The Christmas season has officially arrived and there's no time to waste getting your holiday shopping done ahead of Dec. 25.
Whatever you've got planned to celebrate the December holidays, chances are good that you'll be exchanging gifts with friends, family, coworkers or all the above.
One of the most entertaining ways to trade presents is by participating in an organized gift exchange like White Elephant. Not only is it budget-friendly, it's also a popular Christmas tradition that makes holiday gatherings festive and bright.
Whether you're hosting or joining an exchange this year, you might be wondering about White Elephant rules and how to play the game.
While it's simple enough, there are a few things to know about White Elephant exchanges to ensure that your gift swap goes off without a hitch and that all the participants are on the same page ahead of the big day.
To help, we've compiled the essential details, including the basics like how to play, a list of rules and how this holiday-inspired game got its start.
So, read on and get ready to play!
What Is a White Elephant Gift Exchange?
Sometimes referred to as “Dirty Santa” or “Yankee Swap,” the White Elephant game is a gift exchange established between a group of friends, coworkers, family or anyone else who would like to swap gifts.
If folklore is correct, the name, "White Elephant," supposedly comes from the legend of the King of Siam, an ancient king who gifted white elephants to royal attendants that he wasn't necessarily fond of.
Though rare and beautiful, the albino animals were frivolous and costly to care for, making them the most useless of bequests. Moreover, they were considered a burden, which is why the king is said to have gifted them to those who weren't in his favor.
While it's an oft-told tale, there's no evidence that it's actually true.
However, it serves as the foundation for the White Elephant game in which participants gift each other silly, unusable gifts — delightful burdens if you will. The best part? Players have the option steal each other's presents, leading to an occasionally ruthless game of chance and spirited fun.
There are plenty of variations of the game, including one version in which all White Elephants gifts must be pre-owned. That said, it's ultimately up to the game organizer and participants to decide if they want to exchange new gifts, recycled ones or other designation.
How to Play White Elephant
To capture the true spirit of a White Elephant gift exchange, you should have, at minimum, four people to play the game. That said, it tends to work best if there are at least six, if not more, players.
Here's how it works:
- Invite participants ahead of your event or gathering. Once decided, set a price limit on the value or cost of the gifts.
- As a player, select a whimsical, silly, or unconventional gift within the stipulated price range, then wrap it. Here's your chance to be creative or over-the-top on the frivolous with your present, right down to the gift wrap.
- Don't reveal your gift to anyone. Half the fun of the game is not knowing who's behind the various presents exchanged in the swap. So, mum's the word.
- Next, count out the number of players, then write out numbers for each on separate pieces of small paper. For instance, if you have 12 players, you'll need to write the numbers 1 through 12 on individual pieces of paper. Once complete, fold up each piece of paper so numbers are hidden, then drop them into a hat, basket, bowl, bag or any other container you've got handy.
- Collect all the gifts in a pile where they can be viewed, then have each player in the game draw a number.
- The participant that draws #1 goes first and chooses any gift they like from the pile, then opens it to see what's inside. The contents are revealed to the rest of the players.
- In numerical order, each of the remaining players selects a gift either from the pile or they can opt to "steal" one of the other player's already-opened presents if they like what they see, rather than choose from the pile of unopened gifts.
- The exchange continues until all numbers have been called and the gifts have been opened (or swapped). After the last number has taken their turn, player #1 gets one final turn before the game ends and everyone keeps whatever gift they are currently holding.
Official White Elephant Rules
Though it's up to the game host and players to agree on the rules of a White Elephant gift swap, there are a few basic guidelines that participants typically adhere to.
They are:
- Player #1 is the only player who takes two turns. They are the first to choose a present and, once every player has had their turn, #1 finishes the game by either choosing to keep the gift they've got or steal someone else's, officially ending the game.
- If your present is stolen by another player, you, in turn, may either choose a different gift from the unopened pile or steal a gift from a different participant.
- The player whose gift is stolen cannot immediately steal back their gift. They must wait until the next turn to reclaim their stolen property.
- Players can choose to limit how many times a gift is stolen. Whether steals are deemed endless or gifts cannot be taken after a set amount of steals, is ultimately up to the group and must be agreed upon before the game begins. Typically, a White Elephant game allows for three steals before the gift is officially off-limits.
White Elephant Tips and Gift Ideas
Here are a few tips and suggestions to make the most of your White Elephant gift exchange:
- When choosing a dollar amount for White Elephant gifts, be mindful of your participants' budgets. Traditionally, gifts are limited to around $30 or less. Of course, it's entirely up to you to decide on an amount or value that best fit your group.
- Stick to the price range. It's important players don't feel slighted if one receives a priceless piece of jewelry while another goes home with a pair of silly socks.
- Bring gifts that are appropriate to the players. If there are kids playing, perhaps skip the snowman martini glasses. If your group is mixed gender, make sure your gift appeals to everyone.
- When selecting a gift, choose something unique. The point of the game is to give someone something quirky or whimsical. That said, it's totally acceptable to exchange traditional gifts, as long as it's established ahead of time.
- Don't be afraid to change up the rules to suit your gathering. For example, you can decide to keep all the gifts wrapped until each person has taken one. Once everyone has their chosen present, then all the gifts are unwrapped and players are simultaneously surprised by what's inside.
- Choose a theme. Whether it's kitchen accessories, jewelry, beauty products, clothes or household items, designate a theme for your White Elephant so everyone gives and receives like-minded presents.
- Try and keep things light. Establish rules, but don’t make the game too demanding or difficult. The point is to have fun and celebrate the season. No grinches allowed!
