Comments on: 14 Fantastic Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas

By: Pat

Pat — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 21:49:53 +0000

For our office gift exchange, we drew names, then purchased and wrapped a toy that we thought that person would have enjoyed when they were a kid. At the party, everyone opened their gift and the giver explained why they chose it. It was surprising to hear how others perceive us, and funny and touching, too as we shared things about our childhoods. At the end of the party, we walked all the new, unwrapped toys to the nearest collection site for Toys for Tots. :-)

By: Melissa Webster

Melissa Webster — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 15:32:55 +0000

At work this year, we are playing Secret Santa with a twist. When each person signed up they completed a survey answering questions that help describe what they were like as a child. Then the secret santa gets the answers along with their target and purchases a present for the “child” version of their colleague. Everyone gets to know eachother a little better and on a different level, we have time to reminisce about toys, and then the toys are donated to Toys for Tots!

By: Mary Jo Stachulski

Mary Jo Stachulski — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 16:38:14 +0000

Our family has been doing this kind of Christmas exchange for many, many years since spouses, nieces and nephews and grandchildren came on -scene…that’s 50 years ago. Some of my favorites were:

1 All guests at the gathering brought a package of their favorite childhood cookies – wrapped- (or they could bake cookies). When your name was drawn, you could choose one of the cookie packages, then the next person’s name drawn could either choose a new cookie gift or steal one from someone else. Even the really little children got into this exchange!!! :) and it was interesting to recall some of the cookie favorites of the past…and inexpensive!

2 Bring a favorite Music CD…My dad brought Lawrence Welk!

3 One year we did a yard sale item from your home…some family members brought items from their childhood or an item that had been passed down to them over the years…certainly brought back lots of shared memories.

It always seemed the younger youth really got into the game of this…bargaining and making deals with each other! The fun far outweighed the gifts!

Merry Christmas!