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Free printable gift passing games are simple party activities that use a story, directions, or numbered actions to move wrapped gifts around a group. They are especially useful when you want a gift exchange to feel more interactive than choosing a present from a pile. Most versions use a left-right story: players pass a gift whenever the reader says “left” or “right,” and the gift in each person’s hands at the end is the one they keep.
Who Can Use a Gift Passing Game?
This type of printable works well for Christmas parties, white elephant exchanges, family gatherings, classroom celebrations, office events, baby showers, and birthday parties. It can be adjusted for children or adults by changing the prize, story theme, and reading speed.
For a group exchange, ask each guest to bring one wrapped gift within an agreed price range. For a smaller activity, use one wrapped prize and let the person holding it at the end win. Small toys, candy, gift cards, party favors, and inexpensive household items are all practical choices.
How to Play
- Print the game page and choose one person to read it aloud.
- Have players sit or stand in a circle.
- Give each person a wrapped gift, or place one gift with the starting player.
- Tell everyone to pass gifts to the left whenever the reader says “left” and to the right whenever the reader says “right.”
- Continue until the story or instructions end.
- Have players keep or open the gift they are holding.
Read the directions before beginning so guests understand that the passing may become quick. For young children, pause between cues and demonstrate one practice pass. An adult or confident reader should hold the printable where it is easy to follow without blocking the group.
Practical Printing Tips
- Use standard US Letter paper and select “actual size” or “100% scale” in the print dialog.
- Print in black and white if the page uses bold text or clear directional words; color is optional.
- Choose 24-pound paper for a sturdier sheet that is easier to handle at a crowded party.
- Print a backup copy in case the first page is misplaced or damaged.
- Place the page in a folder, sheet protector, or clipboard if it will be used outdoors.
- Check the PDF preview before printing to confirm that no instructions are cut off.
Free printable gift passing games are most effective when the rules stay simple and the gifts are wrapped similarly. With one readable page and a prepared reader, the activity can organize an entire exchange while keeping everyone involved until the final pass.
Where to Find and Print Free Printable Gift Passing Games
Free Right Left Christmas Game Printable for a Gift Exchange
A free printable left-right Christmas story with instructions for passing gifts in a circle during family, classroom, office, or holiday gatherings.
Gift Exchange Game Printable: Dice Left Right Switch
A direct printable PDF offering dice-based gift exchange actions, including passing left or right, switching gifts, stealing, and unwrapping.