RANDOM GIFT EXCHANGE IDEAS

Lucky Draw Demo

Gift exchanges turn holiday parties into memorable events. But they need fair rules and random selection to avoid drama. Here's everything you need for the perfect exchange.

Use Lucky Draw or Wheel of Names for random, fair, and fun gift exchanges.

TYPES OF GIFT EXCHANGES

🐘 White Elephant

The chaotic classic! Gifts can be stolen, trading happens, and laughter ensues.

Rules:

Everyone brings a wrapped gift (within budget)
Draw numbers for order
First person picks a gift
Next person can steal an opened gift OR pick a new one
Stolen gifts can be stolen again (usually limit 3 times)
First person gets final steal option

Best for: Offices, friend groups, people who like chaos

🔄 Yankee Swap

Similar to White Elephant, but with variations:

Stealing is more limited
"Frozen" gifts can't be stolen again
Sometimes right-left passing is involved

Best for: More structured groups, families

🎅 Secret Santa

The sentimental option. You're matched with one person and buy specifically for them.

Rules:

Names are drawn secretly
Each person buys for their assigned recipient
Gifts are exchanged at the party
Identities are revealed (or not!)

Use Task Matcher for secret matching!

Best for: Close groups, meaningful gifts

🎁 Dirty Santa

A spicier version of White Elephant with more aggressive stealing rules!

Variations:

Unlimited steals
"Golden steal" cards
Revenge steal options

USING RANDOM TOOLS

🎯 For Drawing Order (White Elephant)

Add all participants to Lucky Draw. Draw one by one to set pick order.

Example entries:

Alice
Bob
Carol
Dave
Eve
Frank

🎰 For Live Selection (During Party)

Use Wheel of Names to spin for each turn—more visual and exciting!

🤝 For Secret Santa Matching

Use Task Matcher to pair givers with receivers. No self-matches, no peeking!

CREATIVE GIFT EXCHANGE THEMES

🔤 Letter Theme

Your gift must start with the first letter of your name!

Alice brings an Apron
Bob brings Board games
Carol brings Chocolates

🎨 Color Theme

Everyone is assigned or picks a color. Gifts must match!

Color wheel entries:

Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Purple
Orange

📚 Category Theme

Spin the wheel to assign categories to participants:

Category entries:

Kitchen Items
Books
Self-Care
Games
Food & Snacks
Experiences

🎭 Wrapped in Character

Wrap your gift to look like something else! Shoe box? Toilet paper tube? The more deceiving, the better.

🎲 Random Budget

Spin for your budget! Adds unpredictability and levels the playing field.

Budget entries:

$5
$10
$15
$20
$25
Homemade Only

GIFT IDEAS BY BUDGET

💵 Under $10

Cozy socks
Candles
Candy assortment
Mini plants
Chapstick sets
Card games

💵 $10-$20

Mugs with treats
Wine/beer
Movie snack kit
Bluetooth speaker
Funny books
Bath bombs

💵 $20-$30

Board games
Nice blanket
Scratch ticket bundle
Cocktail kit
Art prints
Gift card + candy

💵 $30+

Noise-canceling earbuds
Premium chocolate box
Experience vouchers
Craft kits
Smart home gadgets

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

✅ Do's

Set a budget — And stick to it!
Define rules clearly — Before the party starts
Use random tools — Visible fairness matters
Have extras — For unexpected guests
Set a time limit — Don't let it drag

🚫 Don'ts

Don't bring regifted personal items
Don't go way over budget (makes others uncomfortable)
Don't bring offensive gag gifts (know your audience)
Don't take it too seriously—it's supposed to be fun!
Don't forget to thank your gifter

FAQ

Q: What if someone doesn't participate?

Have a few backup gifts ready. Or let them watch and enjoy!

Q: Can we play virtually?

Yes! Everyone opens gifts on camera. Use virtual wheels for order.

Q: What's a good budget?

$15-$25 is the sweet spot. Affordable but allows quality gifts.

Q: How do we handle couples?

Each person participates individually. No joint gifts!

BONUS: QUICK RULES CHEAT SHEET

Exchange Type	Stealing?	Matching?	Chaos Level
White Elephant	Yes (3x)	No	🔥🔥🔥
Yankee Swap	Limited	No	🔥🔥
Dirty Santa	Unlimited	No	🔥🔥🔥🔥
Secret Santa	No	Yes	⭐ (Meaningful)
Grab Bag	No	No	🔥

PLAN YOUR GIFT EXCHANGE

Ready to run a perfectly fair exchange?

Use Lucky Draw for Order →

Use Wheel of Names for Live Spins →

Use Task Matcher for Secret Santa →

All free, no signup required!

RELATED TOOLS

Lucky Draw — Random selection
Wheel of Names — Visual spinner
Task Matcher — Secret pairings
Group Maker — Team formation

Need help with Secret Santa specifically? Check out our Secret Santa Generator guide!

Random Gift Exchange Ideas: White Elephant, Yankee Swap & More