Christmas List Ideas: What to Ask For This Year

A note before the list: we make Tribute, the group video maker, and Storybook, and they're the first two ideas.

Prices are as of October 2026 and can change.

What should you put on a wishlist for Christmas?

Put down what you'd buy for yourself if you had the time. In the National Retail Federation's 2025 holiday survey, people said the gifts they wanted most were gift cards (50%) and clothing or accessories (46%), followed by books and media at 27%.

Being specific is a kindness, too. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people appreciated gifts they had asked for more than surprise gifts, while the givers assumed both would land the same. Exact names, sizes and colors save everyone a return trip.

1. Tribute group video (our pick, we make this)

This one goes on your list as a request to whoever organizes your family: "a video from everyone." Picture opening your laptop on Christmas morning to your college roommates, your cousins and the neighbor kid you used to babysit, each with a minute for you. A Tribute makes that easy. Tribute is a group video maker that turns messages from friends and family into one surprise video. It works by inviting everyone to record a short clip from their phone; Tribute compiles the clips, music and photos into a finished video you share or play together.

The organizer sends one link, and people record from any phone or computer with no app. Over 8 million videos have been sent on Tribute, and it holds 4.9 stars from 7,000+ reviews.

• Look for: Someone to organize it 2 to 3 weeks before Christmas, with a deadline a few days ahead.
• Price: Free to start a draft; from $35 when they publish and collect videos. Concierge editing is $99, or $149 with a 7-inch Video Book.

Best for: Anyone who lives far from the people they love.

Why it works: Unlike a gift card, nobody can buy it for you; your people have to make it.

👉 Start your holiday Tribute

2. Storybook video book (our pick, we make this)

A Storybook is a hardcover video book that plays a film when you open the cover. The person giving it builds the film online from their videos and photos of you, and Tribute prints and ships the book.

• Look for: A note on your list about which trips or moments you'd want in it.
• Price: 5-inch $49, 7-inch $88, 10-inch $129, with free US shipping.

Best for: People who never print their photos.

Why it works: Compared to a camera roll, it's one place to watch the year again.

What are cool things to ask for for Christmas to wear?

Clothing is the second most-wanted gift, and these three come in sizes you can list. Write the size and color right next to each one.

3. Parks Project Defend the Parks Bear Hoodie

The Defend the Parks Bear Hoodie comes from Parks Project, a brand built around protecting public lands. It comes in a camo colorway in sizes XS and up.

• Look for: Your usual hoodie size.
• Price: $85 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Outdoor people and xmas lists for teens who live in hoodies.

Why it works: It's the hoodie you'd wear anyway, with a cause on it.

4. Cotopaxi Otero Fleece Half-Zip Pullover

Cotopaxi calls the Otero Fleece Half-Zip Pullover the most technical fleece in its line. It has a fitted cut, a recycled polyester blend, a raised grid back for warmth and breathability, and concealed zippers.

• Look for: Men's or women's versions; both are on the site.
• Price: $130 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Cold-weather hikes and Christmas list ideas for teenage guys who play outside.

Why it works: It's warm without the bulk of a coat.

5. Allbirds Men's Wool Runner

The Wool Runner is the wool sneaker Allbirds started with. The brand describes it as flexible, soft, breathable, machine washable and comfortable without socks.

• Look for: Your size and color; some sizes sell out.
• Price: $110 (as of October 2026)

Best for: A mens Christmas list that needs one easy, specific item.

Why it works: Shoes are hard to guess, so asking by name makes it easy.

What is on a cute Christmas list?

Small, pretty and useful: these three are fun things to ask for Christmas that cost under $50.

6. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is its signature body cream, made with guarana extract, cupuaçu butter and plant squalane. The brand says it absorbs fast.

• Look for: The 240 ml size; 75 ml is $24 if you want a smaller ask.
• Price: $48 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Anyone who wants their bathroom to smell like vacation.

Why it works: It's a treat you use every day.

7. Stoney Clover Lane Micro Pouch

The Micro Pouch is Stoney Clover Lane's smallest pouch, sized for earbuds, hair ties, an ID or a card. It slips into a bigger bag as an organizer.

• Look for: A color in stock; Bubblegum was available when we checked.
• Price: $48 (as of October 2026)

Best for: A cute Christmas list and a Christmas wish list for teens.

Why it works: It ends the hunt for earbuds at the bottom of a bag.

8. Rifle Paper Co. 2027 12-Month Hardcover Planner

Rifle Paper Co.'s 2027 12-Month Hardcover Planner with Pen runs January to December 2027 in a Paisley print with a gold foil year. Inside are weekly and monthly views, space for notes and a list of celebrations.

