THE CHRISTMAS GIFT GAME
Ready to create laughter, chaos and joy around the Christmas table? Welcome to The Christmas Gift Game, the irresistibly fun gift game that turns even the quietest uncle into a ruthless gift hunter. The Christmas Gift Game is easy to get started with, and our guide will give you the full lowdown on both the Christmas Gift Game rules and clever Christmas Gift Game tips. Whether you're playing with family, colleagues or friends, we promise excitement, laughter and Christmas spirit - and you'll be up and running in less than five minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide below and you'll be ready to play before the Christmas pudding cools down.
References can be found at the bottom of the page.
Disclaimer
WHAT IS THE CHRISTMAS GIFT GAME?
The Christmas Gift Game is a social and entertaining Christmas game where participants exchange gifts with each other through a randomised system - usually using a dice. Everyone brings one (or more) wrapped presents, and then the aim is to collect as many presents as possible before time runs out.
WHO CAN PLAY?
- Almost everyone! The Christmas gift game is suitable for:
- Children and adults in the family
- Friends during mulled wine evenings, for example
- Colleagues at the work Christmas party
- The game is fun from around the age of 6, but is at its best from 10 years and up.
WHERE AND HOW TO PLAY?
You can play at home in the living room, at work during the Christmas party or in any environment where you can gather around a table or sit in a circle.
You will need:
- At least one wrapped gift per participant
- A dice
- A timer or mobile phone with countdown
- A place to put presents
- The best dynamic is with 4-12 people.
WHY IS THE CHRISTMAS GIFT GAME SO POPULAR?
According to Wikipedia, the Christmas gift game mixes everything that creates Christmas joy:
Everyone can give and receive gifts
The game is unpredictable and exciting
Lots of laughter - especially at "thefts"
Simple, cheap and very social
It creates a festive sense of togetherness and gets everyone involved with energy and enthusiasm.
CHRISTMAS GIFT GAME RULES - STEP BY STEP
RULES PART 1: DISTRIBUTION OF GIFTS
- Everyone brings at least one Christmas present
- Putting the parcels in a common pile on the table
- You roll the dice in turn
- If you hit a six, you get to take a packet from the pile
- No parcels may be opened until the final stage
RULES PART 2: PREY PANIC ("STEALING FROM EACH OTHER")
A timer is set for 10-20 minutes
Everyone rolls the dice again
If you hit a six, you get to steal a parcel from someone else
The parcel may be stolen several times
When time is up, everyone keeps their parcel
Only then do they open
COMMON VARIANTS OF THE GAME
OPENED PACKAGE
Everyone opens their parcels before the stealing round - then you see what is most wanted.
STEEL BORDERS
Each gift can be stolen a maximum of 3 times.
ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PARCELS
You must have a parcel yourself to steal.
CHALLENGE VARIANTS
For example, to steal you have to sing a Christmas carol or say a Christmas greeting backwards.
CHRISTMAS GIFT GAME TIPS - OUR BEST ADVICE
Decide on a clear gift value (e.g. £100)
- Confuse with clever parcel wrapping - large parcel can be empty
- Time limit with secret end point creates extra tension
- Use two dice for larger groups
- Appoint a game master who is authorised to interpret and stop cheating
SNABBFKATA
| QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|
| WHO CAN PLAY? | CHILDREN, FAMILY, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES (FROM ABOUT 6 YEARS) |
| WHAT IS THE GAME ABOUT? | COLLECT GIFTS BY ROLLING DICE |
| WHERE TO PLAY? | AT HOME, IN THE OFFICE, AT A PARTY |
| WHY IS IT POPULAR? | LAUGHTER, COMMUNITY, EASY TO LEARN |
SOURCES AND FACTS
WIKIPEDIA - CHRISTMAS CLAPPING GAME
NORDISKA MUSEET - CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN SWEDEN
SPELREGEL.SE'S RATING OF THE CHRISTMAS GIFT GAME
| CATEGORY | RATING (1-5) |
|---|---|
| MAINTENANCE | 5 |
| TAX LEVEL | 4,5 |
| DEGREE OF SEVERITY | 1 |
| EASY TO GET STARTED | 5 |
| EASY TO LEARN | 5 |
| TOTAL RATING | 4.8 AV 5 |
STATISTICS FROM SCB ON SWEDES' CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Let's test your knowledge
TIPS, HISTORY AND FUN FACTS ABOUT SWEDEN'S MOST LOVED CHRISTMAS TOY
After learning what the Christmas gift game is, how it's played and why it's become a hit across the Nordic countries, you might be curious about where it all came from. This article goes a step deeper: we look at the origins, the evolution and give you fun facts and smart tips you can use next time the dice roll. All presented in a light, entertaining style - and as always, based on reliable sources.
