Christmas Gift Exchange Games
There’s something magical about a Christmas gift exchange, isn’t there? That moment when everyone’s gathered around the tree, mugs of cocoa in hand, laughter echoing through the room it’s the heart of the holidays. But let’s be honest, sometimes the gift swap part can fall a little… flat. One person opens something amazing, another gets a pair of socks, and suddenly everyone’s quietly calculating the “steal” potential.
That’s where the fun gift exchange games come in. Over the years, our family has tried them all the hilarious, the chaotic, and the just plain silly. And honestly? Those are the memories we still talk about. If you’re looking to add some laughter and connection to your Christmas gathering this year, here are 15 Christmas Gift Exchange Games that’ll make your party a total hit. They’re easy, family-friendly, and guaranteed to bring on the giggles.
1. White Elephant Gift Exchange
Let’s start with the classic! This one’s a crowd favorite for a reason it’s simple, unpredictable, and always funny.
How to Play:
- Everyone brings a wrapped gift (you can set a price limit).
- Write numbers on slips of paper and have everyone draw one.
- The person with #1 picks and unwraps a gift.
- The next person can either steal that gift or open a new one.
- Keep going until everyone has a turn.
It’s lighthearted chaos in the best possible way. Want to keep it fair? Limit each gift to being “stolen” twice.
2. Left-Right Christmas Story Game
This one is a cozy crowd-pleaser that works beautifully for families with little ones or older relatives who prefer less hustle.
How to Play:
- Everyone sits in a circle holding a wrapped gift.
- Read aloud a “left-right” Christmas story (you can find free printable versions online).
- Every time the word “left” or “right” is read, pass the gift in that direction.
- When the story ends, the gift in your hands is yours!
It’s easy, silly, and keeps everyone on their toes even Grandpa, who swears he’s not playing but somehow always ends up with the funniest gift.
3. Gift Grab Bag
If you’re short on time or just want something simple, the grab bag game is perfect.
How to Play:
- Everyone brings a wrapped gift and places it in a big Santa sack or festive basket.
- One by one, players reach in and pull out a gift no peeking allowed!
- Everyone opens their gift at the end, all together.
It’s the fastest way to get to the good stuff (ahem the presents).
4. Christmas Dice Exchange
This one’s full of movement and laughter perfect for large groups.
How to Play:
- Sit in a circle with all the wrapped gifts in the middle.
- Take turns rolling a die.
- Roll a 1: Steal any gift.
- Roll a 2: Swap gifts with someone.
- Roll a 3: Unwrap one gift.
- Roll a 4: Pick a new gift from the pile.
- Roll a 5: Everyone passes gifts to the left.
- Roll a 6: Everyone passes gifts to the right.
- Keep playing until all the gifts are unwrapped.
It’s fast-paced and full of surprises just the way a Christmas game should be.
5. Musical Gifts
Think musical chairs meets Christmas presents. It’s pure fun for all ages.
How to Play:
- Everyone sits in a circle and starts passing a wrapped gift while Christmas music plays.
- When the music stops, the person holding the gift keeps it.
- Continue with new gifts until everyone has one.
The music adds an extra layer of suspense and laughter when someone gets really into the passing rhythm.
6. Gift Auction
This one’s great if your crew enjoys a little friendly competition.
How to Play:
- Give everyone a handful of fake money or candy (chocolate coins work perfectly).
- Place all the wrapped gifts in the middle.
- Act as the auctioneer and describe each gift without revealing what’s inside.
- Players bid using their coins or candy.
Some people will spend big on a tiny gift; others will save up for a mystery box. It’s a hoot especially if you sneak in one or two silly prizes!
7. Christmas Trivia Gift Exchange
Perfect for a mix of ages, this game tests everyone’s festive knowledge.
How to Play:
- Prepare a list of Christmas-themed trivia questions (think: “Who wrote Jingle Bells?” or “What does the Grinch hate most about Christmas?”).
- Players must answer correctly to pick or steal a gift.
It’s lighthearted, interactive, and adds a little friendly competition to your gift exchange.
