A white elephant gift exchange, also known as a Yankee swap or “Dirty Santa, ” is a party game in which participants can steal gifts from one another. This makes the tradition of opening presents a little more exciting.
The term “white elephant” comes from the sacred white elephants of Southeast Asia. The ownership of a white elephant in Thailand or Burma is considered to be a sign of prosperity and power. It was often associated with a just or divinely-blessed ruler.
Starting in the 17th century, the term “white elephant” came to mean something entirely different in the West. By the 19th century, white elephant in the West came to describe any costly venture that did not meet expectations. Thus, taking on a negative connotation in the United States and other Western countries.
Churches frequently hosted “white elephant sales, ” in which people could donate unwanted items for resale by the church. The origin of the term for the gift exchange game is unknown, although many historians connect it to the 19th century social parties hosted by Ezra Cornell. Since then, white elephant gift exchanges have remained incredibly popular, especially around the holidays.
Hosting a virtual white elephant gift exchange is an excellent way to get your team bonding around the holidays. They make a great icebreaker and allow for more interaction than some other types of holiday parties or gift exchanges.
How a White Elephant Works
To play a white elephant, everyone invited must bring a gift. Some gifts will be nice, while others could be more joke gifts. Many game hosts will set a range such as $40-$60, and ask that all presents fall within that price range. Setting a price point can prevent anyone leaving the white elephant gift exchange feeling disappointed. Everyone will also end the game with a gift with a relatively equal value to what they spent.
The order in which the presents are unwrapped is usually determined through drawing numbers or answering trivia questions. Whoever goes first has the first pick of all of the presents.
Once the first present is unwrapped, the second player has two options: either select a second gift to unwrap or “steal” the first present from the first player. If the first player likes their gift then they might try to discourage the second player from stealing it. If the first player doesn’t like their gift, then they might encourage the second player to steal it. If the second player steals the gift, then the first player can unwrap a second present. That second gift can also be stolen by any subsequent players.
When it’s the third player’s turn, they can also unwrap a new gift or steal one of the already unwrapped ones. This pattern continues until all of the presents are unwrapped. Some games allow players to continue to steal once all presents have been unwrapped, but that can be time-consuming. Many white elephant games allow the first to be last, with the very first player getting to choose from all the gifts at the end. This gives greater priority to the drawing or game played for unwrapping order at the beginning.
Some games will include a limit on steals. For example, if the first player unwrapped an iPod, then that gift might only be allowed to be stolen twice. However, some games place no limits on how many times a gift can be stolen.
The white elephant gift exchange described above is the basic game. There is an unlimited number of possibilities and variations for a white elephant gift exchange. You might want to tweak your game to make it more strategic or keep it fast-paced.
Here are some of the most popular variations on the traditional white elephant gift exchange game:
Three Swaps and You’re Out: if you get stolen from three times during the gift exchange, then you are “out of the game” and cannot have your gift stolen from you again.
Three Swaps and the Gift is Out: If a present gets stolen three times, then the gift is out of the white elephant gift exchange and the person holding it gets to take it home.
No Extra Turns or Swapping: the first player does not get to pick a gift once all of the gifts are unwrapped. Or, the number of swaps might be limited to manage time.
Themed Party: the host can establish a theme for the white elephant gift exchange, such that everyone brings the same category of gift such as socks, coffee table books, or gift cards. A popular white elephant theme is a “re-gift, ” in which players bring unwanted items from their own house to the white elephant gift exchange.
Poem/Story Party: Rather than following the same rules for each round, in a poem-story white elephant gift exchange, there will be a poem read for each player. For example, for player one, the poem might read: “lucky you, you’re number one, you get to start all the fun…” Then, for player two: “Number two, you’re on the way. It’s time for you to have your say.” The poem will typically include different instructions for each player, which can add some variety and excitement to the game. For example, player eleven might be asked to choose a gift from player three, six, or, nine.
Top 10 White Elephant Gift Exchange Ideas
Choosing the perfect gift to bring to a white elephant gift exchange might seem challenging at first. Do you want people to fight over your gift? Do you want people to laugh when they unwrap it? The first step in choosing the perfect gift is to think about how you want the person who gets it to feel.
