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14 Best Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas for Spreading Cheer this Year

14 Best Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas for Spreading Cheer this Year

March 29, 2024 by Giving Assistant Editorial Team

The holiday season comes with buying many gifts for different occasions. Whether it’s a gift exchange with your college friends or something for a few people at the office, or an annual family get-together, it can be very overwhelming—and expensive—to shop for a group.

Before you panic, take a look at this list of thoughtful and inexpensive gift ideas great for any holiday occasion. We also included some tips we included to make your shopping experience a bit easier this year. 

The Best Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas for 2023

1. 4-Cup Espresso & Cappuccino Maker

Espresso & Cappuccino Maker

This 4-Cup Espresso & Cappuccino Maker is perfect for the caffeine addicts in your life. 

Not only is this machine simple to use, but its variable steam control also allows them to make lattes and cappuccinos like their favorite barista.

And when you shop with Giving Assistant, you can find additional coupons when shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond.

2. Retro Posters

Hocus Pocus poster retro

Whether they want to decorate their office, basement, or bar, sometimes the best gift is showing someone how well you know them. What better way to do that than by getting a Retro Poster of their favorite movie, band, landmark, or athlete? With over 1,000 posters to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one. 

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3. Quadrocopter With Camera Drone

remote-controlled Quadrocopter Drone

It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for a kid or an adult, a remote-controlled Quadrocopter Drone is a fun gift for anyone. And with its voice remote controls, this drone is out of this world.

With a high-quality camera and bright LED lights, this drone will look amazing flying through the air while capturing beautiful scenic shots. 

Check out Giving Assistant for promo codes when you shop for other fun gift ideas at AliExpress.

4. Crockpot 7-qt Slow Cooker

Crockpot Slow Cooker

We all have those people in our lives who love to prepare a great meal for friends and family, but don’t have the time to cook it.

The adjustable cooking settings of this Crockpot Slow Cooker allow them to set a specific time to slow cook an entire meal for up to 9 people. Cook dinner and get things done with this awesome slow cooker. 

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5. LUXMO Raindrop Lights

LUXMO Raindrop Lights

A simple addition of beautiful lighting can really bring character to a specific area. These LUXMO Raindrop Lights stretch over 10 feet in length and give the impression of a meteor shower or snow falling to transform someone’s yard, home, or garden.

6. Woolzies Natural Wool Dryer Balls

Natural Wool Dryer Balls

Sometimes a great gift is something simple and practical. The Natural Wool Dryer Balls are a great item that can make the entire laundry process easier. 

These dryer balls don’t just freshen laundry, they are a natural fabric softener, reduce wrinkles, and save drying time.

Shop with Giving Assistant to find coupons when shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond.

7. Boom Box Game

Boom Box Game

Any gift that delivers someone a sense of nostalgia is usually a hit. This Boom Box Game will have people reminiscing about their favorite songs from the 80s and 90s. The only problem is getting those catchy one-hit-wonders out of your head when the game is over…

Start shopping with Giving Assistant for books, games, and other great items at Barnes & Noble to get the best deals.

8. Paws & Pals Rolling Backpack

Backpack Pet Carrier

We all have those people in our lives that dislike going anywhere without their furry friends. For them, the perfect gift is this Backpack Pet Carrier.

Perfect for traveling, hiking, long walks or any other outdoor activity, this pet carrier is ideal for anyone who lives an on-the-go lifestyle and enjoys bringing their fur babies along for the journey. Available in red, blue, green, yellow, or black, you can find the perfect carrier that fits your friend, loved one, and their pet.

Make sure to shop for your pets at Petco with Giving Assistant to get great deals. 

9. Shut The Box Game

Shut The Box

Sometimes there is nothing like sparking a little competition amongst friends. Shut The Box is a fun game to either play for a little bit of money or just for fun. Since there’s not much to it, it’s an easy thing to bring from one party to the next. 

