Gift exchange ideas for every season
A gift exchange does not have to be Secret Santa at Christmas. Choose a format, a season and a budget below, and use the same free tools for all of them.
Gift exchange games
The game decides the mood. Gift exchange games lists the formats, from a blind draw to a steal. For the steal version, see the white elephant guide, and for a quick explainer of how the three main formats differ, see white elephant vs Secret Santa vs Yankee swap.
Not Christmas
- Non-Christmas gift exchange: neutral wording for mixed groups.
- Hanukkah gift exchange: eight nights, small gifts.
- New Year gift exchange: a fresh-start theme.
- Friendsgiving exchange: a November swap.
The same free tool draws names for any occasion. Create your group. Create your group, free
Spring, summer and fall
- Secret Cupid and Galentine's for February.
- Secret Boo for Halloween.
- Secret Santa in summer for a warm weather swap.
- Birthday Secret Santa to spread birthdays across a team.
Choosing a format
If you want secrecy, pick a draw. If you want a laugh and a crowd, pick a steal game. If your group is far apart, draw online with Hollyhush and swap by mail. You can also use the generator any month of the year.
All guides in this section
Frequently asked questions
What are some gift exchange ideas?
Secret Santa, white elephant, Yankee swap, ornament, book and cookie exchanges, plus seasonal versions like Secret Cupid and Secret Boo.
Can I do a gift exchange without Christmas?
Yes. Use neutral wording, pick a theme like Friendsgiving or New Year, and keep the same budget rules.
What is the easiest gift exchange?
A Secret Santa with one invite link and a clear budget.
How do I pick between white elephant and Secret Santa?
Secret Santa is private and personal. White elephant is a game with steals, best in a room.
Try it now
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