What makes a swap gift work
Everyone sees it opened, so it needs a laugh or a “wait, what is that?”. Then someone has to want it badly enough to steal it, so it needs to be something they’ll actually use.
Gifts that get stolen
- Gadgets that look odd but solve a real problem
- Cozy things: everyone wants the warm one by the end of the night
- Desk toys people can’t stop touching
- Lights that change colour
- Anything for the car
Gifts that don’t
- Joke gifts with nothing to do afterwards
- Anything that needs a size
- Scented things: nobody agrees on a smell
- Stick to the price limit. Going over makes the swap awkward.
- Wrap it so it’s hard to guess. A box inside a box is part of the fun.
- Add a one-line hint. “For the person who’s always cold” makes people want it before it’s open.
Cheat code
The most stolen gift at most swaps is the one people can use that night: a warm blanket, a light, a game.