Quirky and weird gifts are a staple of white elephant gift exchanges. Think of a unique or slightly strange product that no one has ever seen before such as flatulence air filters for your underwear. Cheeky gifts such as these can be a great choice for a white elephant gift exchange.
#1: for People with Ears
JBL Clip Ultra-Portable Waterproof Speaker
This ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker combines the excellent music quality of JBL with a light-weight, waterproof speaker. Made from recycled materials, this high-quality wireless speaker can be purchased for around $60.
Perytong Wireless Sleep Headphones
This snuggly headband has wireless headphones built right in. This allows you to comfortably listen to music as you fall and while you sleep. It connects automatically to Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music using Bluetooth.
Kidwill Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
There’s nothing like belting it out at karaoke night! You can make every night karaoke night with a wireless karaoke microphone that will provide you with the music you need to start belting. There are a lot of karaoke microphones on the market, but this one has excellent online reviews.
JBL Cool AirPods Cases
Quirky and cool AirPods Cases make excellent white elephant gifts. You can choose AirPods cases that look like Pikachu, SpiderMan, Harry Potter, a Starbucks Frappuccino, or a bag of skittles. The cooler and more unique the shape, the more in-demand the AirPods will end up being at the gift exchange.
#2: Sock It to Me
Usually, socks are the most dreaded holiday present. However, there are so many fun, trendy socks on the market that they just might turn out to be the thing everyone is fighting over.
Kidwill Rainbow Socks Sushi Socks Box
Looks like a delicious box of sushi, but it’s actually a box of comfy socks. These socks come looking like sushi rolls with designs that are stylish and fun, not tacky.
Kidwill Grateful Dead X Stance Poly Crew Socks Set
All the Deadheads on your team will be fighting over these colorful, psychedelic socks that are a tribute to the world’s favorite jam band.
#3: Drink It Up
Skull-Shaped Liquor Decanter
For the team members who like a cocktail at the end of the day, a skull-shaped liquor decanter makes a macabre, but sophisticated gift.
Shower Drink Holder for Wine
There’s nothing like a relaxing drink in the shower, hot tub, or bathtub. This Shower Drink Holder attaches to a surface and then provides an easy-to-use holder for a wine glass. You can sip on some pinot while you bathe.
#4 Adult Coloring Books
Adult coloring books have become incredibly popular over the past few years. Who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again while relaxing and making art. Adult coloring books don’t have to be cheesy: there are weird, wacky, and even inappropriate adult coloring books on the market.
Things I Want To Say At Work But Can’t: Swear Word Coloring Book for Adults
This off-kilter adult coloring book helps you de-stress by allowing you to say all of the things you can’t say at work. Express your frustration and tell off your boss without actually having to with this unique adult coloring book.
Princess Stoner Coloring Book for PotHeads
This trippy adult coloring book reimagines some of your favorite Princesses as 420-friendly. Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, and more get a stoner twist in this psychedelic coloring book.
#5: Small Appliances
Indoor S’Mores Maker
Indoor S’Mores Makers are an excellent choice, especially during the winter holidays, when you’re most likely to need a white elephant gift. These handy table-top s’more makers allow you to roast the marshmallows right at your table or counter.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
This mini counter-top waffle maker makes single waffles around the size of an Eggo. It’s non-stick and compact enough to fit into any kitchen. This cute little waffle maker comes in several fun colors as well as shapes, so you can make waffles shaped like hearts or pumpkins.
Dash Vobaga Coffee Mug Warmer
Anyone who loves a piping hot mug of coffee will be vying for this small, portable coffee warmer. It comes with three settings, so you can get your beverage the right temperature and will automatically shut off after four hours.
Nostalgia Hot Dog Toaster
This handy twist on the toaster has room to cook both your buns and your dogs. It can be used with any kind of dog: turkey, beef, sausages, chicken, veggie links, and brats. It also comes with a pair of mini-tongs to easily remove the buns and wieners.
6# Christmas Themed Gifts
You can go all-out by picking a fun Christmas-themed gift. There are the classics such as black soap or “pooping” reindeers. You can also get a little more creative.
Lotto Ticket Christmas Tree
This fun, DIY gift is sure to be a hit at the white elephant gift exchange. Purchase some scratch-off lotto tickets and attach them to a small Christmas tree. Make the present extra special and choose a real tree that they can keep after the scratch-offs are done.
