Christmas charades and gift swap
Take turns acting out Christmas prompts, then draw an order for choosing wrapped gifts. Keep the surprises kind and the rules simple.
Activity steps
- Agree the gift rule and make the cards,Before the party, agree that every participant brings one wrapped gift within the same budget, or one suitable unused item for a no-spend exchange. Keep gifts appropriate for the group. Put the wrapped gifts together. Allow three blank cards per guest: write two Christmas charades prompts on two cards and use the third for a turn number. Write the gift-swap rules on one shared sheet of cardstock, using a marker set per six guests.
- Play a cheerful round of charades,Put the prompt cards into the bowl, keeping the numbered cards aside. Try simple prompts such as wrapping a present, untangling lights, making a snow angel or carrying a very large tree. Take turns drawing a prompt and acting for up to one minute while the group guesses. Use a phone timer from home. Guests can act with a partner, read a prompt for someone else or pass.
- Draw the gift-picking order,Clear the charades prompts out of the bowl and replace them with the numbered cards, one for each participant. Everyone draws a number, then takes turns choosing a wrapped gift other than their own. If the last gift belongs to its chooser, exchange it with the previous chooser before opening. Open gifts together once everyone has one, so the whole group can enjoy the surprises.
- Finish with a friendly exchange,Give each person a moment to show their gift or thank the group. Guests may swap with each other afterward only if both want to. Keep every participant included, avoid pressure to trade, and collect the reusable paper cards for another gathering.
Use gifts with broad appeal and agree on the price rule in advance. For a mixed-age gathering, keep gifts and prompts suitable for everyone. No prizes, competitive scoring or special board game are needed; the short supply list is intentional.
Shopping list for 6 people
- One wrapped, agreed-budget gift per guest — 6 gifts
- Cards for charades and gift-swap numbers — 18 cards
- Washable marker assortment — 1 set
- A sheet for the gift-swap rules — 1 sheet
- A bowl for drawing prompts and numbers — 1 bowl
Use supplies you already have. Enable JavaScript to adjust guests and mark what you need.