It’s time to draw names for Christmas and let the shopping begin!

Our family started drawing names for Christmas about 10 years ago when our Christmas lists were getting too long! 3 brothers, 1 sister, 3 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law, 6 nieces and nephews…not to mention parents, in-laws, our immediate family, plus teachers!

Over the years, we’ve had all sorts of variations on name drawing for Christmas, from traditional name drawing to gift exchange games. Why not try one of these methods this year to stretch your Christmas budget?

1. Traditional Name Drawing – everyone draws 1 name, a dollar limit is set, gifts are exchanged.
2. Kids-only gift exchange – One of the parents is in charge of matching the children taking into account gender and age. For example, my 17-year-old son was matched with his 19-year-old cousin…they bought gifts for each other; my 12 year old daughter was matched with her 15 year old cousin…they bought gifts for each other. We set a limit of $20 and required children to make purchases. You can also consider having the children spend their own money on the gift.
3. Christmas Gift Exchange Game – Gift Stealing – This is a very entertaining way to exchange gifts IF everyone is going to be together on Christmas day, IF everyone is over 12 years old and IF you have at least 8 girls and 8 boys. See instructions below.
4. Christmas Gift Exchange Game – Left/Right Christmas Story – If you Google “Christmas stories from left to right”, you will discover all kinds of variations. This game will work best IF everyone is going to be together on Christmas day, IF everyone is over 12, and IF you have at least 8 girls and 8 boys. See instructions below.
5. a family in charge – If you’re stuck and looking for some variety in your family gift exchange, why doesn’t each family take a turn being “in charge” and choosing the name draw method or game for the year?

Gift Stealing Game Instructions:

1. Set a dollar limit for gifts.
2. I don’t recommend this game for children under 12 years old as they get upset when they don’t get their favorite gift!
3. I suggest dividing into 2 groups: girls guys.
4. The girls sit in a circle and place their wrapped gift in the center.
5. The boys form a separate circle and place their wrapped gift in the center.
6. Each person in the circle draws a number, example: if there are 8 people in the circle, draw 8 numbers.
7. The person who draws #1 chooses a gift from the center and opens it.
8. The person who drew number 2 can then “steal” the gift from number 1 or open a gift from the center.
9. Continue taking turns, #3, #4 and so on.
10. Steal Gifts: When it’s your turn, you can steal a gift that has already been opened or open a new one. If a gift is stolen from you, you must either steal it from someone else or open a new gift before it is the next person’s turn. You can’t immediately steal a gift! For example; I stole your gift, but you can’t get it back right away!
11. Once a gift has been stolen 3 times, that’s it! The person who steals it the third time keeps it! Remember: 3 Robs and Sealed!
12. Continue taking turns until all the presents have been opened.
13. Note: Our extended family took a cruise one Christmas and we played the gift stealing game on Christmas day with small $10 gifts…kids and adults really enjoyed this game!

Left / Right Christmas Story Game Directions:

1. Set a dollar limit for gifts.
2. I don’t recommend this game for children under 12 years old as they get upset when they don’t get their favorite gift!
3. Make 2 circles… girls and boys.
4. Everyone sits in a circle holding the wrapped gift they brought.
5. Choose someone to read the story who is not in the game.
6. Every time the word “left” is read…everyone passes their gift to the left.
7. Every time the word “correct” is read…everyone passes their gift to the right.
8. When the story ends, everyone opens the gift on their lap.

Try one of these gift exchange methods this year to save money and have fun!