For a gift-swapping game, the best strategy is to agree on a shared amount in advance, so all the gifts are roughly on the same level. Choose gifts that are neutral or fun, so they work well no matter who ends up opening them.
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The gift-swapping game crops up at the Christmas lunch, with the family on Christmas Eve or during a regular cosy Friday night. It's something different from a gift calendar, where each day has its own gift. Here it's about one shared pile of gifts that everyone contributes to, and which gets passed around according to a dice roll or another rule.
Because the gift can end up with anyone, it makes most sense to think in terms of neutral and fun items rather than something very personal. Here you'll get a plan for budget, categories and rules, so the game stays fun without anyone being left with a gift that completely misses the mark.
The short answer on gift-swapping game gifts
The easiest way to keep a gift-swapping game under control is to agree on a shared amount before the gifts are bought. That way, all the parcels are roughly as good as each other, and no one ends up with a gift that stands out too much in either direction.
Then choose gifts in two categories: neutral items that most people can use at home, and fun items that get a laugh when the paper gets torn off. Feel free to mix both types across the group, so there's something for both those who want a cosy item for the kitchen and those who just want a laugh.
Agree on a budget that suits everyone
A shared amount is the very cornerstone of a good gift-swapping game. It makes the game fair, and it means no one feels pressured to spend more money than the others. At Dims Studio, the gifts are divided into price ranges, making it easy to find something that matches the budget the group has agreed on, including 1-200 DKK.
Many of the small gifts in the shop fall exactly within the 1-200 DKK range, which makes them ideal for a gift-swapping game, where the amount is typically kept low and manageable. If you're unsure what's a reasonable budget to agree on within the group, you can read more in How much should you spend on a gift? Rules and advice.
If you can't agree on a specific item, a gift card is also an option. The Dims Studio gift card comes in several amounts, including 100 DKK and 175 DKK, both of which suit a low-budget gift-swapping game nicely.
See the whole range of gift ideas in the price range you've agreed on.
Find gift ideasNeutral gifts that everyone can use
Neutral gifts are the ones that land well no matter who opens them. A mug, a small candle or a candlestick is hard to go wrong with, because they're things most homes can use more of. Take a look, for example, at a Mor mug in ceramic from Bloomingville, a Far mug in ceramic from Bloomingville or a Amalia mug in blue stoneware from Bloomingvillein the shop's range of cups.
A small vase or candlestick is also a safe choice, because it adds a decorative touch without taking up too much space. Take a look at the range of candlesticks, if you want to stick to that category.
If you fancy a touch of humour without going completely overboard, a Mushroom salt and pepper set in ceramic from &Klevering is a good middle ground between neutral and fun.
Fun gifts that get a laugh
If the present should ideally get a laugh when the wrapping comes off, animal figures are a safe bet. Salt and pepper sets from Quail are shaped like animals, and both a Pug salt and pepper set in stoneware from Quail, a Dachshund salt and pepper set in stoneware from Quail and a Guinea pig salt and pepper set in stoneware from Quail look great on a table full of gift boxes.
A piggy bank is another classic for gift-swapping games, because it's both fun to unwrap and can actually be used afterwards. The shop has several to choose from in the range of piggy banks, including Guinea pig piggy bank in stoneware from Quail, Dachshund piggy bank in ceramic from Quail, Fox piggy bank in stoneware from Quail and Wild boar piggy bank in stoneware from Quail.
If you want to turn up the party, a disco ball from the range of disco balls is always a sure winner when the mood needs a little extra lift.
Tip: Mix neutral and fun gifts in the same pile. That way there's something for those who just want a laugh, and something for those who'd rather have an item they'll actually use at home.
Rules and variations for the gift-swapping game
The most common version of the gift-swapping game is played with dice. If you roll a certain number combination, you get to take a present from the pile or steal one that someone else has already opened. This way, the presents can change hands several times before the game ends, and that's exactly why neutral and fun gifts work best, because no one knows who'll end up keeping them.
Another version is the pure stealing game, where participants take turns either choosing a new present from the pile or stealing one that's already been opened. Whichever variant you choose, the rule is the same: the more similar the gifts are in value and style, the fairer and more fun the game becomes.
Wrapping that keeps the surprise
Wrap all the presents in the same paper and preferably in boxes or bags of roughly the same size. This makes it impossible to guess what's hidden inside the wrapping, and it keeps the suspense going throughout the whole game.
If there's a big difference in the wrapping, participants often end up aiming for specific presents, and then the game loses some of its charm. If you need concrete tips for wrapping neatly and consistently, you can find inspiration in Gift wrap and packaging: Complete the gift.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy for a gift-swapping game?
Neutral things like mugs, candles, vases and candlesticks, or fun things like animal figures, piggy banks and disco balls are all good choices, because they work no matter who opens the parcel.
How much should a gift for a gift-swapping game cost?
The best approach is to agree on a shared budget within the group beforehand. Many keep it at the lower end, for example in the range of 1-200 DKK, so all the gifts are roughly equal.
What's a good gift for a gift-swapping game for adults?
A gift that's neutral or fun works best, because it's not meant for a specific person. Mugs, salt and pepper sets shaped like animals, and piggy banks are all safe choices.
How do you play a gift-swapping game?
The best-known version is played with dice, where certain rolls give you the right to take a new parcel or steal one from another player. The rules can vary, but the principle that gifts can change hands remains the same.
What can you give for an office gift-swapping game?
Neutral gifts like mugs or candlesticks are a safe bet in a workplace, because they suit most people. If the mood is more relaxed, a fun touch like a piggy bank can work nicely too.
How do you wrap gifts for a gift-swapping game?
Use the same paper and the same size box or bag for all the gifts. This makes it impossible to guess the contents and keeps the surprise intact throughout the game.
Summary
A successful gift-swapping game starts with a shared budget, so all the gifts are roughly equal. Then choose a mix of neutral and fun gifts, wrap them identically, and let the dice or the stealing rule do the rest. That way the game stays fun for everyone, no matter who ends up with which parcel.
Read also
- Gift wrap and packaging: Complete the gift
- How much should you spend on a gift? Rules and advice
- Gift for a colleague: Professional and personal
- Christmas gift wishes: Inspiration for your wish list
Ready to fill the gift pile?
Find neutral and fun gifts within the price range the group has agreed on, and wrap them identically so the surprise lasts throughout the game.
See gift ideas