10+ Exciting and Somewhat Annoying Christmas Gift Exchange Game Ideas

 

 

Are you throwing a holiday party this season? Shake things up with these super creative Christmas gift exchange game ideas.

Whether you’re hosting a large event or an intimate affair, I have options for you and your loved ones to exchange gifts with fun and engaging games. 

Yes, Christmas is about more than just gifts – but the gifts sure are great! 😉

 

 

You can make gift exchanges even more fun this holiday season by planning some exciting gift exchange games!

I have 10 of the best Christmas gift exchange game ideas for you to try out.

 

 

Ok, I have to admit – these games can seem a little annoying in theory. Do we need to make a competition out of everything?

While gift exchanges can get a little silly, they’re all in good fun. And if everyone is in the holiday spirit, they usually turn out to be a great time!

Dig into some of my favorite gift exchange games to turn Christmas gift-giving into a full-fledged experience.

Below, I’ve included rules for each game along with fun printables, and more! 

These games are also totally customizable so you and your loved ones can make them work for your event.

 

What is a Christmas gift exchange game?

In short, Christmas gift exchanges turn simple gift-giving into a game. They’re usually planned in groups and involve buying a single gift.

We plan Christmas party games as a way to navigate gift-giving in larger groups and more casual acquaintances while adding another element of fun to the party!

You might want to choose one of these Christmas gift exchange game ideas if you’re planning a holiday work event, extended family dinner, or a gift exchange amongst friends. 

Not sure if this is right for your event? I have some pros and cons of gift exchanges to help you decide!

 

Pros of Christmas gift exchange game

• They’re fun –  These games tend to get silly fast, which I find really fun! If you’re in for a good laugh (who isn’t?), these games are an endless provider. 
• They get you moving – Games are always welcome at a party because they get people active, talking, and engaged with the room. Parties are so much better when you stop nursing a drink on the couch and get involved. 
• They provide healthy competition – Competitive nature is good for creating laughter (and laughter is always a bonus!). 
• They’re super social – Super social, less awkward way of opening gifts. 
• They’re kid-friendly – Kids can get pretty bored at holiday parties. And who can blame them if nothing is going on? Include a Christmas gift exchange for entertainment for all! 

 

Cons of Christmas gift exchange game

• Bad gifts – Ok, so not everyone is the best gift giver. If someone opts to buy a gag gift, you may get stuck with something you don’t want. 
• Lack of sentiment –  These games don’t always offer room for sentimentality. For one thing, a lot of them involve buying a gift for an undetermined recipient. This means you don’t have a chance to personalize your gift. 
• Budget troubles – Some people have trouble sticking with a budget. Whether someone goes over or under the price limit, it could pose an issue. 
• Low engagement – Gift exchanges are only fun if everyone buys in! If you have a lot of guests who will scoff or roll their eyes at the premise, they may ruin it for everyone!

Like with anything, there’s a time and a place! In the right setting, gift exchange games can be super fun and successful! 

I hope these pros and cons help you decide whether or not to try out these Christmas gift exchange game ideas. Now, onto the games!

Looking for more fun party games? Take a look at my post on fun baby shower games: 10 Incredibly Fun Baby Shower Games + Prize Ideas 

 

 

10+ Christmas gift exchange game ideas

Here are 10+ Christmas gift exchange ideas to incorporate into your holiday parties this year.

They’re fun, festive, and okay… a little annoying – but all in good spirits!

 

1. White Elephant Gift Exchange 

The white elephant exchange is a classic Christmas gift exchange. It’s often used as an umbrella term for multiple gift exchange games but does have an original form. 

Premise

The premise of the white elephant game is pretty simple. Everyone brings their own gift to a holiday party or event. In return, they’ll leave with one!

Rules

1. People take turns choosing a number on a piece of paper out of a bucket. This is the order they will choose their white elephant gifts in.
2. Wrapped gifts are chosen at random (no peaking!).
3. Guests will unwrap their gifts as they go. 
4. No trades or stealing –  in the original white elephant game, you get what you get, and you don’t get upset!

What it’s good for:

This is a fun game for large groups – both for friends and family.

It’s difficult to afford gifts for everyone in your life – this gift exchange lets you buy a single gift rather than a number of gifts while still celebrating with everyone.

You could use THESE cute white elephant invitations to let everyone know about the gift exchange!

Bonus idea – You can add more character to this gift exchange by implementing gift themes.

Choose from something practical like kitchen gear or tech, or have fun with a theme like 1980s or Disney. 

