Secret Santa
Everyone draws a name and buys one gift for that person, keeping their identity secret. Best for: offices, families and friends who want a simple, low-cost exchange. Add wishlists, and nobody has to guess. See the Secret Santa rules and use the free generator.
Kris Kringle
In some countries, including Australia and New Zealand, a Secret Santa style exchange is called a Kris Kringle. The format and the rules are the same: draw a name, buy a gift, and keep it secret until the exchange. Our Secret Santa tools work for it too.
White elephant
Everyone brings one wrapped gift, and players take turns opening a gift or stealing one that is already open. Best for: larger groups and parties where you want laughs and a bit of friendly rivalry. Read the white elephant rules and shuffle the turn order with the number generator.
Yankee swap
A close relative of white elephant. The name and the rules vary by region and family, but it is a wrapped-gift game with stealing. Check the rules with your group before you start. The white elephant guide above covers the common variations.
Book exchange
Everyone wraps a book they love, and the group swaps in turns, by drawing or stealing. Best for: book clubs and friends who enjoy reading. Add a note inside the cover to explain why you picked it.
Wishlist exchange
Everyone makes a wishlist and shares the link, and each person buys a gift from someone's list. Because friends claim items in secret, nobody buys the same thing twice. Best for: families and groups spread across towns or countries. You can make a Christmas wishlist in a few minutes.
How to choose
- Want the lowest effort? Secret Santa.
- Want a lively party game? White elephant or Yankee swap.
- Want everyone to get something they chose? A wishlist exchange, or Secret Santa with wishlists.
- Group far apart? Secret Santa or a wishlist exchange, with a shipping deadline.