Secret Santa Party Games and Gift Swap Ideas
Secret Santa is more fun when the reveal is part of the entertainment. Here are easy games to run alongside your gift exchange, so the party has laughs from the first name drawn to the last gift unwrapped.
Fun ways to reveal your Secret Santa
- Guess who first: before opening a gift, let the group guess who gave it, with a point for each correct guess.
- Clue giving: Santas write three clues and read them aloud, one at a time, while the receiver guesses.
- Gift and a rhyme: each giver reads a short poem or riddle with the gift.
- Reverse reveal: the receiver opens the gift, then everyone votes on who they think gave it.
- Santa scoreboard: keep a running tally of who guessed their Santa right.
Games to play while people open gifts
- Christmas Family Feud style survey game: our Gift Exchange and Secret Santa Feud has questions about gifts, wrapping and giving, and each round has six ranked answers with points ready.
- Left right gift exchange: pass gifts as a story is read and keep whatever you hold at the end.
- Christmas trivia during unwrapping breaks keeps the energy up between turns.
- White elephant rules: set how many times a gift can be stolen, usually two or three, to keep the game fair.
Rules that keep a gift exchange smooth
Set a clear budget, share it in writing, and draw names early so there is time to shop. Ask people to note allergies or hobbies and allow a small wishlist. For workplaces, keep gifts light and avoid anything personal.
Our Christmas Feud games have 50 rounds each with answers and points ready, a Host Guide with the answer key and a printable score sheet. No sign-up needed.
See all Christmas party gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Secret Santa and white elephant?
In Secret Santa, each person gives to one assigned person. In white elephant, gifts are anonymous and players can choose or steal.
How many people do you need for white elephant?
At least six, and the game works well with twelve to thirty.