10 Holiday Gift Exchange Ideas for Work
Bring some Christmas cheer to the workplace with these magical holiday gift exchange ideas for work.
Whether it’s a classic Secret Santa, a quirky White Elephant gift exchange, or a creative gift swap, holiday gift exchanges for work can bring some holiday cheer to every desk.
This year, step up your Christmas gift game with fun, thoughtful gifts that’ll have your coworkers glowing—inside and out. Here’s a list of the top ten best holiday gift exchange ideas for work that are perfect for the holiday season!
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Best Holiday Gift Exchange Ideas for Work
Here are some work holiday gift exchange ideas to add some festive cheer to the workplace.
#1: Secret Santa
A Secret Santa is a holiday gift exchange game where participants draw names at random to determine who they’ll secretly buy a gift for. The fun lies in keeping your identity a surprise until the gifts are opened!
Typically, there’s a price limit to keep things fair, and participants can share wish lists to give their Secret Santa some ideas. On the big day, the wrapped gifts are exchanged, and everyone tries to guess their gift-giver. It’s a festive, lighthearted way to spread joy during the holiday season!
#2: Grab Bag
Another fun holiday gift exchange idea for work is the grab bag. Each participant brings a wrapped gift that is placed in a large Santa bag. Once all the gifts have been added, everyone can reach in and choose a gift at random.
When doing a grab bag at work, make sure you set a spending limit and ask participants to bring a wrapped gift. It’s a fun way of gift giving that’s full of surprise!
#3: White Elephant
White elephant gift exchange is a lot like Secret Santa gift exchange. Also known as Dirty Santa or Yankee Swap, White Elephant involves inviting everyone to contribute a wrapped present. Then, numbers are drawn out of a hat to determine who gets to pick their present first.
The first player chooses and unwraps a gift, then shows it to everyone. The second player then steals that gift or unwraps another one from the pile. The third player can steal either gift, or choose to pick and unwrap another present, and so forth.
#4: Ugly Sweater Swap
An ugly sweater swap is a hilarious twist on a traditional gift exchange game that brings out everyone’s silly side. Participants bring an over-the-top holiday sweater—think glitter, pom-poms, or a Christmas tree design—either from their own closet or a thrift store.
During the swap, you can turn it into a fun game like a White Elephant gift exchange or simply let everyone pick their favorite sweater from the pile. The best part? Once the swapping is done, you can wear your new sweater during the office Christmas party for maximum laughs and holiday spirit!
#5: E-Gift Card Secret Santa
With so many people working remotely now, what about virtual holiday gift exchange ideas for work? We have the perfect idea: Adding e-gift cards to a virtual Secret Santa.
Start by having everyone draw names using platforms like Elfster to keep the process random and anonymous. Once names are assigned, set a price limit to ensure fairness. Each participant then selects a digital gift card tailored to their recipient’s personality.
The e-gift cards can be emailed directly to the recipient, with a personal message or festive note. To maintain secrecy, participants can send their cards to an organizer, who forwards them. Finally, gather on a virtual call to exchange gifts, share reactions, and guess who their gift giver was.
#6: Mug Exchange
Another great gift exchange idea for work is a mug swap. The concept is simple: have everyone buy a new mug and fill it with fun treats. You can then follow the Secret Santa or white elephant model. Alternatively, you can use them in a fun game like holiday trivia, a treasure hunt, or musical gifts swap.
#7: Cookie Swap
The best gifts don’t always have to be big or expensive. If you’re looking for affordable fun gift exchange ideas, try a cookie swap. Each participant should bake a big batch of cookies so that everyone can take a cookie from each person. It’s a great way to show off your baking skills!
#8: Accessories Swap
If you’re still looking for fun holiday gift exchange ideas for work, why not get even more creative and eco-friendly at the same time. An accessories swap is the perfect choice. Everyone brings an accessory they no longer want like purse, scarf, necklace, hat etc.
Have everyone place their accessory on a table so that each participant can choose a gift. Of course, you could also wrap them and go the Secret Santa route. The best part is that there’s zero waste involved!
#9: DIY Gift Exchange
Get crafty this holiday season by organizing a DIY gift exchange for work. Participants can create their own gifts, whether it’s handmade candles, personalized mugs, or self-care kits.
