If you need the best exchange gifts for Christmas under $25 budget, look no further. This list is full of all sorts of fun gift exchange gifts that will be the hit of the party – the iPod of the gift exchange – that everyone will want to steal!
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The Best Gifts for Gift Exchange Games
I’ve been participating in gift exchanges for as long as I can remember. And on top of the real gift exchanges, we’ve created like 25 different gift exchange games (and about a million other Christmas party games with gifts) where I had to come up with gift ideas for testing the games that people would actually want to win in those games.
So I know a little bit about picking out gift exchange gifts. I also did some research on Reddit to see what kind of things people actually loved stealing during gift exchanges – so it’s me, my family, all the people I’ve done gift exchanges with, and a whole bunch of Reddit users who helped me come up with this list of gift exchange gift ideas!
This list is full of real gifts for gift exchanges, not white elephant gifts – those are a whole different thing, and I already wrote up a post of 50 hilarious white elephant gifts. And I’m also not talking about gift cards, cash, or a combination of the two hid into some sort of thing that’s still a gift card.
These gifts are all within the $20-$25 range, since that is the most common gift exchange gift budget according to my 200K Instagram followers. These are mostly adult gifts since teen and kid gift exchanges bring with them a whole other level of planning. They’re all fairly universal so men and women would be okay with them, people of different interests would be okay with them, and they should work with most of these gift exchange themes!
Three Tips for Picking Gift Exchange Gifts:
Keep these three things in mind when you’re picking out your gift exchange gift (all of the gifts in this post follow these tips):
- Classic and practical gifts are often the best ones, I can’t tell you how many times a fuzzy blanket has been stolen the most even though we know everyone has them.
- Make your gift something people wouldn’t mind leaving with. Sure it’s great for your gift to be stolen a bunch, but it’s just as good if someone goes home happy with your gift. Get something that people wouldn’t mind going home with!
- Unique is great but universal is often better. If you know that John loves the Cowboys but everyone else loves the Chiefs, err on the side of getting something Chiefs because chances are John isn’t going to get your gift.
Practical Gifts for a Gift Exchange
These are the easy ones to shop for that you know people will be okay getting because they’re practical, purposeful, and still fun. These are the things that get stolen regularly because someone actually wants to go home with these items!
Owala Water Bottle
While everyone has these, everyone can always use another! I know I have them in like every room in my house. Make sure you get a good quality one like Owala that is popular, proven to work well, and well loved. Oh and keep it to a neutral color like this one! This is always the most stolen gift at my gift exchanges!
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Candle Warmer
Skip the candle and get a candle warmer instead. With its timeless design, this candle warmer fits seamlessly in any home and keeps it smelling great year-round. You could add a candle if you really wanted to, but I feel like most people have their own!
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Carhartt Lunch Box
This may seem like an odd choice, but it’s actually super versatile for everything from baseball games to camping trips. The neutral design and perfect size makes it an easy choice for coolers. Plus, with the Carhartt brand, you know it is built to last. Add some fun homemade treats inside for a unique surprise!
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Laundry Supplies
Grab some laundry detergent (scent free kind to be safe) or laundry balls and one of these fun magnets for something that people can use, will laugh at, and not ever think of bringing themselves!
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Automatic Grinder
The right amount of salt makes everything taste better. These automatic grinders are one of those things that people didn’t know they needed until they got it, and then can’t live without.
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Thorn Proof Gloves
A pair of gardening gloves is one of those things that few people buy for themselves, but everyone would use if they had them. These thorn-resistant gloves make pulling out those sharp weeds a breeze.
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Blanket
Another item that you really can’t have enough of. This luxury blanket will be fought over as soon as someone feels how soft it is.
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Electric Kettle
Complete this gift with a box of hot chocolate or your favorite tea and watch how quickly it gets snatched up. The ability to heat water in seconds rather than minutes and without extra dishes is a game-changer.
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Uncrustable Maker
This may seem like something you’d find on the white elephant gift list, but hear me out. Any parent knows how impossible it is to keep Uncrustables in stock at home. With this tool, you can have them at the ready whenever you want them. Add all the fixings for peanut butter sandwiches to get to your budget!
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Travel Steamer
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished I had one of these. This was a big steal in a game I was a part of recently because everyone else feels the same way! This one fits right into your suitcase and get hooked up at any hotel! It’s a little out of budget full priced but goes on sale regularly!
