Games to liven up your gift exchange

Are you tired of the same old holiday gift exchange? If so, here are some fun games to enliven this year’s gift giving.

• Dice. Every number on the dice comes with an instruction (pass to the left or steal a gift). Take turns rolling the dice until everyone has a present.

• Hot potato. This childhood favorite is just as fun to play as an adult. Turn on a holiday song and pass a present from person to person until the music stops. The person left holding the gift is out of the game but keeps the gift.

• Personal trivia. Everyone writes a little-known fact about themselves on the gift they contributed. The others must guess who the information is about in order to win the right to open the present.

• Cards. Cut some regular playing cards in half and distribute card halves to all participants. Draw the other card halves from a bowl or hat to determine who gets to choose or steal a gift next.

• Story. Rewrite a well-known Christmas story to include the words right, left and across numerous times. To start the game, everyone holds the gift they brought as someone reads the story aloud. Every time an instruction word is said, the presents get passed in that direction.

To make sure that everyone receives a gift they’ll enjoy, be sure to decide on a budget and theme beforehand.