- Try a trinket hunt. Save a few stocking-stuffer gifts (anything small and inexpensive), wrap them up, and hide them throughout the house. ...
- Play a word game. Try Finish the Carol or Word Guess; either works for a kid-friendly gift exchange. ...
- Use a bottle. Try a twist on spin the bottle to take turns opening gifts. ...
- Do a kids' "musical chairs" gift exchange. ...
How to have an awesome family holiday gift exchange?
Then you can suggest in place of the gift swap:
- Have a family gathering with a potluck
- Do a cookie swap (#4, above)
- Go sledding; bring hot chocolate
- Volunteer as a family (#11, above, and here)
- Watch a Christmas movie together
- Read a classic Christmas story together
- Do the Christmas carnival (#14), but with all-DIY games
What are some gift exchange ideas?
Office Gift Exchange Ideas
- Basket: Each gift giver fills a basket with items for their recipient.
- Business card holder: Make sure that they are artistic or personalized.
- Coffee: Purchase mugs, gourmet coffee beans, or coffee gift cards.
- Cookies: Exchange a dozen or more homemade holiday cookies.
- Desk: Get interesting items for the desk.
Is it rude to exchange a gift?
There are some that think it’s never polite to return a gift unless it’s the wrong size or you’re allergic to it. But Ms. Post says that it’s “just fine to return or exchange a gift.” She explains...
How to host a gift exchange?
- Each guest brings a wrapped gift. ...
- Have guests place their gifts in a central location, and arrange the seating around the presents so that each player has a good view.
- To start, determine the playing order. ...
- Player #2 has two options. ...
- Player #3 can either open a new gift or steal from players #1 or #2. ...
How can I make a gift exchange more fun?
Theme-based gift exchange: You can pick a theme, such as craft, board game, or gift card, for the holidays. You may also put themes in a bowl or hat and randomly pick one. Everyone then buys a gift based on the decided theme. You can incorporate name-drawing, Yankee swap, white elephant, or Secret Santa.
How do you play the Christmas gift exchange game?
Everyone brings a wrapped gift and gets a number. The first person chooses a gift and unwraps it, the second person can steal that gift or choose another, and so on. I don't even have to write out exact details because you all know. It's the same game everyone plays at their holiday party every year.
What is good for exchange gift?
Gift exchange ideas for the workplaceOffice gadgets. Office gadgets are some of the most popular gift ideas for work gift exchanges because of their affordability and practicality. ... Food and snacks. ... Beverages. ... Trial memberships. ... Movie tickets. ... Handmade gifts. ... Office accessories. ... Gloves, mittens and cold-weather gear.More items...
How do you conduct a gift exchange?
Organizing Tip: How To Organize A Gift ExchangeFigure out the total number of participants. ... Set a budget or spending limit. ... Randomly generate matches. ... Set up a shopping deadline and the date, time and location for the gift exchange. ... Send out separate emails/invites. ... Send out a reminder. ... Enjoy the gift giving event!
How do you play the elephant game?
The White Elephant Game Rules Bring a wrapped, anonymous gift to the shindig. Draw numbers to determine who gets to unwrap a present when. Sit in a circle and place the gifts in the center, preferably under a festive tree. The person who drew #1 selects a gift from the pile, opens it, and holds it up for all to see.
How do you play rob your neighbor gift exchange?
The player that selected the number 1 chooses a gift from the table, but does not open it. The player that selected the number 2 then chooses a gift from the table and opens it. Each succeeding player, in numerical order, selects a gift from the table and decides if they want to "rob their neighbor" of an opened gift.
What is the most important element in a gift economy?
Instead of monetary gain, gift economies often rely on intangible rewards like a sense of contribution, community, honor or prestige.
What can I use instead of white elephant?
White ElephantYankee Swap.Dirty Santa.Pollyanna.Cutthroat Christmas.Santa Machiavelli.Greedy Punter.
Is Dirty Santa the same as white elephant?
Whether you call it White Elephant or Dirty Santa, the game sticks to the same format. We're not sure where the name "Dirty Santa" originated, but it's meant to refer to game participants, the "Santas," stealing desirable gifts from each other.
What is exchange ideas?
Exchange Ideas is an international conference, training and networking platform on tax, wealth management and compliance focusing on practical matters and connecting financial advisors, family offices, lawyers, trustees, fund managers, and investors (solution seekers) with leading practitioners and academics in the ...
What is a grab bag gift?
A grab bag is a crazy way for each person to receive a random gift. The basic idea of a grab bag is that each person participating in the event brings a wrapped gift that is placed in a large bag. The bag is then passed around the room for each person to randomly reach in and grab a gift.
What is the White Elephant game for Christmas?
White elephant is a gift exchange, so each person must bring one wrapped present to the Christmas party. Once everyone is assembled, have each person draw a number. The person with number "one" chooses a present to unwrap.
