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Step 1
Select a gift at the upper end of the price range set for the gift exchange without obviously going over. Make sure you spend at least 85 percent of the maximum price. If not, your gift exchange group is sure to notice. If you select a gift that is perfect but on the low end of the price range, add something else. Nothing is worse than being labeled the Scrooge of the group.
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Step 2
Personalize your gift as much as possible. If you don't know your recipient well, it might be hard to get a gift that touches on a personal level. However, don't give a box of chocolates just because it's easy and then find out later that the recipient is diabetic. If necessary, ask other members of your group about the likes and dislikes of your recipient, or run your gift idea past a mutual friend before you give a dud gift.
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Step 3
Avoid going overboard. If you picked your best friend's name out of the hat and you're just dying to get her a certain gift that costs twice as much as the set price limit, don't do it. Sure, your friend will love the gift, but others might be jealous or upset. You might put off a vibe that you are simply exchanging gifts with your one friend, not participating in the group activity. This is not the type of attention you want. If you really want to buy the more expensive gift for your friend, exchange an appropriate gift at the gift exchange and then exchange the bigger gifts later.
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Step 4
Have fun. Don't stress over gift selection. Remember that most people don't expect grand gifts from a gift exchange. If you really can't think of anything the recipient might like, ask a mutual friend for advice. Or you can always go with an old standby such as a holiday-scented candle, a Christmas tree ornament, or a box of holiday-themed candies.
