Exciting Gift Exchange Ideas You Must Try at The Office

Can you believe we’re nearing the end of 2024 already? The end of the year is usually the perfect time to gather with coworkers. Besides celebrating annual work achievements, this time can also be a great opportunity to have some fun. One tradition that’s always a part of office gatherings is the gift exchange! Not only is it a blast, but it’s also a way to share joy, and create togetherness and sweet memories with your colleagues.

To make your gift exchange even more fun, you should try out these exciting gift exchange ideas. Check out some games and gift ideas that are perfect for your event. Plus, we’ll give you some cool gift recommendations!

Gift Exchange Tradition

Before we dive into the fun ideas, let’s take a quick look at the history of gift exchange. Did you know that the tradition of gift exchanging dates back to ancient times? For example, important celebrations like the Festival of Saturnalia (honoring the god Saturn) in Ancient Rome, and Yule or Yule Gift celebrations by the German and Viking communities in the Middle Ages.

This tradition later spread to Europe and America. In Europe, gift exchange became known as “Secret Santa” during Christmas celebrations. Meanwhile, in America, it’s known as the “White Elephant Gift Exchange” during Christmas or New Year’s.

So, gift exchange isn’t a new trend, folks! People have been doing this for ages to strengthen social bonds and express love and care.

Exciting Gift Exchange Ideas at The Office

In addition to year-end moments, gift exchange traditions are usually done at various events, such as office anniversaries, gatherings, team-building, Christmas celebrations, New Year, or other festivities. Besides adding fun to the workplace, office gift exchanges help strengthen employee relationships, make the office atmosphere more lively, and boost creativity.

Here are some exciting gift exchange ideas you must try at the office!

1. Treasure Hunt

You can try a treasure hunt game. Gather all your coworkers in one room, then give them clues like maps, puzzles, or other hints to find the gifts hidden around the room.

Before starting, you can draw lots to determine which gift each person will take. Try to avoid people grabbing their own gifts. It’ll be a blast watching everyone race to find their gifts!

2. Secret Santa

The classic Secret Santa game has become a popular tradition. It’s simple. Create a draw with everyone’s names. Each person picks a name randomly, and that’s who they’ll give a gift to. The recipient won’t know who gave them the gift. It’s a secret! Since each participant knows who they’re giving to, they can prepare a gift that suits the person best.

To make it even more exciting, you can add a game or twist to the gift exchange. For example, give fun clues or codes on the gift that hint at who the Secret Santa is. The recipient will then have to guess who their Secret Santa is. If they guess wrong, give them a lighthearted punishment, like performing a funny act, singing, or sharing a funny work story. It’ll be exciting!

3. White Elephant

This gift exchange idea is both thrilling and fun! Participants can "steal" gifts that have already been taken by others. How does it work?

Gather the gifts and decide the order in which people will choose them. The first person picks a gift and opens it. The second person can either "steal" the first person’s gift or pick a new one. If they take the first person’s gift, the first person can choose another gift. If they pick a new one, they must open it immediately. The process continues with each participant having the same options.

This game is unique because of the element of surprise, strategies for picking gifts, and it’s even more fun if the gifts are quirky or unexpected. This type of gift exchange will definitely have everyone laughing! You’ve got to try it.

4. Gift Draw with Challenges

This is a simple and easy way to exchange gifts. Create a draw with rolled-up pieces of paper. To add more fun and excitement, don’t just include numbers for choosing gifts, but add challenges too. Each participant picks a paper and completes the challenge before exchanging their gift. For example, exchange gifts with a female colleague with short hair, then dance together.

Tailor the challenges to your office environment. The challenges combined with the gift exchange will definitely make the event even more exciting!

Gift Exchange Recommendations

When there’s a gift exchange at the office, it’s easy to get stuck on what to bring, right? Some gift exchange methods are random, while others are drawn and participants already know who their recipient is. If the recipient is predetermined, like in the Secret Santa game above, you can prepare a gift that suits them. Just make sure it fits the agreed-upon budget.

Here are some recommendations for exciting gift exchange at the office!

• Custom Merchandise

  Merchandise can be a great gift idea. Mugs, tumblers, tote bags, t-shirts, etc. If you already know the recipient, you can even order personalized custom merchandise. It could be their favorite band’s merchandise, a football club shirt, or a special mug with their name on it.

• Gadgets

  Everyone uses gadgets. You can give gadget accessories like bluetooth earphones, power banks, mini speakers, USB flash drives, etc.

• Books

  Books are also an interesting gift idea. If you know who the recipient is, you can give them a book in their favorite genre. If not, give a book that can be enjoyed by anyone, like an inspiring story or motivational book.

• Office Supplies

  For coworkers, functional office supplies make great gifts. Examples include lanyards, laptop bags, stationery, desk organizers, etc.

• Eco-Friendly Products

  Eco-friendly products are also a fantastic option for gift exchanges. Many office workers today care about the environment. You can give items like stainless steel utensils, lunch boxes, or eco-friendly shopping bags.

• Perfume

  Perfume is a cool gift idea because it enhances personal style. Choose a scent that’s neutral, fresh, and light, like floral, citrusy, or woody fragrances that are suitable for work.

Exciting Gift Exchange with Custom Merchandise from EastPro

With the above ideas, gift exchange at the office is bound to be a hit. Give it a try! A gift exchange for your year-end event or office anniversary will leave everyone impressed.

As for the gifts, you can choose custom merchandise from EastPro! EastPro is the best event organizer in Jakarta with experience as merchandise vendor. EastPro offers a range of merchandise like tumblers, t-shirts, mugs, and more that can be customized to suit your needs. Not only for gift exchanges, but EastPro merchandise is also perfect for employee gifts, event merchandise, or corporate souvenirs.

Want to make your gift exchange even more fun and special? Collaborate with EastPro and create a memorable and unforgettable gift exchange event!