The draw is the same: everyone has one name and nobody else knows it. The theme only affects the gift. The usual mistake is choosing a theme the organizer likes rather than one the group likes: crafts with people who don't craft, books with people who don't read. The test is that anyone can think of a gift within a minute.
How to run a themed exchange
Themes that work for almost any group
Something to eat or drink, ideally homemade, nearly always works and suits a low limit. A secondhand find gets people browsing markets.
An experience, like a class or a plan for two, avoids piling up stuff. Books, plants or kitchen tools work if the group is into them.
A specific theme
“Something for the kitchen” is too broad; “the best thing you can find under 15 for weeknight cooking” is a theme.
The more specific it is, the easier it is to compare and the more laughs on gift day. A test: if two people could turn up with the same gift, narrow it.
Announce the theme with the invitation
Write the theme in the exchange note, which appears in every email and reminder. If it's announced late, people who already shopped end up outside the rule.
A different theme each year
If the group meets every year, change the theme: handmade one year, food the next, books after that. The budget and how gift day works can stay the same.
In Cuchumbo
Pick the theme before the draw and write it in the exchange note alongside the limit. If someone is stuck, their person's hints help pin the theme down.
Set up your themed exchange
No account, nothing to install, free. Enter the names and date, put the theme in the exchange note and share one link.
