Holiday gatherings are all about laughter, good food, and making memories with the people we love. But let’s be honest, gift exchanges can sometimes feel a little… predictable. Sure, swapping presents is fun, but why not spice things up this year with some creative and entertaining games?
White Elephant Gift Exchange
This classic holiday game is a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone laughing and on their toes. It’s all about swapping, stealing, and walking away with something hilariously unexpected.
How to Play White Elephant
Each person brings a wrapped gift to the party. The gifts are typically around a pre-set price limit to keep things fair. All the gifts go into a single pile, and players take turns choosing one or stealing a previously chosen gift. A player can only have a gift stolen a certain number of times (usually twice) before it’s locked in their hands. The game ends when every gift is unwrapped.
Secret Santa Game
Secret Santa is a beloved holiday tradition that keeps everyone excited and connected. It’s simple to set up and perfect for any holiday gathering.
Setting Up the Draw
Start by writing everyone’s name on slips of paper. Fold them up, toss them into a bowl, and have each person draw a name in secret. If you’re not meeting in person before the event, I recommend using online generators like Elfster to handle the draw. Set a budget limit for gifts upfront, so everyone stays on the same page. I’ve found that $20-$30 works well for most groups, but adjust it based on your gathering.
Yankee Swap
Yankee Swap is a holiday classic that brings equal parts laughter and strategy. It’s perfect for groups who enjoy a little friendly competition during their gift exchange.
Classic Rules Explained
Each participant brings a wrapped gift, all of which are placed in a central pile. To start, everyone draws a number to determine the order of play. The first player chooses a gift and opens it in front of the group. The next player then has two options: they can either “swap” by taking an already-opened gift from another player or pick a new, unopened one from the pile. Each turn adds more drama, as players decide whether to hold onto their chosen gift or trade for something better. The game continues until everyone has had a turn. A common twist is allowing the first player to swap their gift at the very end, giving them an extra advantage.
Variations to Spice It Up
Add a “no-touch zone” rule where certain highly contested gifts are locked after three swaps. This keeps things fair and adds urgency to each player’s decisions. Another fun twist is requiring players to unwrap their gifts with oven mitts on, creating extra entertainment and prolonging the suspense. You can also try a themed Yankee Swap, limiting gifts to a specific category like cozy winter items or gag gifts. These little variations keep the game fresh and ensure everyone has a memorable time.
Gift Auction
A Gift Auction is an exciting way to turn a holiday gift exchange into a competitive and hilarious event. It mixes the thrills of an auction with the fun of surprises, making it perfect for gatherings.
Organizing the Auction
Start by asking everyone to bring a wrapped gift, just like other exchanges. When guests arrive, hand out fake currency, such as printed bills or poker chips. Make sure everyone gets the same amount to keep it fair. Display the gifts where everyone can see them but don’t reveal what’s inside. Decide on an “auctioneer” who’s comfortable keeping the energy up while running the bidding.
To add some fun twists, you can describe the gifts with vague or humorous hints, like “something cozy but unexpected” or “perfect for a night in.” This keeps everyone guessing and heightens the anticipation as the bids fly.
Tips for Bidding Wars
Encourage everyone to start small, but remind them they need to save some of their fake cash for other items too. This adds a layer of strategy to the game. To fuel the excitement, the auctioneer can speed things up or tease inflated bidding on “mystery gifts.”
Trivia Gift Game
This game combines a classic trivia challenge with the excitement of gift exchanges. It’s perfect for groups who love testing their knowledge and enjoying a bit of competition.
How to Incorporate Trivia
I start by preparing a list of trivia questions related to holidays, pop culture, or any favorite topics of the group. Each correct answer lets a player pick a gift from the pile, while incorrect answers mean waiting for the next turn. To keep it interesting, I like to add a twist—players can “steal” a gift by answering an extra challenging bonus question. This keeps everyone engaged and ensures the game is as interactive as possible.
Dice Gift Exchange
Dice Gift Exchange brings an unpredictable twist to your holiday celebrations. With just a pair of dice, you can turn a simple gift swap into a lively and memorable experience.
Playing with Simple Rules
I love how easy it is to set up this game. Each player brings a wrapped gift and forms a circle. Start by rolling two dice, with each number on the dice corresponding to a specific action. For example, rolling a 1 might mean passing your gift to the right, while a 6 lets you trade with anyone. Keep the actions lighthearted, like skipping a turn or choosing a new gift from the pile. The game continues until all gifts are locked in, so everyone gets in on the fun.
