A ruled table headed My Christmas List, with a name field, a date field and a numbered row for every item. Each row is split: a wide column for what you would like and a narrower one headed size, colour, where to find it. That second column is the whole point of the sheet, because it is the detail that stops somebody buying the wrong thing.
The second column does the work
A bare list of items leads to a jumper in the wrong size and a book somebody already owns. The narrow right hand column asks for one line of detail against each entry, which is usually enough: a size, a shade, a shop, a model number or the words any colour but green.
It also makes the sheet usable by an adult. Nothing on it is drawn for children, so it can be handed round an office or sent to a parent without feeling like a school worksheet.
Rows and paper
The row count sits above the sheet and offers fourteen, sixteen or eighteen. Sixteen is the setting it opens on and fills an A4 page with rows deep enough to write in comfortably. Fourteen gives taller rows for larger handwriting, eighteen packs more in for a long list.
Paper size has its own control with A4 and US Letter, and the table is redrawn for the page rather than scaled down, so the rows stay the same height on either.
Typed or handwritten
Every row is a text box, so a list can be typed and then printed, and the typed words appear in the PDF. That version is worth emailing to whoever is doing the buying, because it removes the handwriting argument entirely.
Left empty, the same sheet prints as a clean blank form. The Clear control above the page wipes everything typed in one press if you want to start again.
Questions
- How many rows does the Christmas list template have?
- Sixteen as it opens, with fourteen and eighteen also available from the control above the sheet. Fourteen gives the deepest rows to write in and eighteen fits the most items onto one page.
- Can I type my list in rather than writing it?
- Yes. Each row and the name and date fields are text boxes you can type into, and what you type is carried through to the downloaded PDF. Leaving them empty prints a blank form instead.
- Is this template suitable for an adult?
- Yes. It is a plain ruled table with no cartoon artwork, so it works for a grown-up list, an office gift exchange or a list sent to a relative. There is a separate sheet drawn for younger children.
- What is the narrow column on the right for?
- One line of detail about the item: a clothing size, a colour, a shop or a model. It is the column that prevents the wrong version being bought, and it is worth filling in on every row.