5 Gifts Everyone Will Covet at a Yankee Swap

By Mia Shulman

Everyone (or at least anyone who’s as secretly competitive as I am) knows that the real joy of a Yankee Swap isn’t ending up with the prized gift; it’s being the person who brought the prized gift. The satisfaction of watching friends “trade up” to claim the present you so brilliantly selected is a thrill beyond anything wrapped in a bow.

While competitive I may be, I’m not beyond thoughtful, so I’ve compiled my five top gifts to bring to a gift exchange, so you too can claim the title of top gift giver.

DIY Nail Art Pen

2011 was officially the year of the manicure and guests will be desperate to get their tips on this wicked nail art kit with neon coloured pens and glitter.

DIY Nail Art Pen, US $13. Available at www.fredflare.com.

Hendrick’s Gin

Alcohol is always a hot ticket item at gift exchanges. Offer yours complete with a basket of lemons and limes.

Hendrick’s Gin, $45. Available at www.lcbo.ca.

Batteries

This may very well be the strangest recommendation on my list, but I heard about someone bringing $20 worth of batteries to a gift swap and I thought it was genius. You can never have too many batteries, but they’re just about the least exciting thing to purchase yourself, which is why they make a great gift.

Energizer AA Batteries, prices vary. Available at most major drugstores.

Universal Flat Speaker

These speakers are a steal at $10 (convenient for gift exchanges with a dollar maximum) and stylish to boot.

Universal Flat Speaker, $10. Available at www.chapters.indigo.ca.

Magazine Subscription

A one-year subscription to a magazine is the gift that keeps on giving. Who wouldn’t fight over 12 months of presents?

Rogers publishing, prices vary. Available at www.rogerspublishing.ca.