Christmas is a time for fun, laughter, and sharing moments with the people we love.
One of the best ways to bring everyone together is by playing Christmas games with gifts.
These games make parties more exciting because no one knows what surprise they will end up with. Kids, teens, and adults can all join in.
The rules are usually simple, and every game brings lots of smiles. Whether you want something silly, fast, or family-friendly, these games help create warm holiday memories that last long after the gifts are opened.
Below is a playful collection of Christmas games that use gifts in fun and creative ways.
Each game is easy to understand and perfect for groups of all sizes.
Get ready for surprises, laughter, and holiday joy as you explore this list and choose your favorites for your next celebration.
White Elephant Gift Exchange
A silly and fun game where everyone brings a wrapped gift and takes turns choosing or stealing presents. Lots of laughs and surprises happen as gifts move around.
Perfect for: Adults, coworkers, large groups
Gift Idea: Funny mugs, quirky gadgets, novelty socks
This game works well when you want lots of laughs. Everyone brings a wrapped gift and places it in the center.
Players take turns picking a gift or stealing one that someone has already opened. The gifts move quickly, and people react in funny ways.
No one knows what they will end up with. The surprise and silliness make the whole group enjoy every round.
Left-Right Christmas Story Game
Players sit in a circle and pass gifts left or right while listening to a funny story. Every time they hear “left” or “right,” they pass the gift again.
Perfect For: Families, kids, mixed-age groups
Gift Idea: Candies, mini puzzles, ornaments
A group sits in a circle with small wrapped gifts. Someone reads a short story filled with the words “left” and “right.”
Each time one of those words is heard, everyone passes their gift in that direction. The passing gets fast and confusing in a fun way.
People laugh as they try to keep up with the story. When it ends, each person keeps the gift they are holding.
Christmas Gift Dice Game
Everyone rolls a dice and follows simple actions like “swap a gift” or “take a gift.” The game is quick, playful, and great for getting everyone excited.
Perfect For: All ages
Gift Idea: Board games, snacks, cozy socks.
Players take turns rolling a dice and doing whatever action the number tells them to do.
Some turns let you swap gifts, while others let you pick a new one. The rules stay simple, so everyone can join in fast.
People laugh as gifts move around the group. The pace feels lively, and no one knows what they will end up with until the final round.
Secret Santa
Everyone secretly draws a name and buys a small gift for that person. It’s a fun way to share surprises and kindness without anyone knowing the giver.
Perfect For: Coworkers, friends
Gift Idea: Personalized items, gift cards, hobby-based items.
A group writes down names and draws one secretly. Each person buys a small gift for the name they picked.
No one reveals who they got, which makes the whole activity feel full of mystery. On the gift day, everyone opens their surprise and tries to guess the giver.
It brings kind moments, warm smiles, and a fun sense of connection.
Saran Wrap Ball Game
A huge ball of plastic wrap holds many tiny prizes. Players unwrap it as fast as they can while the next person rolls the dice, making it exciting and silly.
Perfect For: Kids, teens, families
Gift Idea: Candies, lip balm, stickers, tiny toys.
A giant ball made of plastic wrap is packed with tiny prizes inside each layer.
One player unwraps as quickly as possible while the next person rolls a dice. When the dice show a certain number, the ball gets passed along.
The unwrapping becomes wild and funny as people race to grab the hidden treats. Kids and adults enjoy the frantic pace and silly moments.
Musical Gifts (Like Musical Chairs!)
Players pass a wrapped gift around while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding it unwraps a layer or wins a small surprise inside.
Perfect For: Kids, parties with music lovers
Gift Idea: Small toys, books, stationery.
A wrapped gift is passed from player to player while music plays. Everyone moves it quickly, trying not to be the one holding it when the song stops.
As soon as the music ends, the person with the gift unwraps one layer or finds a small surprise hidden inside.
The tension and laughter build with every round. It’s playful, simple, and perfect for groups that enjoy music.
Stack the Gifts Challenge
Players race to stack wrapped gifts as high as they can without tipping them over. It’s fast, competitive, and usually ends with lots of wobbling and laughter.
