4 Office Gift Exchange Ideas and Activities

Forest Decor

Corporate gifts are an excellent way to foster camaraderie, boost team morale, and celebrate the holiday season or special occasions. Whether you’re part of a small startup or a large corporation, the right gift exchange activities can make your office environment more enjoyable and engaging. To inspire you, here are nine fun and creative office gift exchange ideas and activities that everyone will love.

1. Secret Santa

Secret Santa is a classic gift exchange activity that’s simple yet exciting. Each participant draws a name from a hat (or uses a digital generator) and buys a gift for that person, keeping their identity a secret until the exchange.

How it works:

Set a budget to keep spending fair.
Provide a short wish list or hints to guide gift-givers.
Reveal the Secret Santa during the exchange.

Why it works: It’s fun to guess who your Secret Santa is, and the mystery adds an element of surprise. This activity also fosters personalized gifting, showing thoughtfulness.

2. White Elephant Exchange

The White Elephant gift exchange is perfect for offices with a playful sense of humor. In this activity, participants bring quirky, funny, or practical gifts, and everyone gets a chance to choose or "steal" gifts.

How it works:

Set a price range for gifts.
Participants draw numbers to determine the order of choosing gifts.
Each person can either pick a wrapped gift or steal an unwrapped gift from someone else.

Why it works: This activity sparks laughter and creates a lively atmosphere. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase creativity and humor in corporate gifts.

3. DIY Gift Exchange

A DIY gift exchange encourages employees to showcase their creative side by making handmade gifts. From baked goods to handcrafted items, these gifts often carry a personal touch that’s deeply appreciated.

How it works:

Decide on a theme, such as food, crafts, or art.
Provide guidelines for time and effort to keep it manageable.
Exchange the gifts during a casual office gathering.

Why it works: This idea promotes thoughtfulness and effort, showing genuine care for colleagues. It also encourages team members to discover new skills and hobbies.

4. Charity Gift Swap

Turn your office gift exchange into a meaningful event by incorporating a charitable element. Instead of exchanging gifts among employees, donate items or money to a chosen charity.

How it works:

Select a charity or cause as a team.
Set a budget and purchase items the charity needs, or collect monetary contributions.
Celebrate the collective impact during an office event.

Why it works: This activity highlights corporate social responsibility and unites the team in a shared purpose. It’s also a great way to give back to the community.