What is White Elephant Gift Exchange Game?
White Elephant is an entertaining gift exchange game that people play during Christmas or holiday gatherings. It’s also known as Yankee Swap, but with a variation: the main goal is to “steal” gifts rather than just swapping them.
The game white Elephant is suitable for any occasion that calls for a celebration – Christmas gatherings, office parties, and friend get-togethers. There are some White Elephant rules to follow, which make the gift-giving more eventful. Let’s discuss the basic rules and how to play White Elephant gift exchange game.
Why is it called White Elephant?
The name “White Elephant” comes from an old idea about gifts that are valuable to some but not necessarily to others. The game is designed to encourage the playful stealing of gifts brought by other participants. It often includes unusual presents that people might not expect.
Basic White Elephant Rules
- Players bring a wrapped gift and place it in a pile.
- They take turns to exchange gifts: choosing a new gift or stealing an opened one.
- A gift stolen can’t be taken back immediately.
- A gift is “retired” after being stolen three times.
- The game ends when the last player has taken a turn.
What You Need to Play White Elephant
How to play White Elephant? Start with the below:
- A group of players: at least 5-6 people. The more, the better.
- Wrapped gifts (everyone should bring a wrapped present with no name tag.)
- A designated area to place all the gifts and for players to sit around.
- A way to assign numbers to set the order of play.
Also Read: How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube!
How to Play White Elephant
Source: Bogdan Sonjachnyj /shutterstock
Step 1: Prepare the Gifts
All the participants must bring a wrapped, unmarked gift and place it in a central location. The gifts should follow any agreed-upon theme or price limit, such as:
- Funny or gag gifts.
- Useful but inexpensive gifts.
- Themed gifts (Christmas, gaming, food, etc.)
- Items people no longer need, but others might enjoy.
Step 2: Assign Numbers
As participants arrive, they randomly draw numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) It decides the order in which they will pick gifts.
Step 3: Start the Game
The game begins with Player #1 (first person) picking a wrapped gift from the pile and opening it in front of everyone. They show the gift to the group so everyone can see what it is.
Step 4: Let the Stealing Begin!
Player #2 now has a choice:
- Steal the previous player’s gift (Player #1) OR
- Pick a new wrapped gift from the pile and open it.
If Player #2 steals Player #1’s gift, then Player #1 must choose another wrapped gift from the pile and open it.
Step 5: Continue Playing
While the game continues, each subsequent player (Player #3, #4, etc.) can either:
- Take a wrapped gift from the pile and open it, OR
- Steal an already-opened gift from any other player.
Step 6: Stealing Rules
- If someone steals your gift, you can immediately steal someone else’s gift or pick a new one from the pile.
- As per White Elephant game rules, a gift can only be stolen once per turn. If Player #5 steals from Player #3 in one round, Player #3 cannot steal it back in the same round.
- A gift cannot be immediately stolen back from the player who just stole it. It can be stolen later in the game.
- A gift stolen three times is “retired.” You can no longer steal it. The third owner gets to keep it permanently.
Step 7: The Final Trade
Once the last person has taken their turn, the game isn’t quite over yet! The first player (Player #1) now gets one final chance to swap their gift with anyone else’s gift, except retired gifts.
After this final trade, the game is over!
More White Elephant Exchange Rules
White Elephant exchange rules allow customization based on the occasion and level of gameplay. Below given are the most common rules followed. You can also invent new rules yourself.
Gift Rules
- Gifts should follow the agreed spending limit.
- Ensure gag gifts are appropriate for the group.
- Some variations require gifts to be useful, while others allow silly or novelty items.
Time Limit
Some groups set a time limit for decision-making to keep the game moving. If a player takes too long, they might have to pick randomly.
Gift Wrapping
Gifts should be wrapped in a way that hides what’s inside. Deceptive wrapping can infuse suspense, e.g., large boxes for small items and unusual shapes.
White Elephant Gift Ideas
| Category | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Funny Gifts | Talking button with random funny sayings, Inflatable unicorn horn for pets, Fake belly fanny pack, Giant enter key stress reliever, LED toilet light, Bob Ross Chia Pet |
| Useful Gifts | Magnetic fridge bottle opener, Car cleaning gel for air vents and dashboard, Foldable travel backpack, Clip-on book reading light, Compact first aid kit, Heat-resistant oven gloves |
| Food & Drink Gifts | DIY bubble tea kit, Cookie decorating set, Cocktail recipe book, Chocolate-covered pretzels assortment, Personalized spice blend set, Reusable silicone straws |
| Themed Gifts | Movie theater-style popcorn machine, Retro video game coasters, Cozy sherpa blanket, Space-themed constellation lamp, Gardening starter kit, Mini indoor fireplace for roasting marshmallows |
| Gag Gifts | Scented candle labeled “Freshly Signed Divorce Papers”, Fish-shaped ice cube mold, Bacon-flavored toothpaste, Toilet golf game, Fake spill prank, Pet rock with an adoption certificate |
| White Elephant Gifts Under $20 | Self-stirring coffee mug, Mini waffle maker, Waterproof shower speaker, Pocket-sized screwdriver set, Mystery puzzle box with surprise inside, Glow-in-the-dark stars for ceiling |
| Best White Elephant Gift Ideas for Game Lovers | Mini tabletop bowling set, Glow-in-the-dark playing cards, Wooden brain teaser puzzle, Jigsaw puzzle with a funny twist, Party dice with hilarious challenges, Escape room board game |
Setting a price range (e.g., $10, $20, or $30) ensures that everyone brings something of comparable gift value. But don’t overexert or compel!
