10 Fun & Creative Office Yankee Swap Ideas: My Best Tried-and-True Yankee Swap Picks from Real Office Parties

One year at our office holiday party, someone unwrapped a single left shoe. Yes, just one. The right shoe never appeared — we still debate whether it was intentional or an innocent mix-up. That’s the magic (and mild chaos) of an office Yankee Swap: small spaces, big laughs, and even bigger surprises. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best swaps blend humor, usefulness, and just enough quirk to get people stealing gifts like poker pros. So here are my top 10 ideas to spark your next swap and keep it from ending with someone stuck with a jar of expired jam.

1. Mini Desktop Games

Think tiny foosball tables, desktop bowling, or mini basketball hoops. They’re small enough for any desk and instantly turn break time into a debate about who’s the reigning champ.

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2. Quirky Coffee Mugs

A mug that looks like a camera lens or has a hilarious workplace quote is a safe bet. I once saw a “World’s Okayest Employee” mug get stolen three times before it found a forever desk. It’s practical, but adds personality too—kind of like a room planner for your morning vibe.

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3. Gourmet Snack Boxes

Swap the usual candy tin for designer popcorn mixes, artisanal jerky, or global snack sets. It’s indulgent without being awkwardly personal.

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4. Wireless Phone Chargers

No one says no to never hunting for a cable again. Sleek charging pads look cool on a desk, though just be careful—tech gifts tend to get “stolen” fast in swaps.

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5. Cozy Throw Blankets

Winter calls for warmth, and a chic throw makes any office chair feel like home. Just keep it neutral so it works in everyone’s space.

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6. Desk Plants

Low-maintenance plants like succulents or ZZ plants add life to any cubicle. I once saw a tiny cactus travel across four owners before lunch. It’s the perfect balance of decor and easy upkeep—much like a well-thought free floor plan creator for small offices.

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7. Funny Calendars

From memes to daily trivia, calendars bring a new laugh or fact every day. It’s the gift that literally keeps on giving all year.

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8. Quality Travel Mugs

Not the cheap ones that leak—splurge slightly for insulated mugs that keep coffee hot until lunch. Bonus points if it’s stylish enough for meetings.

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9. Bluetooth Speakers

Perfect for home, office, or even impromptu desk dance parties. Compact models work best, and you’ll score points for delivering big sound in a small package—almost like using an intuitive kitchen layout planner, but for music.

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10. Luxurious Hand Cream Sets

Especially great in winter when everyone’s hands are dry. Go for non-greasy formulas and subtle scents to keep it office-friendly.

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FAQ

1. What is a Yankee Swap?

It’s a gift exchange game where participants can either open a new gift or “steal” one from another person, usually with a set price limit.

2. How much should I spend on a Yankee Swap gift?

Most offices set a budget, often between $15-$30. Always stick to the agreed amount to keep it fair.

3. Should the gift be work-related?

Not necessarily, but it should be suitable for a mixed group of coworkers and not too personal.

4. How can I make my gift popular?

Choose something fun, universally useful, and with a touch of novelty. This balance makes gifts more likely to be “stolen.”

5. Can I give homemade items?

Yes, if they’re well-made and packaged nicely. Just be cautious with food gifts due to allergies.

6. Is re-gifting acceptable?

It can be, if the item is new, unused, and fits the swap theme. Avoid anything that feels like a last-minute dump.

7. How do I handle duplicate gifts?

Duplicates are part of the fun. Often people will swap again, or someone will personalize theirs later.

8. Where can I find unique gift ideas?

Look on Etsy, local artisan shops, or curated gift websites. You can also draw inspiration from creative design tools like Coohom’s project gallery for visual ideas.