1. Secret Santa. Secret Santa works best with a larger group of (5 or more) friends. Traditionally names are placed in a hat and drawn by each friend randomly. If someone selects their own name, all names are returned to the hat and name selection starts over again. A comfortable gift price is decided and if everything remains a secret, Santa’s identity will be revealed at the time and place of the gift exchange.

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2. Gift Certificate Exchange. The gift certificate exchange is a variation of Secret Santa with a set amount to spend. Instead of a gift, each friend picks up a gift certificate for the person whose name they selected. Choose from stores or restaurants that the recipient will enjoy. Or simply have each participant purchase a gift certificate. Throw them in a hat and have each person select one.

Try Spa Gift Certificates @ SpaLook.com, $25 Gift Card to Sharper Image or an iTunes gift certificate make great gifts.

3. Spend $10 per Friend. An economical way to buy gifts for a group of friends is to decide on a dollar amount to spend per person in the group. For instance if the dollar amount is $10 per friend that’s only $40 total. One easy way to approach this type of gift giving is to buy the same gift for each friend. Perhaps they come in different colors, shapes, scents etc.

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4. Generic Gift Exchange. Again a variation of the Secret Santa exchange. In this case, friends decide on a dollar amount and purchase a nonspecific gift. A good rule of thumb is something the gift-giver wouldn’t mind receiving. Gifts are then wrapped and numbered. Each friend selects a number and then the corresponding gift.

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5. Item Exchange. In this example it is a wine exchange but friends can choose another gift idea that is mutually enjoyed (such as candles, scrapbook supplies, cookbooks, etc.). Each friend shows up with a $20 bottle of wine, their choice. Several different color ribbon strands are attached to each bottle of wine. Bottles are placed together with ribbons intertwined. Each friend selects a ribbon and follows the strand up to the wine it is attached to. Try little known wines from smaller vineyards around the world. Unique finds for $8-$25. No shipping charges.