Plan the Ultimate White Elephant Party: Gift Ideas, Free Invitations, and Game Rules!

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. 😓

What are some White Elephant gift ideas for 2023?

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!

Don’t be afraid to get creative!

When it comes to the theme, some groups stick to White Elephant gift ideas that people would enjoy. For example, Hip2Save’s Sara prefers to gift lotto tickets and a bottle of wine and her aunt always gifts a waffle maker and waffle mix.

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.

And some groups like to do a mix of both!

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!

For more White Elephant gift ideas, see our suggestions below:

Need more ideas? Check out all the comments on our Facebook post for under $10 White Elephant gift ideas!

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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!

Try making these 5 Easy Mason Jar Gift Ideas!