The most complete list of gift exchange rules anywhere!

The white elephant and secret Santa gift exchanges are the most popular gift swapping parties for groups during the holidays. Similar group gift parties are used by direct sales companies like Tupperware every day of the year. The PartyWeDo recreational experts monitor the gift exchange industry to assist you in finding the best ways to share gifts with family and friends. Our team has collected the most complete list of gift exchange rules and suggestions available on the web. We encourage you to share these ideas with your friends and family.

On the right side of the page is a line of buttons that will take you to various white elephant and other gift swap ideas. We hope that you will try any variety of these great party games for your next group gathering.

Your Going to LOVE this Party!

In every style of gift exchange game there is a requirement that everyone bring a wrapped white elephant gift to the party. Keeping the identity of the purchaser of each gift is an important part of the fun. Some gift exchange games like the White Elephant Secret Shopper game use the secret identity of each gift purchaser as a part of the fun so secrecy is critical. Do not put your name on the gift, and try to be as stealthy as possible with your gift delivery to the party host.

It is the responsibility of the party host to collect and administer the gifts for the exchange. Some hosts require that all wrapped white elephant gifts arrive in a garbage bag to conceal their identity. It is recommended that hosts meet players at the door to collect the gifts and to keep track of how many gifts are available for the exchange. Most gift exchanges require that all of the gifts are gathered together in one spot for the game-play activity. Hosts should set up the room so that all players can have easy access to the presents during the exchanging process.

Gifts are the center piece of a successful gift exchange party so the host must establish some rules or guidelines for the white elephant gifts.

The white elephant or Yankee Swap gifts should:
* Have a suggested price range… Hosts should set a price limit for gifts so that people don’t become to extravagant or go too cheap. Most gift exchange party gifts fall between 15 and 35 dollars each. The exception to this rule is the Bridal Gift Exchange Party or the Birthday Gift Exchange Party where gift pricing is not so much of an issue, because the bride or birthday person is getting all the gifts anyway.
* Be tasteful… This is a very subjective rule depending upon the crowd that is invited to the party. The host should give some guidelines concerning adult themes or other embarrassing products if some of the invitees might find them offensive. Don’t stifle the creative or fun white elephant gifts from coming to the party, just be sensitive to the crowd and use common sense.
* Inspire conversation…. Creating fun banter and friendly conversation is the hallmark of a great party. Suggest to all players that they use some creativity when it comes to selecting a gift. (Here are some links to get your creative juices flowing from the AlbinoPhant marketplace)

15 Dollar Gifts

20 Dollar Gifts
25 Dollar Gifts
30 Dollar Gifts

35 Dollar Gifts

Finding gifts that are a balance between useful, desirable and just plain wacky is an art-form for the better gift exchange shoppers. Gift shopping for this type of party can be one of the most rewarding parts of the activity.

White Elephant gift parties have two schools of thought when it comes to gifts. One side suggests that white elephant gifts should come from the back of the closet or the dusty storage room. These people would love to play a White Elephant Regifting game, were all gifts are used or barely used. The other group follows a more historical perspective, suggesting that in ancient Siam white elephants were highly prized and important gifts (learn more about the Albino Elephants of Siam HERE). This group plays the gift exchange with newly purchased gifts. Ether way is perfectly fine and should work with any of the gift exchange rules listed here on the AlbinoPhant online white elephant party site.

The host must also decide before hand how the game playing order will be administered. A gift exchange is a turn-based activity, where players are selected randomly to take a turn in the game.

If the host chooses the White Elephant Spin the Bottle game, then attention must be paid to the room set-up and finding a bottle to spin. Most hosts use a numbering system and a container (hat, pot, basket, or bag) to provide a random number selection system. This will require several slips of paper with numbers to correspond to the number of gifts brought to the game. In the Online White Elephant Party the players are selected with a computer-controlled randomizer software program.

The game begins by gathering all players into their seats and identifying the leader of the game; usually the host is this person, but it could be anyone assigned to that duty. The rules of the party should be reviewed so that everyone is clear as to what to expect during the white elephant game. Remember to pay attention to unique rules if you are doing an exchange that is not traditional.

Gifts should be placed in the center of the seating area prior to the beginning of the game.

NOTE: We will describe the basic rules of game play for a traditional gift exchange activity and try to mention where there are variation in other types of white elephant gift parties.

The leader then uses the random selection devise (bottle or numbers in the container), to identify the first player of the game.

On the first turn, person #1 chooses a gift, opens it, and displays it to all of the other players. In the case of the White Elephant Gift Auction, the White Elephant Caroling Exchange or White Elephant Left Right games there will be other requirements for person #1 (see individual rule sheets for these games. Most hosts require that the opened gifts remain in full view of all players during the game (no “squirreling-away” a desirable gift from the other players).

The leader randomly selects the next player in the gift exchange.

On the second turn, person #2 gets the choice of “stealing” any unwrapped gift (#1′s) or choosing a wrapped one from the gift pile.

If the second player “steals” the gift from person #1, then person #1 can choose a replacement gift from the pile of wrapped presents. In all games there is no immediate steal-backs allowed ( person #1 can not re-steal the gift just taken by person #2) Stealing back a gift that was once in your possession must wait at least one-turn removed before stealing it back.

