We usually swap the WRAPPED gift, so the wrapping is REALLY important. We don't unwrap until the end. I love it that way, so much more fun!!! The party invite specifies to bring a fun gift, either used or under $10. Most of the time, if the gift is something used and tacky, they will include a gift card with it.
The gift that was stolen the most at my CHURCH youth leader party was in a flat screen TV box. I emphasize church, because those people are vicious with their stealing!!
The best gift that night, though, once opened, was a huge fish pillow from Cabella's. It was awesome!! There were also a couple of those animated Christmas things- you know, the ones that dance and play music. Those are always good for a laugh. And at that party, there has been a set of Christmas dinnerware (used) that has been going around every year for the past 4 or 5 years. I have learned to stay away from the heavy box, but the new volunteers don't know that yet. It is pretty funny!! And there was also a box of rocks...and under the rocks was a gift card. The recipient's expression was priceless when he opened it- I got ROCKS!
Booze goes over pretty well too....my preschool party always has a bottle or two, and liquor store gift cards, and those get stolen a lot.
My DS16 goes to a High School leader party (church) every year too, and again, the wrapping is important. He wrapped his gift in Christmas paper, and then wrapped it in bubble wrap, and shrink wrap. That one was stolen the most! Last year, he wrapped his gift in a Yeungling beer box. He just put a big bow on it, and walked in carrying it on his shoulder. It was quite funny....stolen a lot too! Last year, his gift was a Spongebob spin brush, and this year, a bubble gum machine. We love 5 Below for cheap, fun gifts.
Next year, I decided that whatever I bring, I am wrapping in a box made of
Lego.
