7 Funny Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas

November 6th, 2023

It’s that wonderful time of the year when you gather with friends and family to do a Christmas gift exchange and spread Christmas cheer. And while traditional Christmas gift-giving is heartwarming, why not add a touch of laughter to your Christmas celebrations this year? We’ve compiled a list of 7 funny Christmas gift exchange ideas that will leave everyone in stitches.

7 Funny Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas

1. White Elephant Gift Exchange

christmas gift exchange party
First on our list of funny Christmas gift exchange ideas is The White Elephant gift exchange that’s guaranteed to add a dose of hilarity to any Christmas gathering. Here’s how it works: each participant brings a wrapped gift, often with a touch of humour. It could be anything from a rubber chicken to a quirky kitchen gadget or an oddly shaped piece of artwork. The fun begins when participants draw numbers to determine the order in which they’ll select their Christmas gifts.

As the Christmas gift exchange progresses, participants can choose to either unwrap a new Christmas gift or “steal” an already unwrapped one from another player. The catch is that Christmas gifts can only be stolen a limited number of times, creating a dynamic where the most sought-after presents become coveted treasures, and the laughter never stops.

The White Elephant gift exchange is all about the element of surprise and the joy of seeing how far people will go for a laugh. It’s an ideal way to infuse your Christmas celebration with some light-hearted humour.

2. Secret Santa with a Twist

A Secret Santa Christmas gift exchange is one of the most iconic Christmas gift exchange traditions, but why not crank up the amusement factor? This year, introduce a twist that will leave your group in stitches. Instead of the usual gift-giving, set outlandish themes or quirky rules for your Secret Santa.

For instance, require participants to purchase gifts that start with the same letter as the recipient’s name. Imagine the laughter when “Samantha” receives a sock set or “Peter” unwraps a peculiar pineapple-shaped pen holder. Another option is to assign fictional scenarios as the basis for Christmas gift selection. Participants might need to buy something that would be useful to a wizard, a time traveler, or an alien. The randomness of the gifts will spark hilarious conversations and memorable moments during your Christmas gathering.

3. The Regifting Relay

woman surprised by christmas gift exchange game
The Regifting Relay is a comical twist on the traditional Christmas gift exchange that will keep your guests entertained and engaged throughout your Christmas celebration. In this game, participants sit in a circle, and a pile of wrapped gifts is placed in the centre.

The fun begins when a timer is set, and participants start passing the gifts around the circle. However, there’s a catch: each person has a limited amount of time to decide whether to keep the gift they’re currently holding or “regift” it to the next person. The catch? The gifts are often wrapped in absurd or hilariously oversized packaging, making the decision even more entertaining.

As the timer ticks down, you’ll witness moments of panic, laughter, and strategy as participants try to secure the most coveted present. The thrill of the game and the unpredictability of each turn make The Regifting Relay a fantastic addition to your Christmas festivities.

4. Yankee Swap

Yankee Swap, also known as a White Elephant variation, takes the traditional Christmas gift exchange to a whole new level of excitement and merriment. The rules are simple but result in uproarious fun.

To begin, each participant brings a wrapped gift and places it in a central location. Players draw numbers to determine the order in which they’ll choose and open gifts. Here’s where the twist comes in: the first person selects a gift from the pile and opens it. The subsequent participants can either choose a new gift from the pile or “swap” for a gift someone else has already opened.

The catch is that gifts can only be “stolen” a limited number of times, which adds an element of strategy and suspense. The competition to secure the most desirable present can lead to laughter-inducing moments as participants vie for their favourite items.

5. Thrift Store Gift Challenge

If you’re looking for a unique and entertaining way to exchange gifts this Christmas, consider the Thrift Store Gift Challenge. This game combines thrift shopping with a dose of hilarity, resulting in unforgettable presents and plenty of laughs.

Here’s how it works: participants visit a local thrift store or charity shop with a set budget in mind. Their mission? Find the silliest, most unusual, or downright bizarre item they can within that budget. The goal is to bring back a gift that will leave everyone in stitches.

