Swap It Like It’s Hot: Hit Gift Exchange Ideas

It happens every holiday: you’re invited to a party where there is going to be a gift swap. Now the pressure is on to find the perfect something that is useful, unique, and maybe has a little humor, too. Take advantage of any of these gift exchange ideas to immediately become the most popular person at the party.

For the foodies

A true foodie is always on the hunt for the next tasty thing, the kitchen tools no one else has, and niche culinary finds. Whatever gift they grab, a foodie will quickly want to swap it for one of these.

Avocados sit on a counter, some tucked into wool Avocado sock ripeners

Wool Avocado Ripener

This pure Shetland wool sock ripens avocados fast thanks to its natural lanolin and cozy warmth. It’s made to fit an avocado snugly and achieve ripeness in 48 hours. It’s also crazy adorable.

Freshly popped popcorn sits in a bowl next to unpopped Farmer's popcorn cobs from Sunflower Food Co

Farmer’s Popcorn Cob 

A foodie will love the novelty of eating popcorn right off the cob. Simply put the whole cob in the bag and microwave it. From there it’s ready to eat, right off the cob (and from the bag). It’s all-natural, non-GMO, and grown fresh in Kansas.

A cocktail with a lemon wheel is seen illuminated by glowing drink ice cubes from Glo Drinks

Light-Up Drink Cubes

Take drinks to the next level with liquid-activated light-up cubes that turn on as soon as they hit a drink—then turn off when the glass is empty. The cubes make a drink glow and change colors up to nine times, without switches, knobs, or buttons.

A holiday box of goat milk caramels from Big Picture Farm sits on a table

Goat Milk Caramels

Candy is a can’t-miss option for gift exchanges, and these goat milk caramels are a truly unique confection. Made with milk from goats and other local, organic, and non-GMO ingredients, the tasty holiday-themed gift set features Big Picture Farm’s signature rich and creamy caramels.

For the relaxers

The stresses of the holiday season are sometimes reason enough to need one of these ideas for folks who might appreciate a little pampering and relaxing.

Three different heatable massage tools from Dr. Cohen's acuProducts are seen on a yoga mat

Heatable Massage Tools

Acupressure-inspired heated massage tools target joint and muscle pain by using pressure point nubs to work on trouble spots, while warmth boosts circulation and calms nerves. Different tools are available to target different areas of the body.

A woman is seen . lounging on the couch wearing crimson chenille slipper socks from PUDUS

Chenille Cable Knit Slipper Socks

Slippers are something that everyone loves, and these chenille slipper socks will be fought over at the gift exchange. Plush Sherpa lining feels super soft on your feet and velvety chenille yarn makes things extra cozy.

Several jars of Pinch Me therapy dough sit next to a stress relief book

Therapy Dough

Stress balls can help relieve stress but are limited (and often wear out). This scented therapy dough has a calming smell and pliable texture that can help anyone recalibrate. It’s also easily stored in a tin so it can be transported anywhere.

Two Life Elements healing honey sticks sit on a bathroom counter

Healing Honey Stick

Skin needs help chilling out, too. This take-anywhere stick is made with raw honey, beeswax, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly so it’s super rich in moisture. It can be used to treat dry skin, chapped lips, or minor cuts and burns.

Three Face the Day sheet masks from Timeless Beauty Bar lay on a table

Travel Face Masks

Party-goers will love this exchange gift that is a perfectly packaged treat-yourself moment. Pure cotton sheet masks include ingredients picked to target what skin needs, like Vitamin C to brighten, oat extract and cucumber to combat puffiness, and red wine and hyaluronic acid to refresh. They are easy to pack and can be used anywhere.

For the game-nighters

Checkers feeling a little overplayed? These game gifts will bring the fun and friendly competition back to game nights.

Two people are seen grabbing tiles to play Jabuka Games' rotating word tile game

Rotating Word Tile Game

This unique spin on word games moves fast as players spin letters to form new ones. An “M” can be spun to transform into an “E” or a “W”, and words can be stolen from players with a single spin.

A pack of dogs playing cards from Artiphany are seen on a table

Pack of Dogs Playing Cards

There are dozens of games that can be played with an ordinary deck of playing cards. Take those games to the next (playful) level with playing cards that depict adorable dogs in action.

For the practical—and the playful

If you want to be that person at the party who brings the stand-out must-have gift everyone wants, these two ideas fit the bill.

A snarky nameplate says "I'm kind of a big deal" sitting on a pile of books on a desk

Statement Name Plate

These funny desk name plates look just like the real thing but feature a snarky or sentimental message. The laser-etched name plate slides into a metal stand so it can be on full display on a desk, shelf, or bookcase.

The Hate Stains Co's emergency stain rescue is used to remove a mustard stain from a t-shirt

Emergency Stain Rescue Little Red Bottle

This is the gift that might need to be immediately broken out of the package during the party. It’s an all-purpose stain remover that works like magic on spills of any kind. It works on colorfast, washable fabrics and is best on stains that haven’t yet set in.


Take the pressure off gift exchange ideas by picking one (or more) from this tried-and-true list. Trust us, any pick will be a hit and, most importantly, secure you an invitation back next year.

Need more gift exchange ideas? Here are unique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.