Gift exchanges can be fun or very frustrating.  It’s good to set the ground rules within your invitation so people know what to expect.  We’ve put together some great gift exchange ideas for your holiday party.  Find one to fit your party theme!

For most of the following exchanges, you can apply the “Dirty Santa” approach. This is when you determine a gift order by either drawing numbers, age, seniority, birthdays, etc. The first person opens a present, and the second person can either steal the opened present or pick one from the pile. It is good to set a limit on how many times a gift can only be stolen and cannot be stolen directly from the person who stole it from them. This way, the most people have a chance of ending up with something they actually like, and it is more entertaining than just watching everyone open up one present. 

Dollar Store Gift Exchange

Short on Christmas cash? Tell your guests they cannot spend over a dollar on their gift. Suggest that everyone stop by a thrift or dollar store to find a funny or useful gift. This is great for last minute exchanges or with groups of people that you don’t know very well.

Spring Cleaning Gift Exchange

Have people dig in their closets, junk drawers, and garages for a gift.  Things like a burned mix CD, a pack of light bulbs, cocktail napkins, or whatever you want as long as it’s actually something people would want. You might actually leave with something you needed!

Drink Gift Exchange

Ask everyone to bring their favorite alcoholic beverage to trade! Wine, six packs of microbrews, peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate mix… so many options!

Re-Gift Exchange

This is a great game for a post-Christmas party.  Wrap up the gifts you received but do not want to keep. Just be careful no one who gave you the gift is attending the exchange!

Pet Gift Exchange

A great theme for pet lovers!  Set a price limit and suggest what type of pet your guests should purchase for. Dog sweaters, chew toys, cat nip and collars are great ideas for this gift exchange. 

Ornament Gift Exchange 

Have each guest bring an ornament to exchange.  It’s fun to ask everyone to bring an unwrapped ornament, and have them hang it on the tree.  Then each guest can take an ornament of their choice from the tree before they leave.

Game Gift Exchange

Ask everyone to bring a good party game.  Then after the exchange you can make use of these gifts! You can be a big spender and go for the deluxe editions of old favorites, or keep it thrifty with playing cards, Uno, dice, or other inexpensive games.

Baked Goods Exchange

Ask every guest to bake 2 dozen of their favorite holiday treat.  Stock up on holiday boxes and set them out on a table. Line them with wax paper.  Have a separate table for all the goodies. Set out all the treats and let each guest take 2 dozen of mix and matched goodies. 

Charity Gift Exchange

Put a twist on the traditional gift exchange and make it a charity exchange. Ask all guests to write down the name of their favorite charity. Gather the slips of paper into a hat.  Let each guest take turns drawing a charity.  Each guest then makes a donation to the charity that is written. It’s a simple, effortless exchange that touches upon the true meaning of the holiday.  It may be helpful to set an amount in advance so people do not feel obligated to give more than they can

We hope your holidays are filled with goodwill and merriment.  Check out PurpleTrail online invitations for all your holiday party invitation needs.  Looking for more holiday ideas?  Check out our comprehensive list of holiday articles.