NOTE:  You will discover that the most exciting and unique white elephant gifts will build the most conversation.  Usually there will be one or two stand-out gifts that will get the conversation going and will be the target of most of the stealing.  We can’t stress enough that part of the fun of the party is the finding the best white elephant gift and then watching how your friends and family react to what you purchased, once it is revealed.  Now back to the rules…

The leader randomly selects the next player in the gift exchange game.

On the third turn, person #3 gets the choice of “stealing” any unwrapped gift (#1′s or #2′s) or choosing a wrapped one. Game continues based on the following:

1. – If a gift is stolen from you, you can steal a gift from someone else (see #3 and #4 below), or open a new one.

2. – Turns proceed until everyone has a gift. A turn is ended when a gift is opened and displayed to everyone.

3. – A gift cannot be stolen more than once in a turn.

4. – The third “owner” of any stolen gift gets to keep it – it is unavailable to be stolen again. This is the rule in the White Elephant 3 Steal game, but is completely broken in the White Elephant Commando party.

At the end of the last turn, the first person (who had no choice at the beginning) can choose to “exchange” any gift with any player that has a gift available (not stolen 3-times) for the taking. There are some people who choose to not have the first person make the final selection. This is up to you.

The game ends.

Our family has enjoyed white elephant parties for many years as a way to save money on gift giving. When our children left the nest we started playing the game online. AlbinoPhant is the online white elephant party that you can play with family and friends that don’t live close by. We have built this party game so that you host and then enjoy all of the same functions of the party that you would have at home, but with some exciting twists. If you and your guests have an email address and a computer you can play AlbinoPhant. We make the hosting process seamless and completely electronic.

This online party keeps track of your invitation list and then let’s you know who has RSVP’d to your party. You can set the pricing of your white elephant gifts for a level playing field. AlbinoPhant provides all of your guests a great gift shopping experience with markets powered by Amazon.

The game is structured just like the traditional party so you will see all the wrapped gifts and watch as gifts are opened and displayed. AlbinoPhant keeps track of who has which gift and randomly picks the turns. There is a comment area where players can express their thoughts and create lively banter. The extra benefits include picture posting and Youtube videos that will add to the fun. It is a social game that mimics everything that you would do in your living room at a regular gift exchange party. We know that you will have a great time in this online white elephant party…

If you want to give an online white elephant gift party a try you can use offer code 1234 when you host your own AlbinoPhant party.

We are always looking for unique ways to play the white elephant gift exchange party. If you have something to share, please send us an email at partywedo@gmail.com or post your idea here on this post.

We encourage you to share these ideas with family and friends by linking to this page or downloading and printing the rules for your event. Here is some HTML code that you can use for linking to our site:

We would appreciate if you would use the words:

when doing a link to our site

If you would like some other fun ideas for gift exchanges please explore other pages on this site. Have a great party!

The AlbinoPhant site can be your resource for many gift exchange events. If you are looking for Invitation ideas or Decorations and Treats you can find them on the pages of this gift exchange resource site. We are passionate about the white elephant gift exchange system and suggest this activity for any and all gift sharing events in your world.

Finding fun and unique ways to share gifts between family and friends is a challenge for every group. The white elephant gift exchange is a great tradition for gift sharing during the holidays, but sometimes it gets a little old-hat.

AlbinoPhant attempts to mix-up the fun by offering several variations of this classic party, including an online white elephant gift exchange.

Try a combination gift auction and white elephant exchange for your next gathering and be amazed at the fun and conversation that you will start.

The following white elephant gift exchange rules will help you host the white elephant auction party of the year…

Prepare for the white elephant party by going to the Dollar Store and get several packages of money. This is like the Monopoly money used in the board game.
Next, create several envelopes with varying totals between 200 and 500 dollars. We have found that $20 dollar or $50 bills are the best. Have each envelope contain a different total so that there is variety among the party participants.

On the day of the white elephant gift exchange, set the room up like you would for the traditional gift party. Make sure all players have easy access to the gift pile and that they sit where they can see everyone in the game.

#1 Put all the wrapped gifts in one place

#2 Put every players name into a hat

#3 Draw the first name, read it and then put it back into the hat.

#4 The first player opens a gift and shows it off.

#5 The first player can choose two options:
A Keep the gift
B. Start a White Elephant Auction

#6A If they keep the gift the next name is drawn from the hat and then the name is returned to the hat.

#7A Player two has the same two options, ether keep the gift (until stolen or swapped) or hold a white elephant auction)

#6B If they choose a white elephant auction, they will act as the auctioneer and start the bidding at any level that they think that they can get.

#7B All players can choose to make a bid for the gift and the auctioneer will give the gift to the highest bidder and collect the cash.

NOTE: Players that have an open gift can add the gift into the auction bidding. For example a bid could be: I will give $100 dollars and this great ???? gift for your ????gift. If the winning bidder has a gift they will exchange the gift and the money.

#8 Another name is drawn from the hat and then returned into the hat.

#9 Player selects from three options:
A. Steal another opened gift.
B. Open a new unopened gift and display it to others.
C. Hold a white elephant auction on any open gift in his/her possession.

