and attach to your gifts. I’ve also posted cute little coupons for back massages that you can use for one of the days.
http://a-heart4home.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-days-of-christmas-update-on-blessing.html
Let’s go bless our husbands!
Great ideas, Allyson! Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE this idea so much!!! Thank you for posting! I am planning on doing this for my boyfriend this year (we hope to be married by next Christmas) and I want to start a wonderful tradition! I am keeping it in tune with the song by matching it up with item and numbers. ie. Day 1 – buy him an apple pear (one of his favourite fruits); Day 3 – buy 3 pieces of chicken and write him a love note in French. His love language is acts of service so next year I want to bounce off of that theme… SO excited to get started!!!
Trina.. this is such a great idea! I especially love how you gave all of the little helps and suggestions to make it all so do-able!
That Jeremy… he’s one blessed fella;-)
I am definitely doing this this year. Thank you for sharing such a great idea!
A great tradition to start…thank you for the idea!
I love this idea! I thought about doing the 12 Days of Christmas for my husband this year, but money is really tight right now. These are some great ideas though, and with a little creativity and a little more cooking, I can still do it. Thanks!
I just did something like this for my husband’s birthday! For 30 days leading up to his 30th birthday he received surprises big and small. Friends and family chipped in and he loved it. More info on my blog: meekandchic.com
Wonderful! We’ve been wanting to do this for years, starting with Christmas through Epiphany. Some great ideas here
I heard this idea somewhere several years ago, but your post helped me decide to start this tradition this year. Here are some of my ideas http://a-heart4home.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-days-of-christmas-blessing-my.html.
I’m going to have so much fun blessing my husband!
Thank you!
Wonderful suggestions! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing!! I do something similar (with my kids too) except I start with day one on Christmas… the twelve days of Christmas actually refer to the twelve days beginning with December 25 leading up to Epiphany. It makes the actually season of Christmas celebratory (“Jesus is here”) but either way–before (I see the pros to that too) of after– what an awesome to bless him, and I looved some of your ideas about including the number in the gift.
Love this idea and will pass it on!
Wow! I love this and am going to start this tradition this year! Thanks!
This is such an awesome idea. I am definitely going to make it my new Christmas tradition to my husband!
I LOVE this idea! We do something similar but different, which we got from my DH’s family: we put one small gift in the stocking every day (or nearly every day) throughout December. Every single one of us (me, my DH, our kids) look forward to the “stocking” moment every day when we get to see what the others put in there for us. I would love to do the 12 Days of Christmas with him, too, not sure if I could swing both, though!
What a great idea!! I love it and I’m going to spent some time today thinking about what to do for my sweet hubs
We’re not too busy to have time for each other but I think he’ll like the extra attention!!
Thank you
Great idea. Just what i needed. Thank you.
Great idea! My hubby will love this too. Time to get working on it. Thanks:)
What a great idea. I appreciate you posting this ahead of time to be able to plan! My husband feels really loved when he knows I’ve thought about him ahead of time, and he’s a musician–so I especially like the idea for the guitar picks. I made an excel sheet of all the days and ideas, and am looking forward to saving it and being able to reference and change it up for the years to come!
This. Is. FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the great idea!
Thanks Trina! Not sure I can pull this off after the craziness of the move, but what do you think??? 7 pieces of whale blubber, 9 Eskimo kisses, 12 donuts in the hospital parking lot…
(By the way, Eskimos don’t actual kiss by rubbing noses. 
)
Oh, I think you could do it, Erin, and it would be the most unique ’12 days’ yet! LOL
What a wonderful idea, thanks!
Oh I love this! So often the whole month just becomes crazy. We are doing 7 days of Christmas with the kids this year, and celebrating from Christmas to New Years. Each day will have a little present, a fun food treat and a family activity.
Just love the focus on thought and family. I might have to come up with something fancy for the hubby too now. Thanks!
Fun!! My husband is like a little kid around Christmas time anyway, so I know he’ll love this. I wouldn’t want to do it during the tradition 12 days, because my birthday is on the 11th day, and that’s too much lol.
Thanks for the idea!!
I love this idea! And the 13th December is our anniversary which adds to its specialness. Going to make this a tradition. Thanks!
OH. My. Gosh.
Trina Holden, I LOVE This. i can’t wait to do it next year on my first married Christmas!!
Hey, Christa – so excited for you!!! Thinking maybe you don’t have to wait, though? it’d be a great way to start making Christmas memories as a couple…:)
this is an AMAZING idea … really really great. I actually did something similar in the week leading up to our wedding …. every day he received a special gift and card from me … and im loving this idea, i think i’ll do it again for every day of Chanukah.