 

 

2. Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa 

The Yankee Swap, or Dirty Santa, is one of the more lively Christmas gift exchange game ideas. 

Premise

Yankee Swap is a lot like Secret Santa but with a fun twist.

While you’re still coming and going with a single gift, this version of the game has a competitive aspect. 

Rules

1. People take turns choosing a number out of a bucket. Just like in Secret Santa, this is the order they will choose their gifts in.
2. Wrapped gifts are chosen at random.
3. Once a player unwraps their gift, they have a choice. They can either keep their gift, choose a new gift, or steal an unwrapped gift.
4. If you choose to steal, you get to choose who to trade gifts with.
5. Be careful! If you choose to steal a hot commodity, the next person could steal it right back, and you could be stuck with one of the gag gifts!

Bonus Tips 

• You can cap the amount of steals on a single item. Often groups choose a maximum of three steals. Use THESE handy Dirty Santa numbers and steal cards to help keep track of where each gift stands!
• The best positions in the game are the first person and the last person to play. The last player gets the pick of the gifts. It’s also tradition, however, to allow the first player to get the final steal. 

What it’s good for:

This gift exchange is great at a lively party or family gathering.

Close friends and family members can get super competitive when stealing gifts which is usually a recipe for a lot of laughter!

 

3. Secret Santa 

Secret Santa is another holiday classic! Try it out this Christmas season for a sweet gift exchange game. 

Premise

Secret Santa involves a group of people choosing a gift recipient ahead of time.

You don’t reveal your Secret Santa recipient until you’re presenting them with their gift. 

Rules

1. Choose a recipient out of a hat at random. You’ll be shopping for the person you draw.
2. Pick the best gift for this person that you think they’ll love. If you need a little help, try this Secret Santa questionnaire printable. If everyone fills one out, it can help with the gifting process. 
3. At your holiday gathering, it’s time to open gifts! You can choose to deliver your gift directly, OR you can leave your gift under the tree. The recipient will have to guess who their secret Santa was (the latter is a lot of fun). 

What it’s good for: 

I think this is a fun way to deliver a personal gift while still playing a game.

This way, you have a better chance of receiving a gift you’ll enjoy rather than a random gift that could have been purchased for anyone. 

 

4. Spin the Candy Cane Gift Exchange 

Do you remember spin the bottle? Get ready for the Christmas version!

Premise

Ok, so there isn’t any kissing in this version, but it still provides a bit of nostalgic fun.

This game involves a randomized gift exchange with a candy cane determining your fate!

Rules

1. Like in a white elephant exchange, everyone brings a wrapped gift to the event.
2. Provide a candy cane to everyone participating.
3. Everyone sits in a circle – gifts should be placed in the center. 
4. Take turns spinning your cane. You can go clockwise or assign a single spinner.
5.  Whoever the candy cane tip is pointing at when it stops spinning gets to choose a present! Keep going until everyone has a gift. 

What it’s good for:

This game is good for drawing out the gift exchange process.

If you have a lot of children at an event who tend to rush the process, this can help keep things engaging and enjoyable. 

 

 

5. Roll of the Dice Gift Exchange 

A roll of the dice will choose your destiny in one of the best Christmas gift exchange game ideas. 

Premise

Shake up a gift exchange with new rules that might just make your head spin!

Everyone gets a turn to roll the dice and change the course of the game. 

Rules

1. Use this roll the dice rules printout to play. 
2. Everyone brings a wrapped gift à la white elephant. 
3. Normal rules are followed. Choose your gifts in the number you draw but don’t unwrap them yet!
4. At the end, shake things up with these new dice rules.
5. In the same order you chose you first, everyone gets a turn to roll the dice. 
6. Dice could make you steal, keep your gift, pass it to the right, etc.
7. After everyone has had a turn with the dice, you can finally open your gifts!

What it’s good for:

I like this option because it makes the white elephant process longer and more interactive. This game is fun, you might as well try to make it last!

 

7. Musical Chairs Gift Exchange 

If you want a super active gift exchange idea for larger groups, you need to try this musical chairs game.

It’s one of the most creative ideas on this list. 

Premise

Say Merry Christmas this year with a rumpus game of musical chairs.

This childhood classic is great for adults too! It follows the same premise as a white elephant game, but your turn is determined by your skill in musical chairs. 

Rules

1. Everyone brings a wrapped gift to the party.
2. One person who is not participating is assigned the music player. They will start and stop the music throughout the game.
3. Place chairs in a circle around the room. There should be one less chair than the number of participants.
4. As the Christmas music plays, guests will circle around the chairs (dancing encouraged). 
5. When the music stops, grab a seat. If you’re the person left standing, you’re out! Choose your gift and unwrap it. 
6. After every round, another chair is removed. 
7. The game continues until everyone has a gift. The last gift goes to the person who won the game!