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Cookbook Stand
This is a simple gift that everyone can use. Whether you have a favorite cookbook you like to show off, or are regularly making a mess of the pages trying to keep it open, or love to read but hate holding the book, this gift is perfect.
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Window Bird Feeder
Everyone who has a window will want this gift. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good bird sighting, especially when you don’t have to hike to find them.
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Extendable Flashlight
A flashlight that not only extends but also has a magnetic tip is genius. It’s one of those things that people will have never thought to buy but will use all the time, making it the perfect gift exchange gift.
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Mini White Noise Machine
No one likes to travel only to end up tossing all night long in a noisy hotel. This mini white noise machine is the perfect solution. It’s just the right size to get tossed back and forth as people fight over who gets to keep it.
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Batteries
It’s Christmas and it seems like everything takes batteries these days. I’m sure anyone would be happy to go home with a pack of AAA or AA batteries, I know I would!
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Turkish Beach Towel
If you haven’t converted to Turkish beach towels yet, you need to rig the game so you can end up with your own gift. These towels are lightweight, compactable, versatile, and work as good as the fluffiest towel. And this one is giant, making it perfect for beach trips!
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Cookbook
Grab a cookbook like this for a gift that everyone will be stealing just to make the delicious recipes inside! This particular one is from a baker I know personally whose recipes are amazing, and I guarantee anyone who likes to bake and heard of Sally before and will want this one!
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Cordless Jumper
Remember when jumping rope was fun? Well, it just got even better with this cordless version. All the fun without the pain of missing a jump. You know what I am talking about. It’s universal and different, perfect for a gift exchange.
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Mug Warmer
Wrap up a cute mug and this mug warmer for a fun gift that’s perfect for the winter season when things are crazy and drinks get cold before you ever get to drink them!
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Scrub Daddy Pack
Another practical gift that I would love to get my hands on and so would anyone who has ever used a Scrub Daddy! A whole set is enough for like a year of making doing dishes, something everyone has to do, way better!
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Grill Basket
The rolling basket design makes this grill tool something new that every griller will want. It’s perfect for grilling just about everything and makes it easy to cook things evenly. Anyone with a grill will love opening this.
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Chopper of All the Things
Anyone who doesn’t have one of these wishes they had one and anyone who has one knows how great they are. Grab this one and I guarantee someone who cooks will take it!
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Sofa Arm Tray
This universal tray is handy to have, whether you have a coffee table or not. No more balancing things on laps or digging remotes out of cushions. This tray makes it easy to snack and keep organized, and it works with any couch, making it a great gift.
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Travel Umbrella
This umbrella folds up tight, fits everywhere, and actually keeps you protected from the elements. I took it to Iceland and it would make a great gift! Or if you want something a little more unique, this upside down umbrella opens opposite of what you would imagine, meaning you don’t get things all wet when you get in and out of the car. I’ve had one for years and LOVE it!
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Merino Wool Scarf
I don’t often recommend getting any sort of clothing for a gift exchange but a scarf is one of those things that’s universal enough for everyone. Grab this black merino wool one to keep whoever the lucky recipient is warm all winter long. This is one I’d love going home with!
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Hiking Bag
This small crossbody bag is perfect for a casual hike or an international trip. It works big enough for men while not being too big for women. It’s a universal gift that everyone will use, exactly what you want in a gift exchange!
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Picnic Blanket
Grab a fun picnic blanket or hammock that rolls up tight to use for beach trips, pool days, watching sports, or really anything else. It’s important it’s like this one that can be rolled up to stock in a car for whatever people need! I’d steal this!
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Fun Gifts for a Gift Exchange
Okay, now let’s get out of the practical and move into gifts for a gift exchange that are just plain fun. And everyone loves to have fun, so these are always a hit!
Team Gear
In the countless gift exchange games I have done with family and friends, the Chiefs gear is never complained about and always taken first. When in doubt, bring merch from your local team. I promise people will want it.
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Pickleball Pack
Pickleball is all the rage right now and you really can’t have too many paddles and balls because they’re always getting used up! This was one of the suggestions from Reddit and I’ve definitely seen them get stolen in my own exchanges too!