#7: Weird Stuff
A white elephant gift exchange isn’t complete without the weird stuff! Strange and unusual gifts are a white elephant tradition. They can also end up being surprisingly popular.
ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
Desktop vacuum cleaner from ODISTAR. This portable table-top vacuum will help its owner’s desk tidy. It makes an excellent present for an office white elephant gift exchange.
Bob Ross Chia Pet
The classic Chia Pet gets a Bob Ross makeover in this kitschy, green gift. You can pay homage to the love of painting while nurturing your green thumb as you grow out your Chia Pet to resemble Bob Ross’ iconic curly hair.
Chia LightSaber Chopsticks
These chopsticks are designed to look like a Jedi’s lightsaber from Star Wars. You can fight the dark side every time you eat sushi.
Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control
Add some magic to your nightly binge-watching routine with this Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control.
#8: Food
Who doesn’t love to eat? Food makes an incredibly popular white elephant gift exchange gift, especially if it’s something a little different and special, while still being delicious.
Eastern Standard Provisions Gourmet Soft Pretzel Gift Box
This delicious box of soft pretzels includes three types of heat-and-eat soft pretzels: Bavarian-inspired wheelhouse, Turnbuckle sticks, and mini buns. The box also includes Everything seasoning and four flavors of salt: white truffle, lemon rosemary, chili lime, and classic.
Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden
This gift is one that will last long after the white elephant gift exchange is over. These are Mason Jars that double as herb garden planters. The winner of this gift will get a relaxing, fun, new hobby and some delicious fresh herbs.
Boarderie Arte Cheese & Charcuterie Board
This charcuterie board was chosen as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things and can be shipped anywhere. It includes 35 hand-selected artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruit, nuts, and spread. It even comes with a reusable acacia wood charcuterie board.
#9: Games
Exploding Kittens: A Game of Cat & Mouth
This portable, pinball-style board game has players catapulting balls at each other. The game also features a “Cat Mouth” centerpiece and wallbumpers. You can play with two players or start a tournament around the office.
We’re Not Really Strangers (WNRS)
We’re Not Really Strangers (or WNRS for short) is a game with three levels of questions, which are specially designed to help players form new connections and get to know each other better. It would be a fun office icebreaker or a great white elephant gift exchange gift.
LinLinzz Magnetic Office Sculpture Stacking Nuts
This fun, magnetic stacking sculpture is a great item to keep on any desk. You can use the stacking nuts to build your own unique designs anytime you want. It’s also a relaxing, meditative activity for stressed-out desk warriors.
#10: Misc. Gifts
Kooky Blankets
Forget the Snuggie, there are a lot of great, fun blankets that make excellent white elephant gift exchange gifts. There are many to choose from: blankets that look like tortillas, blankets that glow in the dark, blankets that look like a slice of pizza, blankets that look like a shark. The possibilities are endless.
Humminbird-Shaped Solar Wind Chimes
The cool thing about solar wind chimes is that they use solar power to light up. These are shaped like hummingbirds and light up into multiple colors.
Adulting Notepad
Make to-do lists fun with this Adulting NotePad, which can help you with adulting. It includes space for accomplishments such as “Wore Pants” and “Didn’t Set Anything on Fire.” There are also task lists with funny titles such as “People to Contact, Reluctantly.”
How to Host a Virtual White Elephant
According to Forbes, virtual team-building activities have increased in popularity by 2,500% since 2020. As more and more teams have become virtual, so have team-building activities. Many companies are making all of their team-building activities and holiday celebrations virtual.
CourseHorse offers a large variety of fun, exciting, and unique virtual team-building activities, workshops, and other events. For the holidays, you can choose from holiday-themed trivia and escape rooms or more traditional activities such as making gingerbread houses or holiday cookies.
You can also sign your team up for CourseHorse’s Virtual White Elephant Team Gift Exchange. It’s the holiday favorite with a virtual twist. A high-energy host starts off the event with an icebreaker and explanation of the rules. Then, the host will lead a fun and fast-paced round of holiday trivia. This trivia game will decide the order of unwrapping the presents.
There’s no need to shop, as CourseHorse will provide a set of quirky, wonderful digital gifts that are certain to get everyone stealing. After trivia determines the order, each member will take a turn either “unwrapping” a gift or stealing from someone else. At the end of the event, each member of your team will receive the gift they got in the mail.