15 Hilarious Christmas Gift Exchange Games to Try This Year
Looking to spice up your holiday party? Whether it's an office get-together, a cozy family night, or a lively gathering with friends, these Christmas gift exchange games are sure to bring laughs and keep everyone entertained! From simple games that encourage mingling to clever twists that add suspense, this list has something for everyone. Dive into these festive ideas to make your gift exchange a memorable highlight of the season!
1.Hot Potato Gift Pass: Like Musical Chairs, But With Gifts
Think musical chairs, but with presents! Play holiday music as guests pass a gift around. When the music stops, whoever’s holding the gift keeps it. Keep going with new gifts until everyone’s a winner. Perfect for music-loving groups who enjoy friendly competition.
2. Roll the Dice Gift Exchange: For a Game of Chance
Add a bit of luck to the mix! Players roll the dice and follow the instructions—swap gifts, steal one, or roll again for a twist. Each turn shakes things up, keeping everyone on their toes. This game is ideal for family gatherings or office parties looking for extra excitement.
3. Left-Right Story Game: A Fun Group Classic
This one’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone sits in a circle with a gift, and as someone reads a story with the words “left” and “right,” players pass their gifts accordingly. When the story ends, you keep the gift in your hands. Simple, chaotic, and bound to get laughs—perfect for big groups!
4. Guess the Giver: Unwrap the Mystery
Perfect for family or work parties, this game lets people guess who brought which gift. Each guest includes a clue with their gift, and after everyone picks, players try to match gifts to their givers. It’s a fun way to get to know each other and adds a personal touch to the festivities.
Here are some clue ideas to include with the gifts:
"Coffee is my life—if it’s not iced, I’m not interested."
"I’m the person who gets Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving."
"I’ve been to 10 different countries."
"I’m the go-to photographer at every event."
"I can’t go a day without chocolate."
"If there’s a plant in the office, it’s probably mine."
5. White Elephant Gift Exchange: The Classic with a Twist
A timeless favorite! Here’s how it works:
- Each person brings a wrapped gift (quirky or funny gifts encouraged).
- Players take turns choosing or “stealing” gifts.
- If your gift gets stolen, you can pick a new one or steal from someone else.
It’s a game of strategy and surprises, ideal for big groups with a playful side.
6. Santa’s Helper Exchange: A Secret Santa Guessing Game
A twist on Secret Santa! Each person draws a name to shop for, and on gift exchange day, everyone tries to guess who their “secret helper” was before unwrapping. Perfect for close friends, family, or coworkers wanting a thoughtful, personal experience.
7. Mystery Number Swap: A Gift of Surprise
Label each gift with a number, then let everyone draw a number to claim their gift. Before opening, players can swap numbers if they’re feeling adventurous. This adds a layer of mystery and is great for larger groups.
8. Gift Auction: Bring Out Your Competitive Side
Give everyone some tokens or play money to “bid” on gifts. Auction each gift one by one and let the bidding wars begin! The thrill of the auction adds energy to the party and turns gift-giving into an entertaining showdown.
9. Yankee Swap: A Strategic Swap Game
Similar to White Elephant, but with a twist! Each player picks a gift from the pile, but anyone can “steal” an opened gift on their turn. The game continues until all gifts are taken, and each swap builds the suspense. Ideal for gatherings with a competitive edge.
10. Guess the Gift’s Weight: A Game of Estimation
Put your group’s guessing skills to the test! Pass each wrapped gift around and let players guess its weight. The closest guess wins a small prize or the gift itself! It’s quirky, easy to play, and adds a bit of mystery to the event.
11. Deck of Cards Exchange: Adding Luck and Strategy
Each person draws a card to determine the order of picking or swapping gifts. Players can use matching cards to make trades or draw new cards for an unexpected twist. Unpredictable and fun, this keeps everyone engaged.
12. Rock, Paper, Scissors Exchange: Quick and Competitive
Set a timer and let guests face off in rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Winners get to swap gifts with anyone they choose, adding friendly competition to the mix. Lighthearted and quick, this one’s perfect for groups that love games.
13. Christmas Pass the Prize Poem Game: Follow the Clues
Have someone read a festive poem filled with instructions—like “pass to the person wearing red” or “give to the one who loves to dance.” The gift keeps moving until the final line, and whoever’s holding it at the end gets to keep it. Simple, silly, and sure to get laughs.
14. Gift Chain Reaction: A Swap With Suspense
In this game, each player chooses to keep their gift or swap with their neighbor, creating a chain reaction around the circle. The suspense builds with each swap, making it interactive and fun for everyone.
15. Gift Roulette: Spin to Win
Arrange gifts in a circle with a spinner in the middle. Players take turns spinning to see which gift they’ll get or if they can swap with someone else. It’s all about luck and surprise—a playful twist for any holiday party.
Wrap-Up: Make Your Christmas Gift Exchange Unforgettable
These Christmas gift exchange games bring holiday cheer and keep things lively, whether it’s a work event, family night, or friends’ gathering. From White Elephant to creative ideas like Gift Roulette, there’s something here for everyone. Try a few at your next party to create laughter-filled memories that’ll keep everyone talking!
Have you tried any of these games? Share your favorite stories or photos in the comments, and let’s spread some holiday joy.
