12 Days of Christmas Gift Exchange
Gift exchanges are so popular that most people have done at least one, and some of us have done a boatload of ’em. Fortunately, there are plenty of rules variations and thematic twists you can use to keep things interesting. For example, you could mix things up by, I don’t know, incorporating a well-known holiday song that’s all about gift-giving.
Of course, I’m talking about a 12 Days of Christmas gift exchange. This festive game involves passing presents around based on prompts inspired by the classic Christmas carol. It’s a fun new wrinkle for your holiday guests that might just have all the ladies dancing and the lords a-leaping.
Like the Deck of Cards Gift Exchange, this gift swap has players drawing cards that tell them what they can do on their turn. However, in this case, the cards are customized (see the free printable at the end of this article). This gift swap is best for medium-sized groups (say 6-12). Note that if there are more than 12 people, the game still works but not everyone will be able to draw a card.
Note: For an idea based on a classic holiday story, check out the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas gift exchange.
What You Need
- 12 Days of Christmas cards (see below)
- Wrapped presents
The Rules
This game is so simple that anyone of just about any age can play. Like the Left-Right Game, it’s all about following the instructions as they are read.
1. Players sit in a circle, each one holding a wrapped present.
Gifts are typically supplied by the players themselves. Your invitation should communicate a general price range.
2. Decide who goes first.
You can have players roll dice or simply start with whoever has a birthday closest to December 25 – whatever works!
3. The first player opens the gift they’re holding, then reads the first prompt (12 Drummers Drumming) and does what it says.
Prompts may instruct the player to swap gifts with someone else, or tell everyone to pass their gifts in a particular direction.
4. The game proceeds clockwise until all 12 of the prompts have been read (in reverse order, so Partridge in a Pear Tree is last). Then, if no one is holding their own present, the game ends and players keep the gifts they’re holding.
If there are any unopened gifts at this time, players open them.
5. Players holding their own presents get an extra turn where they can swap their gifts with someone else.
See below for the optional instruction you can use for this scenario.
Prompts
Here are the prompts I’ve come up with for the 12 Days of Christmas gift exchange game. These are all in the PDF file at the end of this article, and can be clipped into separate cards or simply read from a printout.
Twelve Drummers Drumming
While a dozen drummers keep the beat, move all presents to the left one seat!
Eleven Pipers Piping
As they raise their instruments and blow, one more space to the left is where the gifts should go!
Ten Lords A-Leaping
While those limber lords get to hopping, turn to the person on your left and do some swapping!
Nine Ladies Dancing
While they shake a leg to our merry tune, trade with someone on either side of you!
Eight Maids A-Milking
Think about this udder-ly amazing sight as you trade with the person on your right!
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Like swans swimming round and round at a leisurely pace, let’s get all those gifts moving to the right one space!
Six Geese A-Laying
It’s an egg-citing gift, if you know what I mean. Now trade with anyone wearing green!
Five Gold Rings
Five dazzling rings shining so bright… now trade your gift with someone on your left or right!
Four Calling Birds
What are those birds calling, you ask? They’re saying “One space to the right is where everyone should pass!”
Three French Hens
“I hope you like birds,” is what your true love said. Now trade your gift with someone wearing red!
Two Turtle Doves
While these two lovely birds take flight, move all presents two spaces to the right!
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree!
It’s the final gift! This step is our last! One more space to the right is where all should pass!
For Any Players Holding Their Own Gifts
If you’re holding the gift with which you came, trade with someone on your left or right before we end the game!
Printable
As promised, here’s a printable version of the 12 Days of Christmas gift exchange prompts. Click here or on the preview image below to view/download.
Note that this printable is for personal, non-commercial use only.
One final note: If this game tickles your fancy, you’ll also want to check out a very similar gift swap based on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. With that said, best of luck with all your holiday activities – and have a very Merry Christmas!
