White elephant gift exchanges can be run different ways. Some set rules that the item must be previously owned, which means that you are re-gifting an unwanted item or trinket. Others purchase a new, (generally inexpensive), item just for the party. The goal is to choose wacky, funny or entertaining gifts.
What are the rules of white elephant gift exchange?
White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules Shake Up The Rules Get the Gift Out No Extra Swapping Blind Swap Add a Theme Stick to Funny Gifts Hang On To The Hideous Play With A Riddle Why is it called White Elephant Gift Exchange? Other Christmas Gift Exchange Games Game On! How to Play White Elephant Gift Exchange
What is a white elephant at Christmas?
Today the term “white elephant” refers to an extravagant but impractical gift that’s more of a burden than anything else. The useless possession is also difficult to get rid of, which is where the modern-day Christmas swapping gift exchange game takes its name. Other Christmas Gift Exchange Games
Are there any other gift exchange games like white elephant?
While the White Elephant game is fun, there are other similar gift exchange games that are just as enjoyable but follow a different format. As with White Elephant, you can change the rules as you deem fit, just make sure that you communicate them to your party guests.
Why do we give white elephants as gifts?
Legend has it that these beasts, although beautiful, were not very useful—not to mention the astronomical upkeep. And, hence, the White Elephant gift exchange we know and love today… where the practicality of the gifts is secondary to the silliness.
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What is considered a white elephant gift?
A white elephant gift can be either an item currently owned by a person that they no longer want or a purchased gift that doesn't exceed a price limit set by the game host. At game time, the host draws a name from a hat and that person chooses a gift from the pile of white elephants and opens it.
How many times can you still a gift in white elephant?
price and theme). Each gift can only be stolen three times in the game. Each gift can only be stolen once per turn. Everyone who has had a turn must have a gift.
How does white elephant gift giving work?
One type of White Elephant story tells players to pass their gift left or right until the end, when they get to keep whatever item they're holding. Gift Themes. The organizer may require people to bring a gift that fits a certain theme.
Are white elephant gifts supposed to be used?
The rules of the white elephant party are simple. Everybody who attends is required to bring a wrapped gift worth no more than a specified amount — generally between $10 and $20.
Do you write your name on a white elephant gift?
White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules A quick rule recap: Everybody needs to bring a wrapped gift worth no more than a specified amount. Make sure that the gifts are wrapped and don't have any names on them – secrecy is key!
What is Dirty Santa gift exchange?
Although its name might suggest otherwise, the Dirty Santa Gift Exchange is a family friendly game! It is called dirty because game participants steal gifts from each other in the attempt to end up with the best possible gift. Gifts for Dirty Santa are typically something fun, new, unique, and in good taste.
What can I use instead of white elephant?
Christmas Games Similar to White ElephantYankee Swap.Dirty Santa.Pollyanna.Cutthroat Christmas.Santa Machiavelli.Greedy Punter.
What is an example of a white elephant?
The definition of a white elephant is a possession that is very expensive to maintain, or an article that is no longer wanted by the owner. A family home that you feel you have to keep but that is very expensive to maintain is an example of a white elephant.
What's the difference between Secret Santa and white elephant?
Secret Santa is when members of a group receive random assignments to give a gift to. In some cases players make a small list of ideas for what to get them. The identity of the gift giver remains anonymous until the receiver opens the gift. White Elephant has players put an unmarked wrapped gift in a designated area.
What does white elephant symbolize?
The white elephant is a symbol of gentleness, majesty, protection, and purity. As well as being considered a symbol of success and a calm mind. The historic symbolism of the white elephant is related to fertility, and many cultures perform rituals around these gentle giants.
How does white elephant Christmas work?
White elephant is a gift exchange, so each person must bring one wrapped present to the Christmas party. Once everyone is assembled, have each person draw a number. The person with number "one" chooses a present to unwrap.
How do you spice up a white elephant gift exchange?
5 Ways to Add Sparkle to Your White Elephant PartyPick a gift theme. One excellent way to spice things up is to have people bring gifts that fit a particular theme. ... Employ different game rules. ... Hold an ugly sweater contest. ... Rent a karaoke machine. ... Break out the Christmas games.
What is the moral of the story the white elephant?
The white elephant was able to take good care of his mother till the day she died. And when he died himself, the King erected a statue of him by the side of the lake and held an annual elephant festival there in memory of such a caring and noble soul. Moral: Always give affection and care to our dear ones.
What is the purpose of the trip in Hills Like White Elephants?
Hemingway sets “Hills Like White Elephants” at a train station to highlight the fact that the relationship between the American man and the girl is at a crossroads. Planted in the middle of a desolate valley, the station isn't a final destination but merely a stopping point between Barcelona and Madrid.
What is the point of a white elephant gift exchange?
Remember, the point of a White Elephant gift exchange is to have fun, not necessarily to end up with the best gift. Sure, it would be great to score that sweet screwdriver with the changeable heads but if you don’t, don’t sweat it.
What to bring to a white elephant?
Set a theme for the gift exchange: It could be puppies, vacations, or condiments; it doesn’t really matter! The original White Elephant requires that you bring an obscure object that you received as a gift but haven’t used, like maybe the hard-boiled egg slicer your grandmother gave you two Christmases ago. If you don’t want to end up with a bunch of junk though, have participants create online wish lists so that you know you’re bringing a gift that someone in the group will go crazy for, not unlike the abominable snowman who loved… well, nevermind.
How to play the White Elephant game?