8. Hot Potato Gift Game
A fun, fast game that gets everyone moving and giggling.
How to Play:
- Wrap one gift and have players sit in a circle.
- Start passing the gift around while music plays.
- When the music stops, the person holding it unwraps it and leaves the circle.
- Keep going with a new gift until everyone has one.
This is a great one for younger kids it keeps them engaged without the whole “steal my gift” drama.
9. Guess the Gift
Add a little mystery and fun guessing to your exchange!
How to Play:
- Everyone chooses a wrapped gift but can’t open it yet.
- Before unwrapping, each person must guess what’s inside based on feel, sound, or shape.
- Give bonus points for the funniest or most creative guesses.
It’s amazing how confident people get when they think they’ve nailed it… only to unwrap a candle instead of that “Bluetooth speaker.”
10. Roll-A-Gift Game
This one’s similar to the dice exchange but keeps things simple.
How to Play:
- Roll 2 dice and follow the chart, so a 1 and 5 would be “[pick two people to trade”
Play until every gift has been opened, and watch as the steals and swaps create plenty of holiday laughter.
11. Pick a Card, Any Card
A simple and fun way to randomize gift-choosing!
How to Play:
- Number each gift and set them in the middle.
- Hand out playing cards to everyone.
- Draw matching cards from another deck when your card is called, it’s your turn to pick or steal a gift.
It’s quick, easy, and works perfectly for big groups without a lot of setup.
12. Naughty or Nice Exchange
This one’s a guaranteed laugh and perfect for adult gatherings or office parties.
How to Play:
- Label half the gifts “Naughty” and the other half “Nice.”
- Players draw numbers to pick a gift, but they don’t know if it’s naughty or nice until they open it.
“Naughty” gifts can be funny (like a lump of coal candle or silly socks), while “Nice” ones are genuinely great. The mystery keeps everyone entertained!
13. Oven Mitt Challenge
If you’ve never seen someone try to unwrap a gift while wearing oven mitts, you are missing out!
How to Play:
- Players sit in a circle with a wrapped gift in the center.
- The first player puts on oven mitts and tries to unwrap the gift while the next player rolls dice.
- As soon as someone rolls doubles, the mitts and gift pass to them.
- The person who actually gets the gift unwrapped wins it!
There’s always that one person who takes the tape situation way too seriously which only makes it more fun for everyone watching.
14. Secret Santa Switcheroo
A playful twist on the traditional Secret Santa game.
How to Play:
- Everyone brings a gift for their assigned person like usual.
- When all gifts are opened, the group votes on who should really get which gift based on personality, usefulness, or humor.
It’s sweet, funny, and surprisingly touching. You’ll end up with gifts that truly fit the people receiving them and lots of laughs along the way.
15. 12 Days of Christmas Exchange
This one’s a little more involved but such a fun way to stretch the giving spirit across several days (or rounds).
How to Play:
- Each person brings 12 small gifts instead of one big one.
- Over 12 days or 12 rounds, you exchange one gift per day, following the theme of the “12 Days of Christmas.”
You can even sing the song as you go and yes, you’ll probably get tired of “five golden rings” by day three, but it’s worth it for the memories.
A Few Tips to Make It Extra Fun
- Set a spending limit: $10–$20 keeps things fair and creative.
- Pick a theme: like “something cozy,” “something red,” or “stocking stuffers only.”
- Have a few extra gifts on hand in case someone forgets or brings a guest.
- End with a group photo: everyone showing off their gifts makes for the perfect holiday keepsake.
At the end of the day, Christmas gift exchanges aren’t really about what’s inside the wrapping paper. They’re about connection, laughter, and creating stories you’ll tell for years. Like the time your uncle ended up with glitter-covered reindeer slippers or your best friend’s epic win with the world’s coziest blanket.
Whether you’re planning a big family get-together or a small office gathering, these games are the perfect way to bring people together and remind everyone what the holidays are truly about joy, generosity, and that special feeling of being surrounded by people who make life merry and bright.
So gather your gifts, pour a cup of hot chocolate, and get ready to play. This year’s gift exchange just might be your best one yet.