#10 Following the actions of ether the steal, the open or the auction, the next name is drawn from the hat and returned.

#11 The next player again has the 3 options explained in #9.

#12 In the event that a player with an opened gift has their name pulled from the hat they have two options:
A. Swap for any other opened gift
B. Hold a White elephant auction for their existing gift so that they can open a new gift.

#13 Game play continues until every gift is opened.

#14 An option would be for the host to provide a prize for the person who has the most money left over at the end of the party.

You are going to love this party!

This is an opportunity to add a little musical fun to your regular white elephant gift party. You will need a CD player with a pause button and some Christmas Carol CD’s (make sure they have words and not instrumentals).

Place the CD player where the host or an appointed “carol-leader” can have access.

#1 Start the white elephant gift exchange as usual, with the presents in the middle of the group and with every player’s name in a hat for drawing.

#2 Draw the first name and start the first musical carol on the CD.

#3 The first player selects a gift and opens it for all to see.

#4 The host or carol-leader randomly stops the music.

#5 Play who just opened the white elephant gift must “sing” the next 3 words in the Carol to keep the gift.

#6 Any player who knows the words to the carol may stand and “carol for the gift” if the original player is not able to sing the next 3 words. (Host will say who was the first to stand)

#7 If the first person to stand and carol for the white elephant gift sings the next 3 words correctly they can steal the gift from the original opener.

#8 All names must be returned to the drawing hat.

#9 Another name is drawn at random

#10 Another wrapped white elephant gift is take from the pile by the next player

#11 The gift is opened while the next Christmas carol is playing

#12 The host waits a moment while the gift is displayed and discussed, pushes the pause button.

#13 The player that just opened a gift must sing the next 3 words of the carol in order to keep the gift.

#14 If this player is able to carol for the gift then they have the option of keeping the newly opened gift or swapping with any other unopened gift. (see the 3-steal rule)

#15 If that player is unable to sing the words, then the host picks the first person to stand and “carol for the gift”.

#16 Any player who has an open white elephant gift and “carols for a gift” with the correct 3 words can swap for any other open gift.

#17 Whenever the swapping stops, the music starts and the next name is drawn to discover the next person who opens a new gift.

#18 The white elephant game continues until all gifts are opened and all players have a gift.

Your going to love this party!

We suggest that you attempt this unique white elephant gift exchange idea at your next holiday gathering and bring Christmas music into the fun.

If you can’t get everyone together in one place because they all live in other towns, we suggest that you try a fun online white elephant gift party, AlbinoPhant.

The white elephant gift exchange party is a social gift sharing event used extensively during the holiday season. Many groups play the standard version of the game, with the standard white elephant gift exchange rules.

Our recreational specialists strive to provide you with some interesting new twists to this traditional gift party, so we have designed the online white elephant gift party for those who have distance to contend with. But if you live close to friends and family you might want to try the Handel’s Gift Can-Share-Go this season.

The Party Rules

The party room is set-up just like the regular white elephant gift exchange or Yankee Swap party, with seating so that all players can have access to a gift pile.

Everyone purchases a fun or unique white elephant gift for the exchange and wraps it so that it is disguised. Hosts are encouraged to set a spending limit for the invitees so that all the gifts will be on an even par.

The Handel’s Gift Can-Share-Go has one unique rule that other white elephant exchanges usually don’t include. Each unique white elephant gift must be “Handled” as many times as possible before the game is over.

You will still need a random name draw to pick the playing order, just like other white elephant games.

The host should purchase some colored dots. These dots are placed on each open gift so that you can track how many times the gift has been “Handled”. Each time an open gift is touched by another player, it is given a dot.

The traditional white elephant “rule of three” does not apply in this gift exchange game. Instead the idea is to see which gifts get “Handled” the most. The thinking is that the most popular gift will get passed around more than any others. More handling yields more dots on the gift.

Step #1 Pull the first name from the hat and this person selects one unopened gift. Place a colored dot on the white elephant gift to signify that it has been ”Handled” once. The player’s name is returned to the hat for future name drawing.

Step #2 This first player has the option of keeping the gift or “Sharing” it with another player. Sharing simple requires passing it off to any other player. Sharing a gift requires that another dot be placed on the opened gift.

Step#3 If the player Shares the white elephant gift they must wait for another gift opening opportunity from the random drawing to make a play for a gift.

Step#4 The next name is drawn at random. Player 2 can steal a gift or open a wrapped gift from the pile. If the random name-draw lands on a player with an open gift, then they have the option to “Share” with any player who is empty handed, or Swap with any player who is handling another gift.

Step #5 If a player has a gift stolen, they have the option to open a wrapped gift or steal any open gift. The stealing rule is just like regular white elephant gift exchanges: No Direct Steal-Backs!

Step #6 Play continues with names drawn at random and gifts Handled, Shared, Stolen, and dotted. The game ends when all the white elephant gifts are opened..

Your going to love this white elephant party!

You may have played a gift sharing activity called the left right game with family or friends. Now learn the rules of the Lefty the White Elephant gift exchange.

The host should choose someone to be the story teller and be given a printed version. (we have a PDF version HERE)

Explain to all the players that they will be participating in a unique white elephant gift exchange that involves both gift swapping and gift passing. Let them know that whenever they hear the words right, left or gift in the story, that something will happen in the game.

