30 Holiday Gift Exchange Ideas Everyone Will Have Fun With
Hey girl, today let’s chat about the best holiday gift exchange ideas you can do with family and friends.
The holiday season is the perfect time to get together with your family and friends. You can make it extra special this year with these fun holiday gift exchange ideas.
Every Christmas we like to spice things up by trying different holiday gift exchange ideas.
We have tried different themes like the classic Ugly Christmas Sweater, cookie swaps, create a themed gift basket, and more. And you know what, each year we have a blast and I know you will too.
In addition to the dynamite holiday gift exchange ideas, I have included a few gift ideas for women that are perfect for anyone!
Let’s get into the holiday spirit with these incredible holiday gift exchange ideas.
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Best Holiday Gift Exchange Ideas
Delicious Holiday Treats
Note: These fun holiday gift exchange ideas also work for teen girls, just skip over the alcoholic beverages. I am not condoning underage drinking.
Cookie Swap
Do you love holiday treats just as much as I do? There are so many good ones to make but who can eat them all?
Have a cookie swap with your friends and you will all get a variety.
My friends and I have been doing this for the past few years and it makes holiday baking a breeze. Everyone doubles a recipe and we all end up with a variety of treats.
Here are some classic treats for you to see: 12 Delicious Christmas Treats to Make. These always disappear from holiday dessert trays.
Secret Santa
Doing a Secret Santa gift exchange brings back that anticipation of Christmas when you were a kid.
You know what to do. Draw names and set a price limit if you wish.
This post is full of great Secret Santa gift ideas for women!
Ugly Christmas Sweater
Ugly Christmas sweater parties are always a good time. It is fun to see what everyone finds to wear.
Christmas Pajama Party
This is a great one to do with family. You will all be extra cozy and comfortable in your new Christmas pajamas.
Holiday Decor
Help everyone refresh their holiday decorations with something new.
I just got this beautiful Christmas lantern, which my kids love just as much as I do.
It can play music if you want it to but it can also just blow the glitter around. A relaxing way to enjoy holiday decor.
Holiday Movie
You can have your entire Christmas exchange party be themed around one holiday movie or everyone can bring gifts for others based on their favorite holiday movie.
Let me know your favorite holiday movie in the comments below.
Mug Exchange
Christmas mugs, um yes, please! They are all so cute.
Fill them up with Hot Chocolate mix packets, a candy cane or 2, and even some chocolates.
Ornament Exchange
Visit the ornament aisle and pick out the best one that screams, yes, that is perfect for my friend!
I haven’t done this with my friends yet but always give each of my kids an ornament that has to do with something special they did or liked over the past year.
Favorite Things
You should try a favorite things party.
Either bring one of your favorite things to share or if you are doing the Secret Santa theme, bring one of their favorite things.
All my friends know that my favorite thing is chocolate😊. What would you bring to a favorite thing party?
DIY Gift Baskets
The possibilities of gift basket ideas are endless here.
Try a pasta gift basket, a movie night gift basket, a pamper gift basket, a coffee or tea gift basket, and more!
White Elephant Game
Play the White Elephant game for your gift exchange.
It works to do a theme within a theme here. Pick a theme from this list just for this game.
Games
Playing games is great to do when you have guests. Having a wide variety to choose from is even better.
Book Exchange
If you have books or magazines you just can’t put down and want to share with your friends, try a book exchange theme.
Are you looking to keep it budget friendly? Exchange books that you have already read.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are usually not the first kind of gift I reach for but some people are bananas over them.
With that being said, I do love this personalized stationery and your friend will too. It is so beautiful.
Shop Local
It is always good to support your local businesses. Ask everyone to shop locally for your party.
Experience Exchange
Give your friends the gift of getting out and about.
Some fun ideas include going to the movies, eating out, mini golfing, taking a painting class, or doing a wine tasting.
Help create memories.
Candle Exchange
Women love to have their homes smell delightful.
What is your favorite kind of candle scent? The butter rum scent is so delicious around the holidays.
You have to see this candle warmer. It allows you to get that candle fragrance without the flame.
Accessories Exchange
What do you think of when you hear accessories?
If you are thinking of hair items, nail polish, bath products, and more, then you are on the right track.
Here are some accessories that anyone will love.
Socks Exchange
From practical socks to the big, fluffy, and cozy ones, every woman needs good socks.
Under $20
I don’t know how it is for you but during the holiday season for me, money seems to be flying out the door.
If this seems like the case for you, set a gift exchange price limit.
There are so many incredible budget-friendly gifts out there!
Bottle of Wine
Food Exchange
I love getting food and snacks as gifts just as much as I love giving them.
These are consumable items and if you are like me, you just don’t have a lot of extra space in your house for more stuff.
Gift Auction
This is a fun game.
Ask everyone to bring a wrapped gift. Then everyone can bid on the gifts with play money.
After opening them, you can go for a second round and try to steal.
Beverage Exchange
Of course, there are alcoholic beverages and those always make fabulous gifts.
However, you shouldn’t forget about coffee, tea, and soda.
You know your friends. Pick their favorites.
Wine Exchange
Pick up a few new bottles of wine. Half the fun of drinking it is trying new flavors!
Beverage Holders
A water bottle, a mug for tea or coffee, or maybe even a coffee tumbler; all make amazing gifts that women use!
These are dynamite options.
Handmade Gifts
If you know your group is crafty, try handmade gifts for your holiday gift exchange.
What types of crafts do you enjoy doing? Let me know in the comments below.
Beauty Gifts
Any woman would love to get a gift from Sephora. From makeup to makeup brushes to hair care to perfume, there is something for every woman there!
These are perfect for anyone.
Spa Day Gifts
There are so many wonderful spa gift ideas. Here are a few ideas you can throw out to your friends and family.
For The Kitchen
There are lots of useful kitchen items that you can give as gifts.
Think nice here because no one wants to fill their kitchen up with junky items.
Gift Cards
Everyone can bring a gift card or 2 and then play a game to win them.
This one is so easy for everyone to shop for. You may want to set a price range.
Let me know in the comments below if I missed any great ideas. Happy Holidays!
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.
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