7 Creative Gift Exchange Ideas for The Holiday Season

Traditionally, gift-giving holidays encourage us to get gifts for everyone in our circle and receive gifts in exchange. But if money is tight or you just want to practice a bit of deconsumption, there are fun alternatives that spark creativity and thoughtfulness, and save you some cash, too. Here are some ideas to get you started:

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Experience Exchange

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Instead of buying individual gifts, pool your resources for a shared experience everyone can enjoy together. Each person chips in an equal amount to fund something special — like a night at the theater, hiring a caterer for a fancy dinner party, booking an escape room, renting a cabin for the weekend, or attending a concert. You'll create memories as a group and skip the gift-giving stress entirely.

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Also read: 10 Ideas for Giftable Experiences

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Cookie Exchange

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If you are a group of baking enthusiasts, gather everyone for a cookie exchange. Each person bakes one type of cookie and makes enough to share with everyone. By the end of the night, you'll go home with a variety of treats without having to spend hours making them all yourself.

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Not up for baking? Try a recipe jar exchange instead. Layer the dry ingredients for your favorite recipe in a mason jar, attach the instructions, and tie it with a ribbon. Your friends get to take home a homemade gift they can prepare whenever they want.

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Also read: The Art of Sustainable Gifting (+300 Gift Ideas)

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Handmade Gift Exchange

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Each person makes one gift using their own skills and creativity — from sugar scrubs to knitted scarves to baked treats. Set a budget or time limit to keep things fair, then draw names or swap randomly. You'll walk away with something truly one-of-a-kind that someone put thought and effort into making just for you.

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Also read: 4 Ways to Reduce Holiday Returns with Sustainable Gift Giving

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Secondhand Gift Exchange

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Each person brings one gently used item they already own — something they've loved but are ready to pass on. Set a category or theme (like home décor, books, or fashion) and a rough value guideline to keep things fair. Everyone leaves with something "new to them" without spending a dime. It's a great way to declutter, share things you care about, and give your belongings a second life.

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Book Exchange

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Perfect for book lovers who want to share their favorites without buying new ones. Each person brings a beloved book from their own shelf — something they've read and want to pass along. Everyone swaps, and you'll go home with a new read and a personal recommendation from someone in your group.

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‘Give Back’ Party

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Skip the stress of buying for everyone and gather your group for a give-back party instead. Pool your funds together to support a cause you care about, or adopt a family in need and help make their season special. You can also organize a donation drive — ask everyone to bring items like toys, warm clothing, or non-perishables to donate to a local shelter or food bank. You'll leave feeling grateful for what you have and good about the difference you're making together.

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Ornament Exchange

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Each person brings one ornament that represents who they are — something meaningful, not necessarily new, and perfect for the Christmas season. You can thrift a vintage find, make something by hand, or pass along an ornament that holds a story. The host sets the rules: draw numbers, swap based on birthdays, or simply pass the gifts to your left or right. Everyone goes home with a meaningful ornament that reminds them of someone they care about — without the price tag or waste of buying for the whole group.

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If gift exchanges feel overwhelming or aren't right for your group, start small. Ask everyone to buy just one gift instead of something for everyone. Choose gifts from sustainable brands. Then use any of the creative exchange methods below to distribute them:

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Secret Santa

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Draw names before the party so everyone buys for just one person, then let recipients guess who their gift is from as they unwrap.

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Trivia

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Answer a trivia question correctly to earn your turn picking a gift from the pile.

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Yankee Swap

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Players pick gifts in number order, and each person can either choose a new gift from the pile or steal one that's already been opened.

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Musical Gifts

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Pass a wrapped gift around the circle while music plays, and whoever's holding it when the music stops gets to keep it.

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Spin the Candy Cane

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Spin a candy cane to see who you'll swap gifts with, and everyone gets at least one turn.

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The Dice Game

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Roll a die to determine your action: switch with your neighbor, unwrap a new gift, or steal someone else's. Keep rolling until everyone has a gift.

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White Elephant

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Everyone brings a wrapped gift, then takes turns picking from the pile or stealing an already-opened gift — with a twist on the rules each host decides.

Check out our guide on 20 Unique White Elephant Gifts

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