Variations to Keep It Interesting
Adding variations can make the game even more exciting. One idea is to set a timer, ensuring each round moves quickly and keeps the energy up. Another favorite variation of mine includes creating custom action cards for different dice rolls. For instance, rolling doubles might allow you to open your gift early or freeze another player’s turn. You can also introduce a “steal” rule, letting players swipe a gift from someone else to add a thrilling edge. With a little creativity, Dice Gift Exchange becomes a holiday hit year after year.
Musical Gifts
Music always adds energy to any holiday gathering, and combining it with a gift exchange is a recipe for fun. Musical Gifts brings a whole new rhythm to your celebrations, ensuring laughs, surprises, and a festive atmosphere.
Combining Music and Gifts
I love how this game turns a traditional gift exchange into a lively musical adventure. To play, everyone provides a wrapped gift and sits in a circle. Start by playing holiday-themed tunes while passing a single gift around the group. When the music stops, the person holding the gift opens it. The twist? After opening, they can either keep the gift or pass it to someone who hasn’t gotten one yet. Repeat until every player has unwrapped something. It’s fast-paced, filled with laughter, and works best with upbeat songs to keep the energy flowing.
If you’re looking for variations, try “musical chairs with gifts.” Place a wrapped gift on each chair, then have participants walk around in a circle while music plays. When the music stops, they scramble to sit, claiming the gift on their seat. This version adds even more competition and excitement.
Creative Playlist Ideas
Crafting the perfect playlist for this game is half the fun. I recommend blending classic holiday hits like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” or Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” with modern festive tracks like Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree.” You could also add quirky songs like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” to keep everyone laughing.
Left-Right Story Game
This game is perfect for adding a playful and engaging narrative twist to your holiday gift exchange. It’ll keep everyone on their toes and laughing as gifts are passed back and forth!
How It Works
Everyone sits in a circle, each holding the gift they brought. I read a pre-written story aloud, filled with plenty of the words “left” and “right.” Each time I say “left,” players pass their gift to the left. For “right,” they pass it to the right. By the time the story ends, everyone ends up with a different gift, and sometimes the chaos of constant passing creates hilarious moments! No one knows if their gift will travel all the way around the circle or land with a surprise recipient nearby.
Hot Potato Gift Game
The Hot Potato Gift Game is a thrilling twist on the childhood classic that works perfectly for holiday gatherings. It combines quick thinking with the excitement of a gift exchange, ensuring tons of laughter and surprises.
Using Hot Potato Rules
Players sit in a circle and start with a wrapped gift. I like to use holiday music to set the mood; when the music plays, the gift gets passed around the circle. When the music stops, the person holding the gift either keeps it or trades it with someone else’s opened gift, depending on the rules you’ve decided. If you want to add tension, set a timer, and when it buzzes, the person holding the gift is stuck with it.
Unique Ways to Play
Switching up the game keeps it fresh. Instead of one gift, use multiple wrapped items, passing all of them at the same time. For a fun twist, mark certain gifts with mystery stickers—those could contain funny “penalties” (like singing a holiday carol) or special privileges, like unwrapping an extra gift. You can also add a speed element by having players pass gifts faster as the music speeds up, creating chaotic and hilarious moments.
Choose a Card Gift Swap
This game puts a creative spin on the traditional gift exchange by using cards to decide the fate of each present. It’s perfect for groups that enjoy a bit of mystery and fun decision-making.
How to Set It Up
I start by preparing a deck of cards, either a regular deck or custom cards that I’ve designed specifically for the game. Each card contains a prompt or instruction related to gift swapping. These can include “Steal a gift,” “Trade gifts with someone,” or “Open your gift right now.” At the gathering, everyone brings a wrapped gift and forms a circle. I shuffle the deck and have participants take turns drawing a card, following the instruction on it. The game continues until all the gifts are opened.
Fun Card Categories to Include
I love incorporating a mix of categories to keep the game exciting. Some cards can prompt actions like “Swap gifts with the person to your left,” while others might add playful twists, like “Pick a gift for someone else to open” or “Freeze! No more swaps for one round.” To make it extra fun, I include a few wildcard options like “Switch all the gifts in the circle” or “Pass your gift to someone wearing red.” Adding themed cards for holidays, like “Choose someone wearing a Santa hat to open your gift,” keeps the festive spirit alive and the laughter going.