What is the Christmas gift exchange game called?
White elephantWhite elephant is a gift exchange, so each person must bring one wrapped present to the Christmas party. Once everyone is assembled, have each person draw a number. The person with number "one" chooses a present to unwrap.
How do you play left and right Christmas game?
Everyone who has brought a gift to participate sits in a circle. You start with your gift or any random gift and listen as the story is told. Every time the word “LEFT” is read, you pass the gift to the left. Every time the word “RIGHT” is read, you pass the gift to the right.
Is Dirty Santa the same as white elephant?
Whether you call it White Elephant or Dirty Santa, the game sticks to the same format. We're not sure where the name "Dirty Santa" originated, but it's meant to refer to game participants, the "Santas," stealing desirable gifts from each other.
How do you play Kris Kringle game?
A group of people choose each others names randomly without telling who they got. Each person buys the person they picked a gift, and likewise the person who picked their name buys them a gift. The gifts are exchanged on an agreed upon date for the whole group, and everyone's Secret Santa / Kris Kringle is revealed.
What is regifting for Christmas?
Regifting: This is a great idea to exchange reusable, high-quality, and unique gifts. This is how it works—you do not buy gifts in one go but can save up to a year to buy something that has been on your wishlist, such as a jet ski, an inflatable hot tub, a golf cart, or a camper trailer. Everyone collects gifts and then swap those items among each other during the next Christmas. This way, you don’t end up buying new gifts but rather enjoy unique gifts in turns.
Why do people exchange gifts?
Everyone is excited to buy the right gift for their loved ones. Gifts can represent a memory, a story, or a sense of connection— it is all about the special people in your life. Giving a thoughtful gift is also a way to express your gratitude and strengthen the familial bond.
How many times can you swap a gift?
Each gift can be swapped a fixed number of times (usually two to three times). White elephant: The white elephant gift exchange idea is almost similar to the Yankee swap, but with an interesting spin—the gifts are chosen to add humor.
What is the meaning of gift exchange?
Everyone is excited to buy the right gift for their loved ones. Gifts can represent a memory, a story, or a sense of connection —it is all about the special people in your life. Giving a thoughtful gift is also a way to express your gratitude ...
How to exchange oven mitts?
Oven mitts gift exchange: You can pick a theme and set a price limit for the gifts. Have all family members sit in a circle and let them roll dice. Whoever gets six opens the gift with the oven mittens on. If they are able to open it, the gift is theirs. If not, pass on the gift to the next person who gets six on the dice.
How to make a gift exchange game competitive?
As each person completes the games, they get to pick their gifts. You can also make it competitive by keeping scores —the person who wins may choose the gift first. Left or right: This is a fun gift exchange idea for a big family. Participants may decide on the price cap and the theme of the gift if they prefer.
What can you do with a secret Santa?
You can incorporate the Secret Santa, Yankee swap, or musical gift idea to make it more fun. You may set a price for the goodies mug. Theme-based gift exchange: You can pick a theme, such as craft, board game, or gift card, for the holidays. You may also put themes in a bowl or hat and randomly pick one.
Is Christmas party time stressful?
It’s the Christmas party time of the year! It can be fun ; it can be stressful… and it can get really expensive. Having a theme for the gift exchange makes the shopping perhaps a little easier and so much more fun. 1.
Who gets to pick a gift in the game?
The player who knows the answer first (shouts, raises a hand, or jingles a bell) gets to pick a gift and unwrap it.
Do you need music for Christmas?
Yeah, you need some music at your Christmas party. This can get quite crazy, but it will be a hoot.
Do candles make a room cozy?
Scented or not scented, either way, candles create the coziest atmosphere in any room.
Can you draw with a bowl?
You can always do the bowl or paper bag way. Nothing wrong with that, but to add a little bit of excitement and fun to the drawing, do one of these activities:
What are some examples of gift ideas?
Example gifts include a homemade ornament or mason jar cookie mix. Holiday Spirit. Bring in your favorite cocktail wrapped up in a gift by adding a fun cup and the ingredients to make it. To keep cost low, you can use miniature liquor bottles. Rotating Gift Exchange.
How to do a gift card game?
This works best with gag gifts or gifts with little or no use. Set a price limit and place gifts in one area. Have everyone draw a number from a bowl. The person who gets #1 gets to pick first. Number 2 can decide if they want Number 1's gift or pick from the pile. Number 3 can either steal Number 1's or 2's gift or pick from the pile. This goes on until numbers run out. A gift can be stolen 3 times before it becomes safe and the last person who stole gets to keep it.
How to gift exchange a friend?
Then, fill a box with some of your favorite things. Ship it to the first friend on the list. They will take your gift, refill the box with their favorite things, and send to the next person. Once the last person on the list receives a gift, they will refill the box and return to the first sender.
