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Yankee Swap Rules

A Yankee Swap is a party game that is best enjoyed when at least 6 people participate. Everyone brings a wrapped gift to the party. The value of the gifts is agreed upon before the party. Gifts are usually humorous and inexpensive.

Each participant draws a number to determine swap order. Numbers range from 1 up to the number of participants.

Each person gets a crack at choosing a gift. The person who picks the first gift opens it and shows it to the rest of the company. Then the number two participant picks a gift and chooses to either unwrap it or exchange it for an unwrapped gift. If the gift is exchanged, the person who had their gift taken from them gets to unwrap the chosen gift and the turn passes.

When all the gifts have been opened, the game is over.

Have everyone bring a wrapped gift of the same value.
Keep your gift a secret.
Everyone draws a number from a hat. The number you draw determines when you get to pick a gift.
The person who drew number 1 starts the game by picking and opening a gift.
The person who drew #2 chooses a gift and EITHER unwraps it OR exchanges it for already opened gift. If the gift is exchanged, the person who had their gift taken from them gets to unwrap the chosen gift.
Person #3 chooses a gift next and the process continues until all gifts are open.
OPTIONAL: person #1 gets the final pick of the opened gifts and swaps what they have.