Perfect For: Competitive folks
Gift Idea: Let the winner keep one wrapped gift at the top!
Players try to build the tallest tower using wrapped gifts of all shapes and sizes. The stack grows fast, and it becomes harder to keep it steady.
People cheer as each gift wobbles or almost falls. The challenge feels exciting because anything can topple at any moment.
When the tower finally tips, everyone bursts into laughter. It’s a short, silly game that brings out friendly competition.
Guess The Gift
Everyone shakes, feels, or listens to a wrapped present and tries to guess what’s inside. It’s a simple game that brings lots of curiosity and funny guesses.
Perfect For: Close family/friends
Gift Idea: Anything with a distinct shape or sound – candies, mugs, ornaments.
Each person picks up a wrapped present and examines it carefully. They shake it, feel its weight, or listen to any sounds inside.
The fun comes from trying to guess what the mystery item could be. Some guesses are spot-on, while others are wildly wrong and make the group laugh.
It’s a light and simple activity that works well with close friends or family.
Freeze Gift Tag
Kids run around playing tag, but they must freeze when the music stops. The tagged or frozen player gets a small gift, making the game active and exciting.
Perfect For: Energetic kids
Gift Idea: Mini puzzles, fidget toys, crayons.
Kids run, dodge, and chase each other just like in a regular tag game. Music plays in the background, and everyone must freeze the moment it stops.
Anyone who gets tagged or caught frozen earns a small gift or prize. The mix of music and movement keeps the game exciting.
It’s energetic, simple to set up, and fun for groups that love action.
Candy Cane Hook Game
Players try to hook candy canes using only another candy cane. It turns into a funny race to see who can grab the most treats the fastest.
Perfect For: Kids, teens
Gift Idea: Candy canes (duh), sweets, holiday stickers.
Players use one candy cane to pick up as many other candy canes as they can.
No hands allowed once the hooking starts, which makes the game both silly and challenging.
The candies slip, twist, and fall, causing lots of laughter. Everyone races to collect the most before time runs out.
It’s perfect for kids and teens who enjoy quick, playful competitions.
Ornament Hot Potato
Everyone passes a holiday ornament around while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding it wins a small gift or opens a surprise.
Perfect For: All ages
Gift Idea: Festive mugs, cocoa kits, ornaments.
A holiday ornament is passed around the circle while music plays. The pace gets faster as everyone tries not to be the one holding it when the song stops.
When the music goes silent, the person with the ornament gets a small prize or opens a gift.
The tension builds every round, and the group cheers with each stop. It’s an easy, cheerful game for any age.
Minute to Win It Gift Games
Players complete quick, silly challenges in under a minute to earn or swap gifts. It’s energetic, competitive, and perfect for groups who love fast-paced fun.
Perfect For: Teens, coworkers
Gift Idea: Gift cards, small electronics, games.
Players try to finish small challenges in sixty seconds or less. Each task is fast, funny, and sometimes a little chaotic.
When someone completes a challenge, they earn a gift or get the chance to swap with another player. The pressure of the timer makes every round exciting.
These mini-games work well for groups that enjoy loud cheering and quick action.
Gift Guess Who?
Players try to match each wrapped gift to the person who brought it. Everyone makes guesses, shares clues, and laughs when the answers are finally revealed.
Perfect For: Family
Gift Idea: Personalized, thoughtful gifts.
A group places all the wrapped gifts on a table. Players look at each gift and try to guess who brought it based on size, shape, or wrapping style.
People give hints or playful clues, which makes the game more fun. The final reveal brings big reactions and lots of laughter.
It’s a warm, personal game that works best with families or close friends.
Christmas Gift Relay Race
Teams race back and forth carrying wrapped gifts without dropping them. It’s fast, silly, and gets everyone cheering as they try to finish first.
Perfect For: Energetic groups
Gift Idea: Lightweight wrapped items, such as scarves and socks.
Teams line up and take turns carrying a wrapped gift from one point to another. The trick is to move quickly without dropping it.
Each handoff adds tension and excitement as the race continues. Players cheer loudly for their teammates, and the energy stays high from start to finish.
