15+ Awesome & Creative Themes for Your Next Gift Exchange

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If you want to organize a gift exchange, themes can help bring this activity to new heights!

Explore 15 creative themed gift exchange ideas to add fun to your festivities. Discover themes, gift ideas, and more.

While most people consider it a holiday event, you can actually plan a themed gift exchange for exciting gift-giving any time of the year.

Gift exchange themes encourage guests to get creative with their gift choices and, in turn, have more fun participating!

Plus, they’re a great way to give awesome, personalized gifts in large groups or small.

In this post, I’ll share with you 15 unique themed gift exchange ideas, along with occasions to use them and gift ideas for each one!

What’s A Gift Exchange?

A gift exchange can look different depending on the occasion and the participants.

Typically, it refers to the mutual exchange of presents. This can be between two people, a family, or even an entire workplace.

They’re often anonymous and done without a specific person in mind, so universal themes and gifts are important to keep in mind!

Common gift exchanges include Secret Santa (or Secret Pal), drawing names, or White Elephant gift exchange games. Games like these are so much fun and can get pretty competitive.

In short, gift exchanges are fun and festive events that celebrate the spirit of giving. 😉

When Can You Use Gift Exchanges?

Gift exchanges are super common during the holiday season. However, most of these gift exchange ideas can be used year-round!

Some occasions where you can use these gift exchange ideas include:

Parties
Themed birthdays
Holiday gatherings
Work gift exchanges
Secret Santa exchanges
Bridal party exchanges
College graduation party between classmates
Large or small group gatherings
Gifting between friends, family members, colleagues, and more!

15 Creative Themed Gift Exchange Ideas

Need some gift exchange themes that aren’t your run-of-the-mill variety?

I have 15 awesome and creative themes for your gift exchange that can translate to almost any occasion!

1. Plant swap

I think that plants are such a fun gift idea to share with friends and family. If you have a shared interest in plants and gardening, try this creative themed gift exchange.

When choosing plants, I’d recommend choosing hearty, easy-to-care-for plants just in case someone has a “black thumb.” 😉

Beyond plants, you can include tons of other gardening accessories in this themed gift exchange to keep things interesting and varied.

If you’re interested in bringing succulents to this themed exchange, you can find a guide on how to create a succulent gift box here.

Plant swap gift ideas

Though you can feel free to bring any plant or plant accessories to a plant swap, here are a few fun ideas to get you started!

Succulents
Propagated cuttings
Snake plants
Cactuses
Plant food
Decorative pots

2. Seasonal goodies

Get seasonal with your gift exchange themes depending on the season (or season you’re trying to summon!).

You can create a beachgoers gift set, a cold-weather survival kit, and more!

Decide whether you want participants to bring gifts for the same season or let them choose whichever season calls to them.

Seasonal gift ideas

If you want to plan a seasonal gift exchange, pick your season of choice and bring any of these fun items.

Summer options:

Flip flops
Beach towel
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Beach hat
Tanning tattoos
Beach umbrella

Fall options:

Spring options:

Bouquet of flowers
Umbrella
Market tote bag
Floral bath products
A beautiful vase
Container herb garden
Air plants

Winter options:

Cozy sweater
Warm blanket
Winter hat
Wool scarf
Fuzzy mittens
Hot cocoa bombs
Plush toy

3. Cookie exchange

Cookie exchanges are a great option for an office gift exchange and beyond. Everyone loves cookies! This makes them an easy gift option to give to just about anyone.

Tip – when organizing this themed gift exchange, have participants fill out dietary needs and preferences so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.

Get instructions on how to host a holiday cookie swap here.

Cookie exchange gift ideas

Bring your best homemade cookie recipes or bakery-made favorites to this themed gift exchange (you can even cheat a little and bring some other fun treats!).

Sugar cookies
Gingerbread men
Butter tarts
Mint chocolate chip cookies
Brownie bites
Shortbread
Peanut butter drop cookies

4. Festive Gift Baskets

There are so many different ways to celebrate the holiday season; why not spice things up with a festive gift basket exchange?

