Crappy Christmas Party: How to Plan a Hilarious and Budget-Friendly Teen Party

Kelly Kirstein
3 days ago
3 min read

Crappy Christmas Parties are a Chicks Ministry Tradition. Whether the girls like their gifts or not, the laughs are unbeatable.

Opening silly gifts, laughing with friends, and celebrating Christmas together never gets old. If you’re looking for a memorable December event, this Crappy Christmas Party is pure fun. Teens love it, leaders love it, and best of all—it's budget-friendly.

Whether you’re hosting a youth group event, club gathering, or girls’ night, this post will give you everything you need to pull it off: free ideas, donation lists, easy games, and printable gift-exchange cards.

Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and let’s get planning.

Step 1: Gather Donations (The Secret to a Zero-Budget Party)

You don’t need to spend money to make this party great. Start by collecting items from friends, family, and your community.

Social media platforms (especially Facebook, Instagram stories, and community groups) are the perfect place to post your request.

In your post, mention that items can be cute or totally terrible. The fun is in the randomness.

Suggested Used Items:

Art supplies
Candles
Jewelry
Notepads
Magnets
Scarves
Hats
Stuffed animals
Pens/pencils
Picture frames
Flashlights
Small décor items
Toys
Trinkets
Keychains

Sample Social Media Post (Copy and Paste)

ISO DONATIONS FOR TEEN “CRAPPY CHRISTMAS PARTY”

Used items we accept: Art supplies, office supplies, jewelry, stuffed animals, frames, hats, candles, small décor.

New items we accept: Makeup, chapstick, hairbrushes, gum, candy, hygiene items, water bottles.

Everything can be cute or ugly—we don’t care! This is a great way to clear out clutter. Message if you'd like to donate.

When you receive donations, post a thank-you update. This helps build excitement and encourages others to join in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Gifts

You can either:

Wrap the gifts using recycled gift bags OR
Use Dollar Tree bags ($1.50 each)

Skip the tissue paper—use crumpled grocery sacks or packing paper instead. Teens don’t care about presentation. The surprise is what they love.

Line the bags on a counter and sort your donated items into piles.

Try to mix:

Crappy items + Cute items. This way every bag is something someone will want.

If you find your gifts are leaning too “crappy,” add gum or candy to balance them out.

Step 3: Party Games that Keep Everyone Laughing

Grab some 16 oz red Solo cups, and you’re good to go.

These games are simple, hilarious, and take almost no prep.

Game 1: Minute to Win It Games from the Dollar Store

Supplies: Hershey + Snow Mittens.

Watch the video for instructions:

Game 2: Balloon Cup Challenge

Supplies: Balloon + Cup

This is fast and funny.

Step 4: Party Food Ideas (Simple + Teen Approved)

Whether you supply everything or ask each attendee to bring one snack, food always makes the party.

Snack Ideas:

Christmas cookies
Popcorn bar
Ice cream sundae bar
Chex Mix
Hot cocoa bar
Nachos
Fruit trays
Chips and dip

Step 5: Gift Exchange (Free Printable Provided)

To make this process easy, provide each girl with a numbered card or token that corresponds to a gift bag. You can print them, cut them, and place them in a bowl.

This works way better than everyone grabbing at the same time.

Girls pick numbers, then choose one bag, open it, and laugh at the randomness.

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Invitations

Here’s sample text for your invite:

Crappy Christmas

Party Wear an ugly sweater | Bring a friend Games | Snacks | Silly

Gifts

Date:

Time:

Location:

RSVP to Kelly:

Silly-Costume Nativity Play for Teens

Chicks

Ministry