The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to spread some cheer! If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to gather friends and family, an ornament exchange party could be the perfect solution. It mixes creativity with a sprinkle of friendly competition, making it a delightful way to celebrate.
An ornament exchange is not just about swapping baubles; it’s about creating memories, sharing laughs, and sharing Christmas decorations that can be enjoyed for years to come! From setting up some playful rules to choosing different games, there’s plenty to consider to make your event unforgettable.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to throw an amazing Christmas ornament exchange party—from the basics of what an exchange entails to fun themes and games that will keep everyone engaged. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and let’s dive into the jolly world of ornament swapping!
What is an Ornament Exchange?
An ornament exchange is a fun activity at a holiday gathering, where guests bring an ornament to swap with others. This event adds a personal touch to holiday decorating, as each ornament is thoughtfully selected. Depending on the way you set up your ornament exchange, participants might wrap their ornaments, adding a fun element of surprise where ornaments are selected at random.
Ornament exchanges are ideal for office holiday parties, community or church celebrations, and even larger family gatherings. It’s a fun activity that gets everyone in the Christmas spirit!
To keep things light and manageable, it’s important to set a budget for those wanting to participate. After all, we don’t want our event to mimic that one episode from “The Office”. When set up right, this fun and engaging activity not only brightens the holiday season but also brings people closer, celebrating the joy of giving and receiving.
Setting Rules and Price Limits
Planning an ornament exchange party? Setting clear rules and a budget is key to a fun and fair experience. Start by having everyone agree on a price range; this way, everyone is comfortable with what they spend. An ornament exchange budget typically falls between $5 and $20.
Here’s how you can establish a budget:
- Vote on a Price Range: Get input from all participants and decide between the commonly suggested budget range.
- Communicate Clearly: Once a budget is set, ensure everyone is aware, so there are no surprises.
- Stick to the Budget: Encourage creativity within the budget, whether opting for handmade ornaments or shopping for a bargain.
Setting these guidelines will not only simplify shopping but also ensure no one feels pressured financially, keeping the focus on holiday fun and creativity. Whether it’s a funny ornament or a vintage ornament with a story, knowing the limits helps everyone enjoy this festive tradition.
Christmas Gift Exchange Games
Get ready to spice up your holiday festivities with some classic Christmas gift exchange games! From Secret Santa to the White Elephant Game, these games add a layer of fun and surprise to your holiday gatherings. Ensure everyone leaves with a smile and perhaps an unexpectedly delightful ornament.
Tree Selection Method
The Tree Selection Method creates a whimsical atmosphere by letting participants choose their gifts from a “gift tree.” Everyone brings an unwrapped ornament and places it somewhere on the tree when they arrive to the party. Participants will draw numbers to determine the order in which people will choose an ornament off the tree.
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a staple of holiday gift exchanges. Each participant is assigned another person to secretly buy a gift for, sticking within an agreed-upon budget. To put a twist on it, focus on themes like “funny ornaments” or “handmade ornaments” using items that reflect personal connections or inside jokes, ensuring it’s a standout in their ornament collection.
White Elephant Game
The White Elephant Game is all about quirky and often funny ornaments. Participants bring wrapped gifts and take turns picking and unwrapping them. However, you can “steal” a gift someone else has already unwrapped, which always brings a ton of laughter. This game is perfect for showcasing your silliest ornament ideas, creating memories that friends and family will talk about until the next holiday party.
Left Right Game
The Left Right Game is a unique twist on a traditional gift exchange. Guests form a circle, each holding their nicely wrapped ornaments. A host reads a special holiday story where the word “left” or “right” cues participants to pass the gift in that direction. It’s a hilarious scramble ensuring everyone ends up holding a different ornament gift by the story’s end. Check out all of our Christmas Left Right stories on Etsy!
Festive Themes for your Ornament Exchange
Welcome to the sparkling world of ornament exchanges! Hosting an ornament exchange party can be a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones. Whether your crew loves a bit of humor, treasures crafty creations, or appreciates the charm of the past, there’s a theme for every taste. Let’s explore some fun and festive ideas to make your ornament exchange a memorable affair!
Silly Ornaments
Why not bring a touch of laughter to the festivities with silly ornaments? Encourage guests to find or create the silliest ornament they can imagine. From Santa Clause riding a T-Rex, to a dazzling Diet Coke Can, the options are endless. These quirky decorations are sure to be conversation starters and bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Handmade Ornaments
Handmade ornaments offer a personal touch and are perfect for those who love DIY projects. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted ornament from a renowned ornament designer or something homemade, the creativity is inspiring. Encourage your guests to showcase their artistic sides with materials like felt, pinecones, or even upcycled items. This theme is not only fun but also allows everyone to cherish a unique ornament collection.
You don’t need to be an expert crafter to make a fun and truly unique ornament. Here are some fun handmade ornament ideas to anyone can make, including the kids!
- Glittering Pine Cones: You can either hunt for pine cones at your local park or visit a craft store to buy some. Add glue to every pine cone tip, then roll them in gold, silver, or even rainbow glitter. Leave them to dry, then add ribbon for hanging.
- Painted Baubles: This easy ornament utilizes an existing ornament, making it a super simple craft. Simply paint whatever you’d like, such as peppermint, snowman face, or a snowflake on your ornament and let it dry.
- Beaded Pipe Cleaners: Little ones will have lots of fun threading beads onto fuzzy pipe cleaners and shaping them into wreaths or candy canes. Add a bow or ribbon to the top and you’re all done!
Vintage Ornaments
Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with vintage ornaments. There’s something magical about thrifting for old-school decorations that remind us of holidays past. Encourage everyone to bring ornaments with a history or a story. Whether it’s a thrifted ornament or an antique bauble handed down through generations, these treasures add warmth and tradition to any holiday party.
Capture the Memories: Take Photos and Share
Capture the memories of your ornament exchange by having every participant take a picture with the ornament they received. This simple step adds a fun twist to your ornament exchange party and creates a memorable keepsake of the event. Photos can become a cherished part of any ornament collection, reminding everyone of the good times and the unique pieces they exchanged.
Encourage everyone to share their photos on social media or in a family group chat. This not only spreads the holiday cheer but also lets everyone see the different handmade ornaments and funny ornaments exchanged at the party. Plus, capturing smiles and laughter with each beautiful holiday ornament can make the event feel even more special.
Taking and sharing these photos allows everyone to relive the fun of your annual ornament exchange long after the party ends. It’s a simple and effective way to keep the holiday spirit alive!