How many times can you steal a gift in Book Exchange?
Number 2 can decide if they want Number 1's gift or pick from the pile. Number 3 can either steal Number 1's or 2's gift or pick from the pile. This goes on until numbers run out. A gift can be stolen 3 times before it becomes safe and the last person who stole gets to keep it. Book Exchange.
How to say "twas the night before Christmas"?
Pick your favorite Christmas story and add the words RIGHT, LEFT, ACROSS in between words. For example "Twas the night RIGHT before Christmas and all through the LEFT house". Every time one of those words is said, you either pass your gift to the right, left or to the person across from you. After the story is done, the person gets to keep the gift they are holding.
What to do with everyone who has a pet?
Gather everyone who has a pet and do a gift exchange for your furry friends instead .
How many games are there for gift exchange?
Once you’ve gathered your troops, decide on a gift exchange game. We’ve compiled 29 games that will entertain co-workers, family and friends. Enjoy!
1. Holiday Trivia
Create a list of trivia questions and purchase a gift for each answer. Now gather up you guests and let the games begin! The first person to answer each question correctly gets to choose a gift from the pile or steal a gift from another player.
2. Christmas Bingo
Gather up some old bingo cards or make some yourself. Use markers, small gems or even pennies to “mark” each number as it is called. Label each gift with Game #1, Game #2, and so on. The player who wins each round gets the gift for that game and becomes the “caller” for the next game.
3. White Elephant
Set a spending limit and have guests bring off-the-wall, quirky gifts. Gag gifts work great for this one! Have each participant draw a number. The person with #1 gets the gift of his or her choice. #2 gets to choose a present from the pile and decide if he wants to keep it or trade the gift with player #1.
4. Long Distance Gift Exchange
Your loved ones don’t have to all be together to exchange Christmas gifts in a fun way! Contact your long distance friends or family members and create a traveling Christmas box filled with gifts. To begin, choose a box and fill it with a few cool trinkets, fun items or personalized gifts. Now send it on its way to recipient #1.
5. Treasure Hunt
Hide a special gift for each participant. Now create clues that send your recipient on a treasure hunt to find his or her gift. You can make this game even more fun if you hide tiny, inexpensive gifts for your loved ones to find along the way!
What is a secret Santa gift exchange?
Participants in a gift exchange, also called Secret Santa, agree to purchase one gift for the recipient they were assigned. Instead of buying a gift for everyone in their group, the giver can narrow their search to focus on the perfect present.
What is a gift exchange theme?
It keeps the gifts within a certain parameter agreed upon by the participants. The theme is to be interpreted as the giver wishes. Creative and fun gifts can come out of the chosen theme. Remember to set a budget along with the theme and have fun.
What kind of paper do gift givers wrap their presents in?
Each gift giver wraps their present in festive paper.
Why is it important to set a budget?
Setting a budget will ensure that all gifts cost an agreed-upon amount. If a budget is not set, some gift-givers might overspend, while others spend very little. One consideration when setting a budget is to choose a budget everyone can afford.
What can the next person in line do in the game of chess?
5. The next person in line can choose to steal the first person's item or pick a new present from the pile.
Who is Carly from Pinterest?
Carly is an artist who enjoys writing about a range of subjects including fun gift-giving ideas. pinterest-pin-it. Gift exchange themes can bring a new twist to holiday gift giving while saving time and money. Wrap your gift exchange in festive holiday paper to raise anticipation and excitement.
Is it easy to set up a gift exchange?
Setting up a gift exchange is easy.
What is the tradition of Christmas in Sweden?
Sweden. Swedes used to practice a tradition called julklapp (which translates as "Christmas knocks"), whereby a gift-giver would knock on his friend or relative's door on Christmas Eve, quickly toss a present inside the opened door, then sprint away before the recipient had a chance to ID him. The mysterious packages were wrapped in many layers, one box inside another. Sometimes the only thing inside the final box was a clue to the real gift's location. The more time the recipient spent on figuring out who gave the gift and where it was, the more successful the julklapp . Swedish children also believe in an alternative gift-giver to Santa Claus—the jultomten, a little gnome in a red cap who hides under the floorboards or in the attic until Christmas Eve, when he emerges to hand out gifts to the children.
How to do a gift exchange game?
"Stealing" from other participants gives this gift exchange game an element of unpredictability. Invite everyone to contribute a wrapped gift. Draw numbers out of a hat to see who gets to pick from the pile first. Player No. 1 chooses and unwraps a gift, then shows it to everyone else. Player No. 2 then either "steals" that present or picks and unwraps another one from the pile. Player No. 3 can then steal either gift, or choose and unwrap another, and so on. Any player whose gift is stolen gets to pick again. The game continues until everyone has a gift. (This gift exchange game can also be called a Yankee Swap.)