#1 Start the white elephant party as usual with all the gifts in the middle of the room and players sitting around the pile.

#2 Put the name of every player into a hat for a random drawing.

#3 Draw the name of the first player who picks a gift and opens to reveal to others.

#4 Return the name back into the hat for potential re-drawing.

#5 The story teller begins reading the right-left story of “Lefty the White Elephant”.

#6 When the first mention of Lefty is read, the first gift opened moves one person to the left.

#7 The story teller continues until the next mention of left or right.

#8 The gift moves one person to the left or the right.

#9 The story teller continues reading the story as the gift moves ether left or right on each mention of the word.

#10 When the story teller reads the word Gift , another name is drawn from the hat. (…on his Christmas shopping list. Lefty was looking for just the right white elephant gift.)

#11 The picked player has the option of stealing the opened gift or opening one of the unwrapped gift in the middle of the room. All gifts are openly displayed to every player.

#12 When a gift is stolen from a player, the player can then open a replacement gift or steal another opened gift from another player. NOTE: No direct steal-backs are allowed.

#13 The story teller continues with the story until left, right or gift is mentioned again. With the word gift the story stops.

#14 Another name is drawn from the hat (remember to put all names back into the hat for re-drawing purposes).

#15 The picked player can steal any opened gift or open a new one. The player who has the gift stolen can then open a new gift or steal another opened gift.

#16 The story continues with all opened gifts passing left or right depending upon the story line. Whenever the word gift is read, stop the story and draw a name for the gift stealing or opening exercise.

#17 If a name is drawn of a player who has an open gift, they must donate the gift to someone who is currently not holding an opened gift.

NOTE: The Lefty the White Elephant story has the word gift listed 16 times. Because the stealing and opening is completely random you may need to read the story a couple of times to get all the gifts opened, this is OK. If you open all the gifts before the end of the story, just keep reading and just do gift passing until the end of the story.

This wacky white elephant party game is just one more way to share in the gift-giving fun with family and friends.
AlbinoPhant, the online white elephant party wants you to find great ways to connect with those you love. If you have distant family or friends that you still want to enjoy a gift swap with, you might try our online version of the white elephant gift exchange.

You are going to love this party!

The Story of Lefty the White Elephant

Christmas was almost here, and Lefty, the White Elephant was finishing what was left on his Christmas shopping list. Lefty was looking for just the right white elephant gift.(stop to draw a name from the hat) Lefty’s father suggested that he should head right over to the mall to find a huge selection of gifts (stop to draw a name from the hat). As Lefty walked down the right concourse he found one of the gifts (stop to draw a name from the hat) he was looking for sitting right in from of the toy store entrance and it seemed like there was only one left. Right after Lefty entered the store he realized that he had left his wallet in the trunk. But as you know one of the greatest gifts (stop to draw a name from the hat) of being an elephant is that your trunk is right in front of your face.
Once Lefty had found his wallet he marched right up to the cashier and put his white elephant gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) on the counter right next to the cash register. To his amazement Lefty’s old circus trainer friend Suzie Wright was the cashier. Suzie had left the circus a few months earlier to take a job as the mall gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) wrapper. Even though the Wright family owned the circus, Suzie had felt that it was the right time to leave and take a job in the gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) industry. Working in the mall gave Miss Wright the opportunity to meet all the right people to help her advance her career. Lefty was impressed that she had found a cashier job soon after leaving the gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) wrapping position. Like the rest of the Wright family, Suzie was a gifted (stop to draw a name from the hat) individual and Lefty was so happy that he was now in the right place at the right time to meet Miss Wright once again. As Lefty gathered his gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) he shyly asked Suzie how many hours she had left on her shift. Miss Wright explained that she was off right after 2, but then needed to get one more gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) that was left on her white elephant gift exchange shopping list. Lefty mustered every bit of courage that he had left and asked Suzie if he could accompany her on her gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) shopping task right after work. Miss Wright smiled, said yes and handed Lefty her phone number on the back of an expired Home Depot gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) card she had left-over from a recent remodeling project at her condo that is located right next to Lefty’s favorite bistro.
After leaving the store Lefty could hardly wait to see Suzie, but he still had one more gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) left on his list. He knew that if he was to give Miss Wright the right amount of attention in her gift (stop and draw a name from the hat) shopping efforts he would need to pick the right time to finish his shopping and he only had a couple of hours left to finish.
Right before 2 pm Lefty came back to Miss Wright’s store for their gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) shopping date. Suzie and Lefty enjoyed what was left of the afternoon exploring the gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) shops of the mall to find the right gift (stop to draw a name from the hat) for the Wright family gift exchange.
To make a long story short, Lefty and Miss Wright fell in love, married and had several little leftys, making Grandpa Wright and Grandma Wright very proud.
THE END

The popular white elephant gift party and the game called spin the bottle can now be joined for some gift sharing fun. This is a great way to add some variety to your group gift parties this year.

If you are doing a traditional white elephant party instead of an online gift exchange like AlbinoPhant, then the white elephant spin the bottle game will make your party even more fun than ever.

You will need to set-up the room so that all of the chairs are in a circle and spread apart enough to easily identify a player turns when the bottle is pointing at them.

