Fun and Festive: Free Printable Gift Exchange Games for Your Next Celebration
Gift exchange games add an element of surprise and excitement to any gathering, making them a favorite at holiday parties, birthdays, and other celebrations. To make your event even more special, consider using free printable gift exchange games. These games are easy to set up, fun to play, and sure to keep your guests entertained. Here’s a guide to some popular and unique free printable gift exchange games that will liven up your next party:
1. Secret Santa
How to Play:
- Preparation: Each participant draws a name from a hat to determine who they will be buying a gift for, keeping it a secret until the exchange.
- Gift Exchange: During the party, guests exchange gifts anonymously. After everyone has received their gift, they take turns guessing who their Secret Santa is.
free printable gift exchange games
Printable Resources:
- Secret Santa name draw slips
- Gift tags and labels
- Instruction sheets
2. White Elephant
How to Play:
- Preparation: Guests bring a wrapped gift to the party and place it in a designated area.
- Gift Exchange: Participants draw numbers to determine the order of play. The first person selects a gift and unwraps it. Subsequent players can either choose a new gift or "steal" an already opened gift. If your gift is stolen, you can select a new one or steal from someone else.
Printable Resources:
- Numbered cards for drawing
- Rules and instructions
- White Elephant gift labels
3. Left-Right Game
How to Play:
- Preparation: Guests sit in a circle with their wrapped gifts. A story containing the words “left” and “right” is read aloud.
- Gift Exchange: Every time the word “left” is mentioned, guests pass their gift to the left. When “right” is mentioned, they pass their gift to the right. At the end of the story, the gift each person is holding is the one they keep.
free printable gift exchange games
Printable Resources:
- Left-Right story scripts
- Game instructions
- Printable story cards
4. Gift Auction
How to Play:
- Preparation: Guests receive a set amount of play money upon arrival. Each gift is auctioned off to the highest bidder.
- Gift Exchange: An auctioneer presents each gift, and guests bid using their play money. The highest bidder wins the gift.
Printable Resources:
- Play money
- Auction paddles
- Auctioneer script and rules
5. Hot Potato
How to Play:
- Preparation: Guests sit in a circle with their wrapped gifts. Music is played while the gifts are passed around the circle.
- Gift Exchange: When the music stops, whoever is holding a gift gets to keep it. Repeat until everyone has a gift.
Printable Resources:
- Music playlist
- Hot Potato instructions
- Gift tags
6. Bingo Gift Exchange
How to Play:
- Preparation: Create bingo cards with different holiday-related items or activities. Guests mark off items as they see or hear them during the party.
- Gift Exchange: The first person to get a bingo gets to choose a gift. Continue playing until all gifts are distributed.
Printable Resources:
- Bingo cards
- Markers or chips
- Bingo call sheet
Conclusion
These free printable gift exchange games are sure to add a fun and interactive element to your next celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a birthday bash, or a casual get-together, these games will keep your guests engaged and entertained. Download and print the resources, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to create memorable moments with your friends and family. Let the games begin!