Throw the Best White Elephant Gift Exchange w/ Our Free Printable Invitations, Game Rules, & Gift Ideas
From White Elephant gift ideas to the need-to-know rules, we’re breaking this fun game down for your next event!
Hosting a White Elephant Gift Exchange this Christmas?
Looking to lighten up the holiday season? A White Elephant Gift Exchange is the perfect game to host! If you don’t know, a White Elephant Gift Exchange is when each group member brings a funny/interesting wrapped present. It’s highly entertaining with lots of laughter as people exchange and steal gifts. And ultimately, everyone ends up a winner!
Today, we’re talking about tips, tricks, and game rules that you can use as a guide to this fun holiday tradition!
What are the White Elephant rules for the gift exchange?
You can print out our full list of the White Elephant Gift Exchange Game rules so it’s easily visible to everyone participating! Most notably, you’ll need to place limits on how many times your players can exchange and steal gifts so there is an ending to the game. WhiteElephantRules.com has a more detailed synopsis of this.
Consider putting an age restriction on this game. After reading the instructions, it’s up to you to decide if you think kids should participate. I made this mistake once and there were tears because some kids were too young to understand the concept of picking a present and then having it taken away. 😓
Tips for hosting the best White Elephant Gift Exchange:
- The game usually works best with at least 4-6 people but is even more fun with larger groups!
- Decide on a dollar amount for gifts AHEAD of time so all gifts are roughly the same value and communicate this information on your invitation. Click HERE to print our free invitations!
- Want to make your white elephant a specific type or themed gift exchange? Some examples would be only exchanging Christmas ornaments, kid’s toys, handmade crafts, or books! Some people even choose to only bring re-gifts or small items they may not use at home any longer which involves no spending at all.
What are some White Elephant gift ideas?
In general, most White Elephant gifts are under $25. You could go with a funny or functional gift, it’s really up to you and the audience at the party. Usually, I find that the more interesting the gift, the more fun the game will be!
Golden Girls coloring book $15.99
Yodelling Pickle Musical Toy $12.66 (regularly $14.99)
Beer Belly Fanny Pack $15.28
Pineapple Core Remover $12.99 (regularly $20)
Milk Frother $10.97 ($21.99)
That’s What She Said Game $24.99
You’ve Got Crabs Game $19.99
Watch Ya’ Mouth Game $19.99
3 Pairs Funny Donut Socks $13.99
DASH Mini Waffle Maker $10 (regularly $12.99)
12 Toaster Bags Reusable $14.99
TriceraTACO Taco Holder $14.99 (regularly $19.99)
Public Toilet Survival Kit $8.36 (regularly $7.99)
The Baby Owner’s Manual book $11.19 (regularly $16.99)
BUFF BABY Dumbell Rattle $11.99
Grow a Boyfriend or Girlfriend $5.15 – $5.45
Instant Underpants $7.89
What food should I serve at this gift exchange?
I host a White Elephant Christmas Ornament Exchange each year for my friends, and I try to incorporate some delicious holiday appetizers, drinks, and desserts for a fun evening!
Here are some of my favorites:
Try making these 5 Easy Mason Jar Gift Ideas!
