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	<title>AlbinoPhant- White Elephant Gift Source &#187; White Elephant Gift Exchange</title>
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	<description>White Elephant Gift Exchange Online</description>
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		<title>Free white elephant gift exchange experience</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/free-white-elephant-gift-exchange-experience/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/free-white-elephant-gift-exchange-experience/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Jul 2011 14:02:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AlbinoPhant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas and holiday season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great White Elephant Gift Suggestions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant party]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5532</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Real gifts cost real money.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>White elephant gifts are encased in value</h1>
<div>There are many opportunities to enjoy free services on the internet. You can find free applications, free games and free advice in abundance right there in your browser.  Imaginary gift giving is even joining the virtual and free world.</div>
<div><a href="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wrapped_Gifts.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5801" title="Wrapped white elephant Gifts" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wrapped_Gifts-300x227.jpg" alt="Real white elephant gifts for supporting family and friends" width="300" height="227" /></a>But the real-world still includes real gift giving as a way of demonstrating love and support among family and friends.  It seems hard to believe that this supportive tradition will ever be replaced with something that is completely free.  Real gifts cost real money. This is even true for the traditional <a title="White elephant gift exchange ideas" href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-party-how-to-center/">white elephant gift exchange</a>, where everyone provides a gift and everyone takes away a gift.</div>
<div>Seth Godin shared some insight on when <a title="Free or paid online services by Seth Godin" href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/06/discovery-free-145.html">free is valuable</a> and when paying for something is necessary. His thoughts focused on monetizing a web-based business, but because we are a gift-based service provider we felt his words confirm the value of <a title="Real white elephant gift ideas" href="http://albinophantblog.com/great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/unique-white-elephant-gift-idea-center/">real gift giving</a>.</div>
<div><strong><em>&#8220;My argument is that the line for using free as a discovery tool is shifting, and the best (and perhaps only) way to monetize in the future is for the idea to be encased in something that could never realistically be free.&#8221; (Seth Godin)<br /></em></strong></div>
<div>As an<a title="online white elephant gift party" href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/"> online provider for real gift-giving</a>, we believe that this process could never realistically be free. Of course, the receiver of a birthday or wedding gift pays nothing, but the giver must spend money on a gift to provide the support. in the case of distance, the supportive gift-giver also pays the transportation costs associated with seeing that the gift arrives.</div>
<div>Could gifts ever be at no-cost to anyone?  That doesn&#8217;t seem possible unless a new mommy will accept a virtual baby blanket to keep her infant warm. It seems like the baby shower, the wedding reception and the birthday party will continue to fuel robust sales in the gift segment of the economy.  The same could be said for the white elephant gift exchange tradition. Real gifts purchased with real money are here to stay, unless the Government passes an &#8220;All Scrooge, all the time&#8221; policy.</div>
<div>Mr. Godin&#8217;s suggestion is that any sustainable online application must be based upon things that realistically must be purchased. Business will only survive where there is a continuous cash flow for operations.</div>
<div>The argument for using &#8220;free&#8221; as a discovery tool has merit, so we are offering <a title="Albinophant white elephant gift exchange test drive for free" href="http://albinophantblog.com/albinophant/">free test-drives of the online white elephant gift exchange</a>.  If you host a party using the <strong>code 1234</strong>, none of the attendees will have to pay to play.</div>
<div>Of course without paying for a real gift, you will be playing with just the virtual images of the white elephant gifts.  But at least you can see how much fun and convienent it is to use the great tools of the internet to share real gifts with your family and friends.</div>
<div>
<h2>You are going to love this party!</h2>
</div>
----------------------------------------------------------<br />
<img src="/authors/PartyWeDo.gif" align="left"/><br><i>PartyWeDo</i><br>The AlbinoPhant Creators<br>
Your Party 2.0 Specialists<br><br><div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script></div><br>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules Compared</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-rules-compared/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-rules-compared/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:06:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Party Resource File]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas and holiday season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift exchange party rules]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hosting a white elephant party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party game]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PartyWeDo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secret Santa gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant gift exchange rules]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yankee swap party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yankee swap rules]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=4597</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>White Elephant Gift Party Rules</h1>
<h2>The most complete list of gift exchange rules anywhere!</h2>