Roll the Dice Gift Game
This game brings a fun dose of luck and unpredictable moments to your holiday gift exchange. All you need is a pair of dice, some creativity, and a pile of wrapped gifts to get started.
Rolling for Instructions
Each roll of the dice determines what happens to the gifts, making every turn a surprise. Before starting, assign specific actions to numbers or combinations. For example:
- Rolling a 2: Swap gifts with the person to your left
- Rolling a 5: Steal a gift from someone else
- Rolling doubles: Pick a new gift from the pile
Keep the actions simple, or get creative by adding festive-themed tasks. You can even print a cheat sheet with the dice rules for everyone to follow.
Creative Outcomes for Each Roll
The randomness ensures that no one knows how the game will unfold. Imagine rolling a 7 and being told to “unwrap your gift immediately,” only to realize it’s something hilarious. Or rolling an 8 and having to “pass your gift to the person wearing the most red.”
Add options like forcing a player to swap with the person holding the largest or smallest gift for extra laughter. Customizing the outcomes keeps the game fresh and allows you to tailor the experience to your crowd.
Name That Holiday Tune
This game combines music, laughter, and a touch of competition, making it perfect for any holiday gathering. It’s simple and guarantees festive fun for all ages.
Rules of the Singing Game
Each participant takes turns humming or whistling a holiday-themed song, while everyone else guesses the tune. The first person to guess correctly gets a point. To make it trickier, I sometimes limit the humming to only a few notes or have players act out the song charades-style without sounds. You can also turn it into a team competition, where teams alternate turns guessing and performing songs. At the end, I usually give a small prize—like a candy cane or mini trinket—to the person or team with the most points.
Ideas for Gift Selection
I like to pair this game with small, music-related gifts to match the theme. Think portable Bluetooth speakers, holiday song playlists on USB drives, or even funny karaoke microphones. If you want something simpler, ornaments shaped like music notes or holiday CDs work great too. You could even include humorous items like a “worst singer” trophy for added laughs! Whatever you choose, gifts should be affordable and tied to the festive spirit.
20 Questions Gift Game
This game brings a playful guessing twist to your holiday gathering. It mixes the classic “20 Questions” format with the surprise of gift exchanges, keeping everyone entertained and curious.
Asking Fun Questions
I love starting with broad, funny questions to keep things light and engaging. Players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure out what’s inside a wrapped gift. Questions like “Is it something I can wear?” or “Would it fit in my living room?” help narrow down the possibilities while sparking laughs. To keep the pace lively, I recommend setting a time or question limit per player. Once someone correctly guesses the gift or reaches the limit, they either keep it or pass it to another player.
Linking Questions to Gifts
Tying the questions to the gifts themselves makes the game even more fun. For instance, if a player asks, “Does this make noise?” the answer could lead to hilarious realizations as they imagine what’s inside. I’ve found that themed gifts—like kitchen gadgets or quirky trinkets—make the questioning even more creative. Adding a rule where correct guesses guarantee you keep the gift ensures a friendly competitive edge while keeping everyone engaged.
Stealing Santa
Stealing Santa is a fantastic twist on the classic gift exchange, adding suspense, strategy, and a hint of mischief to your holiday gathering. It’s perfect for groups that love a little playful competition.
Rules for Stealing Gifts
Each player brings a wrapped gift to contribute to the gift pool. To start, everyone draws a number to determine the order of play. The first player picks a gift from the pile and unwraps it. The second player can either choose a new gift or “steal” the unwrapped gift from the first player.
If someone’s gift gets stolen, they pick another from the pool or steal from a different player. A gift can only be stolen a set number of times—usually two or three—before it’s “locked” and can’t be stolen anymore. The game continues until all gifts are unwrapped, leaving everyone with a mix of surprises and creative trades.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
A Holiday Scavenger Hunt is a fun, interactive way to energize your gathering and get everyone moving. With a mix of clues, surprises, and holiday cheer, this game is perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
Setting Up Clues
I like to start by creating holiday-themed clues that are tricky but still solvable for my group. For example, I might hide a clue with the ornaments and write, “Sparkle bright and hang with care, your next clue is hiding there.” I place clues in spots that encourage guests to explore the space, like near the fireplace, under a Christmas stocking, or even in the fridge by the eggnog! Using rhymes, riddles, or fun wordplay hints adds an extra layer of excitement.
Pass the Gift Relay
This fast-paced game combines the excitement of a relay race with the fun of unwrapping gifts. It’s perfect for groups looking to add energy and laughter to their holiday gathering.
