Host the Ultimate White Elephant Game: Rules, Gifts & Fun Ideas for 2025

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More Christmas

Planning a white elephant game this holiday? We’re sharing what you need to know & fun gift ideas. 

friends on couch holding gifts in living room decorated for christmas

Looking to lighten up the holiday season? 🎄 A White Elephant Gift Exchange is the perfect party game. Everyone brings a fun or quirky wrapped gift, and then the stealing begins. Expect big laughs, playful chaos, and everyone leaves a winner.

hand holding white elephant invitations

White Elephant rules:


You can print the full White Elephant Gift Exchange rules so everyone can see them. Be sure to set limits on how many times gifts can be stolen or exchanged to ensure the game ends smoothly. For a detailed overview, visit WhiteElephantRules.com.

Consider whether the game is suitable for younger children, as the gift-stealing aspect can be confusing.

Tips for hosting the best White Elephant Party:


  • Best with larger groups (minimum of 4)
  • Set a gift price limit & share it in your invite
  • Pick a theme: books, toys, ornaments, handmade, re-gifts, etc.
  • Wrap gifts creatively for extra laughs
  • Limit steals/exchanges to keep the game moving
  • Snacks + drinks = happy players

Looking for White Elephant gift ideas for 2025?

Gifts can be practical, such as lotto tickets, wine, or kitchen gadgets. Or quirky and unexpected, like novelty candies or funny gag items. Choose what fits your group and have fun—the game is all about laughs and memorable moments! 🎁

Other families like to do unusual or unexpected presents like Pickle-Flavored Candy Canes, Porta Potty Shot Glasses, or a loaf of bread with a gift card “sandwiched” between the slices. How you play this gift exchange game is up to you! However you decide to play, it’s bound to be a fun and memorable time!


Shop our top White Elephant gift picks for 2025:

hand pouring waffle batter into waffle maker shaped like a gingerbread

Dash Waffle Maker $9.99 (reg. $10.99) 

*Or grab a festive Santa waffle maker at Target for $9.99

Don’t forget a box of waffle mix to go with it!

Hand holding a karaoke microphone in front of Christmas tree

Wireless Karaoke Microphone $19.99+ (reg. $25.99)
Clip the $1 off digital coupon
Final cost as low as $18.99!

Can holding a box with yodeling pickle inside

Yodelling Pickle $12.85 (regularly $14.99)

Movie and Dinner Date Night Decider Dice Set which makes a great white elephant gift idea or stocking stuffer idea

Date Night Dice $10.08

People Playing With Magnetic Poetry Tiles

Word Magnets $21.89 

A saucemoto dip clip for the car makes a unique white elephant party gift

Saucemoto Dip Clips 2-Pack $9.99 (reg. $12.99)

a customer using lightsaber chopsticks to eat sushi

woman holding Snoop Dog Cookbook and smiling

Snoop Dogg Cookbook $14.16 (reg. $24.95) 

duck light

golf course toilet rug in bathroom


Shop all last-minute gift ideas now!


About the writer:

Sara is a self-taught blogger & photographer and brings 9+ years of experience to her craft. Her work has been featured in numerous esteemed publications, spanning building, travel, and fashion. Beyond her creative pursuits, Sara’s primary mission is to empower others to embrace a toxic-free & sustainable lifestyle.


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