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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.