It’s never too early to plan a holiday gathering—and for many fun-loving groups, a holiday office gift exchange is a highlight. Here are some ideas for making spirits bright with extra-special office gift exchange ideas.

Shake Up the Office Holiday Gift Exchange

“Secret Santa” is fun, but it may be time to add something new to your holiday office games repertoire. Whether you are celebrating virtually, in-person, or a mix of both, party on with these four office gift exchange ideas that can keep things lively.

Roll The Dice Holiday Gift Exchange

Have everyone bring a wrapped gift under $20. As people arrive, they take a gift and each person rolls a die. You can make a chart such as:

1 – Unwrap your gift

2 – Trade gifts with the person across from you

3 – Trade your gift with the person to your left

4 – Trade your gift with the person to your right

5 – Trade your gift with a person of your choice

6 – Unwrap your gift

Wacky Office Supply Exchange

If your office is known for its zany culture, you can emphasize the fun with an exchange of desk decor or other office supplies that can make the January workdays a little brighter.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Exchange

While the “Ugly Christmas” sweater trend has peaked a bit, you can keep it fresh and fun by making it part of the exchange. Everyone swaps ugly Christmas sweaters and receivers try to guess whom it came from. The bonus is that if you are invited to a traditional ugly Christmas sweater party thrown by family or neighbors, you’ll have something new to wear in the photos that are sure to circulate on social media.

Office Holiday Good Deed Exchange

What better way to spread goodwill than to have a good deed exchange? You can draw names and do something thoughtful for that person the week before the event, whether it’s bringing in a special coffee in the morning or taking a dreaded task off their plate.

Or, you can request that instead of a tangible gift, everyone makes a small donation to their favorite charity. At the holiday office party, you can have the big reveal for which nonprofits will be receiving holiday gifts from your staff, and it can also let you get to know coworkers a little better through their causes.

The Best Office Christmas Gifts

While it can be fun to celebrate among the team with a holiday gift exchange, you might want to get something extra special for your staff, too.

A fantastic gift can be a new coffee mug, complete with a selection of gourmet flavors and tasty creamers. If you’d rather let your employees choose their own present, gift cards to a favorite store or restaurant are always appreciated.

Or consider the absolute best office Christmas gift—the gift of time. Consider offering your team the afternoon or day off so they can knock a few things off their own lists.

How’s that for a holiday office gift idea everyone is sure to love?

About the Author 

Cathie Ericson is a freelance writer who specializes in small business, finance, and real estate.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.