A festive basket can make the best gift! Include fun, seasonal items that recipients will love opening and enjoying.

Gift baskets make great whole family Christmas gift ideas, so if lots of parents will be in attendance, this is a perfect thing to bring.

Gift basket gift ideas

You can include any festive items you want in these fun gift baskets!

Just make sure to choose items that will be universally loved. Try adding:

Christmas cookies
Hot chocolate mix
Christmas gift bag
A holiday card
Candy canes
Winter hat
Pine scented candle

If you want some inspiration, you can find an entire guide on how to make a polar express-themed gift basket here.

Another great example is this Hot Chocolate Themed gift basket from Hunny I’m Home:

5. Re-gift Exchange

A re-gift exchange adds a fun twist to an old concept. Instead of asking guests to bring new gifts to your event, request they repurpose one of their old belongings!

This can be as silly as it can be sentimental (it depends on your guests!).

Though some participants may take this excuse to give a gag gift, you can definitely encourage some thoughtful gift-giving with this theme

Confessions of Parenting has a ton of great themed-party and gift-giving ideas, including this regifting ritual here.

Regifting ideas

When choosing your regift, go for the sentimental! You can try:

Your favorite book
Repurposed artwork
Cozy sweater
Meaningful photographs
Art prints
House plant
Puzzle

6. Mason Jar Gifts

Need creative ways to wrap your gifts? Opt for this mason jar gift exchange!

The only requirement for this theme is that guests bring their gifts in a mason jar. This wrapping idea is waste-free and is sure to generate creativity and some really good gifts.

If you’re participating in this exchange, try making these hot cocoa pancakes in a jar.

Mason jar gift ideas

Cookie mix
Colorful candy
Mason jar candle
Peppermint body scrub
Body butter
Sourdough starter
Bath salts

7. Christmas sock exchange

This Christmas gift exchange theme involves more than just socks!

Participants will each bring a pair of Christmas socks to the party filled with small gifts and wonders. Guests can pick their socks gifts at random, one-at-a-time; you can draw names to decide the order.

Get the full instructions for the Christmas sock exchange here.

Christmas sock gift ideas

Try some of these ideas to fill your gift exchange socks!

8. Galentine’s Day

If you want to celebrate love with your closest girlfriends, organize a Galentine’s Day-themed gift exchange. Everyone can choose a member of their friend group to spoil, White Elephant exchange style!

This gift exchange doesn’t have to be just for Valentine’s Day; choose any occasion to celebrate friendship with this theme.

Galentine’s Day gift ideas

Fill a basket with little self-care items to show your friend how much you love and appreciate them.

You can find more Galentine’s Day gift ideas here.

9. Edible Goodness

Organize a delicious, edible gift exchange for universally loved gifts – guaranteed!

I think edible goods make for a great themed gift exchange because they’re easy to make or buy, no matter your budget. It’s also a great opportunity to share food with loved ones.

For a yummy, edible gift idea, get the recipe for homemade jalapeno pepper jelly here.

Edible gift ideas

Make these gifting recipes for your gift exchange.

Peach jam
Homemade cookies
Maple syrup
A bottle of wine
Chocolate truffles
Pickled vegetables
Homemade salsa

10. DIY Crafts

Crafts are a great way to spend your time, but we don’t always have the inspiration or materials we need to express our creativity.

Encourage the gift of artistic expression with this creative-themed gift exchange idea!

Participants can bring DIY kits to gift and share; inside a DIY craft kit, you’ll find all the materials you need to create a masterpiece.

Guests will love that they’re not only receiving gifts but they’re also receiving experiences!

Try creating this DIY rock painting kit to bring to your themed gift exchange.

DIY craft gift ideas

Give the gift of art with these fun craft kit ideas. You can put them together yourself or find store-bought varieties at the craft store.

Scarf knitting kit
Paint-by-numbers set
Crochet animals kit
Make your own candle kit
Air dry clay kit
Tufting coasters kit
Jewelry making kit

11. Budget Exchange

Gifting can get expensive fast! If you want to celebrate the spirit of giving without going way over budget, try organizing a budget gift exchange.