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Board Game
Grab a board game or party game that they’ve never heard of. Uzzle is a super popular one that I guarantee you’ve never heard of but is super fun. Anyone who likes puzzles and board games will be going after this one!
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Pizza Socks
These fun socks are not only hilarious, they come wrapped up in a pizza box! But they’re still fun socks for sock lovers!
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Golf Mat
Golf is no longer for country clubs and business meetings. It’s everywhere now, so may as well get on board with this practice mat. It’s a small practice tool that can be used anywhere to help improve their game. Perfect for any level of golfer.
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Nice Olive Oil
Grab a bottle of nice olive oil (like this), add some crunchy bread, and maybe even a little oil dipping plate for a fun package anyone would enjoy going home with!
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Electric Hand Warmers
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used these. Add these to a pair of neutral gloves for a perfect winter gift that people will be stealing!
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Secret Mystery Puzzle
This 1000 piece puzzle isn’t just a puzzle. There are over 200 different mysteries to solve once you’ve put together the puzzle, so it’s both a game and puzzle all in one! It’s something unique that most people will probably never have seen before and most people won’t mind getting!
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Instant Camera
Think Polaroid camera but for today. This is such a fun idea but not something people would buy themselves. And this pack comes with everything you need to enjoy all sorts of pictures with this modern instant camera!
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Popdarts
Simple as it is, this game is so much fun for adults. It’s the game version of trying to shoot trash into the garbage can, but with a frustrating twist of trying to get it to stick. It’s one of those games that everyone should have because it’s so fun to play.
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LED Face Mask
These are huge right now and I guarantee someone, if not everyone, is stealing this to try it out at home. This one has 7 different color options and is great for someone just starting out before they pay more to get a fancy one!
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Gourmet Salts
I know salt seems so boring but have you ever tried black lava salt? Grab a couple of the different salts – popcorn salt, lava salt, etc. – from this sea salt company and any foodies will love it. We bought some black lava salt in Iceland, and it was amazing.
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Pasta Tools
Okay, so these are so funny but also useful! It’s a gift set of pasta shaped tools for the kitchen – so fun for pasta lovers!
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Game Night Basket
Grab a couple of your favorite card games and put them in a basket or bag with some snacks for a game night. I’ve linked to one of my favorite card games that most people haven’t played! Or you can check out any of our other favorite family card games!
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Glow Ball
This glowing ball will bring out the inner child in everyone, after all, you’re never too old for catch. This isn’t the most practical gift you could give, but it’s unique and fun, which is just as important.
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Massager Roller Ball
This one does hot and cold massages and is perfect for anyone who gets sore muscles a lot (all adults). It’s kind of like those massager guns but in a much smaller form and does different temperatures. I’d absolutely grab this one for myself!
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Pizza Boss Cutter
This pizza cutter looks like a table saw and is way more fun than any other pizza cutter I’ve ever seen! Put this one with fixin’s for pizza for the whole shebang!
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Automatic Card Shuffler
My husband just told me the other day we needed one of these but you know he’ll never buy it because well we can shuffle our own cards. But if it’s an a gift exchange, I guarantee he’s stealing it and so would plenty of people!
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Punching Bag
This is one of those borderline gag gifts that is perfect because of how useful it actually is, even though it’s ridiculous. I mean, who doesn’t feel the need to hit things every now and again?
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Murdle Mystery Books
Grab volume 1 and 2 of these books and a set of pencils to create a mystery puzzle pack that someone who loves mysteries and puzzles will love. Another fun gift that I guarantee someone isn’t buying themself!
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Ponies
Whenever the adults in my family get together, this game is always brought up; even my grandma loves to play it. It’s fun, fast-paced, and high-risk, everything you’d want in a game.
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Sourdough Starter Kit
It’s common knowledge that sourdough is the best bread, but it’s just intimidating to make. This kit is a great place to start, making it accessible for any aspiring baker. Odds are that at least half of the group has been wanting to try it and will jump at the chance to get the kit.
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LEGO Plant
There are a bunch of fun LEGO sets that would make great gift exchange gifts! Grab one like this bamboo plant that can be built and set on a desk to look at! There’s also a fun LEGO fly trap that would make a great option!
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Gift Exchange Games to Play
If you need some gift exchange games to play with these gifts, these are some of our most popular Christmas games for exchanges!
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