Making a Sinterklaas wishlist — six things that always belong on it
How do you put together a good Sinterklaas wishlist? With six categories you get a list that works: something they really want, something to make, a beautiful book, something they needed anyway, something for sport or a hobby, and a fun game. With ideas for each category.
By Sonja ·
Many children have been working on their wishlist for ages. The toy catalogues get circled like mad, and at our son’s infant school they sometimes even made a wishlist by cutting presents out of catalogues. So there’s usually no shortage of ideas.
Meanwhile, in many families something else is going on that no list takes into account: you want the sack to be full on pakjesavond, but you also don’t want the pile of toys at home to keep growing. That sounds contradictory, and it isn’t — it’s all about what goes in.
A good wishlist has variety. Not all toys, but not only useful things either. With six categories you have a list in ten minutes that everyone can choose from, that your child is happy with, and that doesn’t fill your house up any further.
How to make a Sinterklaas wishlist
You make a Sinterklaas wishlist in four steps: start in time, choose together, make sure there's variety, and share it with the family. The list on paper goes in the shoe; the list online is for grandparents, aunts and uncles, so they can see what has already been bought.
- Start when the Sinterklaasjournaal begins, this year on Monday 9 November. Then the family still have more than three weeks to order something.
- Choose together with your child. Browse the gift ideas by age or a toy catalogue, and let your child point out what they like.
- Put ten to fifteen things on it, spread over the six categories below. Then there's something to choose from, for every budget.
- Write it down and share it. Online you share the list with one link; family members tick off what they're giving, so nobody buys the same thing. How sharing works.
The six categories
Put two or three things from each category on the list. Then there’s enough to choose from, something for every budget, and it stays a surprise for your child what they’ll get.
And there’s another reason to vary it, which you’ll probably recognise: the house is already full of toys and doesn’t need many more. But you don’t want a half-empty sack on pakjesavond either. The easiest solution is to add things your child needed anyway — ideally with a favourite animal or character on them. Socks are socks, but socks with dinosaurs on them are a present.
- Something they really want. The present they’ve been talking about for weeks. This is what the list was about in the first place.
- Something to make. Craft supplies, a model kit, modelling clay. Lasts longer than the unwrapping.
- A beautiful book. A picture book, a book to read aloud, or a first thick book.
- Something they needed anyway. Mittens, pyjamas, socks. Coming from Sinterklaas, that’s suddenly extra fun.
- Something for sport or a hobby. If your child does a sport or has a regular hobby, there’s always something that needs replacing.
- A fun game for the whole family. For the dark afternoons between Sinterklaas and Christmas.
And something sweet? That doesn’t need to be on the list — a chocolate letter will turn up anyway.
And can it be second-hand? Certainly. A list says what your child likes, not where it has to come from. Do check extra carefully that it’s complete and in good condition — with a puzzle or a board game, one missing piece matters. Otherwise most children can’t tell the difference, and you can happily tell them that the Pieten buy things on Marktplaats now and then too. ⚠️ This is about your own children: if you’re buying for someone else’s child, check how they feel about it.
1. Something they really want
This is usually the easiest one: that one present that’s been talked about for weeks. Not sure? Browse our gift ideas together — a child will often point at what they like, even if they wouldn’t have thought of it themselves.
The product links in this blog are affiliate links: if you order through one, you support Kindkado with a small commission — at no extra cost to you. The shops are Dutch online shops, and the product names are in Dutch.
2. Something to make
A beautiful colouring book or craft kit goes down well with most children! Choose something that suits their age and interests — we’ve already put together a lovely selection for you. For inspiration, read our blogs about drawing supplies and drawing books!
