The Grinch Gift Exchange Game at Christmas

The rules can be a little confusing but once the game gets going it is very easy.

1. The first thing is for the group to decide on an amount that each person will spend on a
   gift.  Usual amounts are $20 - $50 per gift.  As each person purchases a gift they are to remind themselves that they are not necessarily purchasing the gift for anyone in particular.  Just get a cool gift that you think will be liked by many.  The cooler the
   gift the better.

2. The gifts should be wrapped.  Make sure you wrap your gift with the most elaborate
   decorations that you can.  It will make it more appealing.

3. The hostess of the party or get together will create a number basket for each guest to
   choose a number.  The number designates the order in which each person will select a gift.

4. The game begins.  Guest #1 will choose a gift from under the tree and unwrap it.  Other
   guests are either thinking that they really want that gift or they are thinking that they are really glad they did not choose that gift. 

5. Guest #2 can either get a gift from under the tree OR he/she can take Guest #1's gift.
   Yes.. they can take it.  IF guest #1 loses the gift to guest#2 then guest #1 can get another gift from under the tree and unwrap it. 

6. Guest #3 now has his/her turn.  They can choose from under the tree or from guest #1
   or guest #2.  If one of the guests loses their gift to guest #3 then they get to pick another gift from under the tree. 

7. This continues until everyone has a gift.  A gift can only be taken 4 times.  So if a
   certain gift has been taken 4 times it becomes off limits and the person who has it gets to keep it. 

8. To end the game, guest #1 gets the chance to take any other guest's gift if he/she wants
   to.  They would actually be making another guest trade with them if they wanted another gift more than the one they had.  So drawing #1 from the number basket can be a good thing for that guest.

I have played this game a few times with extended family and it really ends up being a fun
time.  I would suggest giving it a try this year and add some laughter to your holiday gatherings. I have seen people rolling around on the floor play fighting for gifts and laughing so loud it was contagious.  Everyone laughs and enjoys the game.  I will be playing again this year as we visit family.  This year we have a gift limit of $50 per gift.  With this limit I will be able to get a really interesting gift that I hope everyone wants.   Happy Holidays and don't let the Grinch take your gift!