Picking a Thoughtful Yankee Swap Gift
Is it just me or are Yankee Swaps (also know as White Elephants in places outside New England) the absolute worst?
It all begins with the stress of picking something out (because in my family, the winner is not the person who goes home with the best gift but the person who bought the gift stolen the most times…we’re competitive like that!).
Then there is the oh-so-painful process of playing the game. Everyone seems to remembers the rules differently. You always get the WORST number (which is obviously number 2, don’t at me about it). And in the end you go home with a $5 candle that smells like old lady perfume.
It’s just too much anxiety for me on a holiday but I always feel like a party-pooper if I don’t play along. So, I’ve learned to embrace the suck of it all and focus on bringing a gift that will really make someone smile. Besides, Christmas really is the season of giving, so why not give thoughtfully?
I have a few guidelines for picking a thoughtful Yankee Swap gift (which also conveniently act as thoughtful holiday hostess gifts, too!).
Know the crowd. If it’s your best girlfriends and their significant others, your favorite essential oil bath bomb may not go over well. If it’s your family from out of state, a gift card to the local spa may be a miss. So, focus on who is going to be there when you begin brainstorming.
Keep to the limit. If a limit of $25 is set, it may seem like a grand gesture to double down on the perfect gift but it it is obviously over budget, it may send the wrong message or rub people the wrong way. Worse, it could make you feel crappy and resentful when you end up with a $12 Yankee candle that smells like your Nana’s powder room (yes, I have serious trauma surrounding candles in Yankee swaps, okay?). There is some wiggle room for sure but try to stay in the ball park!
Pick something “self-contained”. I know that you love your Nespresso machine but buying the pods for a swap is a big no-no. Unless you know for certain that everyone involved has a Nespresso machine. Instead go or something that anyone could enjoy.
Keep it simple. The best gifts I have ever received, in a swap or otherwise, are simple things that I can enjoy for many years like a beautiful chenille blanket or a nice set of wooden bowls. Leave the infomercial junk for gag gifts.
Don’t get lotto or scratch tickets. First of all, it’s rather tacky, unoriginal, and pretty lazy. Second of all it’s rather disappointing to receive. And of course, you never know when someone may be struggling with a gambling addiction. So, save them for close family stocking stuffers if you must.
“Rules are fun but what about the examples, Lauren?, ” you say. Ah, you’re too right. Let’s talk about some amazing gifts to get the ball rolling.
For Your Office Christmas Party
A travel mug and a bag of beans. Simple, classic, and pretty universal. Make it special by grabbing a locally roasted coffee. If your office happens to have a Keruig or Nespresso machine, this is an exception to Rule #3…unless your office supplies them for free. In which case, please refer me to your hiring manager. Thanks a bunch.
For Your Girl Gang
A bottle of wine and a recent best seller. AKA a great night in. Wine is something I feel like people stress out over but a good wine is a good wine, regardless of brand, cost, or how pretty the label is. If you live near either a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, I have found their staff particularly helpful in picking out a great wine at any price point. They have never tried to up-sell me nor have they ever steered me wrong. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help. As for the book, contemporary and historical fictions are always good bet but if it’s an author you love, I bet anyone would be excited to read something you recommend.
For a Party Where You Don’t Really Know Everyone
This can be one of the most difficult kinds of swaps to prepare for. Maybe it’s a friend of a friend or your meeting your significant other’s friends for the first time. When you don’t know the crowd, it can be really intimidating. But here’s the thing, no one judging you based on the creativity of your gift (except my mom). So, just relax and remember this is supposed to be fun! Bring something that shows your personality or something you’d like to receive.
I’d bring some super cute and festive mugs and a fancy hot cocoa. I’m a mug collector and a cocoa lover. P.S This cocoa is amazing!
For Your Family
When it comes to my family, I know foodie gifts ALWAYS go over well. Because everyone in my family, on both sides, likes to eat. We are French on my mom’s side and Italian on my dad’s. We all love to cook. So, getting a great pan or awesome kitchen gadget is sure to be a hit. To maximize my budget, I love to hit places like TJ Maxx or HomeGoods where I always find amazing pieces like this absolutely adorable polka-dot serving dish!
I think my all time best family Yankee Swap entry was a copper-plated French press and a pound of Coffee By Design beans(which I had fresh ground in the store to a French press grind). It was a hit and I was a little jealous I couldn’t keep it.
What’s your family into? A bunch of winos? Get a beautiful bottle and a great stopper. Readers? Pick up the latest Steven King. Are you all a crafty bunch? You can never have enough pairs of good scissors and hot glue sticks. I think you get the point!
For Co-Ed Friendsgiving
You can’t go wrong with a beautiful bottle of locally crafted spirits. I’m a huge bourbon girl so this local is right up my alley . If you don’t have locally made spirits, you really can’t go wrong with Maker’s Mark. Not into bourbon? Ask at your local package (liquor store) for recommendations. If you have room in your budget, adding a pair of nice glasses (rocks glasses for whiskey/bourbon, martini for gin and vodka) make’s a great addition.
At the end of the day, swaps should be fun. So, don’t get to caught up in picking the perfect gift but you can give something thoughtful that won’t end up in the Goodwill pile by January 1st. Give me your best Yankee Swap ideas in the comments below!
