Family gift exchange games
Switching to one gift each saves money, but some families worry it'll feel less exciting. These games bring the fun back to opening presents.
The guessing game (our family's favorite)
This is the game our app was built around.
- Everyone asks for one gift they'd really like, and each person is secretly assigned one gift to buy.
- Bring the wrapped gifts with no name tags and put them in one pile.
- Everyone picks a random gift from the pile. Take turns opening them. Watch reactions and take notes: who looked excited about the slippers?
- Once every gift is open, everyone guesses who asked for each one.
- Reveal the answers. Whoever guessed the most correctly wins.
- Swap the gifts so everyone goes home with the one they asked for.
For extra fun, everyone puts a few dollars in a pot for the winner. The Gift Exchange Game app handles the wishes, secret assignments, guesses, and scoring for you.
Pick from the pile
Instead of handing gifts to their owner, line everyone up in random order and let each person pick any gift from the pile to open. It adds suspense to even simple gifts, and pairs well with the guessing game.
Themed exchanges
A theme gives everyone a starting point and makes the wishes more interesting. Some ideas:
- Cozy night in: blankets, candles, books, and hot chocolate.
- Something to try: a hobby kit, cookbook, or class.
- Made locally or handmade: small shops and makers, including Etsy.
- Experiences: tickets, a nice dinner, or a day trip, written on a card.
Keep it fair
- Set one clear spending limit and stick to it. See our ideas under $50.
- Ask for specific wishes, with size and color, so nobody gets the wrong item.
- Decide what happens with kids: a separate kids' exchange often works best.
- Make sure nobody draws their own name. An app that assigns gifts automatically avoids redraws.
Remote family members?
Have them ship their gift to the host to be wrapped and added to the pile, and join the opening on a video call. With the app, they can still add a wish, see their assignment, and play the guessing game from anywhere.
New to organizing? Start with how to run a Secret Santa.