As the gifts are unveiled, you’ll discover a treasure trove of vintage oddities, nostalgic finds, and eccentric curiosities. From mismatched socks to retro kitchen gadgets and obscure collectibles, the Thrift Store Gift Challenge encourages creativity and guarantees an evening filled with laughter and surprises.

This lighthearted and budget-friendly approach to Christmas gift-giving is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your Christmas festivities.

6. DIY Ugly Christmas Jumper Exchange

a christmas jumper gift party as a christmas gift exchange idea
Ugly Christmas jumpers have become a beloved holiday tradition, but why stop at wearing them when you can exchange them as gifts? Host a DIY Ugly Christmas Jumper Exchange party and watch the hilarity unfold.

To get started, invite your friends or family to gather with plain sweaters and an assortment of crafting supplies. Set the mood with festive music and snacks as everyone unleashes their creative genius to transform their sweaters into the most garish, gaudy, and gloriously ugly creations imaginable. Think pompoms, glitter, jingle bells, and googly eyes!

Once everyone has finished their masterpieces, it’s time for the grand unveiling. The laughter will be infectious as you model your absurdly decorated sweaters and exchange them with fellow participants. Whether you opt for holiday-themed puns, outrageous designs, or comically oversized decorations, the DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Exchange is a surefire way to make your Christmas celebration memorable and side-splittingly funny.

7. Gifts of the Future

For a forward-thinking and hilarious twist on Christmas gift exchanges, consider “Gifts of the Future.” This unique game challenges participants to imagine and exchange presents that people might use in the years to come.

Encourage your friends or family to let their imaginations run wild and select items that are whimsical, futuristic, and perhaps even a bit absurd. Think about inventions that haven’t been created yet but would make life more interesting, like a “self-peeling banana” or a “robotic pet sitter”. The more imaginative and far-fetched, the better.

As each Christmas gift is unveiled, you’ll embark on a journey of laughter and astonishment. The comedic potential is limitless, and you’ll likely find yourselves sharing hilarious stories and predictions about what the future holds. “Gifts of the Future” is a fantastic way to combine creativity, laughter, and a touch of holiday magic in your Christmas celebration.

By incorporating these seven funny Christmas gift exchange ideas into your holiday festivities, you’re guaranteed to create memorable moments filled with laughter, joy, and a dash of holiday absurdity. These quirky Christmas gift exchange activities will not only entertain your guests but also make your Christmas celebration a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Why Leisure Vouchers make the best Christmas gifts

a family take part in a funny christmas gift exchange idea and laugh
Let’s face it, sometimes finding the perfect Christmas gift can leave you more frazzled than festive. But worry not, because we’ve got the ideal solution: multi-activity leisure vouchers!

Choose from over 50,000 activities
men giving gifts and laughing at christmas
Our leisure vouchers give your loved ones the gift of choice. They can pick from an array of incredible leisure activities that guarantee laughter and cherished memories. Think beer crawls, segway tours, tickets to comedy shows, and so much more. And that’s not all, our leisure vouchers go global. That’s right our leisure vouchers can be redeemed in over 160 countries meaning your loved one can choose a gift experience here in the UK or save it for a holiday. Our gift cards for activities are valid for 2 years giving them heaps of time to choose!

Make your leisure vouchers as unique as your recipient
We make gift-giving a breeze with our multi-activity gift vouchers that can be easily personlised to add a touch of humour. Imagine your friend or family member receiving a leisure voucher with a message like, “Here’s to more adventures and less adulting!” or “Because you’re one in a melon, enjoy the sweetest experiences!” You can also add your own image so you can take your humour as far as you’d like – we’re not judging!

Fun and flexible activity vouchers

Recipients can choose the activity, date, and time that suits them best, making it the ultimate Christmas gift for those with busy schedules or unique tastes.

So, why not surprise your loved ones with the gift of fun and adventure this Christmas? Whether it’s a beer-loving buddy, a thrill-seeking cousin, or a comedy connoisseur, gift vouchers for activities are the ticket to unforgettable experiences and belly laughs.

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