by Carolina Dream Chapman

Created on: December 19, 2007

A Yankee gift exchange can turn a long boring event into a fun filled celebration. Putting together a Yankee gift exchange is easy. There are a few things to consider in advance in order to make sure everything runs smoothly and all involved have fun.

Allow Plenty of Time:

A Yankee gift exchange takes a lot longer than traditional gift exchanges therefore it is important to allow plenty of time. You may want to consider making holiday snacks available throughout the exchange instead of before or after. That will ensure your guests get to enjoy aspect of the fun filled evening.

Set a Price Limit:

It is always wise to set a reasonable spending limit when having a gift exchange. This will help elevate the possibility of someone bringing an expensive gift and leaving with a very small gift in comparison. Most generally, the spending limit is an amount that is sufficient to get a nice gift without adding extra stress to anyone's holiday budget.

Themes:

Adding a general theme for the gifts will make shopping easier for those who plan to attend. At church, the ladies generally have a Yankee gift exchange every Christmas. We try to have it at the beginning of the Christmas season and everyone buys a gift that can be used by the recipient during the holidays.

Your theme can be anything that your guests will enjoy. Movie buffs might enjoy a movie themed exchange likewise music lovers could have a music themed gift exchange. You could have a sports themed exchange if your guests enjoy sporting events. Other themes that might go over well depending on the guests could include: A vintage theme or of course a Christmas theme. The theme is only limited by your imagination.

Consider Gender:

It is important to consider the gender of those attending and let everyone know if the gifts need to be something that can be considered gender neutral. Most men would not appreciate receiving a gift of flowery smelling body lotions. Just as most women may frown on the idea of receiving a beard trimmer.

Will the Gifts be Real or Gag Gifts?

All of the Yankee Gift exchanges that I have been to have included the exchange of real gifts. These are gifts that anyone would enjoy having. Most people I personally know prefer having a real gift even if it is something small instead of a gag gift that will eventually be thrown away.

If the group attending the party would enjoy gag gifts then that could add to the fun. If the people who are attending are the ones that enjoy pulling a good gag every chance they get then they very well may prefer exchanging gag gifts.

It is wise to take into consideration the people who are coming and whether everyone would be more pleased buying and giving a gag gift. As some people, may have a hard time giving a gag gift.

Learn more about this author, Carolina Dream Chapman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.