How to Exchange Christmas Party Gifts

Gift exchanges promote fun.

Christmas parties are a fun way to bring friends, family and colleagues together to celebrate good times and exchange gifts. Exchanges can be traditional gift trades or planned events that include anonymity and games. Gift exchanges should refrain from encouraging competition and be set at a dollar amount limit to allow everyone to join in the fun.

Instructions

Christmas Party Gift Exchange Ideas

1. Set up a Secret Santa exchange. Write down the name of everyone participating in the exchange on small sheets of paper. Fold the sheets of paper and mix them together. Have everyone randomly select a name. The name on the paper you select is the person for whom you purchase a gift. Gifts can be presented anonymously and all gifts opened at the same time to add enjoyment to the event.

2. Set up a charity gift exchange. Contact your local hospital, church or social services center to inquire about people or families in need. Select an individual or a family with a special need. Encourage everyone attending the Christmas party to bring a gift to contribute to the cause. If a family cannot afford food, for example, have each attendee bring several non-perishable food items as gifts. You can also encourage guests to make a donation to a specific charity in lieu of a gift. A charity gift exchange is a great way to demonstrate compassion during the holidays.

3. Set up a themed gift exchange. Choose a certain type of gift, for example ornaments, and use this as the theme of your party. Instruct all guests to give Christmas ornaments as gifts. Encourage guests to get creative. Recommend that ornaments be homemade or make a rule that all ornaments must be of a certain make -- such as an angel or a globe -- or be able to hang on a Christmas tree. Allow kids to make ornaments and exchange gifts with other children as well.

References

• Themed Party Ideas: Secret Santa
• Give Charity Donation: Charity Gifts
• Party Game Ideas: Ornament Gifts