6 Christmas Gift Exchange Games for a Fun and Festive Holiday Gathering

Would you like your Christmas party to be the merriest one of this year? You can never go wrong with the idea of some Christmas gift exchange games; it's perfect for the introduction of people, kicking off a conversation, and spreading holiday cheer! 

Of course, laughter will run through everyone and bring those surprising moments between friends or families. In this guide, we will go over all of the history of Christmas gift-giving, as well as some inventive game concepts, such as a dice game and that timeless White Elephant exchange. Let's get started!

If you want to mix things up beyond the traditional White Elephant game, here are a few exciting options to consider:

How to Do a White Elephant Christmas Gift Exchange?

One of the most favorite adult Christmas gift exchanges is the White Elephant. There is more than enough surprise in this game with a healthy dose of friendly competition. Here is how you can play it in the most basic method:

• Set the Stage: Each participant brings a wrapped gift and places it in a central pile. The gift can be anything—quirky, practical, or funny!
• Draw Numbers: Have everyone draw numbers to determine the order of turns.
• Choose or Steal: The first person selects a gift and opens it. The next person can either “steal” that gift or pick a new one from the pile. This continues until everyone has had a turn.
• Limit the Steals: To keep the game flowing, set a rule that each gift can only be stolen a certain number of times.

How to Play: In this classic game of Christmas, every participating player contributes a gift to a common pile. Then participants draw numbers to determine who begins first. After the opening of the first present has been made by one participant, each subsequent player has an option either to steal one of the previously opened presents or take his own from the stack. Usually, a gift is allowed to be stolen in a certain number of steps because otherwise it becomes boring and stales.

Why It Works: This game adds a playful element of suspense, as everyone tries to snag the most popular gifts. It’s one of the best Christmas gift exchange games for bringing out laughs and a bit of holiday mischief!

For extra fun, consider theming the gifts around cozy items like socks! You can explore options with the GoWith Gift Finder Quiz to find the perfect pair for your group.

How to Play: This game adds a bit of luck to your exchanging christmas gifts games. Each player starts with a wrapped gift, and then sits in a circle. Players take turns rolling two dice, and each number combination has a specific action. For example:

• Roll a 2 to pass your gift left.
• Roll a 5 to pass your gift right.
• Roll a 7 to swap gifts with anyone in the circle.

How to Play: Give each a wrapped gift and have people sit in a circle. Participants pass their gifts by following the holiday story word, which uses the directions "left" and "right": "left" goes to the left, and "right" goes to the right. When the story is at its end, everyone remains with the gift they passed.

Why It Works: This is a fun, family game to play with people of all ages. It's also one of the greatest Christmas exchange gift games out there, adding that special story-making touch to your celebrations.

How to Play: Each person draws a name from the group to buy a specific gift for, but with a twist! This year, make it themed. Choose a theme like “something cozy,” “gifts that start with the letter S,” or “fun socks.” Everyone buys and wraps a gift based on the theme. Then, add a swapping round at the end for an extra layer of fun.

Why It Works: Adding a theme allows for personalized and creative gifts, making it a fantastic choice for adult Christmas gift exchange ideas that are more thoughtful and unique.

How to Play: All players get a certain amount of "auction bucks," that is, play money, plus a wrapped gift. Then there is an assigned auctioneer who calls gifts to the floor by name. Finally, the item is allocated to the one bidding the highest for it. A gift can be offered at a price by any player; some of these give an entertainment value as a person makes a great offer to bid for the most popular gift.

Why It Works: the bidding makes it exciting and competitive to enhance the fun factor. So, this game is best for bigger groups.

How to Play: It is such an action-packed and high-energy game. Gather in a circle and start passing a gift while playing Christmas music. When the music stops, the person holding the gift must either keep it or put it back in the circle to continue. Keep going until all gifts are distributed or everyone has one to open.

Why It Works: This game brings lots of laughter and excitement as everyone tries to avoid being “stuck” with the gift when the music stops. It’s perfect for people who enjoy high-energy Christmas gift exchange ideas.

This can really be a challenging time to find the ideal gift, especially for adults. But don't worry, there are gift guides you can follow. Also here are some innovative ideas that will give some memorable features to any form of gift exchange:

• Funny or Cozy Socks: Cozy socks are a great gift for winter and can be funny, festive, or even luxurious. 

• Subscription Boxes:  A gift that keeps on giving includes a coffee club membership, a month of streaming service, or even a mystery box, delivered monthly.
• DIY Kits: Craft kits, mini herb gardens, and candle-making are just some of the fun and hands-on activities to be enjoyed in the post-holiday season.
• Personalized Gifts: Inscribe the gift, to give it a personal touch as engraved on monogrammed mugs, personalized ornaments, or some other souvenirs.

Adding a theme or personalizing gifts can elevate your Christmas gift exchange ideas, making it easier for everyone to find something they’ll truly enjoy.

If you’re looking to host a memorable Christmas gift exchange, here are some tips to add extra sparkle:

• Choose a Theme: Make your exchange even more fun with a theme, like “Cozy Christmas Socks” (think blankets, mugs, and candles) or “Holiday Humor” (quirky and funny gifts).
• Set a Budget: Agreeing on a price limit ensures that everyone participates on an equal playing field.
• Make It Competitive: Adding a “Most Stolen Gift” prize can be a fun motivator and gives people bragging rights for the best gift.

You could also try integrating some digital fun. For example, if you’re hosting virtually or with friends who are meeting online, you can share links to items or run a quick online quiz for personalized gift recommendations before the event.

Christmas games bring a lot of fun and warmth to any holiday gathering. It can be a trivia exchange, a dice game, or even White Elephant, which will surely get everyone laughing and bonding together. With just a little preparation and imagination, you can create a treasured holiday custom from your gift exchange. Get all your loved ones together, finish the wrapping of the presents, and get started with the celebrations!

Cheers to the holidays!