Shop The Home Depot for other great gifts with Giving Assistant for coupon codes and deals.

10. Yankee Candle Gift Set

Yankee Candle

Whether you are looking for a multi-candle set or just one, Yankee Candle has plenty of scents, sizes, and themes to choose from.

The large, two-wick tumbler is a popular option. And since it can burn for 75-110 hours, it’s easy to see why. 

Shop for candles and other gifts at Yankee Candle to get the best deals.

11. Skullcandy In-Ear Headphones

Skullcandy In-Ear Headphones

A great pair of Bluetooth headphones always makes a great gift. The right pair of headphones can improve someone’s workout, commute, or overall music experience.

These Skullcandy In-Ear Headphones are great gifts for anyone who wants to enjoy music, podcasts, or hands-free phone calls. With 12-hour battery life, they never have to worry about their phone dying before their headphones. 

Save with Best Buy coupons when you shop with Giving Assistant.

12. Batman Seat Covers

Front and Rear Seat Covers

Whether it’s to give the old family car a new look for a first-time driver, or just to add some personality, these Front and Rear Seat Covers can transform any car into something worth talking about, like the Batmobile…

With plenty of seat covers to choose from, you’ll definitely find the perfect match for those drivers in your life.

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13. Selfie Kit

Selfie Kit

Taking “selfies” has come a long way.  Now with a variety of gadgets and tools to choose from, people are taking much higher quality photos and even creating their own content. 

This Selfie Kit is a great gift for anyone who’s into social media or photography. Complete with an extendable tripod/selfie stick, universal Smartphone mount, and wireless remote control, this gift offers everything needed to take perfect selfies that are guaranteed to get “likes”.

Find Target promo codes, coupons, and deals when you shop with Giving Assistant.

14. SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker

Sparkling Water Maker

Many people love sparkling water but are stuck buying wasteful plastic bottles. 

This Sparkling Water Maker is perfect for those people in your life who love sparkling water on the go. With replaceable gas cylinders, you no longer have to worry about stalking up on expensive bottles and cans. 

Savings Tip: Find Target promo codes, coupons, and deals when you shop through Giving Assistant.

How to Give the Best Christmas Exchange Gift

It can be incredibly rewarding to give a gift to someone, but it’s not always the easiest thing to do, especially for the people who are hard to shop for. 

Sure there are those who always nail their gift-giving every year, but for the rest of us, we could use a little help. Here are a few helpful tips for you during the season of giving.

1. Give the Gift of an Experience

Focusing a gift around someone’s interest is the first step. For example, if they love a specific band, finding a vintage shirt or their favorite vinyl record is a great gift! If you want to make it even more special, find out if the band has any upcoming tour dates and make a road trip out of it.

2. Make a List

Listing a group of items that someone likes (even if they have nothing to do with each other) is an easy way to find a unique gift that you know they’ll enjoy. For example, if they are into dancing, coffee, and road trips, you could get them a dance-themed coffee tumbler and take them on a nice day trip to one of their favorite spots.

3. Look into the Past

Think about their life events. If they recently got married, had a baby, or adopted a pet, you can get a framed picture of the event for them to display in their home or office. It’s a nice way to be a part of their memory. 

4. Ask Yourself (or Someone Close to Them) What Do They Need

Sometimes the best gifts are thinking about what someone needs rather than what they want. Even if it seems like something basic like an air fryer, getting something to make their life easier can be just as meaningful. 

5. Do a Little Digging

Sometimes a little extra research with good intentions is okay, especially if it’s to find someone’s favorite coffee shop or where they get their nails done. A gift card to one of these spots is a great way to show you pay attention to them.

6. Make Them Laugh

When in doubt, turn to humor. Turn something they love into a ridiculously funny gift. Are they a movie buff? Why not get them a life-sized cardboard cut-out of their favorite movie character?

Turn Your Next Gift Exchange into a Chance to Give Back 

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