It is better if you have a hard surface for the bottle to spin upon, so use a table top or do the party on a hard flooring surface.

Just like any white elephant gift exchange, you should gather all of the wrapped gifts into one spot and get everyone seated.

#1 The game starts with all players in their seats.

#2 Someone spins the bottle until it points at one of the players (re-spin if there is any question as to who it is selecting)

#3 The first person selected by the bottle opens one of the gifts from the wrapped gift pile.

#4 The bottle spins and selects the next player, who can ether open one of the wrapped gifts, or steal the opened gift.

#5 If a player has a gift stolen they can ether open a replacement gift or steal from another players opened gift. (Remember, no direct steal-backs)

#6 The bottle spins again after the stealing and opening have stopped.

#7 If the bottle  lands on a person with an open gift, they have the option of swapping their current opened gift with another persons opened gift, or donating it to a player that does not currently have any gift. If they donate, then they must open one of the wrapped gifts from the pile.

#7 Continue play using the bottle as the turn selector, until all the gifts have been opened.

We have included some instructional slides that will help you understand the rules of the white elephant spin the bottle game.

A sitting elephant can join your next party

The white elephant gift exchange is the most popular group gift party in North America. Families, church groups and businesses use this fun gift giving event to bring people together in a lively social experience during the holidays.

The white elephant party involves people sitting down to play a gift swapping game, so it seem fitting to use some sitting elephants as a part of the decorations for the event.

The best and most wacky white elephant parties will carry some theme throughout the event, so we have gathered together some ideas for the sitting elephant gift exchange.

There are several places you can purchase sitting elephants carved from teak, like the one pictured on this page. Prices range from $15 to $25 dollars for a carved sitting elephant. You may be able to find a sitting elephant figurine molded from resin for less money, but you will need to search around to find this option.

We have found that it is fun to add an extra gift suprise at the party. You could award a carved sitting elephant to the person who brings a gift that is stolen the most during the game. Another idea is to have a random name drawing and give a unique gift away raffle-style. This extra award is similar to the Master of ES award that we offer in the AlbinoPhant online gift exchange party.

We have included a couple of YouTube videos for some other elephant decoration and desert ideas, so let your imagination and creativity take the party from here… Your going to love this party!

Sitting elephant cake…

Create a paper sitting elephant

If you have family and friends that live a distance away, then an online verision of the white elephant gift exchange might be fun. You can “test-drive” the AlbinoPhant system HERE.

Find your inner Santa’s Elf this season…

The holidays are a time for creative fun and great gift giving.  Becoming a Christmas Elf or turning yourself into Santa’s Elf may be the best thing that you do for yourself this season.

Group gift shopping and online gift exchanges are the focus of this site.

Even so, we want to share some creative ways to become a Christmas elf or even one of Santa’s favorite elves this holiday season.

First let’s discuss the history of Elves and the Santa’s Elf phenomenon:

A Christmas elf is a small and diminutive creature (elf) that legend says lives with Santa Claus in the North Pole. These are Santa’s Elves and act as his helpers while preparing for the gift giving season. Christmas elves are often depicted as green or red clad with pointy ears, long noses, and pointy hats. Santa’s elves spend their days making toys in Santa’s workshop and taking care of his reindeer. Elves may have been introduced in a pagan story from northern Europe, but today the Christmas Elf has become a fun part of the American Christmas tradition. The Elf represents fun, fancy and acts of goodwill toward others.

How to be a part of Elf history and fun…

Much of the magic of Christmas revolves around children and those who are young at heart. So begin your quest for your inner elf by bringing some elf magic into your home. Purchase a magic elf and share a new holiday gift giving tradition called The Magic Elf, as you anticipate the gift giving and party season.

From the Elf Magic website: Santa allows his Elves to visit so they can encourage an upbeat Christmas, animated through nightly adventures and daily play, to help children create memories, have “good old-fashioned” fun, and reinforce the true meaning of Christmas and family values. A visit from one of Santa’s Elf Magic Elves will bring the wonder, magic, and meaning back into Christmas! The Elf Magic site helps users to create something that they call an Elfcapades™ that helps you build a family tradition around Santa’s magic elves. So start your elf adventure with some magic.

Try a Christmas Elf costume

Buddy Elf Adult Costume
Once you have some Elf magic working in your holiday, you can then begin to dress the part. You can purchase a “Buddy the Elf” costume for the office party or just dress up as Buddy and surprise everyone on Christmas morning. Take a look at the fine elf costume at the link above and then dress to impress. You could even find elf costumes for every member of the family and show the neighborhood your support for your new-found magic.

Santa’s Elf needs a proper name

Now that you have elf magic and can pass as a respectable Christmas Elf, it is time to get your own Elf name. In fact everyone in the family or at the office can get a unique elf name at the Jokes Unlimited website.
You will find boxes where you can add your first and last name to learn your real Elf name. Try using your new Elf name when you answer the phone, or wear a name tag around the town… That should be interesting.

Elf Yourself

The wildly popular eCard and fun-generator site JibJab.com allows you to put your friends and family’s faces on some dancing elves and then send it around on the internet. The Jib Jab service has many fun sharing tools to make any holiday a bit brighter for everyone. So take some time to Elf yourself and send it off to your contacts.