Thanks for hte idea !!!!
Love the idea, but I’m traditional and I think it would be cool to do it on the 12 actual days of Christmas which are Christmas until Ephipany. It keeps the celebration going.
What a great idea! Now I just have to get creative.
Oh, I love this. Thanks for posting a little early, so I can get thinkin’!
Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!
I just love this idea!
Sarah M
I’d love to do this, but my husband said he did not want me to give him a birthday gift this week (so the kids and I just made him cards) and also said he does not want a Christmas gift.
I think that is no fun, though! Maybe I could make stuff, but I’m not that crafty. So I just made him a good birthday meal. HMMM– does he really mean it? I didn’t get him a Christmas gift last year, too, and he seemed a little disappointed as I did pick out a gift for myself and wrap it because I wanted one even if he didn’t. I want to get him a gift though, but he likes to get something himself if anything …. should I do this for him anyway? I made the kids an advent calendar …
and when I do get him a gift, he often takes it back and gets something else instead …
Amy, it does sound like you have to think outside the box to how you can bless your husband. But that’s where it gets fun! Try the gift certificates, poems, and maybe digging out some old photos of when you were engaged or writing down some favorite memories from the last year.
What is your husband’s love language? I’ve found the book “The Five Love Languages” to be very helpful in figuring out how to really bless my husband. Finding out his love language was quality time helps me focus my gifting around things that will either create or memorialize good couple time. I usually add several pages to our adventure scrapbook for him each year, as he loves to remember our dates and trips together.
Amy, your husband sounds like mine. My husband and I don’t buy each other gifts the way most people do. He always insists he doesn’t want any and says he is terrible at picking out presents for other people….when ever he buys me something, he takes me along so i can pick it out, which I actually find fun. Maybe the two of you could go shopping together and pick out something you can use as a couple or enourage the other person to buy something he or she wants, but normally won’t splurge on? That is normally what I do with him. I’m trying to think of a way I can do something like this with the things I usually use to make him feel special–like extra time spent with him and making him treats and meals he likes.
My husband also doesn’t like to be given gifts (says it makes him feel guilty because he never gets me anything- which I don’t mind at all! but he does. So I try to be sensitive to that.)
But one idea that I’ve done (that he DID like) is on each of the twelve days of Christmas I write that many things that I love about him and post them on the fridge.
Some are silly. Like, he drives a big truck. Some are serious, like the fact that he tries to honor God with every area of his life.
Anything works really. And it’s fun to come up with them!
Last year I did the 12 Lays of Christmas – what husband wouldn’t like to have sex twelve days in a row?? I got free printables and everything and it was fun being creative. This year I’m trying to come up with 365 things to fill a jar so he’ll have something to read each day of the year.
Love. This. So. Much. Thanks, Karla!
have you got a link to those printables?
http://loveactually-blog.blogspot.com/2010/11/12-lays-of-christmas.html
My sister and I are wondering what are the “free printables and everything” are? We’re interested in blessing our husbands too!
In the Catholic and Orthodox churches, we actually celebrate the “12 Days” after Christmas–until Epiphany on January 6th. So, if you feel like it’s too much squeeze in this great idea before the holiday, you can keep the celebration going after, too.
Good point, Bethany – thanks for the idea!
I’ve just found your blog today and it is such an inspiration, being a mother of 3 myself. I love this idea and shall definately give it a go. Thank you
OH this sounds like so much fun. Glad you posted it now so I can be thinking up some little gifts.
I love this idea! My husband and I usually don’t exchange gifts on Christmas, but I know I could use this to surprise him and make him feel very loved in a very inexpensive way. Thank you for the idea. I think during nap time I will have to get my creative juices following on what I will be doing.
I love this idea and already wrote up my list of ideas for gifts. I was a little stuck on number 11 but then I decided I would write a list of favorite memories from this year seeing as it is 2011
. Thanks!
great idea, Laura! I might have to copy you…
This is wonderful. I pinned this to my Pinterest board – hope it goes around hundreds of times so hundreds of husbands can be blessed!! Thanks for the great ideas.
Oh my goodness … I *love* this! This idea ROCKS
Thank you so much. My husband works hard all year (often 6-7 days a week) and I always wish I could show him how much it means to me and to our family. I’ve got a ton of ideas swirling around already!
And I also think this is a great tradition to start so my children can see how to honor and love a spouse; it’s so good for kids to grow up seeing respect and love so that they can one day have it.
Love it! What a great idea!
LOVE this idea!!!!!! I’ll definitely be doing this this year.
Love this idea!!! I’m going to try it this year, I know my hubby would love it. Thanks!!