10 Best Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas For 2023

Introduction

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start thinking about the perfect Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Gift exchanges are a great way to bring friends and family together to celebrate the season of giving. If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with our top 10 Christmas gift exchange ideas for 2023.

1. Secret Santa

Secret Santa is a classic gift exchange game that involves drawing names out of a hat and buying a gift for that person. This game adds an element of surprise and excitement as people try to guess who their Secret Santa is. Set a budget for the gifts and make sure everyone knows the rules before you start.

Q: How can you make Secret Santa more fun?

A: You can add a theme to the gifts, like homemade or gag gifts, or have everyone write a clue about themselves on the gift to make it more challenging to guess who the Secret Santa is.

2. White Elephant

White Elephant is a popular gift exchange game where everyone brings a wrapped, unmarked gift and takes turns choosing a gift or stealing one from someone else. This game can get competitive and hilarious as people try to get the best gift.

Q: What kind of gifts work well for White Elephant?

A: Funny or unusual gifts work well for White Elephant, such as silly hats, quirky kitchen gadgets, or novelty items.

3. Yankee Swap

Yankee Swap is similar to White Elephant, but with a twist. Instead of stealing gifts, people can choose to swap their gift with someone else’s. This game is great for groups that want to mix up the traditional gift exchange.

Q: How many times can a gift be swapped in Yankee Swap?

A: The rules can vary, but typically a gift can only be swapped two or three times before it’s frozen and can’t be swapped again.

4. Secret Gift Exchange

Secret Gift Exchange is a game where everyone brings a gift and draws a number. The person with number one chooses a gift and opens it, then the person with number two can either steal the gift or choose a new one. This continues until everyone has a gift.

Q: How can you make Secret Gift Exchange more fair?

A: You can set a rule that a gift can only be stolen once or twice, or have a limit on the number of times someone can choose a new gift.

5. DIY Gift Exchange

For a more personalized gift exchange, try a DIY gift exchange where everyone makes a gift to give. This can be a fun and creative way to show your loved ones how much you care.

Q: What are some DIY gift ideas?

A: Some DIY gift ideas include homemade candles, knit scarves, painted mugs, or baked goods.

6. Stocking Stuffers

If you’re looking for a smaller gift exchange, consider doing a stocking stuffer exchange. Set a budget and have everyone buy small gifts to fill a stocking for their chosen person.

Q: What are some good stocking stuffer ideas?

A: Small items like candy, socks, keychains, or mini bottles of alcohol make great stocking stuffers.

7. Book Exchange

For the book lovers in your life, a book exchange can be a great way to share your favorite reads. Have everyone bring a wrapped book and take turns choosing a book to unwrap and keep.

Q: How can you make a book exchange more interesting?

A: You can set a theme for the books, like romance or mystery, or have everyone write a short review of their book to share with the group.

8. Ornament Exchange

An ornament exchange is a festive way to decorate your tree and exchange gifts. Have everyone bring a wrapped ornament and take turns choosing an ornament to unwrap and keep.

Q: What are some good ornament exchange themes?

A: You can set a theme for the ornaments, like handmade, vintage, or personalized, to make it more interesting.

9. Cookie Swap

For the bakers in your life, a cookie swap can be a delicious gift exchange. Have everyone bring a dozen cookies and take turns choosing a plate of cookies to take home.

Q: What are some good cookie swap recipes?

A: Classic holiday cookies like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or peppermint bark are always a hit, but you can also try more unique recipes like eggnog snickerdoodles or cranberry white chocolate cookies.

10. Charitable Gift Exchange

For a more meaningful gift exchange, consider doing a charitable gift exchange where everyone donates to a chosen charity instead of buying gifts. This can be a great way to give back during the holiday season.

Q: What are some good charities to donate to during the holidays?

A: Charities that provide food, shelter, or gifts to families in need are great options, such as Toys for Tots, Feeding America, or the Salvation Army.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of gift exchange you choose, the most important thing is to spend time with your loved ones and celebrate the holiday season together. Happy gifting!