As we did last year, OnAllBands is presenting a dozen-plus ham radio holiday gift ideas sung to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The version of this ubiquitous carol as we know it today dates back to its publication in 1909, only three years before the Radio Act of 1912, which introduced licensing of amateur radio operators.
Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21, 2025, at 10:03 am (ET). And as you’re likely aware, Christmas Day is rapidly approaching, so the time to button up your gift shopping at DX Engineering is now.
Remember, the quickest way to take care of all the hams on your list is with a DX Engineering Gift Card purchased in denominations from $25 to $500. Order your gift card between 5 am and 11 pm ET and receive a digital version in your inbox within 10-15 minutes! Gift card orders placed after 11 pm ET will be emailed the next morning.
Now, let’s all sing!
***
On the first day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- An inverted-V launched into a tree
***
On the second day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
***
On the third day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
***
On the fourth day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
***
On the fifth day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
***
On the sixth day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Six dits and dahs
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
DX Engineering offers a great selection of gifts for experienced Morse code enthusiasts as well as beginners. Choose finely made CW keys and paddles from Begali, Bencher, Chelegance, GHD Keys, HA8KF, Hi-Mound, Kent, and Vibroplex in a range of prices and styles. Above is the Bencher BY Series Iambic Paddle.
Also shown is the Vibroplex Code Practice Oscillator Kit, a welcome gift for those learning to send code. Be sure to check out DX Engineering PaddlePads, perfect for keeping paddles, keys, and bugs in place.
***
On the seventh day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Seven loggers logging
- Six dits and dahs
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
***
On the eighth day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Eight parks a-buzzing
- Seven loggers logging
- Six dits and dahs
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
We covered ham radio gifts for portable operating in a previous post, but it’s worth mentioning again: DX Engineering carries a bunch of useful gear for operators who relish the thrill of a good POTA® pileup. Above is the DX Engineering Nomad Portable Telescopic Mast and Low Power Portable Dipole and Winder Kit.
***
On the ninth day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Nine bands resonating
- Eight parks a-buzzing
- Seven loggers logging
- Six dits and dahs
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
Also check out the Butternut two-band vertical (HF2V), six-band vertical (HF6V), add-on kits, and replacement parts.
***
On the tenth day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Ten books for learning
- Nine bands resonating
- Eight parks a-buzzing
- Seven loggers logging
- Six dits and dahs
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
DX Engineering offers an extensive selection of ham radio reference books (way more than ten, but the song only goes up to 12, so our hands are tied). Among these books are “Radio Today Guides” for popular rigs by Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, and “Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Sketchbook.”
***
On the eleventh day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Eleven ties a-tying
- Ten books for learning
- Nine bands resonating
- Eight parks a-buzzing
- Seven loggers logging
- Six dits and dahs
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
***
On the twelfth day of winter, my ham friend gave to me…
- Twelve dummies loading
- Eleven ties a-tying
- Ten books for learning
- Nine bands resonating
- Eight parks a-buzzing
- Seven loggers logging
- Six dits and dahs
- Five guying rings
- Four feet of cable
- Three bandpass filters
- Two transceivers
- And an inverted-V launched into a tree
***
Find everything for your ham radio needs this holiday season and beyond—without the mangled lyrics—at DXEngineering.com.
