The white elephant gift exchange holds a well-deserved reputation as a beloved Christmas game, enjoyed year after year. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or coworkers, this entertaining game creates a relaxed and joyful atmosphere filled with good-natured laughter. It’s also a perfect opportunity to gauge whether your bestie’s new boyfriend possesses a good sense of humor. If you haven’t experienced it yet, take a moment to read our straightforward white elephant rules. And if you’re already familiar with the game, why not try one of our variations for a delightful twist at your upcoming holiday party? It’s sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
White Elephant Rules
In the white elephant gift exchange, each participant brings a wrapped present to the Christmas party. Once everyone is present, they draw numbers to determine the order of gift selection. The person with number “one” starts the game by choosing a present to unwrap.
Next, the person with number “two” has a decision to make: They can either select a new, wrapped present from the pool or “steal” the unwrapped present from the first person. If they choose to steal, the first person then selects another present to unwrap.
As the game proceeds, the person with number “three” can opt for any previously unwrapped gift or choose a new, wrapped one. This pattern continues, with each subsequent person having the option to either unwrap a new present or take one from someone who has already unwrapped.
The game keeps going until all presents are unwrapped, and everyone at the party ends up with a gift to take home. It’s an exciting and fun-filled way to exchange presents during the holiday season!
How many people do you need?
For a white elephant gift exchange, it is recommended to have a minimum of four participants, but the game truly shines with six or more players. While it’s possible to play with any number of people, the experience becomes more enjoyable and exhilarating with a larger group. Just keep in mind that as more people join in, the game’s duration will naturally increase. So, get ready for a fantastic and entertaining time, but be prepared for a longer game if you have a sizable crowd!
Does the game have any limits?
To manage the duration of the white elephant gift exchange, setting some limits is a smart idea. For instance, you can establish a rule where a present can only be “stolen” up to three times, or a person can have their gift stolen from them a maximum of three times. Another variation involves allowing the person who drew number “one” to be the last to choose a present once all others have finished.
The beauty of white elephant lies in its flexibility, and the rules and limits can be tailored to suit your preferences and the preferences of your party attendees. The key is to define these rules clearly before the game begins, ensuring everyone knows what to expect and making the experience enjoyable for all participants. So, get creative and have a blast during your white elephant gift exchange!
White Elephant Game Variations
- Set a Tricky Dollar Limit: Make it challenging by putting a specific dollar limit on gifts, like $10.51. This will test guests’ creativity while ensuring an equal playing field.
- Embrace Handmade Gifts: Encourage each guest to showcase their crafting skills by bringing a handmade gift. Explore our Christmas crafts ideas to spark inspiration and foster a heartfelt gift-giving experience.
- Thrifty Treasures: Challenge everyone to find something special from their house or closet to give as a gift, without spending any money. This “regifting” theme can lead to surprising and humorous presents.
- Off-Beat Shopping Challenge: Make the gift hunt exciting by assigning each party attendee a unique place to buy gifts, like a convenience or thrift store. It’ll add an adventurous twist to the exchange.
- Themed Gifts: Create a theme for the gifts, such as “books” or “beauty products.” This theme will guide guests’ choices and add a cohesive element to the gift exchange.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the holiday spirit together!