DIY Let's Make a Deal Christmas Game For an Unforgettable Party

It’s time to play Let’s Make a Deal: Christmas Edition!

This festive twist on the classic game show brings out everyone’s competitive side. Will you stick with what’s in your hands or take a gamble on the next round? Perhaps there’s gold in that small mystery box!

From silly gag gifts to big money, every round is full of laughter, suspense, and holiday cheer. Keep reading to learn exactly how to play this unique version. You’ll turn your Christmas party into one everyone will be talking about long after the ornaments come down.

Get ready to trade, laugh, and maybe even walk away with the best (or worst) gift at the party. Now step right up holiday dealmakers!

Let's make a deal Christmas party game with money, gift cards, and gifts

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Table of Contents

Let’s Make a Deal Game Supplies

8-15 gift cards with a wide range of amounts on them (more gift cards for bigger groups).
Paper, cardstock, or poster board
Tape and a marker or pen
Envelopes with varying amounts of money in them.
Wrapped gifts with varied items, including a gag gift or two (optional but fun): I used coal in one of my wrapped gifts as the “zonk”. Don’t have that? Add in “Grinch pills” or a can of sardines instead.

Make sure some of the gift cards and cash envelopes don’t have any money with them. Part of the game is keeping the suspense alive!

Important Game Setup How to & Tips

1. Set your gift cards on paper, cardstock or poster board (if you have a big group). Write the amount behind each gift card, so that players can’t see how much is on the card until they choose it. Then tape them in place.

2. Number your envelopes so it’s easy for players to choose which one they want.

3. Include more cards and prizes than players so everyone has choices.

4. Decide in advance how players will be chosen during the game. You could do a random hat draw, trivia winners, or everyone goes in order clockwise.

Why This Game Is So Fun

This game turns ordinary prize-giving into an interactive, laugh-filled challenge. It’s all about taking risks, cheering for others, and seeing who walks away with the best deal. Or the funniest “zonk”!

Note: This is a holiday version of the game, but you could change your gift wrapping and do it any time of year!

3 rounds in this Let's Make a Deal Christmas Money Game

How to Play “Let’s Make a Deal” (Holiday Gift Edition)

This game version has 3 rounds:

Let’s Make a Deal Round 1: Gift Card Edition

1. Players choose one gift card from the board.

2. Removing the gift card reveals the hidden value (some may be $0.06, others $100—anything goes!).

3. After seeing their amount, the player decides to:

Keep it and end their turn, OR

Trade it for a cash envelope in the next round.

Lets make a deal money game for Christmas party fun

Round 2: Cash Envelopes

If players decide to trade their gift card, they move on to the cash round.

1. Lay out numbered envelopes (filled with various amounts of real cash and one or two filled with nothing, play money, or “zonk” slips.)

2. Players choose one envelope and reveal their prize!

3. Again, they can keep it or risk it all for one final round of mystery prizes.

Round 3: Mystery Gifts

Now it’s time for the biggest gamble of all!

For those that traded in their cash envelope, fill a tray with wrapped gifts. Some great (electronics, cozy blankets, gourmet treats), some silly (empty boxes, gag gifts).

Players who trade their cash can pick any wrapped gift.
Once chosen, they open it to see what they’ve won. Or if they’ve been zonked!

Bonus Round: Big Deal of the Day

For extra fun, invite your top 2–3 winners back for a final “Big Deal” round.
They can either keep their winnings or trade for one of three mystery prizes—one grand prize and two lesser ones.

Fun Variations to This Let’s Make a Deal Game

Looking for something different? Change the game slightly to add in one of these fun twists.

1. Mystery Stockings

Instead of mystery gifts, hide prizes inside Christmas stockings. Mix up the sizes though. Some tiny stockings might hold big prizes, while the giant one could have something goofy inside.

2. Holiday Trivia Bonus Round

Before choosing a card, envelope, or gift, players must answer a quick Christmas trivia question. If they get it right they can peek or ask for a hint about what’s behind one of their options.

3. Secret Santa Swap

Add a sneaky twist by letting players trade their prize with someone else at the end (but only if both agree). This can help with players who don’t like what they wind up with. But keep in mind that this game is more about the fun of the game than keeping things equal and perfect. The variety is what makes it so exciting!

More Fun Gift Card & Cash Games

What’s Next?

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