Organizing Teams
I like to start by splitting everyone into two or more teams, depending on the group size. Each team lines up, and I give the first player in each line a wrapped gift. The goal is to pass the gift down the line using only specific body parts, like elbows or knees—no hands allowed! If the gift falls, the team has to start over, adding a hilarious layer of chaos. The first team to successfully pass the gift to the end of the line wins.
Variations for Larger Groups
For big gatherings, I recommend creating multiple relay stations to keep everyone involved. Each station can feature a different challenge, such as passing the gift while blindfolded or balancing it on a spoon. Another fun twist is adding an unwrapping element, where players must complete the pass and then unwrap a layer of the gift before moving to the next person. Everyone gets a chance to join the fun, and the added challenges keep the game dynamic and entertaining.
Mystery Grab Bag
The Mystery Grab Bag is a simple yet thrilling game that adds an element of surprise to holiday gift exchanges. With minimal setup and plenty of fun, it’s perfect for any gathering.
Arranging the Grab Bag
I start by asking everyone to bring a small, wrapped gift to the party. To keep things fair, I suggest a budget, like $10-$15, so no one feels pressured. Once all the gifts arrive, I place them in a large festive bag, basket, or even a decorated box to keep them out of sight. Keeping the wrapping creative—think odd-shaped packages or misleading sizes—adds extra intrigue to the game.
Setting Fun Expectations
Before diving into the grab bag, I explain the rules to everyone. Each person picks a gift blindly from the bag, but here’s the twist—I might let them swap with someone else or keep what they grab. Adding optional challenges, like unwrapping with one hand or answering a holiday trivia question before opening, keeps the energy high. The best part? Nobody knows what they’ll end up with, so laughter and surprises are guaranteed.
Deck of Cards Gift Swap
This game adds a fun, card-based twist to your holiday gift exchange. It’s simple to set up and keeps everyone guessing!
Assigning Gifts to Cards
Assign each gift to a specific card from the deck. For example, the queen of hearts might represent a festive mug, while the ace of spades could mean a mystery gift. Shuffle the deck and have participants draw a card to claim their corresponding gift. The randomness of the draw keeps everyone on edge, adding plenty of excitement as players reveal their matches.
Coin Toss Gift Game
This simple yet thrilling game relies entirely on the flip of a coin to determine each player’s fate in the gift exchange. It’s easy to set up and guarantees plenty of laughs.
Deciding Outcomes with a Coin
Players take turns flipping a coin to decide their actions. Heads might mean unwrapping a gift, while tails could mean swapping with someone else. To keep things exciting, you can set additional rules, like flipping twice to combine actions or letting players call their move before the toss. This randomness ensures no one can predict what’ll happen next, which adds a fun twist to the game.
Adding Challenges for Extra Laughs
Amp up the fun by incorporating quirky challenges based on the coin toss. For example, a player flipping heads might have to unwrap their gift while wearing oven mitts, or flipping tails means they need to sing a holiday carol before swapping. You could also create “wild coin” rules, where landing on the edge (if you’re lucky!) allows the player to pick any gift they want. These playful twists bring extra laughter to your gathering and create unforgettable moments.
Holiday Bowling Gift Game
If you want to add some activity and laughter to your gift exchange, the Holiday Bowling Gift Game is the perfect choice. It combines a classic bowling challenge with the fun of unwrapping surprises.
Setting Up Holiday Bowling
I set up the game by creating a festive mini-bowling alley using lightweight plastic bowling pins or empty bottles wrapped in holiday paper. Arrange them in the traditional pin formation on a smooth surface. I like using a lightweight ball, like a foam or rubber one, to keep things easy for all ages. Guests take turns rolling the ball, trying to knock down as many pins as possible.
Conclusion
Holiday gatherings are all about creating moments that bring people together, and these gift exchange games are perfect for adding that extra spark of fun. Whether you’re looking for laughter, a bit of strategy, or just something unexpected, there’s a game here for every kind of group.
I love how these games turn simple gift exchanges into unforgettable experiences. They’re a great way to keep everyone engaged and make sure the holidays are filled with smiles, surprises, and maybe even a little friendly competition.
So grab your gifts, gather your loved ones, and get ready to make this holiday season one to remember. Let the games begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the White Elephant Gift Exchange?
The White Elephant is a fun holiday game where participants bring wrapped gifts, typically quirky or inexpensive, and take turns choosing from a shared pool or “stealing” already opened gifts. Each gift can only be “stolen” a set number of times before it’s locked in. The game ends when all gifts are unwrapped, creating a mix of surprises and laughter.