Bonus tip – You can choose whether or not to allow steals in this version (I think steals make the game way more fun). 

What it’s good for:

This game is great for energetic people and kids who can’t sit still.

It’s sure to get pretty silly, so make sure everyone has a good sense of humor. 

 

7. Christmas Card Match 

This visual card match is a super cute choice to exchange gifts. 

Premise

In this version of Secret Santa, you’ll be in duos!

You’ll buy a gift for your partner without knowing who they are! At the event, you’ll know who to exchange gifts with by using a clever visual. 

Rules

1. Buy a fun, universal gift to bring to an event. 
2. You’ll be given half of a Christmas card when you arrive. 
3. When it’s time to exchange gifts, find the person with the other half of your card. They’re your gift exchange partner!

Try these beautiful assorted Christmas cards for this game. 

What it’s good for:

This is a simple idea that doesn’t take a lot of planning. It is low-key and doesn’t put pressure on guests to choose perfect, personalized gifts. 

 

8. Hot Potato Presents 

This fun gift exchange game is especially loved by kids because fast, high-energy, and involves throwing!

Hot potato was a fun game to play in elementary school and will bring out the kid in everyone. 

Premise

This is a pass-along game where players will pass a present around the circle until the music stops. If the music stops when you’re holding the gift, it’s yours!

Rules

1. Gather in a circle.
2. Assign one member who is not playing. They will be in charge of starting and stopping the music.
3. Play the music. As it plays, participants will pass the gift (aka hot potato), around in the circle.
4. When the music stops, so does the present!
5. Whoever is holding the present steps out of the circle and unwraps their gift.
6. The game begins again and continues until everyone has received their Christmas gift.

Bonus idea – You can choose to let the last player standing have a final steal!

What it’s good for:

Kids love this game because they get to chuck around a “hot potato.” 

I think this game is fun for all ages and is one of the best active Christmas gift exchange game ideas.  

Bonus gift idea – I couldn’t resist purchasing this plush hot potato to wrap up for the game. I’d love to see the look of shock when someone opens it up!

 

9. Twelve Days of Christmas Gift Exchange 

This one is a bit of a commitment, but it doesn’t need to be expensive! Bring the 12 days of Christmas to your holiday celebration. 

Premise

With this gift, you’ll be purchasing twelve smaller gifts for your recipient.

They don’t need to be extravagant, just fun little things to show you care – like festive Santa socks.

Rules

1. Everyone participating will choose a name at random to buy for. 
2. Deliver your gifts for the first 11 days to your recipient in secret. You can leave them in their mailbox, their desk at work, etc. 
3. On the 12th day, deliver your gift in person!

Bonus tip – You can make this activity more special with these holiday gift bags or gift tags. 

What it’s good for: 

This is a perfect way to deliver little bits of joy in a creative way! It’ll work best for people you see often, like coworkers, household members, and neighbors. 

 

10.  Santa’s Helper Gift Exchange 

This is a similar idea to the 12 days of Christmas with just a touch of mischief! 

Premise

In this exchange, you’re Santa’s little helper! Deliver small gifts to your recipient in clever, sometimes sneaky ways throughout the week. 

Rules

1. Fill out this handy Santa’s little helper questionnaire. This will help people buy for you. 
2. Sneak little gifts to your recipient over the week; this can include baked treats, gift cards, or dollar store goodies. They don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful. 
3. At the end of the week, reveal your identity! Or don’t, you mischievous elf, you. 

What it’s good for:

This idea is a great way to spread holiday excitement in the workplace.

You can also get creative with the hiding spots around the office. 

Kids love this idea the most because it feels like a scavenger hunt and they can get gifts throughout the week instead of all of them on one day. 

 

 

Which Game Will You Try This Year? 

Games are always a great time – try including some in your next holiday soiree with any of these fun Christmas gift exchange game ideas.

And if you find the whole premise of gift exchange games slightly annoying, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

This Christmas, however, I encourage you to get into the holiday spirit and make the most of these exciting games. 

For more Themed Gift Exchange Ideas check out this post

 

More Christmas Ideas:

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• 25+ Festive Christmas Bake Sale Items that Sell Well
• 50+ Fun Family Christmas Gift Ideas for Every Budget 
• 17+ Free But Meaningful Christmas Gift Ideas (When You Have No Money to Spare)