2026 RULES

The game starts promptly at 8:15 PM.

PLAYING IS OPTIONAL

If you opt in, you must stay for the full 1.5 to 2 hours. No leaving halfway. No proxies. If you bring a gift, you play.

Not playing? No problem. You will not be judged and you’ll still have have too much fun. Enjoy the plentiful bar and food table.

THIS GAME IS ADULTS ONLY

You must be 18+. This is a savage game of joy and heartbreak. People will steal the gift you just fell in love with. You might cry. You’ll survive. Your kid? Maybe not. That’s why kids are not invited to play. We refuse to be responsible for emotional trauma inflicted on your child.

PROHIBITED GIFT ITEMS

Do not bring food, booze, weed, recreational-or-otherwise drugs, coffee, candy, sex toys, porn, or gift cards. Gift cards are banned. Why? Lots of reasons. Believe me.

NO MONEY LIMIT

But don’t go wild. Overspending will not earn you glory or adoration. I promise.

BRING SOMETHING GOOD

Bring something you would be excited to open. Not a sad re-gift you grabbed on your way out of the house. It’s OK not to play!!

What’s Good? Think funny, cool, vintage, useful, artsy, weird, or so bad it’s good. If it sparks joy or screams steal me, you’re on the right track. Don’t stress. Bring something fun that you genuinely like. Everyone’s taste is different. That’s what makes this game fun. I am always surprised and delighted by the things people love that I do not love.

HOW TO PLAY

Check-in to the game at the door with your wrapped gift and put your name in the bag. Names are drawn randomly. The first person opens a gift. No stealing yet. Each new player can open a gift or steal one. If your gift is stolen, you go again. A gift can only be stolen once per round and three times total before it’s locked. All opened gifts must be visible. No hiding. No disappearing.

HOW IT ENDS - NEW FOR 2026

MOB RULES: An all time classic. The unruly crowd votes for best gift and worst gift and those poor saps have to swap. Lessons are learned.

AND - YES, AND …

MAY THE BEST GIFT WIN: The top 3 givers of the BEST GIFTS will be rewarded. These geniuses are role models for us all. Shower them with love and adulation.

AND FINALLY

Take your gift home with you. Seriously.