Mozaïek Kunst met een nummer | Wilde dieren
Acrylkralen in koffer - 600 stuks
De Zoete Zusjes kleurboek
Hey Clay boetseerklei set - 15 potjes - Ocean
Show all 15 ideasShow less
Het Coole Voertuigen Kleurboek
Bruynzeel Kids - kleurpotloden kort&dik - 20 stuks
Het grote CreaChick doeboek
Hey Clay boetseerklei set - 3 potjes - Tyrannosaurus
Hey Clay boetseerklei set - 3 potjes - Cloudy Unicorn
Darwi Classic luchtdrogende klei - 500 gram
SES strijkkralen auto
SES gieten en schilderen kat
Totum Dino Gipsgieten 2 In 1 Set
Mozaïek Kunst met een nummer Vlinders
HEMA Kralenset armbandjes
3. A beautiful book
A book is the gift you’ll enjoy for a long time. Below is our selection of beautiful books for different ages. All the stories of Frog and Toad (Alle verhalen van Kikker en Pad) can be read aloud from a very young age — every one a lovely story with a message — and Pluk van de Petteflet may well be the most beautiful book there is for young children! Het allermooiste boek over dinosauriërs is a hit with dinosaur fans (the series also has books about other animals, each one beautiful). Het dikke boek van onze bijzondere natuur is part of an incredibly beautiful series you’ll want to collect in full (from about age 7, but also for older children). Most of these are in Dutch.
Alle verhalen van Kikker en Pad
Pluk van de Petteflet
Het allermooiste boek over dinosauriërs
Het dikke boek van onze bijzondere natuur
Show all 12 ideasShow less
De gele ballon | Charlotte Dematons
De grootste reis ooit - Prentenboek van Loes Riphagen
Het vrolijke voorleesboek van Kikker
De ridder zonder billen
Het dikke boek van Elmer
Willewete — Sterren en planeten
Het allermooiste boek over wilde dieren | Tom Jackson
Het dikke boek van ons bijzondere heelal | Will Gater
* Amazon-prijs van 9 okt, kan afwijken
4. Something they needed anyway
Lost mittens, pyjamas that have got too short, socks, a pillowcase or a duvet cover. Boring? Not when it comes from Sinterklaas — then pyjamas with dinosaurs are suddenly extra special.
Minecraft Pillow - Adventure/Caves
HEMA Kinderpyjama dino met poppenpyjama groen (groen)
HEMA Kinderpyjama honden met poppenpyjama lichtroze (lichtroze)
HEMA Kindersokken hartjes glitter - 5 paar donkerblauw (donkerblauw)
Show all 9 ideasShow less
HEMA Kinderpyjama raket donkerblauw (donkerblauw)
HEMA Kinder wanten waterafstotend zwart
Tweedelige pyjama - Groen
Eendelige pyjama - Blauw - Forest Friends - Forest Adventure
Tweedelige pyjama - Wit - Forest Friends - Forest Treasures
5. Something for sport or a hobby
If your child does a sport or has a regular hobby, there’s always something that needs replacing: socks, tracksuit bottoms, a shirt, or things for whatever they’re into. A gift for his hobby always gets a very happy reception from my son! Want to go really big? Think of a new scooter, (balance) bike or skateboard.
Cruyff Defense T-Shirt Kids Turquoise Zwart
PUKY LR M Loopfiets vanaf 2 jaar
* Amazon-prijs kan afwijken
Mini Deluxe LED Rood
Enuff - Lucky Cat 7.25" - Skateboard Complete - Rood
Show all 14 ideasShow less
adidas Crew Gevoerde Sokken Zwart Wit
Cruyff Defense Broekje Kids Turquoise Zwart
Nike Sportswear T-Shirt Kids Donkerblauw Wit
Nike Everyday Gevoerde Crew Sokken 6-Pack Kids Zwart Wit
Nike Park 20 Fleece Hoodie Kids Rood
adidas Tiro Travel Broekje Kids Zwart
Nike Academy 25 Trainingspak 1/4-Zip Kids Rood Zwart Wit
Micro - Mini Deluxe LED Lavendel - Step Complete
PUKY WUTSCH Pastel Green
* Amazon-prijs kan afwijken
PUKY LR 1 L BR
* Amazon-prijs kan afwijken
6. A fun game for the whole family
Ideal for winter, for those afternoons when it’s already dark outside at four o’clock. Monopoly and Rummikub are the classics everyone knows, and alongside them are games that are over in ten minutes and games that last a whole afternoon. Keep your youngest player’s age in mind — joining in is half the fun.
Rummikub Original Classic
Kolonisten van Catan basisspel
Qwirkle
30 Seconds (editie Nederland)
Show all 11 ideasShow less
Monopoly Junior
Triominos Classic
Regenwormen
Halli Galli
Cluedo
Ticket to Ride Amsterdam
Rummikub Junior
And if there are no wishes?
Teenagers — and adults — who answer every question with "dunno": there’s always one. A gift card isn’t a cop-out then but a fine choice, because they get to pick something they’re really happy with.
