How to Play White Elephant

The holiday season is filled with traditions that bring people together, and one of the most entertaining and laughter-filled games is the White Elephant gift exchange.

Whether you’re hosting a party with friends, family, or coworkers, White Elephant is the perfect way to add excitement, surprise, and a little friendly competition to your gathering. But what exactly is White Elephant, and how do you play? Let’s dive in!

What is White Elephant?

White Elephant is a popular gift exchange game where participants bring wrapped gifts to swap with others. The fun twist is that the gifts are usually unexpected, quirky, or funny, and players have the opportunity to "steal" gifts from each other. The aim is less about receiving the perfect gift and more about the fun of the exchange, with plenty of laughter and surprises along the way.

The term “White Elephant” traditionally refers to a gift that is extravagant but impractical. However, in modern White Elephant games, gifts can range from humorous to useful, and the rules often allow for the gift-giving to take a playful turn.

How Do You Play White Elephant?

Now that you know what White Elephant is, let’s go over how to play this festive gift exchange game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time host, here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing and playing a White Elephant game at your next party:

1. Set the Ground Rules

• Set a Gift Theme (Optional): Some hosts choose a theme for the gifts, such as “funny gifts,” “cozy holiday items,” or “gifts under $20.” This gives participants some guidance when selecting their gift.
• Establish a Budget: Decide on a price range (for example, $10 to $20) so that all participants bring gifts of roughly equal value.
• Each Participant Brings a Gift: Ask each player to bring a wrapped gift and to keep it anonymous. The gifts are placed in a central pile where everyone can see them but can’t tell what’s inside. If you're the host, you can also decide to provide all of the gifts as opposed to asking everyone to bring a gift for the game.

2. Draw Numbers to Determine the Order

• Write numbers on slips of paper (one for each participant) and have everyone draw one from a hat. The number each person draws determines the order in which they will pick a gift. For example, if you draw number 1, you will be the first to choose a gift.

3. Picking and Stealing Gifts

• Player 1’s Turn: The first player selects any wrapped gift from the pile and unwraps it for everyone to see.
• Player 2’s Turn: The second player can either choose an unwrapped gift from the pile or "steal" the gift that Player 1 has already unwrapped. If Player 2 steals the gift, Player 1 then chooses another gift from the pile.
• Subsequent Players: Each following player can either pick a new gift from the pile or steal a previously opened gift. However, a player cannot immediately steal back a gift that has just been taken from them.

4. Gift Stealing Rules

• Gifts Can Be Stolen: A gift can typically be stolen up to three times before it becomes “frozen” and can no longer be taken. This keeps the game moving while ensuring that no single gift is endlessly passed around.
• End of the Game: The game ends when all gifts have been unwrapped. In some versions, the first player gets the chance to steal one last time as a final twist!

Tips for a Fun White Elephant Experience

• Encourage Creativity: Quirky, funny, or surprising gifts add a lot of joy to the game. Think outside the box with gag gifts, novelty items, or even cozy holiday gift sets that everyone would love.
• Keep the Atmosphere Light: Remember, White Elephant is all about fun! The “stealing” of gifts is meant to be playful, so encourage a good sense of humor and keep the game friendly.
• Mix It Up with Themes: If you want to spice up the game, you can set a specific theme for the gifts, like "holiday decorations," "self-care items," or even "foodie treats."

Perfect Gift Ideas for White Elephant

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your White Elephant game, here are a few fun ideas:

• Quirky Gag Gifts: These are always a hit and guarantee laughter. Think of silly mugs, novelty socks, or even an inflatable unicorn horn.
• Practical but Fun Gifts: You can go for useful items with a playful twist, like funny kitchen gadgets, portable phone chargers with a cute design, or cozy holiday blankets.
• Holiday-Themed Gifts: Gift sets with hot cocoa, candles, or holiday-themed snacks are always a crowd-pleaser.

Wrapping Up

The White Elephant gift exchange game is the perfect way to make your holiday gathering more exciting and fun. Whether your guests are swapping silly gag gifts or practical treasures, everyone is guaranteed to have a great time. Plus, with the added element of surprise and the thrill of stealing gifts, the White Elephant game is sure to be a hit at your next party.

So, gather your guests, set the rules, and get ready for a holiday game filled with laughter and good cheer!