Tips for a Successful Gift Exchange
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- Clarify Basic Rules: A game host must ensure all players understand White Elephant rules before starting.
- Set a Price Limit: Decide on a reasonable spending limit for gifts (e.g., $10, $20, or $30).
- Only Good-Natured Stealing: The fun comes from people swapping and competing for the best gifts.
- Have a Mix of Gifts: Some should be desirable, while others can be hilarious gag gifts.
- Keep the Game Moving: Set a timer for turns if you have a large group.
- Enjoy the Laughs: The best part of the White Elephant gift game is seeing people’s reactions as they try to hold onto the best [or worst] gifts.
White Elephant vs. Secret Santa
While Secret Santa involves picking a person and buying a thoughtful gift for them, White Elephant game rules are all about randomness and entertainment. Both are great holiday traditions. But White Elephant rules permit more surprises and create a competitive excitement.
Common White Elephant Mistakes to Avoid
- Not setting a budget: Leads to a mix of great and disappointing gifts.
- Choosing inappropriate gifts: Ensure gifts are suitable for all participants.
- Not knowing the stealing rules: Make sure all players understand the White Elephant rules before starting.
- Dragging out the game: Set time limits if needed to keep everyone on their toes.
Additional Game Variations
If you want to add extra excitement to White Elephant rules, try one of these popular variations:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Themed White Elephant | Choose a specific type of gift, such as gaming gear or holiday decorations. |
| Dice Roll White Elephant | Instead of stealing normally, roll dice to determine actions like swap left, swap right, or keep. |
| Trivia-Based Stealing | Players must answer a trivia question correctly before stealing a gift. |
| Reverse White Elephant | Everyone brings an intentionally bad or funny gift to make the exchange more hilarious. |
| Keep a Commentator | Have someone describe the game as it happens in a dramatic or funny way. |
| Deck of Cards Order | Instead of drawing numbers, players pick cards from a shuffled deck, and the highest card goes first. |
| Blend Secret Santa and White Elephant | Have an assigned person as a gift giver, like in Secret Santa. Once all gifts are opened, players can swap them following White Elephant rules. Use an online Secret Santa Generator to organize it easily. |
Read More: Entertaining This or That Game Questions To Ask!
Hosting the White Elephant Game
Do you want to be the best White elephant gift exchange organizer?
Pick a Party Theme
Start with a theme that makes your gift swap game more exciting. You can decorate the place, play music, and even wear fun costumes.
- Winter Wonderland – Everything looks icy and magical.
- Ugly Sweater Party – Everyone wears a silly sweater.
- Santa’s Workshop – People dress like elves or reindeer.
Set a Gift Price Limit
Make sure everyone spends about the same amount of money on their gift. If one person brings a $50 gift and someone else brings a $5 gift, it wouldn’t be fair. A good limit is around $20 so everyone gets an exciting present.
Plan More Games and Fun
The White Elephant gift exchange is the main event, but you don’t want your guests to get bored. Try adding some extra activities like:
- Board Games – Play classics like Monopoly or Uno.
- Snow Fun – If it’s snowing, build a snowman or have a snowball fight.
- Holiday Trivia – See who knows the most about Christmas.
- Karaoke – Sing Christmas songs together.
Have Yummy Snacks and Drinks
Food makes every party better. Find out what your friends like before the party so everyone has something to eat and drink. Try to have:
- Regular and Vegan Snacks – So everyone has options.
- Hot Chocolate and Cider – Perfect blend for a warm night.
- Holiday Cookies – Who doesn’t love cookies?
Enjoy the Silly Fun
White Elephant is all about laughing and having a holiday party. People will try to steal funny gifts and make jokes about the presents. That’s part of the fun. Remind everyone it’s just a game, and the goal is to make awesome memories together.
Conclusion
White Elephant doesn’t have to be just another holiday party game. Each year, try adding creative elements to the above rules, like a special prize for the most stolen gifts or a mystery round in which gifts are swapped blindly. You could also introduce a charity version in which participants bring an extra wrapped item to donate. Encourage guests to personalize gifts with fun wrapping styles or hidden surprises inside. Keep the energy lively, and it will become a favorite tradition everyone looks forward to.
FAQs
What is Dirty Santa vs White Elephant?
Dirty Santa focuses on strategic stealing, while White Elephant emphasizes humorous and impractical gifts. Both involve gift exchanges, but Dirty Santa allows more competition, while White Elephant favors fun and quirky presents.
Are Secret Santa and White Elephant the same?
No. Secret Santa assigns each person a recipient for a thoughtful gift. White Elephant involves a group exchange with stealing and often humorous or impractical gifts. They have different rules and objectives.
What is a White Elephant vs a Yankee swap?
White Elephant focuses on fun and entertaining gifts. It often includes humorous or bizarre items for laughs. Yankee Swap allows a mix of gifts. It emphasizes trading and strategy rather than just funny or impractical presents.
What is the origin of the White Elephant gift exchange?
The White Elephant gift exchange is based on a legend about Siamese kings. They gave sacred white elephants to subjects they disliked, but the costly upkeep ruined the recipients. This inspired the tradition of giving impractical gifts for fun.
What is the number one rule in a White Elephant gift exchange?
The number one rule is that players draw numbers to determine the order. The first player picks and unwraps a gift. Everyone must see the gift before the next player chooses to pick a new gift or steal.
