Yankee Swap: Rules, How to Play and Fun Twists

Agree on a budget, and have everyone bring one wrapped gift that could suit anyone. Put the gifts in a pile, and give each player a number to set the order. A number wheel works when nobody has a hat and scraps of paper to hand.

Player one opens a gift from the pile. Player two either opens a new gift or steals player one’s, and anyone who loses a gift opens a new one or steals from someone else. Carry on until every gift is open.

At the end, player one, who had no choice at the start, may swap with anyone. Then the game is over and everyone keeps what they’re holding.

A gift can be stolen three times, and after that it’s safe with whoever holds it. Nobody may steal back the gift that was just taken from them on the same turn. These two rules stop one popular gift from taking up the whole evening.

Set a time limit for big groups: with more than twenty people, split into two games. And leave gifts in the open once they’re unwrapped, so people can see what’s worth stealing.

They’re close to the same game, and many families use the names for the same thing. Where people separate them, a white elephant gift is meant to be funny or odd, while a Yankee swap gift is one somebody would really want. Say which you’re playing when you set the budget, so nobody brings a joke to a serious swap.

Secret Santa is different: you draw one name and buy for that person. If your group would rather do that, a Secret Santa generator draws the names for you.

Spin a wheel on each turn to add a surprise: open a gift, steal one, or swap with the person on your left. For a family game, play with small treats so children can join in, and let them team up with a grown-up.