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The holidays are a time for celebration, and at Workhorse Coworking, we believe a holiday party with your team is a tree-mendously festive way to kick off the season. As you gather to reflect on a year of goals achieved, why not add an extra dash of cheer with a fun work gift exchange?
Whether you’re looking to keep it lighthearted with a Secret Santa swap or are up for something more creative, we’ve got you covered with 10 work gift exchange ideas that’ll have your guests feeling merry and bright—no eggnog required!
Want to skip ahead? Check out 10 of our favorite gift exchange ideas!
- Secret Santa
- White Elephant
- Christmas Cookie Swap
- Left-Right Story Christmas Gift Exchange
- Gift Card Swap
- Musical Gifts
- Mug Exchange
- Grab Bag
- Ornament Exchange
- Heads or Tails Gift Exchange
First Things First: Planning for a Successful Work Gift Exchange
We’ve already shared how to host a stress-free holiday party here at Workhorse, and the same tips apply to your gift exchange game. Instead of getting your tinsel in a tangle, consider these pointers for pulling off the perfect present swap.
Communicate Early (and Often)
A gift exchange that’s the talk of the office starts with clear communication. Is the gift amount fixed, or is there some flexibility? Should the gifts be new and unopened, or will a creative twist with thrifted items be part of the fun? Are they expected to be holiday-themed, office-appropriate, personalized, or a mix of all three?
The key here is that while these details might seem obvious to you, sharing them alongside your party invitations helps your coworkers plan their holiday shopping and reduces stress. Everyone will appreciate the clarity, and the result will be a much smoother, more enjoyable gift exchange.
Logistics, Logistics, Logistics
Blink and you just might miss the last six weeks of the year. As we recover from Thanksgiving food comas and tackle our ever-growing to-do lists, the details that come with planning a glittering holiday party can get lost in the shuffle.
That’s why our top tip for hosts is to lock in a date as soon as possible. Give yourself (and your colleagues) the gift of time this year by sending invitations a few months in advance. Not only will you help everyone avoid a stocking full of stress, but you’ll also have ample time to plan a gift exchange and holiday party games that suit your venue.
Speaking of venues, there’s no place like Workhorse for the holidays! Our downtown Edmonds location is unbeatable, and while our venue shines all year long, there’s something about the holidays that brings out our best. Workhorse’s 1,500 square foot main space can take your party from blah to fa la la, and with plenty of room for merrymaking—plus convenient food prep areas, A/V setup, underground parking, and so much more—your event is sure to shine.
And we can’t forget the people! When you host your party at Workhorse, you also gain access to a team of hardworking elves who ensure your event sleighs in all the right ways. From helping identify florists and caterers to offering day-of support, we’re your party partner through it all.
Our Favorite Work Gift Exchanges
You’ve picked a date, secured a venue, planned festive activities, and selected your vendors. Now what?
As your office holiday party comes together, it’s time to focus on the star of the show: the gift exchange game! Check out our favorite gift exchange ideas that even the Grinch could get on board with.
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a holiday classic—and for good reason! It’s simple, fun, and full of cheer.
- How It Works: Before your work holiday soirée, randomly assign each person a coworker to buy a small gift for, keeping their identity a secret. Guests bring their wrapped gifts to the party and then try to guess who their Secret Santa is. For an extra elfish twist, ask Santas to leave clues in the days leading up to the event.
- Why You’ll Love It: The excitement of the Secret Santa reveal never gets old! It’s a tried-and-true way to spread joy and laughter.
White Elephant
If you’re aiming for laughs, a White Elephant gift exchange is the way to go.
- How It Works: Ask each guest to arrive with a wrapped gift in tow. At the party, participants take turns choosing a gift from the pile or “stealing” a gift that’s already been picked. The rules, like how many times a gift can be stolen, are up to you.
- Why You’ll Love It: There’s bound to be at least one gift that everyone wants, and in White Elephant, stealing is half the fun! The light-hearted chaos makes this game a crowd-pleaser.
