You've Been Booed: How to Run a Secret Halloween Gift Exchange

A Halloween gift exchange, also known as Secret Pal Halloween or You’ve Been Boo’d, is a fun way to add an extra layer of fun to your Halloween celebration. Similar to Secret Santa, it involves preparing anonymous gifts for another member of the group, with the exception that gifts are Halloween-themed. Keep reading for secret Halloween gift exchange ideas and a step-by-step guide to making the gift swap your new tradition. 

Why host a spooky Halloween gift exchange? 

Exchanging gifts anonymously helps us share the joy of giving, learn more about each other, and create a small miracle for another person. Here are some reasons to add the gift exchange to your traditional ghost stories and trick-or-treating: 

1. For kids – teach the little ones the joy of giving while offering another fun activity for the Halloween season.
2. For coworkers – celebrate Halloween in the workplace, strengthen team bonds, and know your coworkers better.
3. For families – create lasting memories and prepare heartwarming, personalized gifts that show care and appreciation.
4. For friends – have fun this Halloween season, plan a costume party, and exchange thrilling gag gifts. 

How to organize a secret Halloween-themed gift exchange?

Setting up your spooky Halloween gift exchange takes just a few minutes. You need a minimum of 3 participants, but the more the better. Here’s how it works. 

Step 1. Prepare invites 

The preparation begins with sending out invitations. You can send out Halloween-themed paper invites to create the festive mood or invite participants via email or a messenger app. Be sure to include the gift budget, theme, and deadline for exchanging gifts. 

Halloween gift exchange invitation template  

Subject: You're Invited – A Spooktacular Halloween Gift Exchange!

Hey everyone,

Get ready to get your spook on! We're hosting a Halloween Gift Exchange, and we want you to join the fun!

Here are the details:
Date: October 30^th
Time: [Time of Event]
Location: [Location of Event]
Gift Value: $15
Gift Theme: Halloween-themed, spooky, funny, or anything creative

How it works: We’ll use the MySanta generator to assign names. Bring a wrapped gift within the suggested value and theme to the party. Prepare to "ooh" and "aah" at the spooky surprises.

RSVP: Please join the game in the MySanta app here [Link] before October 15^th so we can assign a secret Halloween pal to everyone. 

We're excited to celebrate Halloween with you ­– get ready for a frightfully good time!

Best,

[Your Name]

Also Read:

How to Organize Secret Santa on WhatsApp: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 2. Draw names 

When players confirm their participation, it’s time to assign names to see who prepares a small Halloween gift for whom. You can write names on paper and draw them from the Halloween hat in person. This method works great for a small group (such as the family game) or when you’re organizing a gift exchange for kids. 

However, it’s much more convenient to use an online generator, like the MySanta app. You can invite players via the link, add gift preferences, and much more. 

Here’s how to exchange gifts on Halloween using the app: 

1. Invite players via the link or QR code
2. When everyone joins in, draw names in one click
3. Set exceptions if some people in your group don’t get along very well
4. Each player adds gift preferences and what not to give them
5. As a game organizer, you can see who bought a gift and who hasn’t, and set reminders to avoid forgotten gifts. 

You can play with coworkers, neighbors, friends, and extended family. Try today – focus on spreading cheer and choosing heartwarming gifts, and the app will do the rest. 

Try our MySanta app

You can create wishlists, add exclusions, and communicate with your gifree secretly. Moreover, there is an option to track gifts and ensure that everyone buys a present on time.

Start

Step 3. Set the rules 

To ensure the game runs smoothly, establish some ground rules early. Set the gift budget and decide what gifts you’ll give each other. You might want to exchange sweet treats and holiday trinkets, or give each other heartwarming, personalized presents. The choice is up to you! 

To keep the exchange more fun and festive, set a theme. For example, you can give something that starts with the letter H, something black, Harry Potter-themed gifts, or self-care items. 

When organizing a Halloween gift exchange for kids, have the little ones complete a questionnaire and write what gifts they’d like to get within budget. Set the gift theme to make it easier to choose gifts. Reach out to parents to collect info about any food allergies. 

Step 4. Make wishlists 

Wishlists make a gift exchange more enjoyable for everyone. The recipient gets something they really want, and the giver doesn’t have to guess what to buy. 

In the MySanta app, players can add links to their desired gifts (within budget) to their wishlists. If you’re not sure what to give, explore our gift suggestions based on your giftee’s gender, age, and location. 

Step 5. The fun reveal 

Now the best part ­– exchanging gifts and guessing who they come from! Depending on your group’s preferences, there are three scenarios for exchanging Halloween gifts:

1. “You’ve Been Boo’d” exchange. Players leave gifts with a spooky note at the recipient’s door, at their desk at work, or at another secret location to keep the surprise. 
2. Gift exchange without revealing the giver. Participants bring their gifts to the party, leave them in the common area, or send them by mail. Each gift must be wrapped with the recipient’s name on it. Players unwrap their gifts, but the identity of the giver is never disclosed. 
3. The Halloween party reveal. Host a festive gathering with Halloween-themed activities, games, and holiday fun. At the end of the party, each player unwraps their gift and guesses who their secret giver was.  

Halloween Gift Ideas 

In a Halloween gift exchange, you can give any items from boxes with sweets to gag gifts, personalized items, and festive décor. Yet, be sure to discuss the gift budget and type in advance to avoid confusing situations. 

If you’re feeling stuck, here are some tried-and-true gift ideas for Halloween exchanges.

Gift Ideas for a Halloween Gift Exchange

How to exchange Halloween gifts at a distance

If your loved ones or coworkers live far away, there is still a way to celebrate the spooky season together and exchange small gifts. Here’s how to exchange gifts and celebrate Halloween at a distance: 

1. Use an online generator to draw names. The MySanta app works great for organizing remote gift exchanges, and the number of players is unlimited. 
2. Each participant joins the game via the link and adds their mailing address.
3. Players send gifts anonymously by mail or a PO box office. Alternatively, they can order items with delivery to the recipient’s address. 
4. Make sure to set the budget for gifts to keep the exchange equal. Also, set the deadline for shipping gifts to avoid late delivery. 
5. Plan a Zoom call to unwrap gifts together, share emotions, and guess who sent gifts to whom.  

Also Read:

How to Send Your Secret Santa Gift Anonymously?

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A Halloween gift exchange is a great way to spread cheer with your kids, neighbors, or coworkers, making the festive season extra special. Suggest exchanging Halloween-themed items at work, reach out to your neighbors and host a festive gathering, or plan a fun gift exchange for kids. The MySanta app will make organizing the exchange easier, helping you focus completely on the festivities of the spooky season. 

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