Ornament exchange party

Two formats

The stealing format is more fun in a room. The secret one works if you have people who cannot attend.

• Stealing swap: guests draw numbers, then pick a wrapped ornament or steal one. Use white elephant rules with a steal limit.
• Secret swap: names are drawn ahead and each guest brings an ornament for one person, wrapped and labeled. The Secret Santa generator can run it.

Rules

1. Set one budget, such as $15, and tell everyone.
2. Each guest brings one ornament, wrapped so nobody can feel the shape.
3. Put a tag with a first name or leave it blank for a stealing swap.
4. Choose a steal limit, for example each ornament can be stolen up to twice.
5. Hand-made ornaments are welcome, and the budget is counted in time and materials.
6. Fragile ornaments should come with a tissue or small box.

Draw names for a secret ornament swap in seconds. One link, no app. Create your group, free

Theme ideas

Packing and safety

Ornaments break. Ask guests to pack theirs in tissue or a small box, and bring a few spare boxes to the party. Use unbreakable materials if kids are coming. Give guests a bag to carry their ornament home, and a short note on how to store it: wrap in tissue, keep in a box, away from heat.

Ask guests to include a one-line card with a story or reason for the ornament. It makes the swap personal.

Wrapping and tagging rules

Good wrapping is half the fun in a stealing swap. Ask guests to use paper or a bag that hides the shape, and avoid clear wrap. Put a small number sticker on the outside only if you want to track gifts. If you run a secret swap, tag each ornament with the receiver's first name and keep the sender's name inside the card. Ask people not to shake, squeeze or open gifts before their turn, since ornaments are fragile and a dropped one is a sad moment for everyone.

Decide ahead whether a person who steals can also swap back right away. Most groups say no, because it creates endless loops. A final swap round, where the first player may trade with anyone, is a nice way to end.

Hosting tips

For more variations see white elephant variations and how to host a white elephant party.

• Plan about 90 minutes for a group of 12 to 16 people.
• Put a tree or a table in the middle where ornaments can be displayed after the swap.
• Serve light snacks and hot drinks.
• Add a photo with each person and their new ornament.
• Start the stealing game after everyone has had food and a chance to chat.