How to Host a White Elephant Gift Exchange
Save Money This Christmas by Swapping Unwanted Presents
Nov 25, 2008
A white elephant gift exchange (sometimes referred to as a Yankee gift swap) is a great way to celebrate the holiday season with friends in a light-hearted, humorous way while saving money and getting rid of tacky or unwanted presents cluttering up the closet at home. It is true that one person’s trash can be another’s treasure, and this creative gift swap is a wonderful way to prove the idiom.
Benefits of White Elephant Gift Exchange and Giving Twice
Aside from the obvious benefit of saving money, re-gifting also has other great holiday benefits as well:
- Re-gifting is a form of recycling. Everyone has a few things hanging around that have never been taken out of the packaging and may eventually end up at the dump. Something that isn’t the right size, color, or style for one person may, however, the gift may be perfect for another.
- Re-gifting saves time as well as money. The holiday season gets busier every year. Instead of adding one more purchase to the long list of holiday chores, simply consult the highest shelf in the closet for a terrific white elephant gift exchange item.
- Re-gifting can be really funny. Many people have everything they really want or need these days. The stress of the holiday season can get the better of anyone. Attending a white elephant gift exchange and receiving a tacky, hilarious present can provide some laughter and may just be what the doctor ordered.
White Elephant Gift Exchange Ideas
Not sure what to consider among the many useless treasures hiding in the basement? Try these Christmas gift swap possibilities:
- Old Books
- Unwanted Jewelry
- Ill-fitting clothes or clothing accessories
- Tacky knick-knacks or artwork
- Mugs with funny sayings (fill with candy)
- Extra candles and holders
- Old music CDs
- Old movies
- Unused soaps or perfume
The Yankee Gift Swap Invitations
Many guests may not know what a white elephant gift exchange is, so make sure to include a description of the event on the invitations. Also, include a list of gift ideas to help get the juices flowing. Make sure that there is a set value limit on items brought to the holiday party. Also, if the gathering is a potluck feast, ask for specific food or beverages on each invitation.
The White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules
Follow these simple rules for a successful white elephant gift exchange:
- Place the gifts in a central location.
- Count the number of guests at the gift swap and have slips of paper handy. Label each slip of paper with a number from one to the total number of guests. Place the numbers in a hat or basket.
- Pass the basket around and have guests choose one number each.
- One at a time and in order, guests should come forward and pick a present from the pile and open it.
- Opened presents should not be hidden, but kept in plain sight of all other guests!
- The first guest must keep his or her gift. The second guest and beyond may then exchange gifts with any of the gifts that have already been opened.
- After the last guest has taken a turn and optionally performed an exchange, the first guest then finally gets a chance to exchange his or her gift with any of the other gifts.
- When an item is exchanged more than twice, it is considered to be off limits for the rest of the game (optional).
Regardless of the money and time spent, a social gathering and present swap during the holidays can be a fun way to reduce stress and enjoy friendships both new and old. A white elephant gift exchange during the Christmas season will be a rewarding and fun experience for all the holiday guests in attendance.
Readers may also be interested in these other Holiday Party Ideas for Adults. Try bringing some holiday cheer into the office with a Free Christmas Carol Game. Check out a great way to decorate an Eco-friendly Christmas Tree.
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