The White Elephant Game Rules 1 Send festive invites detailing the particulars of the party. 2 Bring a wrapped, anonymous gift to the shindig. 3 Draw numbers to determine who gets to unwrap a present when. 4 Sit in a circle and place the gifts in the center, preferably under a festive tree. 5 The person who drew #1 selects a gift from the pile, opens it, and holds it up for all to see. 6 The person who drew #2 decides whether to steal that gift or unwrap a mystery present from the pile. 7 The game continues in such a fashion, with each person getting the chance to steal someone’s gift or unwrap their own surprise. 8 When there are no more unwrapped gifts, the person who drew #1 gets one last turn. If they decide not to steal a gift, keeping the one they have, the game is over. If they do steal a gift, the game continues until someone decides to keep their gift, rather than steal.
What happens if you don't unwrap a gift in the game of chess?
When there are no more unwrapped gifts, the person who drew #1 gets one last turn. If they decide not to steal a gift, keeping the one they have, the game is over.
How long do white elephant exchanges last?
Without a solid set of guidelines, White Elephant exchanges can easily last an eternity. Considering how much fun you’ll be having, you probably wouldn’t mind, but eventually you may want to get back to trimming the trees, decking the halls, and roasting a chestnut or two. Be sure to share these suggestions for how to play White Elephant with the whole group before you start the game so that nobody gets too naughty:
Can you combine Secret Santa and White Elephant?
Combine Secret Santa and White Elephant exchanges: This may sound crazy, but what if each participant bought a gift for an assigned person (as in a traditional Secret Santa gift exchange), but once everyone opened their gift, you had the chance to swap with others (as in a game of White Elephant). Mind-boggling, right? Using an online Secret Santa Generator will help with the organization so that you can save your brainpower for the game.
What is a white elephant gift exchange?
A white elephant gift exchange is a lighthearted way to have fun with your work colleagues, or at family gatherings. "White elephants" are traditionally presents that are undesirable but one cannot turn down: extremely tacky, nearly useless, silly or weird. In white elephant gift exchanges the goal is really to have fun. Most is to give everyone a chance to rid themselves of these tacky gifts—and invariably gain a new one!
What to choose for a white elephant party?
If you are hosting a white elephant party, you may want to choose a particular theme such as "home décor you no longer use" or "unusual tools." If your group is used to white elephant parties, this will make a fun new challenge.
How do you play the gift box game?
Begin with the person who draws #1. The first person chooses any wrapped gift in the gift box and opens it. Their turn ends. The first player will be given the option to exchange gifts with another player at the very end.
How to get people to know who your gift is coming from?
Be secretive about your gift. The idea is for people to not know who the gift is coming from. Once you get to work, place the gift into a gift box along with all the other gifts.
What happens if someone steals a gift?
A person who has his/her gift stolen from them gets to either steal a gift from someone else or choose a replacement gift from the gift box.
How to write out numbers for gift exchange?
For example, if there are 15 people participating, write out the numbers 1 through 15 on small pieces of paper, fold them once or twice, and throw them into a small bowl or bag.
What is gift spending limit?
Gift spending limits avoid putting people in a position to pay an uncomfortable amount for a gift. What may be comfortable for the vice president will not be the same as the junior secretary.
What is a white elephant gift?
White elephant gift exchanges are a time-honored tradition for families, friend groups, and companies that want to bring humor—and maybe even a little irreverence—to their celebrations. Also called a Yankee swap, the celebration follows some simple instructions. When they arrive at the party, guests put their wrapped white elephant gifts in a pile with everyone else’s. Everyone draws a number, then one by one they select a gift from the pile and open it. From there, they can choose to keep the present or steal one of the already opened white elephant gifts. Costs are kept low for this swap-and-steal game, so funny gag gifts are game. But white elephant gifts for $20 or less can be high quality and a ton of fun.
What is the best gift for a white elephant?
The best white elephant gifts address a need that most party guests share. Considering everyone is stressed out, therapy dough is a safe (and smart) bet. It soothes on multiple levels. Similar to clay that’s used by art therapists to help their clients, this dough smells amazing because it’s infused with essential oils chosen for their de-stressing properties. Therapy Dough is a good stocking stuffer idea for kids with anxiety.
What is a white elephant facial roller?
This facial roller brings an upscale, effective spa treatment into the home. It was designed to cool and soothe sensitive skin, leaving you looking refreshed. Who wouldn’t love that?
Do electric fans exist?
Sure, air conditioning and electric fans exist. But the drama queen in your group will fight to win this old-fashioned, wicker-woven fan. It’s so beautiful that it’s a cool addition to natural home decor. Keep shopping with the best subscription boxes.
What happens after the last turn of the White Elephant gift exchange?
After the last turn, the person who started can put back the gift and steal one from other participants. This starts the gift exchange again and ends until everyone is happy. However, the point of White Elephant gift exchanges isn’t what you get as most stocking stuffers are under $25 but the fun involved.
How many ounces of tea is in a white elephant mug?
At the time of this writing, I was sipping tea from this cute mug, which has been a hot gift in last year’s White Elephant exchange. Available in 11oz or 15oz, it expresses your attitude in the cutest and classiest manner!
How do you play the gift game?
To play the game, each participant brings a wrapped, unmarked gift and places it in a designed area. Then the participants randomly draw a number, and they select gifts in that order or with a twist.
What happens if someone steals your gift?
If someone steals your gift, you can steal someone else’s gift or open a wrapped one.
When does gift exchange end?
The gift exchanges end when the last wrapped gift is chosen and opened.
Can you personalize a fox coffee mug?
You can also personalize your mug! Be sure to choose the option “Personalize It!” when ordering. Otherwise, you will get the fox coffee mug with the same design on both sides.
Do white elephants massage your face?
Not only do they massage your face, but they can also help to shrink pores, calm skin, and relieve fatigue and wrinkles. Now, all the ladies in the White Elephant game will be fighting with each other just to get this gift.