The Christmas Elf needs official documents

You are now dressed, magical and well publicized on the web,  so it is now time to get some Christmas Elf cards and maybe even a passport. There is a website that provides official looking Santa’s Elf documentation. For some of your elf-work you might need a letter of recommendation from Santa himself, to prove once and for all that you are indeed a real Christmas Elf.

Elves need to feel at home

Every respectable Christmas Elf wants to have something to do in their downtime, so what would be better than to make some elf crafts to decorate the living quarters.  And then there is the Christmas tree… Put some ornaments on the tree to demonstrate your solidarity with the “elf-life”. There are many different suppliers of Christmas Elf decorations, so we will give you just one example:
Pack of 4 Christmas Whimsy Fanciful Elf Ornaments with Jingle Bell Hats 13.5″

Elf’s best friend

Santa may consider his elves to be loyal, but any respectable Christmas Elf with a dog needs to show the pooch some love. Try getting an Elf costume for your dog and be the envy of the neighborhood when it is time to take rover out to do “his business”.
Elf Dog Costume

Santa’s Elf wants to relax

Every energetic elf needs a little R&R. The holidays are the perfect time to sit down next to a warm fire and to watch a good movie. You can probably guess our suggestion: Elf, a Warner Bros. classic, with the star of the show, Buddy the Elf.
Elf : Ultimate Collector’s Edition (DVD)
You could take it even one step further and get the Elf soundtrack and let the music inspire your elf holiday spirit. Play the sound track at your group Christmas party or while the presents are being opened around the tree.
Elf: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (CD)

Become a Christmas Community Elf

Now that you have worked hard to bring out your real Elf-self,  it is time to get out and help others with all of your good cheer. You could organize a community wide Operation Elf event to assist the needy in your area. You might volunteer to assist a local civic group to sponsor an Elf Pageant and invite children to come dressed as little elves.
Or get involved with Be an Elf and become a very charitable elf this year by sharing gifts with the local disadvantaged children.

This holiday season you should attempt the full Santa’s Elf experience and make this time of year magical for yourself and those around you. Let us know how it goes and we will share your creative ideas with others. Let’s get the party started!

35 great Secret Santa poems

You may not be aware of the fact that poetry and gift exchange events have a long partnership in fun; they have a lot of connections when it comes to these group party events. Whenever a group gets together in creative conversation there usually arises an opportunity for a fun gift exchange poem to be generated.

There are many poems associated with Christmas, Santa Clause or Kris Kringle. We will not catalog them all here, but will instead focus on those associated with the secret Santa exchange and then we will share an old favorite white elephant party poem.

This list of unique gift exchange poems has been collected from books, magazines and the internet, so we hope that you will find something fun to share at your next office, church or family gift swap event.

Secret Santa Poems

The majority of gift exchange poems are used during a secret Santa gift swap events. Poetry is used as a way of sharing hints and suggestions as to the identity of the secret Santa.  The rules of a secret Santa exchange revolve around keeping the identity of the purchaser camouflaged as long as possible, before the time arrives for the gifts to be opened.  Much of the fun generated by the exchange is created through attempting to identify who is sharing the poems while attempting to learn who is sharing the gift.
Some secret Santa events allow people to share several small gifts or trinkets that act as hints and point to what the “big” gift is going to be. Or they may be used as hints as to the identity of the sly Santa who purchased the present. Some poems blend in the first letter of the Santa’s name and then suggest other traits that might help with discovering identity. Online secret Santa applications may find ways to use poems to help increase the conversation and the fun on their sites.

Many poems give a clue as to if the gift is something that you would hear, smell, read, watch or wear. The trickiest Santas use poems that point to the style of gift that is coming in the future with cleaver hints in the poem. Poetry allows creativity and fun to help the party turn into an extended adventure for both the secret Santa and the recipient of the gift.

We will not spend much time on the rules of the secret Santa game on this page, but you can find many different gift exchange rules here on the AlbinoPhant Blog.

This is a gift especially for you,
I’m your Secret Santa, I bet you can’t guess who.
Accept this gift with a smile on your face,
And expect another one soon in it’s place.

Spread holiday cheer to family and friends,
Because the joy of Christmas never ends.
I’m a top secret Santa on a mission to surprise. But here are two clues for your two little eyes: I’m (fill in a clue) and (fill in a clue) and that’s all I can say, ’till you get the last clue on the big reveal day!

A whiffin’, sniffin’ gift,
Especially for you.
It’s from “Secret Santa”
Bet you can’t guess who!

Twas the first day of giving and all through the place
Not a person was lurking not even a trace
So I tiptoed my way to your desk down the hall
And dropped off this gift, Gosh! I’m having a ball!

My elves have been busy making this gift just for you,
They told me you’re special but I already knew.
As your Secret Santa I hope you’ll enjoy,
This heartfelt sentiment and new little toy.

Jingle, jangle, what do I hear?
It’s not a reindeer sleigh–
It must be Secret Santa,
Hurrying on his way.

Santa knows you need some cheer and a lift,
So please accept this card and this little gift.
Just remember that wherever you go,
You have family and friends that love you so.

