Cultural
Christmas gift ideas from Spanish shops, and when to give them
When Spaniards give presents, from Nochebuena to Three Kings, plus gift ideas from Spanish shops and tips for ordering in time.
Updated: October 2026
Your first Christmas in Spain comes with a few surprises: the big present day for children is often 6 January, not 25 December, offices hold a Secret Santa called amigo invisible, and a hamper of ham, cheese and turrón is a classic gift. This guide explains when Spaniards give presents and suggests gift ideas from Spanish shops, so your parcels arrive on time and feel local.
When people give presents in Spain
- Nochebuena and Christmas Day (24–25 December): more and more families give presents now, often brought by Papá Noel.
- Three Kings’ Day (6 January): the traditional day for children’s presents. The Kings arrive with parades (cabalgatas) on the evening of 5 January, and children wake up to gifts the next morning.
- Amigo invisible: the Spanish Secret Santa, common at work and among friends, usually with a price limit.
- Cesta de Navidad: many employers still give staff a Christmas hamper with wine, ham, cheese and sweets.
Read more about El Gordo, the Three Kings and other customs in our guide to Christmas in Spain.
Gift ideas from Spanish shops
Experiences instead of things. Gift boxes with a spa visit, a dinner, a wine tasting or an adventure activity are popular in Spain and easy to send by email. Disfrutabox (ad) has boxes for couples, families and friends, which also work well as a last-minute present.
Spanish wine. A bottle from Rioja, Ribera del Duero or a smaller region is a safe gift for hosts and colleagues. Online wine shops such as Petit Celler (ad) deliver mixed cases and gift packs across Spain.
Personalised gifts. Handmade items with a name or date feel personal and are good for grandparents and godchildren. Ohana Details (ad) is a Spanish brand making personalised, handmade gifts.
For the new home. If friends have just moved, quality bed linen, towels or a throw are always useful. La Mallorquina (ad), a Barcelona home textile company founded in 1947, sells linen and textiles online.
Shoes and clothes. Winter boots, slippers and trainers are classic Three Kings presents. Spartoo (ad) has a large range of shoes and fashion brands with delivery in Spain.
For the sporty ones. A new padel racket, balls or a court booking makes a great gift in Spain. See our padel guide for beginners for what to choose, and compare rackets at Padel ProShop (ad).
Ordering in time
- Order early in December. Couriers in Spain are very busy between Black Friday and Three Kings, and delivery times grow.
- For presents for 6 January, aim to order by mid-December. Many shops publish last order dates for Reyes.
- Check whether the shop delivers to the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla if you are sending gifts there – extra customs paperwork and costs can apply.
- Keep receipts: when you buy online from a shop in the EU, you normally have 14 days to withdraw from the purchase, and many shops extend returns over Christmas.
FAQ: Christmas gifts in Spain
When do children get presents in Spain?
Traditionally on 6 January, Three Kings’ Day. Many families now also give some presents on 24 or 25 December.
What is amigo invisible?
The Spanish version of Secret Santa. Each person draws a name and buys one present for that person, usually within a set budget.
What is a typical gift for a host in Spain?
A good bottle of wine, cava, turrón or a box of pastries from a local bakery is always welcome.
Can I return presents bought online?
When you buy online from a shop in the EU, you normally have 14 days from delivery to withdraw from the purchase. Check each shop’s Christmas returns policy, as many give longer.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links marked (ad). If you buy through them, NewInSpain may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, ranges and delivery times are set by each shop.