Christmas Cookie Swap
Is there a more iconic holiday treat than the Christmas cookie? We think not.
- How It Works: Ask each guest to bake a batch of their favorite holiday cookies to bring to the party. Everyone swaps cookies and takes home an assortment of treats from their colleagues—making it one of the sweetest ways to celebrate the season.
- Why You’ll Love It: Cookies—do we really need to say more?
Left-Right Story Christmas Gift Exchange
Add some holiday humor to your gift exchange with a left-right story!
- How It Works: Just like many of the other games on this list, the left-right story gift exchange requires guests to bring a wrapped gift. At the party, arrange chairs in a circle and have everyone hold their gift. As the host, you’ll read a holiday-themed story full of “left” and “right” cues that tell people where to pass their presents. (Elf tip: A quick Google or Pinterest search for “holiday left-right stories” provides plenty of entertaining options!)
- Why You’ll Love It: Left-right games spark lots of laughs, especially when guests are eagerly waiting to see where their gift ends up.
Gift Card Swap
Simple, straightforward, and stress-free, this is an office gift exchange game everyone can get behind.
- How It Works: Set a dollar amount and ask your team to bring a gift card to their favorite store, restaurant, or activity. From coffee shops and eateries to boutiques and more, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Use a raffle system or assign guests a coworker to swap with—it’s up to you!
- Why You’ll Love It: Who doesn’t love the freedom to pick out their own gift?
Musical Gifts
If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced game that combines the joy of music with the thrill of a gift exchange, this one’s your jam!
- How It Works: Arrange guests in a close circle, each holding the wrapped gift they brought. As you start playing holiday tunes, participants will begin passing their gifts around the circle. When the music stops, everyone opens the gift they’re holding. For a longer game, start with a few gifts at a time and have people leave the circle once they’ve opened theirs.
- Why You’ll Love It: You’re in control of the music—speeding up or slowing down the tempo at your whim. The suspense will have guests laughing and eagerly waiting to see what’s next!
Mug Exchange
When it comes to cozying up, there’s no better way to fend off winter’s chill than with a mug of something warm and delicious.
- How It Works: Ask guests to bring a mug filled with goodies like hot cocoa, tea bags, or sweet treats. While the mug itself is the gift, the delightful surprises inside make it even more special.
- Why You’ll Love It: It’s an easy way to spread cheer with a practical gift that people can use all year long. Who wouldn’t want to sip something cozy in their new favorite mug?
Grab Bag
To add some simple, festive flair to your office holiday party, the grab bag game is always a hit!
- How It Works: Guests bring a wrapped gift to add to the pile and take turns picking one at random. (Elf tip: Get creative by setting a fun theme for the gifts or having them wrapped in something unconventional.)
- Why You’ll Love It: The possibilities—and the surprises—are endless, making it a fun way to spread holiday cheer.
Ornament Exchange
For a gift exchange that’ll be remembered for holidays to come, try swapping ornaments!
- How It Works: Ask your colleagues to arrive with an ornament to swap. Whether you keep it random or plan it out, you have complete freedom to decide how the exchange will happen.
- Why You’ll Love It: For many, holiday traditions and Christmas tree decorating go hand in hand. This game is sure to be a hit with your guests, creating lasting memories for years to come.
Heads or Tails Gift Exchange
Looking for a game that adds some suspense? The Heads or Tails Gift Exchange might be just what you need!
- How It Works: One guest starts by selecting a gift from the pile to unwrap. For everyone else, a simple coin flip decides their fate. “Heads” means they pick a new gift from the pile, while “tails” means they get to steal from someone else.
- Why You’ll Love It: This twist on the White Elephant exchange will keep everyone on their toes—right down to the last coin toss!
Host Your Next Work Holiday Party at Workhorse
From holiday parties to corporate Christmas events, let Workhorse help make your season sparkle. Connect with us to learn more—yule be glad you did!