Here’s a present for you I hope you’re surprised,
I’m your Secret Santa Claus in disguise.
The tradition is fun and done every year,
You’re my first choice because you’re such a dear.

Who’s Secret Santa? Here’s a clue, she likes to ____ and likes you too!

It’s not a house, a car, or a boat. It’s a secret Santa gift with a silly little note!

I’m prancing and dancing all over the place
Because I’ve left you a gift with ‘neary a trace
I’m really quite proud of the way that I’ve been
Able to stay secret – it sure makes me grin!

Winkin’, blinkin, just don’t nod.
This gift is for your eyes.
It’s from Secret Santa too,
By now, that’s no surprise.

This special gift is just for you,
I hope you’ll enjoy it the whole year through.
As Christmas approaches you’ll find out who,
Your Secret Santa is and who’s fond of you.

Who could my Santa be? A he or a she? Open the gift, and a hint you will see.

Yummy, yummy, tummy tingling.
A tasty, tempting treat.
Won’t you be surprised
When we finally meet!

Here’s a present for you I hope you’re surprised,
I’m your Secret Santa Claus in disguise.
The tradition is fun and done every year,
You’re my first choice because you’re such a dear.

Who is secret Santa? Her first name ends with “y”. She’s agile and intelligent. And she likes to bring pie.

Who is secret Santa? His name begins with “h”. He’s always working overtime, but doesn’t stay late.

In through the door I flew like a flash
Set down your gift, I hope it’s a smash!
Then with a twinkle and gleam in my eye
I quickly disappeared before you could spy
I can’t let you see me I have to be quick
You don’t know my name ’cause I’m your secret St. Nick!

You may not like the gift that’s inside, but please remember to act surprised.

If you hear someone yell though they aren’t in your sight
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
You’re not hearing things and it’s not a trick
It’s really just me, your secret St. Nick

Santa’s been busy making your gift. Hope it gives your Christmas spirit a lift.

This final gift–for the sense of touch–
Might be a bit surprising.
I’m sure you know just who I am,
Without realizing.

I’m a secret Santa. This gift contains a hint. Please pretend you like it ’cause the money has been spent.

Jingle, jangle, what do I hear?
It’s not a reindeer sleigh–
It must be Secret Santa,
Hurrying on his way.

Here is a treat I hope you find sweet. I’m keeping the best gift until we meet.

I’m giggling and laughing and shouting with glee
I’ve left you another gift
But you still haven’t seen me!

Who is secret Santa? Her name contains an “i”. She loves to make photocopies but can’t tell you why.

A whiffin’, sniffin’ gift,
Especially for you.
It’s from “Secret Santa”
Bet you can’t guess who!

Santa’s been working nearly a year to craft you a gift that brings you great cheer.

What to my wondering eyes did appear
An opportunity to drop off this gift
For someone quite dear…

This is a gift especially for you,
I’m your Secret Santa, I bet you can’t guess who.

Accept this gift with a smile on your face,
And expect another one soon in it’s place.
Spread holiday cheer to family and friends,
Because the joy of Christmas never ends.

On day number 3 I snuck past the door
With a clever disguise to even the score
For I’m your Secret Santa and I can’t let your eyes
Rest on my face and spoil the surprise!

Filling Your Stocking With Chocolate Belongings.

This special gift is just for you,
I hope you’ll enjoy it the whole year through.
As Christmas approaches you’ll find out who,
Your Secret Santa is and who’s fond of you.

We would like to thank Sugardoodle for this great poem that can be adapted for most gift exchange events that involve drawing random numbers. Use this white elephant gift poem to living up your next white elephant gift exchange or Yankee Swap. Now let’s get a party started a share some poetry!

1. Lucky you, you’re # 1

You get to start all the fun.

So grab a gift and grab it quick.

Cause you’re the one who gets first pick.

2. Number 2 you’re on the way.

It’s time for you to have your say.

Get your gift and when you’re done,

Swap it off with number 1.

3. Number 3 its plain to see.

It’s your turn to pick which gift `twill be.

And when your choosing job is through,

Swap with 1 and then with 2.

4. Number 4 must use your head.

So grab a gift that has some red.

If it doesn’t suit you to a `T’,

You may swap with 2 or 3.

5. Jump to it 5, don’t drag your feet.

Take your gift back to your seat.

Wonder of wonders, it’s yours for a spell.

But what comes next, you can never tell.

6. Number 6 it’s your time to go.

Grab a gift and don’t be slow.

Now put on a smile so they won’t be sore,

Cause you must swap with #4.

7. Is a lucky number it seems,

You choose a gift that has some green.

Poke it, and shake it until you get back.

Now trade with someone wearing black.

8. Number 8 its up to you.

To get a gift that has some blue.

Now go quietly to your place.

Or trade with someone with a smiling face.

9. Nine, we haven’t forgotten you.

So choose your gift and don’t be blue.

Consider well and when all is said.

Trade with someone wearing red.

10. Number 10 come to the front.

For yours you shouldn’t have to hunt.

Now hurry back and look alive.

For you get to swap with #5.

11. Your turn 11 is finally here.

Pick a gift and hold it near.

Back at your seat look both ways.

If your choice was right then it may stay.

