Almost every Christmas party has a Yankee swap or white elephant grab, but these aren’t the only holiday gift exchange games to choose from. If you’re sticking to a tight budget this year, a lively gift exchange game can amp up the fun, even if the monetary value of the gifts is smaller. With a little creativity, you can create lasting memories for your family and friends beyond extravagant and pricy gifts. Here are seven Christmas holiday gift exchange games that will help you stay on budget.
1. Christmas Price is Right Game
In this game, players have to guess the correct price of Christmas gifts to earn the first choice of gifts or cash. You can either play this game where one person wins a grand prize at the end, or each correct price guess wins a prize. You’ll need to purchase a few Christmas items for players to guess the prices of and prizes. The Christmas items should be priced at $1-$10. This fun family game can be a great new tradition and will save you money on gifts.
2. Christmas Dice Exchange
Much like a white elephant exchange, in a Christmas dice exchange, the dice dictate your actions. The rules are simple. Roll a two to pass your gift left. Roll a five to pass your gift right. Roll a seven to swap gifts with anyone in the circle. Play until everyone has rolled at least twice and then open the gifts. Put a spending limit on this game to stick to your budget.
3. Pass The Gift Story Game
In this Christmas gift exchange, a narrator reads a story filled with the words left and right. Each time these words are read you have to pass your gift in that direction. The story really keeps you on your toes and adds a fun element to a gift swap. You can either create your own story or find inspiration online.
4. Themed Secret Santa Swap
We all know and love Secret Santa, but you can add an additional twist by setting a theme. Gifts could start with a certain letter, or have to be something edible. The crazier the theme the more fun it will be! If you choose names for your Secret Santa gifts, you can add an additional swapping round at the end for extra fun.
5. Christmas Gift Auction
Each player gets a certain amount of auction bucks to bid on gifts. You can print out your own auction bucks or use Monopoly money. You could even create auction paddles for this game. Gifts go to the highest bidder and it usually gets very competitive for the best gifts. This game is best for bigger groups.
6. Minute to Win It Games
Minute to Win It Games are a hit at any party. For prizes, everyone puts money into a pot for game winners. Game supplies can come from the dollar store, so setup is very affordable. There are several Christmas-themed games that you can incorporate that are entertaining for all ages. Take a look at this video for some ideas.
7. Oven Mitt Unwrap
This fun game features a package that is wrapped with several layers and prizes inside. The twist is that each participant in the game has to unwrap their layer with oven mitts on. If you unwrap a prize during your turn, you get to keep that gift.
Fun Affordable Holiday Gift Exchange Ideas
By sticking to Christmas gift exchanges instead of individual presents, you can save hundreds of dollars. Plus, you’ll add fun and excitement to your family party. Hopefully, these seven ideas will help to inspire you or help you to create a game of your own.
What’s your favorite gift exchange game to play during the holidays? Have you tried any of the games mentioned here?
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Teri Monroe
Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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