How to write a kids' Christmas list (with a free template)
By Vidmantas Markevičius
A Christmas list is half tradition, half logistics. For your child, it's the magic of writing to Santa. For you, it's the only way to stop three relatives from buying the same toy. You can have both.
Step 1: Pick the right moment
Early to mid-November works best: late enough that children know what they want, early enough that relatives can order online. Make it an event with hot chocolate, catalogues, crayons and no rush.
Step 2: Let your child talk, and sort the wishes
Children often name 30 things in five minutes. Help them sort:
| Group | What goes here | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Really want (1–3) | The big wishes | a bike, a specific LEGO set |
| 🙂 Would like (3–5) | Nice, smaller things | books, art supplies, a board game |
| 🎨 Make or do (1–2) | Experiences and time | ice skating with Grandma, a zoo trip |
The "make or do" group is a quiet win: it gives relatives non-toy options and creates memories.
Step 3: Add the details grown-ups need
Kids write "LEGO". Grandparents need "LEGO City Police Station 60316". Parents fill in:
- the exact name, model or set number;
- size and colour for clothes;
- what your child already has (e.g. "has all Harry Potter books up to book 4");
- what to avoid, such as "no slime" or "no more soft toys".
The Christmas list template
Copy this, print it, or let your child decorate it:
🎄 MY CHRISTMAS LIST 🎄 Name: ____________ Age: ____ ⭐ I REALLY, REALLY WANT: 1. ______________________ 2. ______________________ 🙂 I WOULD ALSO LIKE: 3. ______________________ 4. ______________________ 5. ______________________ 🎨 SOMETHING TO DO TOGETHER: 6. ______________________ ❤️ This year I was good at: ______________________ ✏️ Drawing space:
Letter to Santa version: start with "Dear Santa, this year I…", add two or three things your child is proud of, then the list. Children love it, and it keeps the focus on more than just presents.
Step 4: Turn it into a list relatives can use
A paper list stays on the fridge, while grandparents live in another city. To stop duplicates:
- Put the wishes into a shared online list with exact names, links or set numbers.
- Send the link to grandparents, aunts, uncles and godparents.
- Each person reserves a gift before buying, and it turns grey for everyone else.
- Set the big wish (the bike) as a group gift, so several relatives can chip in.
Keep the paper version for your child, and use the online one for the grown-ups.
Christmas list ideas by age
| Age | Popular wishes | More ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers 0–2 | stacking toys, board books, push walker | 20 ideas → |
| 3–6 | magnetic tiles, play kitchen, balance bike, picture books | 20 ideas → |
| 7–12 | LEGO, science kits, board games, skates | 20 ideas → |
| 13–17 | headphones, gift cards, brand clothing, concert tickets | 20 ideas → |
For toddlers, parents write the whole list. Focus on what's useful and what you have room for.
How many items should a kids' Christmas list have?
About 5–10. Fewer runs out when many relatives buy, and more turns into a catalogue. A popular rule is "something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read", plus one experience.
FAQ
How do you write a Christmas list for kids?
Sit down together in early November, let your child name wishes, sort them into "really want", "would like" and "something to do", then add sizes, colours and exact names.
How many things should be on a child's Christmas list?
Around 5–10 items at different prices, with one or two bigger wishes as group gifts.
How do I stop relatives buying the same toy?
Share an online list and ask everyone to reserve before buying. Reserved gifts turn grey for everyone else.
Is there a Christmas list template for kids?
Yes, there's one above. Copy or print it, and add a "Dear Santa" opening for the letter version.
Turn your child's list into one link for the whole family — free, no sign-up.
By Vidmantas Markevičius, founder of Claim A Gift. Updated November 2026.