Present Exchange Ideas
No matter what religion or background you come from, holiday present exchanges are something you are bound to encounter at least once yearly. Whether it's at the office holiday party or your family's annual Christmas Eve get-together, present exchanges are a simple way of spreading joy around the holidays and are relatively easy to participate in. Each type of present exchange works a little differently, and one type may be more appropriate than another depending on the situation at hand.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Traditional Secret Santa Present Exchange
-
This type of exchange is easy for large groups and helps people get into the Christmas spirit. The traditional Secret Santa present exchange is common at holiday get-togethers. To coordinate this type of exchange, announce a date and time that gifts will be exchanged, and have all participants place their names in a basket. Pass the basket around, allowing each person to draw a name - not their own -- and instructing them not to reveal their selections. The name each person chose will be the recipient of their gift. If your group decides to set a price limit, make sure to announce it at this time. On the day of the exchange, simply give your present to your giftee. This type of exchange is great for offices because they don't cause jealousy over who got gifts and who didn't.
Reindeer Games Present Exchange
-
Present exchanges of this variety encourage participation and interaction among group members. This type of exchange is a little different and involves more active participation. This exchange allows participants to "pick" their present after winning a game. Before your function, research and get supplies to play a number of quick and easy holiday games, such as guessing the number of objects in a jar, a scavenger hunt or even musical chairs. On your invitations, instruct every one to bring a present of their choosing to the function. Have your guests place all of the presents on one table in the room. Begin playing your games, allowing winners to, one by one, select a present from the pile. Participants can only win once, but find ways for winners to help with other games to keep people from getting bored. This type of exchange works best with small groups, but, if your group is larger, you can cut down on the time and number of games by having everyone put their names in a basket and randomly choosing two or three "winners" between games. This exchange is over when each participant is rewarded a gift.
-
Chinese Christmas Present Exchange
-
Unwrapped gifts should be placed on a table for everyone to see. Popular at Christmas parties in the office or with large groups, the Chinese Christmas present exchange is another anonymous exchange that keeps people on their feet. Instruct your guest to bring one unwrapped gift of their choosing to the event; all presents should be placed on a table. Count the number of guests present, and put the same number of numbered slips of paper in a basket. Pass the basket around, and allow each guest to select a number. The numbers selected determine the order in which people will choose their gift. When a person's number is called, he can pick a gift from the table and sit down or pick a gift from the table and "steal" someone else's gift in a swap. Continue until everyone has a gift. This type of exchange can often cause competitiveness, so make sure the gifts are all of the same caliber to avoid arguments.
Christmas Trivia Present Exchange
-
This type of activity is great for kids because it encourages them to particpate and take turns. Great for private parties with 10 to 15 guests, the Christmas trivia exchange is another anonymous present exchange that everyone can easily participate in. Prior to your function, instruct participants to bring a wrapped present of their choosing. Also, do some research and have a number of Christmas- and holiday-related trivia questions ready. Have guests place presents on one table and take their seat. Read each trivia question one at a time, allowing people to raise their hands if they think they know the answer. The first person who raises her hand will be called on to respond. If she responds with the correct answer, allow her to pick a gift from the table. If the person's answer is incorrect, select another person with his hand raised to answer it. Continue this process until everyone has a gift. This type of activity is simple to coordinate, and your guests can learn some fun facts, too.
-
References
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