How does the Secret Santa game work?
In Secret Santa, participants are randomly assigned someone to give a gift to, keeping their identities secret until the exchange. Names are drawn from a hat or via online generators like Elfster. Setting a budget ensures fairness, with typical limits ranging between $20-$30.
What is a Yankee Swap, and how do you play?
A Yankee Swap involves drawing numbers to determine gift selection order. The first player opens a gift, and subsequent players can either open a new gift or swap for an opened one. Variations, such as themed or “no-touch zone” swaps, add excitement and strategy.
How do you organize a Gift Auction?
For a Gift Auction, participants bring wrapped gifts and receive fake currency to bid on them. An auctioneer facilitates the event, offering fun hints about the gifts to spark competitive and humorous bidding wars. The game adds mystery and excitement to any holiday gathering.
What is the Dice Gift Exchange?
In the Dice Gift Exchange, each roll of the dice determines an action, such as swapping gifts, unwrapping one, or passing it left or right. Variations, like setting a timer or adding custom actions, enhance the fun and unpredictability of this lively game.
How does the Left-Right Story Game work?
Participants sit in a circle, each holding a wrapped gift. A festive story filled with “left” and “right” directions is read aloud, prompting players to pass gifts accordingly. By the story’s end, everyone is left with a different gift, making for entertaining surprises.
What is the Hot Potato Gift Game?
Similar to the classic Hot Potato game, participants pass a wrapped gift while holiday music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the gift opens it or swaps it with another opened gift. Variations, like using multiple gifts or mystery stickers, add extra fun.
How does the Choose a Card Gift Swap work?
In this game, participants draw cards containing fun prompts like “Steal a gift” or “Open your gift right now.” The cards create unique interactions and decisions, keeping the gift exchange unpredictable and engaging until all gifts are opened.
What is the Trivia Gift Game?
The Trivia Gift Game combines trivia challenges with gift exchanges. Players answer holiday-themed questions to choose or steal gifts. Correct answers let players pick a gift, while bonus questions allow “steals,” ensuring an interactive and entertaining experience.
How do you play the Name That Holiday Tune game?
Players hum or whistle holiday songs while others guess the tune. Points are awarded for correct guesses, and the game works best with prizes like holiday-themed gifts to maintain a festive atmosphere and friendly competition.
What is Stealing Santa?
Stealing Santa adds a twist to the classic gift exchange. Participants choose gifts from a central pool, but those gifts can be “stolen” by others. A limit on steals and the strategic nature of the game make it exciting and suspenseful.
How do you set up a Holiday Scavenger Hunt?
To create a Holiday Scavenger Hunt, hide holiday-themed clues or riddles around your space, leading participants to a final gift or prize. Make the clues festive and solvable to engage all ages and encourage exploration during the event.
What is the Pass the Gift Relay?
In this game, teams pass a wrapped gift down a line using specific body parts, such as knees or elbows. If the gift drops, they start over. Adding multiple relay stations with different challenges boosts the chaos and fun for larger groups.
What is the Mystery Grab Bag?
Participants bring inexpensive, wrapped gifts to place in a festive bag or box. Each player blindly picks a gift, with the option to swap after unwrapping. Fun challenges, like one-handed unwrapping, add humor and surprises to the experience.
What is the Deck of Cards Gift Swap?
Every gift is assigned a playing card, and participants draw cards to determine their gift. This adds an element of randomness and excitement as participants reveal their gifts based on luck.
How do you play the Coin Toss Gift Game?
Players flip a coin to decide their actions: heads could mean unwrapping a gift, while tails might require swapping with another player. Additional rules or challenges keep the game lively and engaging.
What is the Holiday Bowling Gift Game?
Set up a mini-bowling alley using lightweight holiday-wrapped pins. Guests take turns knocking down pins, earning opportunities to claim or swap gifts. This active game brings laughter and energy to holiday gatherings.
How does the 20 Questions Gift Game work?
Players ask yes-or-no questions to guess what’s inside a wrapped gift. Correct guesses allow them to claim the gift, while wrong answers mean waiting for the next turn. The game mixes strategy, humor, and surprises.
Why add games to holiday gatherings?
Holiday games bring laughter, connection, and excitement to celebrations. They break traditional routines, create memorable moments, and engage participants of all ages, making holiday gatherings more enjoyable and dynamic for everyone involved.
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