Looking for a new twist on the traditional Christmas gift exchange? Try this Christmas Gift Auction Game. It’s an interactive, high-energy way to swap gifts. Everyone will still be talking about it long after the holiday is over!
This game combines the thrill of an auction with the mystery of a gift exchange.
It’s perfect for:
- family gatherings
- office parties
- holiday get-togethers with friends
What Is the Christmas Gift Auction Game?
In this festive game, each guest brings two wrapped gifts:
- One traditional gift (something fun, useful, or festive)
- One gag gift (something silly or unexpected)
The twist? Each gift must be wrapped differently so no one knows which is which!
Before the game begins, the host hands out fake money—a.k.a. Jingle Bills—to every guest. Then the host becomes the auctioneer, selling off the mystery gifts one by one to the highest bidder.
Guests can bid on up to two gifts total using only the Jingle Bills they’ve been given. Once everyone has won two gifts, the auction is over and the great unwrapping begins!
It’s a hilarious and interactive gift exchange game! Perfect for getting everyone involved in the action!
Supplies You’ll Need
- 1 gag gift and 1 traditional gift per person (wrapped differently)
- Fake money (printable Jingle Bills download below!)
- A container or tray for holding the money
- A festive table or display area for the wrapped gifts
- A gavel or bell (to go with the Christmas vibes) for the auctioneer
- Optional: Bidding paddles
- Optional: Extra prizes or a grand prize
How To Play the Christmas Gift Auction Game
1. Each person will bring two gifts, one gag and one traditional. Both gifts should be wrapped differently. The price range for the gifts should be communicated in advance.
2. Place the gifts up front where everyone can see.
2. Players receive the same amount of fake money to start (for example, $500 in Jingle Bills each). Players can use their Jingle Bills to bid on up to two gifts.
3. The host acts as auctioneer, calling out each wrapped gift one by one. Guests can bid as high as they want, but once their money’s gone, it’s gone!
Note to the auctioneer: Keep the energy high! Add playful commentary and fun hints to spark excitement. Try lines like, “This one feels heavy…” or “I have a feeling this could be the biggest laugh of the night!” Players aren’t allowed to bid on their own gifts.
4. Once a player has successfully bid on two gifts, they’re out of the running for the rest of the auction. However, you might choose to let everyone jump back in for the final few items to keep the energy up and ensure plenty of lively bidding until the very end.
5. After all gifts have been “sold,” guests open their two items.
5. Optional: Add an extra twist at the end. Save one special prize for the grand finale. Or award a prize to the player who finishes the game with the most Jingle Bills left in their stash.
Related: Favorite Things Party & Gift Exchange
Fun Variations
- Choose a fun theme or category for the gifts so everyone knows what to bring. This works especially well for family-friendly or office gift exchanges.
- Don’t reveal which gifts are gag or traditional until after everything’s opened. The suspense makes it even more fun!
- Keep who brought which gift a secret. Then let everyone guess after unwrapping.
- Let guests “steal” one gift after the auction using any leftover Jingle Bills to “buy” a swap!
- Use smaller amounts of fake money and mix in simple prizes like stickers, candy, or toys so even little ones can join the fun.
Printable Jingle Bills
No Christmas gift auction is complete without festive money! Download and print your free Jingle Bills to hand out before the game.
Christmas Party Games To Play
Add even more lively fun to your party with one or more of these hilarious games that adults love!
What’s Next?
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