Do wrap it, though. A card loose in an envelope feels bare. Wrap it up with something sweet — a big speculaas figure or a chocolate letter — and it’s instantly a present to unwrap rather than an amount of money.
VVV Cadeaukaart € 10,-
VVV Cadeaukaart € 20,-
VVV Cadeaukaart € 25,-
VVV Cadeaukaart € 50,-
And something sweet
The chocolate letter doesn’t need to be on a list — it’ll turn up anyway. Think of kruidnoten, marzipan or a bag of meringues too. ⚠️ One tip: agree on who brings the letter. Otherwise your child ends up with four by the end of the evening.
Sharing your wishlist online without spoiling the surprise
The easiest way to share a wishlist online is with a link. On Kindkado you make a free list for each child and share it by WhatsApp, email or a link; family tick off what they’re giving, so nobody buys the same thing.
- Make a list. Pick gifts from the gift ideas, or add something yourself with a link from any web shop. You don’t need an account to start.
- Share it with the family. By WhatsApp, email or a link. To share, you first save the list with your own email address.
- Family tick things off. Whoever buys something ticks it off. Others then see that it’s taken, but not by whom — and your child sees none of it.
A list in a group chat only half works. Someone buys something, forgets to say so, and on 5 December there are two identical presents.
And the list in the shoe? That’s still the most fun for your child. The online version is for the grown-ups.
Come across something you like while scrolling? Click the heart to save it, and it’s ready to add to a list later. You don’t need an account to start.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a Sinterklaas wishlist?
Start as soon as the Sinterklaasjournaal begins, this year on Monday 9 November. Choose ten to fifteen things together with your child, spread over six categories: something they really want, something to make, a beautiful book, something they needed anyway, something for sport or a hobby, and a game. On paper for the shoe, and online for the family: on Kindkado you make the list for free and without an account, share it with a link, and family members tick off what they’re giving.
What do you put on a Sinterklaas wishlist?
A list that works has variety. We use six categories: something they really want, something to make, a beautiful book, something they needed anyway (clothes, socks), something for sport or a hobby, and a fun game for the whole family. That way the list isn’t six versions of the same thing, and there’s something for every budget. Sweets don’t need to be on it — a chocolate letter will turn up anyway.
How many things do you put on a wishlist?
More than will be bought — that’s the whole point. With a list of ten to fifteen things, grandparents, aunts and uncles still have a choice, and it stays a surprise for your child what they’ll get. If there’s only one thing on it, everyone knows already.
How do you stop your child getting the same thing twice?
Share the list instead of sending separate messages. On Kindkado, family members can tick off on the shared list what they’re giving; others then see that it’s taken, but not by whom. Your child doesn’t see any of it, so the surprise stays intact.
How do you share a wishlist online?
With a link. On Kindkado you make a free wishlist for each child and share it by WhatsApp, email or a link. Family members open it without an account and tick off what they’re giving; others then see that it’s taken, but not by whom. That way nobody buys the same thing, and your child sees none of it.
Does the wishlist still go in the shoe?
Yes, if your child enjoys it: a drawn or written list in the shoe is part of Sinterklaas. The online version is for the grown-ups. Grandparents, aunts and uncles can see what’s on it, and don’t all buy the same thing.
Can a child make their own wishlist?
Absolutely — then it’s really theirs. For young children, looking together works best: browse together and let them point at what they like. Older children prefer to do it themselves. Afterwards, have a quick look whether it’s a bit balanced; the six categories above help with that.
Can you give a second-hand present for Sinterklaas?
Certainly. A wishlist says what your child likes, not where it has to come from. Do check extra carefully that it’s complete and in good condition — with a puzzle or a board game, one missing piece matters. Otherwise most children can’t tell the difference, and you can happily tell them that the Pieten buy things on Marktplaats (the Dutch second-hand site) now and then too. That way the sack stays full without the pile of toys at home growing any further. One thing: this is about your own children. If you’re buying for someone else’s child, check with the parents how they feel about it.
When do you make the wishlist?
As soon as the Sinterklaasjournaal starts, this year on Monday 9 November, a few days before the arrival. Then family still have more than three weeks to order something, and you have until 5 December to add to it. If you wait until the end of November, it becomes a rush for everyone.