How to finish the Carol?
Finish the Carol: Sit in a circle and pass each gift around to the tune of a holiday song. Designate someone to stop the song midverse. The person who is holding the gift has to finish the line.
What to do after Christmas?
Go in on a gift with (and for) your family. In lieu of presents, try renting a ski cabin for the weekend after Christmas or going on a beach escape together.
What does the moderator do in the end of the game?
At the end, the moderator gets to either choose the last gift remaining or steal a gift from somebody else —a one-time-only privilege for all of their hard work.
What do Italian children believe in?
Italy. Rather than Santa, Italian children believe in La Befana, an old witch who travels throughout Italy on a broom during Epiphany Eve, doling out presents, candies, and fruit to the good children and bags of coal to the bad children. A few weeks before her arrival, the children write wish lists with all the presents they want, then hide them in a chimney for La Befana to find. Italians practice another gift-giving tradition called the Urn of Fate, where a tall urn is filled with wrapped presents—one for each family member. Each person takes turns picking until they find their rightful gift.
What is the peak of gift giving in China?
China. The peak of gift-giving in China is during the Chinese New Year. Unlike the rest of the world, which celebrates New Year's on January 1, China celebrates it on the first day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar (January 25 in 2020). Elders hand out special red envelopes called hong bao, filled with money, to the young people in their lives. The amount of money is always an even number, like 88, but never includes the number 4, as it signifies bad luck.
What websites can you use to draw names?
Use exclusion lists so there are no awkward pairings. In a traditional Secret Santa, givers and gift recipients are randomly assigned. Elfster and Draw Names are two popular websites you can use to virtually and confidentially draw names.
What are some virtual gift giving themes?
Seasonal gift-giving themes that can easily go virtual include ornament exchanges and holiday cookie or recipe swaps. Gifts could also be shared holiday experiences you can enjoy or craft together during the swap, such as cocktail kits or gingerbread house decorating supplies.
Why do you use an exclusion list?
You might also use an exclusion list for colleagues who don’t get along, or to ensure newer hires are paired with people they’ve actually met before.
Should Secret Santa swaps be optional?
Advertisement. 1. Make your exchange opt-in, because 2020. Secret Santa or White Elephant swaps should always be optional, so there’s no peer or managerial pressure to participate if someone doesn’t want to. That’s especially true in the long, hard year 2020 ― you don’t want the gift exchange to be one more stressful thing an overburdened colleague ...
Can you open gifts in person?
Gathering in person to open gifts will not be a safe option for most workers during the coronavirus pandemic, but it can still be done virtually! Here’s how to make your office gift exchange a good time even though it has to happen remotely: Advertisement. 1.
Do gift exchanges have to include people?
Gift exchanges don’t necessarily have to include the people with whom you work directly; they could also involve colleagues you share a hobby with, like knitting, baking or reading, and be based on that shared interest. This year, I participated in a remote book swap with friends from a writing workshop.
Should organizers be aware of power dynamics?
Organizers should be particularly aware of power dynamics and try to ensure no one is obliged to buy their own direct boss a gift. If you’re new to management, check if other leaders typically participate before you join a staff gift exchange.
What is the White Elephant gift exchange?
The White Elephant Gift Exchange is a gift exchange almost like Secret Santa but with a somewhat sneaky twist.
What is a secret Santa?
Secret Santa: The secret santa is a format of gift exchange that is widely known and practised around the world. Have people create wish lists and randomly assign someone to gift to. Make sure that are no repeats. Everyone gives a gift and gets a gift too.
How to make it more difficult to bring a wrapped gift?
You can make it more difficult by bring a wrapped gift that is wrapped in a way that doesn’t make any sense and gives a false sense of what it is. Pass the parcel: It’s time to go back to your youth and play pass the parcel. The rules are simple. Pass the gift around until the music stops.
Why did the King of Siam give the White Elephant?
Legend has it that the King of Siam (now Thailand) would give white elephants to anyone who had displeased him, in the hopes that the high cost of handling the white animal would bankrupt them. Receiving a gift of a white elephant from a monarch was both a blessing and a curse.
Why was the elephant a curse?
But it was also a curse because the holy animals weren’t allowed to be worked and required special, expensive food and housing. The unlucky recipient was left with an expensive-to-maintain animal he couldn’t give away or put to much practical use, making the elephant a financial burden.
How many steals can you make in Person Number 2?
If your gift is stolen, you can choose another gift from the pile. There’s a maximum of 2 steals per gift, ie a gift can only be stolen twice before it’s locked in. The game ends once everyone has a gift.
What is the beauty of white elephant?
The beauty of White Elephant is that you can really shake up the rules to suit your party – or your friends. Here are some additional fun twists to add to the basic White Elephant rules:
