Sometimes the swapping will continue after all gifts are opened. This is a variation in the Chinese Gift Exchange
White elephant gift exchange
A white elephant gift exchange, Yankee swap or Dirty Santa is a party game where amusing, impractical gifts are exchanged during festivities. Usually, the goal of a white elephant gift exchange is to entertain party-goers rather than to gain a genuinely valuable or highly sought-after item.
What are the rules for a Chinese Christmas exchange?
Rules For A Chinese Christmas Exchange. The Chinese and White Elephant gift exchange rules are simple: Choose a number – place a number for each person in a basket and allow everyone to choose. Whomever chooses #1, goes first. Selecting gifts – #1 may select any of the unwrapped gifts.
What happens at the end of a gift exchange game?
Sometimes the swapping will continue after all gifts are opened. This is a variation in the Chinese Gift Exchange rules that a group may chose to employ. In the end, when the game is over, the present that each player ends up holding is the one they get to go home with.
How do you exchange gifts in Chinese gift exchange?
Chinese Gift Exchange – Gift Selection, Stealing and Keeping a Gift / Safe Gifts a. The person with #1 goes first and selects a gift from the gift pile. Do Not Unwrap the Gift! b. Then it’s #2’s turn, where they have the option to: Select a Gift from gift pile or taken the gift that person #1 selected.
What are the DOS and Don’ts of gift-giving in Chinese culture?
10 Dos and Don’ts of Gift-Giving in Chinese Culture. 1 1. Do - Mark your calendars. 2 2. Do - Give cash for certain occasions. 3 3. Do - Buy local. 4 4. Do - Avoid certain taboo gifts. 5 5. Don’t - Give gifts in sets of four. More items

How does a Chinese gift exchange work?
The person who drew number 1 takes a gift from the pile, opens the gift and sits down with the gift in plain sight, generally on her lap. Then "2" then takes a gift, either from the pile or from 1. Then 2 sits down with the gift displayed. If 1's gift was taken, then 1 gets to take another from the pile.
How do you play Chinese Christmas gift exchange?
Rules For A Chinese Christmas Exchange Choose a number – place a number for each person in a basket and allow everyone to choose. Whomever chooses #1, goes first. Selecting gifts – #1 may select any of the unwrapped gifts. Whomever selected #2 can either take the opened gift or unwrap another gift.
How are gifts exchanged in Chinese New Year?
Normally, friends do not exchange New Year's gifts with each other. However, it's common to buy a small item or get a red envelope for a friend's child. It's also quite common to visit friends during the New Year celebration.
How do you play the gift exchange game?
The first person opens a wrapped gift, and the turn ends. On subsequent turns, each person has the choice to either unwrap a new present or to steal another's. When a person's gift is stolen, that person can either choose another wrapped gift to open or can steal from another player.
How does White Elephant end?
6. After all players have had a turn, the first player gets a chance to swap the gift he or she is holding for any other opened gift. Anyone whose gift is stolen may steal from someone else (as long as that person hasn't been stolen from yet). When someone declines to steal a gift, the game comes to an end.
What do you buy at a Chinese gift exchange?
List of Good Gifts you Can Present to ChineseHome Specialties. ... Local Wine & Cigars. ... Kitchen Gadgets. ... Exotic Coffee. ... Tea: Flower tea or fruit tea. ... Engraved Pens. ... A Banquet. ... Clothes.More items...•
How much should I put in a Chinese red envelope?
A token amount around $10 is appropriate. Giving a red envelope to your parents is a sign of respect, a gesture pointing back to longstanding notions of filial piety. Make the gift generous, between $50 and $100, and expect to receive a red envelope in return, symbolizing your parents' blessings for you.
Are you supposed to give Chinese New Year gifts?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China. It's a tradition that people will give New Year gifts to passing their best wishes. It is an act of respect and gratefulness in Chinese culture.
What is an appropriate Chinese New Year gift?
Fruit baskets are a common and proper gift for your Chinese hosts, and they can be found in many large shops. Giving a box of oranges or a box of apples is also recommended because apples and oranges respectively symbolize safety and fortune.
How do you play Dirty Santa?
Whoever drew #1 selects a gift from the mysterious pile of gifts, opens it, and reveals what it is to everyone. Whoever drew #2 can either select a gift from the pile or choose to steal #1's gift (this is where the dirty in "Dirty Santa" comes in). If #1's gift is stolen, they must choose a new gift.
How does Christmas dice game end?
How the Dice Gift Exchange Ends. The game ends as soon as the final gift is unwrapped and everyone keeps the gifts they have in hand. If someone ends up with their own gift, they can either trade if they want or just keep it.
Why is it called Chinese gift exchange?
The term most likely derives from a twist on “chance auction,” with the word Chinese supplied to convey secrecy and intrigue. The Chinese auction that's the Dirty Santa gift exchange clone requires game participants to contribute wrapped prizes aka gifts into a pool.
How do you play Dirty Santa gift exchange?
Whoever drew #1 selects a gift from the mysterious pile of gifts, opens it, and reveals what it is to everyone. Whoever drew #2 can either select a gift from the pile or choose to steal #1's gift (this is where the dirty in "Dirty Santa" comes in). If #1's gift is stolen, they must choose a new gift.
Why is it called Chinese Christmas gift exchange?
The term most likely derives from a twist on “chance auction,” with the word Chinese supplied to convey secrecy and intrigue. The Chinese auction that's the Dirty Santa gift exchange clone requires game participants to contribute wrapped prizes aka gifts into a pool.
What is a Chinese gift exchange called?
A "Chinese" gift exchange is also called a "Yankee Swap." A Chinese gift exchange is a fun, economical and social way to exchange gifts. The tradition is well suited to groups.
How does the White Elephant Christmas Exchange work?
The White Elephant Game Rules Bring a wrapped, anonymous gift to the shindig. Draw numbers to determine who gets to unwrap a present when. Sit in a circle and place the gifts in the center, preferably under a festive tree. The person who drew #1 selects a gift from the pile, opens it, and holds it up for all to see.
What happens if you take a gift in Chinese?
If a gift is taken, then the gift taking continues until the last gift is selected and the Chinese Gift Exchange is over. All guest may now unwrap their gift and see what they received.
What is the meaning of destiny in Chinese gift exchange?
Based on our findings the Chinese concept of destiny plays into the Chinese Gift Exchange and as a result the gift you end up with is the gift you are meant to receive. In a sense, your gift was destined to be your gift all along and the playing of the game was just the path that your present took to arrive in your hands.
What is a safe gift exchange?
A Safe Gift means that the person holding that gift gets to Keep that Gift and the present can not be taken. This is less of an issue during a Chinese Gift Exchange because the gifts are not unwrapped and participants don’t know what they are taking.
What happens if the 1st person doesn't have a safe gift?
If the 1st person does not have a Safe Gift at this time, then they may Trade for any available gift!
Is a Chinese gift exchange the same as a white elephant gift exchange?
Many people think that a Chinese Gift Exchange and a White Elephant Gift Exchange are the same, well they are not! While the general gift exchange is similar, the meaning behind a Chinese Gift Exchange and other aspects of the gift exchange are different. Based on our findings the Chinese concept of destiny plays into the Chinese Gift Exchange ...
Can you take gifts from a gift pile?
However the person that has their gift taken can only take gifts from players and gifts from the gift pile. They can not take back the gift from the person who just took their gift and they cannot take safe gifts. Keeping a Gift / Safe Gifts. In most cases, Chinese Gift Exchanges include rules on safe gifts.
Do you unwrap gifts during Chinese gift exchange?
And since your gift is meant to be yours, there is no reason to unwrap the gift during the Chinese Gift Exchange until the game is over. The thought behind the gifts in a Chinese Gift Exchange is different to as they should be less novelty and gags gifts and more life, reward and joyous gifts.
Rules
The first participant draws or calls a gift's number. The second player chooses or may take the gift from the first. This is called stealing. Subsequent players follow. If someone is a victim of a theft, she may steal or select a number.
Considerations
Variations limit the number of times a gift can be stolen, or the number of times someone can have his gift stolen. The simpler the rules, the easier the game.
Conclusion
The exchange concludes when everyone has a gift. The first player goes last. That player may trade a gift with any guest if she wishes.
How to do a Chinese Christmas exchange?
Rules For A Chinese Christmas Exchange. Choose a number – place a number for each person in a basket and allow everyone to choose. Whomever chooses #1, goes first. Selecting gifts – #1 may select any of the unwrapped gifts. Whomever selected #2 can either take the opened gift or unwrap another gift.
What happens if a guest takes #1's gift?
If the guest takes #1’s gift, then #1 gets to select another gift from the pile. #3 can either take from #1 or #2, or get a new gift, and so on. Takebacks – each time a gift is taken away from someone, that person gets to select again. The guest may select any gift except the one that was just taken away.
What is a Chinese Christmas party called?
These parties are also called Christmas Swaps , Dirty Santa, Grinch Exchange, and the name I grew up hearing, White Elephant Christmas party.
Can you steal a gift in the frozen?
Frozen – some gifts may get stolen several times. The fourth person to get a gift, may keep it. No more swiping the gift. The gift is frozen.
What is gift exchange?
Gift exchange games are the new trend, they are a fun way of gift giving with an element of anticipation and surprise. And the Chinese gift exchange is one such game that is not just fun at parties but guarantees happiness to everyone.
What happens each time a gift is taken away from someone?
Each time a gift is taken away from someone, that person gets to select another gift from the stack. But not from a gift already taken away from him/her.
Why should gifts be wrapped in a unique way?
All gifts should be wrapped in a unique way, so they look attractive and ‘present’able.
Who can pick a gift from the pile?
The second person may choose the gift that the first person picked or can choose one from the pile. If she chooses to take the gift the previous person chose, that person gets to pick another gift from the pile.
30 Great Chinese Gift Exchange Ideas
Gift-giving is embedded in Chinese culture. If you’re looking for great Chinese gift exchanges ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
Tea From Around The World Set
This set comes with ten different teas. They are loose so you’ll need something to brew them in. Each one comes from a different place around the world.
Carry-on Cocktail Kit
Whether it’s a Moscow Mule or a Margarita, you’ll be able to shake it up on the go. Bring this kit on the plane or just sneak it into your bag for a day out on the town.
City Dish Towel
Everyone has got to wash their dishes right? If you’re all celebrating together, it’s likely that you all have a connection to the same city. Get a practical dishtowel with a drawling of your city on it for some extra meaning.
Portable Water Color Set
Maybe they take painting seriously or just like to make a mess, but there’s bound to be someone who’s interested in art. This little watercolor set can be transported anywhere that inspires creativity.
Cedar Wood Flask
This flask will help your friends drink in style. It’s a classy way to sneak some booze into the movie theater!
Picnic Backpack
Nature lovers are going to want to steal this gift until they can call it their own. It’s perfect for a romantic day at the beach or for hiking into the woods for a picnic lunch with a view.