12. Number 12 jump to it sir/girl.

Make your choice, and with a whirl

Glance around to see who’s where.

Swap with whomever’s got the darkest hair.

13. Well, now, what do you know.

It’s finally 13′s turn to go.

There you go, you’re doing fine.

Now swap with 3 or 6 or 9.

14. Number 14 it’s your turn to shine.

So find a gift and don’t you pine.

Somewhere you really have a friend.

You get to trade with number 10.

15. Number 15 how do you do?

There should be a fit up there for you.

So pick one out without delay.

Now trade with someone wearing gray.

16. Number 16 your patience is great.

Go get a gift and don’t be late.

When your return, spin around.

And switch with someone wearing brown.

17. 17 your choice is here.

Find a box and hold it near.

When you return and look behind.

Swap with 11 if you don’t mind.

18. Number 18 boogie to the tree.

Choose the largest gift you see.

Admire it well, then turn with a wink.

And swap with someone wearing pink.

19. Now #19, do as you’re told.

Find a gift which has some gold.

When you’ve chosen we must be fair,

Trade with whoever has the blondest hair.

20. Number 20 how patiently you’ve waited.

Go get a gift before it’s outdated.

Shake it a bit and look around the floor.

Swap it with someone who’s five feet four.

21. 21 it’s time for fun.

For swapping time has just begun.

After trading with 4 and 9.

Swap with two even numbers–That’s fine.

22. 22 it’s time to make your way.

Get a gift that’s pretty and gay.

Now get ready to use your bean.

You must swap with 8 and 14.

23. 23 your turn has come.

Choose your gift with a lithe hum.

Look it over and when you’re through.

You may swap with a number having 2.

24. Number 24 have you been bored?

Well, we’d like to show you you’re adored.

So choose a box, see what you get.

Now you may trade with a brunette.

25. Let’s go 25, look alive.

Pick a gift of any size.

Show the gang that you’re O.K.

And swap with anyone you say.

26. It’s time for 26 to mix.

Get a gift if just for kicks.

For you’re to trade, if you have the knack.

With anyone whose shoes aren’t black.

27. Number 27 how lucky you are.

You’ve seen all the gifts chosen so far.

If a pretty box catches your eye.

Grab it, make a trade, and don’t be shy.

28. Hop up 28, don’t drag your feet.

Study your gift as you reach your seat.

Now grin a bit and smile some more.

Trade with 22, then 24.

29. Number 29 you must wake up.

Run up there as spry as a pup.

Make your choice, isn’t this keen?

But you must swap with 17.

30. Number 30 your wait was long.

But when we’re through you’ll sing a song.

Just look them over from small to large.

See a favorite? Then forward charge!

31. Number 31, how about that?

On your chair so long you’ve sat.

But get a gift, it’s not too late.

And trade with 30, 20, and 8.

32. O.K. 32, jump up quick,

And snatch your prize.

Then trade with the person

With the bluest eyes.

33. Well 33 it’s here at last.

You may break your giftless fast.

Gaze around at all the lasses.

Trade with someone wearing glasses.

34. 34, can there be more?

This poetry may be a bore.

Find your gift and look around.

Swap with the youngest member found.

35. 35, it is really true?

That 34′s rhymes now are through.

Well, choose your gift, now you see.

You trade with two numbers having 3.

36. 36 your waits been endless.

But now you know that you’re not friendless.

Look around and “case the scene”.

Then swap with someone wearing green.

37. 37 the end is near.

But have a gift, and never fear.

Now let’s shake up the early ones, like 7.

Trade with odd numbers through 11.

38. 38, it’s your choosing time.

Please make it better than this rhyme.

When you have it, look around.

And trade with those from out of town.

39. 39, go to the tree.

Choose the smallest gift you see.

If you wish to make a trade.

Find the largest that was made.

40. 39′s turn is finally past.

It’s number 40′s turn at last.

Find your gift and make a date,

To swap with #38.

41. 41 are you still awake?

Go get a gift for heaven’s sake.

Pick it up nice and quick.

Then trade with numbers having six.

42. Guess whose turn has come up now.

42, please take a bow.

Choose your gift, isn’t it keen.

Now trade with 15 and 19.

43. Oh my goodness, it’s getting late.

43, let’s see your fate.

Go get yours, sakes alive.

You have to trade with 25.

44. On we go to 44.

There must be at least one more.

Take your pick, are you in heaven?

Alas, you’ll swap with 27.

45. 45, it’s time for you.

Guess what it is you have to do.

Trade with 28, then 29.

Now you can say, “This one is mine!”

46. Skip on over 46.

Time for you to stir and mix.

Make your choice and then connive,

To swap with #35.

47. 47, we’re now to you.

There’s a gift for you there, too.

Isn’t this a lot of fun?

Now trade with 40, then 41.

48. 48, there’s not much left.

Still we won’t leave you bereft.

Maybe you’ll choose an old, rare wine.

Would you like to swap with 39?

49. 49, are your eyes still open?

Are you sitting there just hopin’?

Trot on up, what’s your fate?

Then trade with number 48.

50. We’ll wrap this up with #50.

We bet what’s left is really nifty.

However, one last swap is due.

With the gal who’s sitting left of you.