• Look for: The 2027 edition; it comes with a pen.
• Price: $34 (as of October 2026)

Best for: People who still like paper.

Why it works: January is when you need it, so the timing is perfect.

Which tech is good stuff for a Christmas list?

Gadgets are some of the most common things to ask for at Xmas, and these three solve real problems.

9. Twelve South AirFly Pro 2

Twelve South's AirFly Pro 2 lets you use wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment, and it can pair two sets of headphones to one device. Twelve South lists 25+ hours of battery life, charged by USB-C.

• Look for: Gold, Silver or White.
• Price: $59.99 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Frequent flyers and gym-goers.

Why it works: No more airline earbuds.

10. Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth

The 32 oz Wide Mouth keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, with TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation. Hydro Flask says it's leakproof when closed.

• Look for: A color you'll spot in a crowded locker room.
• Price: $44.95 (as of October 2026)

Best for: All-day water drinkers.

Why it works: It's the bottle you'll carry until it's covered in stickers.

11. Kobo Clara Colour

Kobo's Clara Colour is the color version of Kobo's compact eReader. It sits next to the black-and-white Clara BW, which costs $159.99.

• Look for: Colour if you read comics or cookbooks; BW for novels.
• Price: $179.99 (as of October 2026)

Best for: Readers who travel.

Why it works: It replaces the stack of library books on the nightstand.

What are fun things to ask for that aren't stuff?

Hobbies and plans make some of the best things to want for Christmas. They give you something to do in January.

12. LEGO Bonsai Tree

The Bonsai Tree (set 10281) is an 878-piece build for ages 18 and up. You choose green leaves or pink blossoms to style it.

• Look for: Set number 10281 so nobody buys the wrong one.
• Price: $49.99 (as of October 2026)

Best for: People who want a quiet project over the holidays.

Why it works: You get the build and a plant that needs no water.

13. Momofuku Chili Crunch

Momofuku Chili Crunch is a spicy, crunchy chili oil developed by David Chang and the Momofuku Goods team, made with three types of Mexican chilis.

• Look for: Mild Garlic at the same price if you don't love heat.
• Price: $13 (as of October 2026)

Best for: The low-budget line on your list.

Why it works: Relatives with a small budget still get to give you something you want.

14. America the Beautiful Annual Pass

The Resident Annual Pass from the USGS Store covers national parks and federal recreational lands, with one signature line for a single passholder. The store lists it at $80 plus $7.50 in fees.

• Look for: The current year's resident pass; check the store's pass wizard if you're unsure which one fits.
• Price: $80, plus $7.50 in fees (as of October 2026)

Best for: Road-trippers and anyone with a Christmas bucket list.

Why it works: One card turns into a year of trips.

How do you turn Christmas list ideas into a list people can use?

Give each item a name, a link, a size and a price, and spread the prices so every budget has an option. Mark one or two big items as "group gift" so people can chip in. Our Christmas gift ideas guide shows how shoppers sort lists by budget.

Share it early, by Thanksgiving if you can, when plenty of people start their shopping. A list in a shared note or group chat beats a list on the fridge. These Christmas wishlist ideas work best when the list stays short: eight to twelve things is plenty.

What should you ask for when you don't want more things?

Ask for time and words. A Tribute from friends, a park pass for trips together or a day off our Christmas bucket list all count. Unlike another sweater, they don't need closet space.

For gifts other people are asking for this year, see our list of the best Christmas gifts, and for the rest of the season, our Christmas ideas guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask for Christmas this year?

Ask for things you'll use every week, a few small items under $50 and one experience. Name each one with its size and color, so nobody has to guess.

How many things should be on a Christmas list?

Eight to twelve is plenty. Include a few low-cost items so relatives with small budgets can still pick something.

What are good Christmas list ideas for teens?

Teens tend to ask for hoodies, sneakers, small pouches, water bottles and gadgets like the AirFly Pro 2. A list with sizes and links makes it easy for grandparents to shop.

Is it rude to send a Christmas list?

No, if someone asks for it. Research on gift giving shows people value gifts they requested, so a list helps the giver as much as you.

What are good things to ask for Christmas that aren't things?

A group video from friends, a national parks pass, a class or a planned day out. These give you time and memories instead of clutter.

How do I ask for a group gift on my list?

Mark the item as a group gift and name one person to collect money or organize it. For a group video, that person starts the Tribute and sends the link to everyone else.

👉 Start your holiday Tribute for someone on your own list.