Set a price limit of 5-10 dollars for your next friend or family gift exchange. This is a fun way to give small gifts without breaking the bank.

Because of the low price point, you’re forced to get pretty creative in your gifting, which always makes for unique gifts.

You can also choose to bring homemade goods, artwork, and more!

Harbour Breeze Home has more information on this budget-friendly gift exchange as well as more inexpensive ideas!

Budget gift ideas

Working under a budget adds a little bit of pressure but don’t worry! These budget gift ideas will get you on the right track.

Homemade preserves
Garden-grown goodies
Novelty socks
Card games
Journals
Art supplies
Loose-leaf tea

12. Book Exchange

Celebrate a Storybook Christmas with your friends and family with this creative-themed gift exchange idea!

A book swap is a fabulous idea for book lovers everywhere. This gift exchange would work especially well for a book club.

Books make super thoughtful gifts because you need to think long and hard about what others will love and enjoy; they’re also super personal items, so when you gift one, it’s like sharing a little piece of you.

At your next holiday party, organize a book exchange with either used or new books for a super fun theme.

You can also opt to bring a bonus book to donate to charity; this is the perfect way to give widely during the holidays!

You can find more information on how to plan a Storybook Christmas party here.

Book gift ideas

For a storybook Christmas exchange, you can bring a variety of books and related gifts.

Your favorite read
A Christmas classic
Festive bookmarks
Bookstand
A top seller
Ereader gift card
Booklight
Bookstore gift card

13. Special Interest

If you and your friends share a special interest, organize a gift exchange theme to go along with it!

Enjoy great themes like camping, barbeque, board games, and more.

This gift exchange theme is a great way to give a personalized gift because you’re working within a shared hobby.

Often during Yankee Swap or White Elephant exchanges, you’ll receive a random gift you might not even want! With this theme, however, everyone will love their gifts.

Special interest theme ideas

Because interests are so varied, I’ve come up with a few themed interests instead of gift ideas. Use these themes or brainstorm your own.

Cooking
Art
Reading
Barbeque
Pets
Camping
Wellness

14. Handmade gifts

There are few things as thoughtful as homemade gifts. Propose a handmade holiday gift exchange at your next party!

Guests can bring an anonymous, wrapped gift or a personalized offering – whichever you prefer.

When participants are forced to get hands-on in their gift-giving, great ideas always come about! This creative themed gift exchange idea is sure to produce the perfect gift offerings!

Read more about this homemade gift exchange and more gift exchange games here.

Handmade gift ideas

When choosing your handmade gift, start with some of these ideas!

Homemade bath bombs
Hand-painted mugs
Arm-knitted chunky blanket
Air-dry clay earrings
Sugar lip scrub
DIY hand lotion
Hand-embroidered tee shirt

Need some more handmade gift inspiration? I have a whole post on the very best Christmas crafts to make and sell: The Best Christmas Crafts to Make and Sell {37+ Ideas!}

15. Funny oddities

A silly gift swap can be a lot of fun! Encourage guests to bring odd or funny gifts that they think will make the recipient smile.

This is the perfect opportunity to pull out those gag gifts and get a good laugh!

I think the best funny gifts are also usable so try to keep this in mind when you’re picking one out. (think a bizarre bottle opener over adult diapers).

You can find plenty of creative ideas and odd gifts to give during a gift exchange here.

Funny or odd gift ideas

These funny gifts are so much fun to give and receive! You can start here, but feel free to get creative with this one.

Let Me Know Which Themed Gift Exchange You Do!

I’d love to know if you use any of these creative themes for your next gift exchange!

Participants will love the ingenuity of the themed experience and appreciate your effort to change things up.

If you want more, I have plenty on this post 10+ Exciting (and somewhat annoying) Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas

I hope you find the perfect themed gift exchange to use for your event; try one out and have fun!

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Lena Gott

I'm a CPA turned SAHM of 3 little ones ages 4, 6, and 9. I'm a mommy by day, blogger by night. Join me as I write about fun kids activities, family finances, and losing 50 lbs after baby #3.