FROM RHYMES AND JOKES TO FAMILY TRADITION
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Long before the modern version we know today, there was something called a 'Christmas present' - an anonymous gift often containing a prank or joke. You knocked ('clapped') on the door, threw in your 'clapping', and ran away. Rhymes and ironic comments were often part of the package.
Over time, the scheme evolved into a more structured Christmas game. In the 1970s and 1980s, adult groups in Sweden started looking for cheaper ways to give each other presents - and the game of dice, swaps and secret timers was born.
Since then, the game has spread to schools, associations, circles of friends and workplaces. It has become standard practice in December.
THINGS YOU (MIGHT) NOT KNOW
Here are a bunch of fun facts to marvel at, laugh at - or use as small talk at your next Christmas party:
- Originally, there were no 'real' presents - there was often just a twig or a rhyme in the parcel.
- Some households have introduced 'professional' versions where a game master is hired for Christmas Eve.
- In some workplaces, the game is used during team building - to reduce hierarchy and create shared laughter.
- According to Statistics Sweden, 61 % of Swedish adults chose to play some form of gift game during Christmas 2023.
- Popular prizes in the game include dish brushes, raffle tickets, odd socks and chilli sauces.
- The most sought-after 'strategy'? Take a small, inconspicuous pack - they are often the best.
- Some play a "theft-free" version where everyone gets to keep their first gift.
- In Finland, the game is called 'joululahjapeli' and has similar rules, but often with more challenges and singing.
- Pre-packaged gift kits are now sold at Jula, Åhléns and Bluebox, among others.
THE REASON WHY IT WORKS
Why is this game so loved? There are some clear answers:
- Low requirements. You just need a dice, a packet and a group of people.
- Inexpensive. The gifts don't have to cost much - everyone participates at the same level.
- No pressure to fulfil expectations. You don't have to feel like you have to find "the perfect" gift.
- Flexible. It can be adapted to the age, energy and humour of the group.
- Social icebreaker. Old friends laugh. New acquaintances are made.
HOW TO KEEP IT ALIVE - OUR TOP TIPS
To keep the game fun every year, you can try the following ideas:
CREATE PERSONALISED VARIANTS
Set a theme (retro, colour code, second hand)
Decide that all packages should be coloured in a certain way - e.g. mix in rhymes
For bonus missions: e.g. "to open this you must sing a Christmas carol"
PREVENT BICKERING AND CHAOS
Appoint a game leader - preferably someone with a sense of humour
Decide in advance how many times a gift can change hands
Set a clear gambling budget (£100 - no more, no less)
FOR LARGER GROUPS
Use two dice for faster play
Group participants into teams of several people
Have several piles of gifts so there is no waiting time
BRIDESMAID, PREY, CHAOS - AND TOTAL PLEASURE
What makes the game magical is the dynamic between rules and chaos. The dice may rule - but everything else depends on the harmony, creativity and pace of the group. That feeling when a coveted gift is snatched away at the last second? Priceless.
This is also why many families and colleagues invent their own traditions - like having the 'worst present of the year', dancing around the table if you steal, or putting on Christmas music as a sound signal for a swap.
No two nights with this game are ever the same.
HOW TO INTEGRATE PLAY INTO NEW SWEDISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Modern Christmas is no longer just about food, presents and TV - it's about community and making new memories. This is where this game shines. It's democratic, popular and has the potential to be endlessly adapted.
Tired of stressing over perfect gifts for the family? Play instead - and let the laughter do the work.
SO WE CONTINUE TO PLAY DICE EVERY DECEMBER
Play has become a way to keep some of the old magic of Christmas alive - but in a new, socially and economically reasonable way. Children and adults alike gather around a game that is equal parts strategy, luck, humour and totally unexpected surprises.
And in an age where everything has to be efficient, well thought out and planned... it's quite nice to remember for a moment what childish excitement actually is.
