Gift exchange ideas don’t have to mean another boring candle (unless your group loves candles, of course!).
From thoughtful and cozy finds to funny and unexpected treasures, these unique Christmas gift exchange themes pack inspiration into your party. Your holiday gift exchange will never be the same again!
Forget boring swaps, these gift exchange ideas are pure fun!
20 Fun Christmas Gift Ideas to Exchange
1. Nostalgic Ornaments
I’ve done a yearly ornament gift exchange with old friends for at least 20 years. Every December, we meet at a restaurant and mix up the gifts on the table. Then everyone picks one. (But you could also draw numbers and swap.)
The ornament gift exchange is extra fun when you plan ahead. We’ve picked up ornaments while traveling and ornaments custom to what’s happening in the city we live in at the time. This makes for a bit of a walk down memory lane with your ornaments, too.
It brings me so much joy to see these friends’ ornaments on my Christmas tree. And it’s surprising how much each ornament represents the personality of the friend who picked it.
Bonus twists: Swap your ornaments anonymously and then have everyone guess who brought which ornament.
2. Creative Wine Swap Idea
*This one is fun as an activity and gift!
Have each participant bring two of their favorite bottles of wine (or festive mocktail for non-drinkers). For the first bottle, wrap them up or disguise the labels. Then enjoy a “blind taste swap” as a group during the party.
The second bottle is to take home. For this one, do a blind swap or play the WAR gift exchange game to challenge others for your favorite bottle.
You could even include fun pairings with your wine, like a cheese wedge or chocolates.
3. Unique Thrift Store Treasures
*Great for vintage or bargain hunters
First, set a price limit like $10 or $20. Then, each person shows up with a special find from a thrift store, antique shop, or estate sale. You’ll be unwrapping some truly unique treasures!
4. Useful Themed Meal Kit
For this gift exchange idea, each person assembles a mini meal kit. Start with easy themed meals like:
- Taco Tuesday
- Breakfast for Dinner
- and Pasta Night
With your gift, include ingredients, a recipe card, and a cute kitchen gadget. It’s practical, fun, and easy to personalize.
Creative twist on this idea: Instead, do a family heirloom recipe that you share with others.
5. Girly Favorite Things Gift Exchange Idea
Before the party, set a dollar limit. Then, everyone brings 1-3 of their favorite items under this budget. It could be cozy socks, a favorite lip balm, or a go-to snack. This is a great way to share hidden gems people actually love and use.
6. Game Night in a Bag Theme
*Great for families, couples, or coworkers!
For this exchange idea, everyone tosses in a small card game, snack mix, and a mini scoreboard pad or notepad. This inexpensive idea is perfect on those long winter days! Add a deck of cards or dice for extra fun!
Related:
7. Mom Survival Kit
It was going to call this an “Elf Survival Kit.” But let’s be real, it’s the moms who make the magic happen!
Fill a basket or pouch with a self-care kit. You’ll want things like cozy socks, chocolate, face masks, and coffee.
Add a tag that says, “For the real Christmas MVP” and slip in this 12 days of Christmas self-care checklist. It’s the wellness gift every mom deserves this time of year.
Related: New Mom Survival Kit
8. Reindeer Fuel Gift Theme
*Super budget-friendly swap!
It’s like a cookie exchange, but different! Package up snack mixes, trail mix, or coffee kits and label them as “Reindeer Fuel” (or use the cute free tag in the link) for your gift exchange. It’s perfect for an easy, inexpensive, and festive swap.
You could even make a DIY cocoa bar and let everyone assemble their own.
9. Snow Day Survival Baskets
Let’s think ahead and be ready for those long winter days in January and February! (Seriously, I dread those days and always need a pick-me-up.)
For this gift exchange idea, add cozy comfort. The picture above from The Gifted Gabber is a great example. Or use things like:
Wrap it all in a blanket or basket. It’s ready for a stay-at-home snow day.
10. Cozy Candles Gift Exchange
If you have a group that likes cozy smells, have each person bring a candle that matches their personality or scent preference.
You could turn it into a guessing game: “Who brought this scent?”
11. Hilarious White Elephant Gift Exchange
A classic! Keep it funny and festive by setting a quirky theme like “as seen on TV,” “retro gifts,” or “something that starts with your first initial.”
Don’t forget to allow plenty of gift stealing and laughter. That’s what makes this idea so fun!
12. Delicious Homemade Food Gifts
*Great for anyone who doesn’t want to add more clutter!
Before the party, set the rule that everyone must bring a gift to swap that has been made by them. It’s not as hard as it sounds! It could be:
- A recipe jar mix like hot cocoa
- Homemade vanilla
- Or any number of other things (brownie mix, pancake mix, etc)
This gift idea requires more thought, but it’s also guaranteed to be from the heart.
You could also expand this to non-food items if you have crafters or DIYers in the group.
13. Crowd-Pleasing Gift Card Gift Exchange
*Perfect if your group needs to keep it simple!
Gift cards are simple but fun, especially when you add a twist. Play a swapping game where people can trade or steal cards. Add mystery envelopes like with the Let’s Make a Deal Christmas game so it’s exciting all the way to the end.
You’ll also love:
14. Life-changing (or Epic) Books
*Perfect for book lovers, church groups, and coworkers
Bring copies of a book that has impacted your life, along with a personalized bookmark. Then, wrap it up and write a short note inside explaining why you chose it. It’s a personal, thoughtful exchange.
15. Cookie Decorating Kit
*Great for families getting ready for Santa!
Package sugar cookies, icing tubes, and sprinkles into a festive little kit. It’s great for families but also for anyone who loves to get creative in the kitchen.
16. Freezer Meal
This is one of my favorite gift exchange ideas, but you might want to do it before or after the holidays (since they’re so busy).
Each person makes and freezes one meal (like chili, lasagna, or soup) to swap. Label the bags or containers with reheating instructions. Bring it to the party and swap!
It’s a busy-season lifesaver that’s both thoughtful and delicious.
17. Friendship Soup in a Jar
Layer soup mix ingredients in a mason jar with a tag that says “Just add water & love.” It’s a cozy, comforting gift that’s easy to make and share with friends, coworkers, or neighbors.
18. Charity Exchange
Instead of buying gifts, everyone donates to their recipient’s favorite charity. This idea is extra special if you can share a small note explaining why you chose that organization. It’s heartwarming, meaningful, and encompasses the true spirit of giving.
19. Festive Mugs Gift Exchange Idea
*Simple & Traditional
For this gift exchange, each person brings a cute or funny mug with a small surprise inside. You’ll want simple things like coffee, cocoa, or herbal tea.
20. Cheers to a Fresh Start Kit
*A unique way to look ahead!
Next, help everyone start the year fresh with a kit that includes things like:
- an energy drink, coffee, or electrolyte drink mix
- mints or gum
- planner or journal
- confetti popper
- small bottle of champagne and a plastic flute
- vision board quotes
- and maybe even a goal-setting card.
Label it “For January 1st — You’ll Need This!”
More Gift Exchange Games To Play
You have your awesome gift exchange themes, now what? Play one or two of these games to make the exchange even more fun!
What’s Next?
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Don’t forget to pin these fun items for your next Christmas gift exchange!
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