Everyone knows that gift exchanges are a staple of the Christmas season. But one particular gift exchange custom is (in)famous for its holiday hijinks. Maybe you’re unfamiliar with White Elephant gift exchanges, or maybe you’re looking for tips to create your own. Either way, our White Elephant Guide has got you covered! Read on to explore the practice’s history, tips and tricks for planning your own, and some of this season’s hottest gifts to give at your next White Elephant!
What is a White Elephant?
The idiom “White Elephant” describes a gift that is burdensome, impractical, and difficult to dispose of. To some, the term is believed to have originated from the King of Siam – now known as Thailand – purposefully gifting sacred albino elephants to those who evoked his displeasure; not only were they notoriously expensive to maintain, but since those specific are highly revered in Thai culture, they could not be put to work, disposed of, or refused. However, many historians argue that there’s no evidence that the King of Siam gave elephants out of pettiness.
So, what does that have to do with Christmas gifts? Ezra Cornell (as in *the* Cornell, like the University) is said to have coined the term “White Elephant” to describe the present-day gift exchange we all know and love in 1828. Since then, folks have been enjoying this gift-giving practice—which has also gone by names like “Dirty Santa,” “Thieving Elves,” or “Yankee Swap”—for roughly 200 years.
To play White Elephant, each person should bring one wrapped gift that is purposefully shaped to conceal its true contents. The trick is to make each package look as misleading as possible! Each person takes a turn selecting a gift, and at the end of the round, the first person unwraps their gift. From there, the other players have the option to unwrap a new present or steal someone else’s with each passing round. Once everyone has a present, the game ends!
How Do I Plan a White Elephant Gift Exchange?
Planning your own White Elephant is easier than you’d think! As with any holiday gathering, you’ll want to organize the time, place, and invitees. Here are some White Elephant-specific points to consider while planning:
- Price limits and/or ranges for the gifts that everyone brings.
- A specific gifting theme (e.g., “serious” or gag gifts)
- The amount of “steals” allowed for each game and/or round.
At the end of the day, you’re free to customize your White Elephant as much as you want! What matters most is that everyone’s having fun.
What Kind of Gifts Do I Bring to a White Elephant?
Finding the perfect gift for your White Elephant can be tricky. Ace this year’s gift exchange without breaking the bank with these top trending gifts:
Drinkware & Dining Sets
You can’t go wrong with drinkware and kitchen gadgets. Everybody eats, after all! Portable cups, water bottles, and tumblers are huge this season, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, bento boxes and bowl and utensil sets are all great options.
Trinkets
Delve into the mischievous spirit of White Elephant with a wacky novelty trinket! The more bizarre, the better, in our humble opinion. You can take more of a retro route with one of our iconic lava lamps, or you can opt for something more cuddly, like a plush toy! The sky’s the limit with White Elephant.
Games
Who doesn’t enjoy a little fun and games? Games make great gifts that can be used for years to come. We offer a wide range of board games, card games, dice games, drinking games, and party games for you to choose from!
Pillows & Blankets
Coziness and comfort are absolute musts for the holidays. Give the gift of warmth with an oh-so-soft fleece blanket, or treat your White Elephant giftee to some extra stylish softness with a pillow!
Now you’re ready to walk into your next White Elephant with confidence! We hope you have a holiday season full of friends, family, and fun. Looking for more gift guides and holiday content? Check out The Inspo Spot for more!
