The dice version of the gift swap is faster and fairer than ‘steal’ rules: there is no awkward choosing, luck decides, and you can stop the game at any minute with a timer.
Everyone brings one wrapped gift within a set budget. Gifts go into the middle. Then the dice start rolling.
What each number means
⚀ 1
Take a gift from the middle. If the middle is empty, swap with anyone.
⚁ 2
Pass the gift you hold to the left.
⚂ 3
Pass the gift you hold to the right.
⚃ 4
Swap your gift with any player you choose.
⚄ 5
Everyone passes their gift one seat to the left.
⚅ 6
Take one gift from any player – and roll again.
How the game runs
Round 1 (until the middle is empty): only rule 1 counts; roll until you get a 1 or a 6.
Round 2 (hidden timer, 10–15 min): all six rules apply.
When the timer rings, everyone keeps the gift they hold and opens it at the same time.
Variation for big groups: play in several circles of 8–12 people.
The games
1. Dice gift swap (white elephant with dice)
Everyone brings a small wrapped gift (set a budget, e.g. 10 €). Players roll a die in turns: each number triggers an action (take a gift, swap, pass left). When the timer ends, you keep what you hold. Full rules below in our guide.
Players: 6–30
Time: 20–40 min
Materials: 1–2 dice, timer, gifts
2. Thank-you card swap
Everyone draws a colleague’s name and writes two specific sentences of thanks for something that happened this year. Cards are handed out (or read anonymously). Quiet, warm and memorable.
Players: 4–60
Time: 10–15 min
Materials: Cards, pens (or a shared board online)
Host tips
Set the budget in the invitation (10–15 € is common) and say ‘funny or useful, nothing offensive’.
Use a hidden timer (phone face down) so nobody knows when the game ends.
Have one or two spare gifts for people who forgot.
Gifts are opened at the very end, all at once – the best moment of the game.
FAQ
What is the difference between white elephant and Secret Santa?
Secret Santa: each person buys for one assigned colleague. White elephant/dice swap: everyone brings an anonymous gift and gifts move around by game rules.
How long should the game run?
15–25 minutes for 10–20 people. Longer gets repetitive.