The Swedish Christmas gift game — rules and variants

What you need

• At least three players — the more the better.
• One gift per person within an agreed price range.
• Anonymous wrapping: no recipient written on the tag.
• A die for the dice variant, otherwise just a timer.

Variant 1: The dice game

The classic. All gifts go in a pile in the middle and everyone sits in a circle.

• Everyone rolls the die in turn, as fast as they can.
• Roll a six and you take a gift from the pile.
• Once the pile is empty, a six lets you steal a gift from someone else.
• The second half runs until a 5–10 minute timer goes off.
• When time is up everyone keeps what they hold — only then do you unwrap.

Variant 2: The steal game

Slower and more tactical. Good for large groups.

• Draw lots for the turn order.
• On your turn, take an unopened gift or steal an opened one.
• Whoever gets robbed takes a new gift or steals from someone else.
• A gift can change hands three times, then it's locked.
• The round ends when everyone holds a gift.

Variant 3: The clue game

The variant this site is built for. No dice, no chaos — plenty of laughs.

• Everyone writes an anonymous clue about their own gift in advance.
• On the night the host reads one clue at a time.
• Everyone guesses what's inside and who gave it.
• The recipient unwraps, and the next clue is read.

Common house rules

Agree on them before you start.

• A price cap, for example 15 EUR per gift.
• Homemade counts — and is often the most fun.
• Nothing is unwrapped until the round is over.
• Kids get their own pile so nobody ends up empty-handed.

How to play, step by step

1. 1Agree a price capDecide a maximum amount and that everyone brings one gift.
2. 2Wrap anonymouslyNo recipient on the tag — just a number if you like.
3. 3Pick a variantDice, steal or clues. Decide before the evening starts.
4. 4Play the roundFollow the chosen rules until everyone holds a gift.
5. 5Open togetherUnwrap only when the round is complete, one at a time.

Frequently asked questions