Not only does this add a personal touch to the exchange, but it also makes a meaningful, unique gift that shows thoughtfulness and creativity. Plus, a DIY gift can be cost-effective and perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands.
#10: Gift Basket Exchange
A gift basket exchange is another exciting and customizable holiday gift exchange idea for work. Have each participant create a basket filled with goodies like chocolates, snacks, bath products, or even small gadgets.
The baskets can be themed around self-care, indulgence, or favorite hobbies, adding a personal touch. You can even include stocking stuffers or a trinket inside for added fun. Whether it’s a small gift or a unique gift with thoughtful details, the gift basket exchange is a fun Christmas gift exchange game that everyone will love.
Shop Holiday Gift Exchange Ideas 2024
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for co-workers or friends and family, we’ve curated a selection of gorgeous gifts that are guaranteed to impress.
Truly’s Golden Glaze Luxury Body Oil
Give her the gift of a golden glow this Christmas! She’ll sparkle at all those holiday parties with this luxe body shimmer oil. Besides giving her instant glow, it helps naturally brighten skin and combat signs of aging with a powerhouse blend of vitamin C, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
Truly Beauty Advent Calendar
Surprise someone special with scrumptious self-care! The Truly Advent Calendar features 10 mini products, including bestselling body polishes, serums, and an irresistible perfume. Whether you gift it as a whole for a month of indulgence or split it up into 10 unique surprises, this calendar promises to make each day a treat.
Truly’s Ultimate Smooth Legend Shave Set
Treat her to the best shave she’s ever had with this cult-fave shave set. It features everything she needs for a perfectly smooth shave: a pre-shave scrub, shave butter, after shave oil, and five-blade razor plus the cutest vegan fur bag.
Truly’s The Perfumer’s Set
This miniature perfume set comes in a beautiful box and showcases three unique fragrances. One is warm and spicy, the other is sweet and sexy, and the last one is light and elegant. In other words: there’s something for every taste in this gorgeous set.
Truly Gift Card
Let her choose this Christmas with a Truly Gift Card. Gift cards are delivered via email with complete instructions to redeem at checkout.
Holiday Gift Exchange FAQs
If you’re new to holiday gift exchanges, don’t worry. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about Christmas gift exchanges.
What is a Holiday Gift Exchange at Work?
A holiday gift exchange at work is a festive tradition where coworkers exchange gifts to celebrate the holiday season. It can be done through various creative methods, like a classic Secret Santa, White Elephant, or even a cookie swap. These activities help spread holiday cheer, encourage team bonding, and make the workplace extra festive during the holiday season.
How Do You Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange for Work?
To organize a Secret Santa gift exchange at work, start by having everyone draw names to secretly assign gift recipients. Set a budget to keep it fair for everyone and ensure the gifts are thoughtful yet affordable. Participants can provide wish lists to give their Secret Santa ideas on what they might like. After everyone purchases their gifts, the exchange takes place, and the fun lies in guessing who bought each gift!
What are Some Creative Holiday Gift Exchange Ideas for Remote Teams?
For remote teams, virtual gift exchanges are a great option. You can organize a virtual Secret Santa, where participants exchange e-gift cards or even handmade virtual gifts. Using online platforms like Elfster can help manage the exchange process smoothly and anonymously. A virtual holiday trivia or holiday-themed Zoom party can also keep the remote team engaged while exchanging gifts.
How Do You Make a Work Holiday Gift Exchange Fun for All?
To ensure everyone has a great time during a holiday gift exchange at work, be sure to set clear guidelines and budgets. Consider the interests and preferences of your coworkers when selecting gift ideas. To add extra fun, you can incorporate games like holiday trivia, a scavenger hunt, or have a themed exchange (like an ugly sweater swap).
No matter which of these holiday gift exchange ideas for work you choose, it’s the thought behind the gift that counts. Whether it’s a personalized gift, a fun board game, or a beautifully wrapped gift, each exchange will bring joy and laughter to your office. Get creative this holiday season, and let your loved ones and coworkers know how much they mean to you with a thoughtful and festive gift.
Feature Photo by Jill Wellington, Pexels