It’s simple to set up and perfect for lively holiday groups.
Naughty or Nice Game
Kids draw cards that say “naughty” or “nice,” then follow the fun action or earn a small gift. It’s simple, playful, and full of surprises.
Perfect For: Kids
Gift Idea: Chocolate bars, coloring books.
Kids pick a card from a small stack, and each card tells them what to do.
A “nice” card may reward them with a tiny gift, while a “naughty” card might ask them to do a silly action.
The suspense makes everyone excited to see what comes next. It’s easy to play, quick to learn, and full of funny moments that keep the group entertained.
Roll a Santa Gift Swap
Players roll a die to see what action they take, like swap, steal, or unwrap a gift. It keeps everyone guessing and makes the whole party lively.
Perfect For: Office parties
Gift Idea: Office gadgets, coffee gift sets.
Players sit in a circle with wrapped gifts in the center. On each turn, someone rolls a die and follows the action shown on the number.
They might swap gifts, steal one, or even open a present right away. Because the rules change every turn, no one ever feels safe with their gift.
The surprise and movement make the whole party feel lively and fun.
Time Bomb Gift Game
A wrapped gift is passed around while a timer ticks. When it goes off, the person holding it opens the prize. It’s tense, funny, and super quick.
Perfect For: Teens, partygoers
Gift Idea: Flashlights, mini speakers, beanies.
A wrapped gift gets passed around while a timer quietly counts down. Players move it quickly, hoping it won’t stop on their turn.
When the timer suddenly goes off, the person holding the gift opens it. The mix of tension and laughter makes each round all the more exciting.
It’s a short, simple game that works well for parties with fast energy.
Wrap It Blindfolded
Players try to wrap a gift while blindfolded, and the results are usually hilarious. The neatest or funniest wrap job wins a small surprise.
Perfect For: Creative types
Gift Idea: Wrapping kit + mystery gift for the winner.
Players put on a blindfold and try to wrap a gift using only their sense of touch.
Tape sticks everywhere, paper slips around, and the results can look very funny. People cheer as each person struggles to fold and tape their wrapping.
When everyone is done, the group picks the neatest or silliest wrap job. The winner gets a small prize, and everyone enjoys the laughter.
Gift Charades
Players act out a gift without speaking, and others try to guess what it is. The correct guesser wins the gift being mimed. It’s silly and easy for everyone.
Perfect For: All ages
Gift Idea: The gift being mimed – like books, socks, or a toy.
A wrapped gift is chosen, and one player silently acts out what the item might be.
No talking or sound is allowed, which makes the clues even funnier. The other players guess as quickly as they can. The first correct guesser wins the gift.
People love the mix of movement, guessing, and silly acting. It’s simple, active, and great for any age group.
Christmas Bingo with Gifts
Everyone plays a holiday-themed bingo card, marking items as they’re called out. Winners pick a wrapped gift or small prize. It’s great for big groups and super cheerful.
Perfect For: Large groups
Gift Idea: Christmas candles, ornaments, and snacks.
Each player gets a festive bingo card filled with holiday words or pictures. As items are called out, everyone marks their cards and waits for a row to fill.
When someone gets bingo, they pick a wrapped gift or a small prize from the table.
The game moves quickly and keeps the whole group involved. It’s cheerful, easy to set up, and perfect for large gatherings.
Conclusion
Christmas becomes even more special when everyone comes together to play, laugh, and share surprises.
These Christmas games with gifts turn any gathering into a fun and memorable moment.
The rules stay easy, the energy stays high, and every player gets to feel included. Whether the gifts are silly, sweet, or meaningful, the joy they create matters most.
Try a few of these games at your next holiday party and watch the room fill with smiles, teamwork, and happy memories that last long after the season ends.
Engage With Us
Did you try any of these Christmas games with gifts at your party? Which ones made everyone laugh the most?
Share your stories, game ideas, or fun twists you added. Your experiences can inspire others and help make their holiday gatherings even better.
Drop a comment, ask a question, or join the conversation – we’re excited to celebrate the joy of Christmas games with you!
