December birthdays have a magic of their own, but too often they get overshadowed by the holiday season. While Christmas gifts flood the stores, it can be tricky to find a present that feels special, personal, and not wrapped in reindeer paper.
If you’re on the hunt for unique gift ideas for a December birthday, we’ve got you covered. These ideas stand out because they’re thoughtful, memorable, and far from anything you'd find under a Christmas tree.
Whether you're shopping for a best friend, family member, or significant other, these gift ideas will make them feel seen, celebrated, and, most importantly, separate from the holiday rush.
Personalized Gifts That Feel One-of-a-Kind
Personalized gifts hit differently they’re thoughtful, custom, and impossible to replicate. When someone opens a gift and sees their name, favorite quote, or personal photo on it, it instantly feels more special. Plus, personalization gives off that "I put time and effort into this" energy, which never goes unnoticed.
Custom Mugs, Water Bottles, or Tumblers
For the coffee, tea, or smoothie lover, a mug or tumbler with their name, a quirky inside joke, or even a photo of their pet makes a standout gift. It’s personal, practical, and they’ll think of you every time they sip their morning brew.
Photo Prints, Calendars, or Collages
Turn your shared memories into wall art. Custom photo prints or collages are a thoughtful way to showcase your favorite moments together. Some services even let you print them on canvas or wood, making it feel more like art than just a photo.
Custom Luggage Tags or Passport Covers
If they love to travel, give them something that stands out at baggage claim. Personalized luggage tags or passport covers not only look sleek but also keep their travel essentials easy to spot.
Experience Gifts That Make Memories
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t objects they’re moments. Experience gifts create lasting memories, and let’s be honest, they’re way more exciting than a pair of socks.
Plan a Unique Adventure or Day Out
Rather than giving them "stuff," give them an unforgettable experience. Plan a private pottery class, a surprise picnic at a scenic spot, or a trip to an escape room. If it’s cold where you live, think of cozy indoor activities like a cooking class or wine tasting.
Curate a Custom "Date Night" Box
For partners or close friends, create a custom "date night" box. Fill it with everything they need for a perfect night in popcorn, their favorite movie, cozy socks, and maybe even a few surprises.
For an extra playful touch, you could add a few Pick Me Up Game cards to keep the night fun and flirty. This game turns any quiet night into a hilarious showdown of clever pick-up lines.
A Subscription They’ll Actually Use
Who doesn’t love a gift that keeps on giving? Subscriptions like monthly book clubs, meal kits, or even niche ones like “succulent of the month” are practical, exciting, and not tied to the holidays. It’s a gift they’ll think about every month when that box shows up at their door.
DIY Gifts That Show You Care
Sometimes, the best gifts come straight from the heart and maybe your kitchen or craft table. DIY gifts are packed with intention, and people always appreciate the effort.
“Open When” Letters
This is the ultimate thoughtful gift. Write a series of letters with instructions like, "Open when you’re feeling sad" or "Open when you need to laugh." Each letter can contain messages, jokes, or small mementos that provide comfort when needed most. It’s thoughtful, personal, and practically free to make.
DIY Bath Salts or Body Scrubs
A homemade spa gift is a great way to show someone you care about their well-being. All you need is Epsom salt, essential oils, and maybe some dried flowers like lavender. Mix it all up, package it in a cute jar, and suddenly you have a luxury spa gift.
Personalized Coupon Book
This one never fails. Create a booklet filled with “coupons” they can redeem for things like a free car wash, homemade dinner, or a "no-questions-asked movie pick." For couples, it can be extra playful with offers like a "free massage" or a "get out of chores" card. Add a little cheeky humor to make it memorable.
Gifts That Are Fun AND Useful
Sometimes you want a gift that’s useful, but not boring. Here’s how you can nail that perfect combo.
“My Favorite Things” Gift Box
This is a fun spin on the classic gift basket. Instead of a generic pre-made set, build a custom box filled with their favorite snacks, drinks, or small treats. Add things that only they would love, like that hard-to-find candy they always talk about or a quirky gadget they’ve been eyeing.
Pick Me Up Game
If you’re looking for something fun, interactive, and guaranteed to bring people together, give them the Pick Me Up Game. It’s a party game filled with cheeky pick-up lines and flirty scenarios, perfect for game nights with friends, couples' nights, or a hilarious way to break the ice at parties. It’s fast-paced, playful, and sure to become a birthday night favorite.
Gifts That Create a Special Birthday Moment
Since December birthdays are often overshadowed by the holiday season, take time to make their birthday feel like a separate event. You can do this in small but impactful ways.
Plan a “Theme” for Their Birthday
Since Christmas gets its own full month of attention, why not give the birthday person a day that’s all about them? Choose a fun, non-holiday-related theme like "Summer in December" and plan a tropical-themed party complete with beach decor and fruity drinks. It separates the day from all the holiday chaos and makes them feel truly special.
Create a Birthday Area
This one’s simple but powerful. Decorate one area of the house (like the dining table or living room) just for them. Balloons, banners, and confetti it’s all about giving them their own spotlight. Skip the red and green and opt for colors like gold, pink, or their favorite color.
Gifts for the Person Who “Has Everything”
We all know that one person who's impossible to shop for. But no one truly has everything they just need a fresh perspective. Here’s how you can nail it.
Custom Playlists
If you’re short on cash but big on thoughtfulness, create a custom playlist of songs that remind you of them. Each track can have a reason maybe it’s a song from a road trip you took or a song that’s their jam on karaoke night. Share it digitally, and you’ll have created a gift that’s priceless but unforgettable.
Something They’d Never Buy Themselves
We all have that item we want but can never justify buying. Pay attention to those little comments they make about “I’ve always wanted to try that.” It could be a luxury candle, a weighted blanket, or a unique kitchen gadget. These kinds of gifts always hit the mark because it shows you’ve been paying attention.
Games That Bring Everyone Together
If they love to host friends or family, then get them something that adds fun to those gatherings. The Pick Me Up Game is a prime example of this. It’s a party game filled with hilarious pick-up lines and cheeky scenarios that spark conversation, laughs, and unforgettable moments. It’s the gift that turns a quiet night into a mini party.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for December birthdays, the goal is to make them feel seen, celebrated, and completely separate from the holiday chaos. It’s easy to fall into the "Christmas gift" trap, but with a little thought, you can give them something that’s as unique as they are.
From personalized mugs to DIY body scrubs to an unforgettable night playing the Pick Me Up Game, there are so many ways to show them love. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend it’s about how much thought you put in. Whether you plan a fun experience, create a gift with your own hands, or surprise them with something truly personal, they’ll always appreciate the effort.
So, skip the reindeer wrapping paper and pick one of these thoughtful ideas for the December birthday in your life. Whether it’s something playful like the Pick Me Up Game or a heartfelt DIY gift, it’s guaranteed to make their day feel just as special as they are.