MORE FROM SPELREGEL.SE
SOURCES:
Nordic Museum - Christmas traditions
10 alternative popular family games for Christmas
| NAME OF GAME | TYPE | SHORT DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Ludo | Board games | Swedish classic where you have to get your pieces around the board and knock out the opponents. |
| Scrabble | Word game/board game | Build words on the board and collect points - perfect for language lovers of all ages. |
| Throwing grey | Party games | Throw two small rubber pigs - score points depending on how they land. Quick, easy and fun! |
| In other words | Party games | Explain words without saying them - high speed and lots of laughter guaranteed. |
| Kalaha | Strategy games | Move marbles between bowls - get the most in your own. A favourite with children and adults alike. |
| That's the spirit | Music/entertainment games | Based on the popular TV programme - hum, sing or guess songs in teams. |
| Found in the lake | Card games | A fun "fishing game" where you have to match cards - simple game for the smaller kids. |
| Genius | Quizzes | Classic Swedish quiz with categories such as history, sports and culture. |
| UNO | Card games | Popular international card game - much appreciated in Swedish families. |
| Dirty old man | Card games | Swedish card game where the goal is NOT to become the "shitty old man" - perfect for the Christmas table. |
Extra tips!
Many of these games are also available in travel size - perfect to put under the tree or take to the mountain hut.
THANK YOU FOR READING SPELREGEL.SE
FAQ - Everything you need to know about the Christmas gift game
What is the Christmas gift game really about?
The Christmas gift game is a game where participants compete for presents by rolling dice and 'stealing' presents from each other. Everyone brings one or more wrapped presents to be placed in a common pile. The game consists of choosing presents by rolling dice and, in a second round, exchanging or taking presents from each other. It's a frivolous and fun activity where the exchange itself creates laughter and surprises - not necessarily the value of the prize.
Who can join the game?
Almost everyone! The Christmas gift game is suitable for children from around 6 years and up. It works in all kinds of settings: family gatherings, friendship dinners, mulled wine evenings and even company Christmas parties. Some adapt the rules to make it easier for younger children, while others crank up the difficulty or humour for adult company. The game requires no particular prior knowledge - just a good sense of humour and a little competitive spirit.
How many people are needed to play?
What should the rules be?
There are no official rules - but a classic set-up looks like this:
Everyone brings 1-3 parcels of a certain value.
The packets are placed in a pile on the table.
The dice go round. If you roll 1 or 6, you get to take a packet.
Once all the parcels are handed out, the stealing spree begins - in secret.
If you roll a 1 or 6, you may steal a packet from another player.
When the time comes, everyone gets to keep the packages they have at the time.
What is an appropriate price range for the packages?
Most people stick to 50-100 kroner per parcel. The important thing is that the value is roughly the same for everyone to avoid skewing the distribution. Some people choose themes for their gifts, such as "something red", "a kitchen gadget" or "nostalgia". It can also be fun to mix serious and joke gifts - it creates more drama during the game.
What to consider when choosing Christmas gifts for the game?
Choose something that is useful, fun or unpredictable. It's best to wrap something that looks expensive or mysterious - but might turn out to be something else entirely. Example: a giant wrapped matchbox or a packet of sweets wrapped in a shoebox. The important thing is to create curiosity and laughter, not to impress with expensive gadgets.
What happens if someone does not bring a parcel?
This should be avoided, but it can be solved. Keep one or two 'extra' packages ready for the organiser to throw in if necessary. The aim is that all participants have the same chance at the beginning. If someone misses bringing something anyway, the group is usually able to forgive it - especially if it's cleaned up nicely with an emergency gift or a spontaneous "challenge round" instead.
Do you have to play with a dice?
No! Dice are most common, but not a requirement. Some use wheels, cards or apps with random numbers. What counts is chance - and that there is a clear game element where luck determines who gets to take or exchange packs. As long as it creates drama, the method is not that important. The term 'Christmas gift game' can be used to describe many creative solutions.
How long does the game usually take?
Around 30-45 minutes is just right. The first round, where you turn to pick up parcels, goes quite quickly. The second round, the swap game, can vary - but a secret countdown clock of around 15 minutes makes the game exciting and reasonably long. Longer than that can drag it out, and shorter ones risk feeling "over before it started".
What if the same person always gets the best present?
Introduce bonus rules or random elements that change the balance. For example: "No one gets to keep a gift stolen more than twice", or "Everyone without a package gets an extra roll at the end". The aim is to keep the game even and entertaining - not to create bitterness or rivalry. Remember, it's the laughter, not the winning, that's the point!
What can be done to renew the game every year?
Change the theme, package style or rules. Examples: Christmas presents from flea markets, only home-made, small joke packages, matching colours or a dice system where different rolls mean different things. You can also have challenges: "To open this present - sing the first verse of 'Hello Santa'." The most important thing is that everyone knows that no two rounds are the same - that's how traditions are kept alive.
