Gift exchange games for Christmas
A great gift exchange game turns a pile of presents into the highlight of the party. Here are eight proven formats, what each needs, and which group it suits best.
Upload a photo + a few interests for each person → we draw names and hand every Santa gift picks they're more likely to love.
Start with photos →1. Secret Santa
Everyone draws one name and buys one gift. Best for offices and families who want one meaningful present each. Draw names with the Secret Santa generator.
2. White elephant
Gifts go in a pile; players pick or steal in turn. Best for loud groups of 8 to 30. Full white elephant rules and white elephant gift ideas.
3. Yankee swap
White elephant with a limit on steals per gift. Keeps the game moving in large groups.
4. Left Right game
Someone reads a Christmas story; every time it says left or right, gifts pass that way. Best for families with kids.
Upload a photo + a few interests for each person → we draw names and hand every Santa gift picks they're more likely to love.
Start with photos →5. Dice game
Roll a die to take, pass or swap gifts, then play a timed round. A Dutch favourite, see the dobbelspel rules.
6. Kris Kringle
The Australian and Irish name for Secret Santa, often with small daily gifts. See Kris Kringle.
7. Themed swap
Everyone brings a gift on one theme: books, mugs, local food. Great for friend groups.
8. Virtual gift exchange
Draw online, ship to addresses and open on video. See virtual Secret Santa.
Which gift exchange game should you pick?
| Group | Best game |
|---|---|
| Office | Secret Santa or white elephant |
| Family with kids | Left Right or Secret Santa |
| Friends | White elephant or themed swap |
| Remote team | Virtual Secret Santa |
Planning the whole night? Read Christmas party planning.
Keep planning
- Left Right Christmas game
- gift exchange generator
- white elephant gift ideas
- Secret Santa rules
- Secret Santa generator
Questions
What is the most popular gift exchange game?
Secret Santa and white elephant are the two most common Christmas gift exchange games.
What is the difference between Secret Santa and a Yankee swap?
Secret Santa assigns one recipient per person. A Yankee swap uses a shared pile with limited steals.
How many people do you need for a gift exchange game?
Three or more for Secret Santa, six or more for white elephant to get good steals.
Upload a photo + a few interests for each person → we draw names and hand every Santa gift picks they're more likely to love.
Start with photos →Updated October 28, 2026