<p><a href="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/PartyWeDo-revised-logo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5767" title="White elephant rules by PartyWeDo " src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/PartyWeDo-revised-logo.jpg" alt="White elephant and Yankee Swap rules by PartyWeDo" width="203" height="165" /></a>The white elephant and secret Santa gift exchanges are the most<a title="Top gift exchange parties" href="http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/the-top-31-gift-exchange-titles/"> popular gift swapping parties</a> 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 <a title="Complete White Elephant party How-to page and rules" href="http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-party-how-to-center/">gift exchange rules</a> and suggestions available on the web. We encourage you to share these ideas with your friends and family.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">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.<br /> <strong> </strong></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Your Going to LOVE this Party!</strong></h2>
<p>In every style of <a title="Online white elephant gift party game" href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">gift exchange game</a> there is a requirement that everyone bring a wrapped <a title="White elephant gift idea center" href="http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/unique-white-elephant-gift-idea-center/">white elephant gift</a> 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.</p>
<p>It is the responsibility of the <a title="Online party hosts for white elephant gift exchange" href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">party host </a>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>The white elephant or Yankee Swap gifts should:</strong><br /> * 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 <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/great-15-dollar-white-elephant-gifts/">15</a> and <a title="35 dollar white elephant gift ideas" href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/unique-white-elephant-gifts-35/">35 dollars</a> 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.<br /> * 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&#8217;t stifle the creative or fun white elephant gifts from coming to the party, just be sensitive to the crowd and use common sense.<br /> * 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)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a title="15 dollar white elephant gift idea center" href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/great-15-dollar-white-elephant-gifts/">15 Dollar Gifts</a><br /> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><strong><a title="Great 20 dollar white elephant gift ideas" href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/white-elephant-gifts-at-20/">20 Dollar Gifts</a><br /> <a title="Great white elephant gifts at $25" href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/25-great-white-elephant-gifts/">25 Dollar Gifts</a><br /> <a title="$30 wacky white elephant gift ideas" href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/30-dollar-white-elephant-gift-ideas/">30 Dollar Gifts</a></strong></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="$35 dollar unique white elephant gifts" href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/unique-white-elephant-gifts-35/"><strong><strong>35 Dollar Gifts</strong></strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">White Elephant gift parties have two schools of thought when it comes to gifts.  One side suggests that <a title="White elephant gifts are real" href="http://albinophantblog.com/party-resource-file/what-is-a-white-elephant/">white elephant gifts</a> 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 <a title="Real history of white elephant gifts" href="http://albinophantblog.com/party-resource-file/what-is-a-white-elephant/">HERE</a>).  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<a title="online white elephant gift exchange" href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/"> online white elephant party </a> site.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>If the host chooses the <a title="white elephant spin the bottle gift exchange" href="http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-spin-the-bottle/">White Elephant Spin the Bottle</a> 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 <a title="Hot to play online white elephant party" href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">Online White Elephant Party</a> the players are selected with a computer-controlled randomizer software program.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Gifts should be placed in the center of the seating area prior to the beginning of the game.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The leader then uses the random selection devise (bottle or numbers in the container), to identify the first player of the game.</p>
<p>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 <a title="white elephant gift auction exchange" href="http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-auction-and-gift-swap/">White Elephant Gift Auction</a>, the <a title="Caroling gift exchange and White elephant gift party" href="http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-with-a-song/">White Elephant Caroling Exchange</a> or <a title="white elephant and left right gift exchange party" href="http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/left-right-game-with-white-elephant-gifts/">White Elephant Left Right</a> 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).</p>
<p>The leader randomly selects the next player in the gift exchange.</p>
<p>On the second turn, person #2 gets the choice of &#8220;stealing&#8221; any unwrapped gift (#1&#8242;s) or choosing a wrapped one from the gift pile.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>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&#8217;t stress enough that part of the fun of the party is the finding the <a title="Best white elephant gift idea page" href="http://albinophantblog.com/Great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/unique-white-elephant-gift-idea-center/">best white elephant gift</a> and then watching how your friends and family react to what you purchased, once it is revealed.  Now back to the rules&#8230;</em></p>
<p>The leader randomly selects the next player in the gift exchange game.</p>
<p>On the third turn, person #3 gets the choice of &#8220;stealing&#8221; any unwrapped gift (#1&#8242;s or #2&#8242;s) or choosing a wrapped one. Game continues based on the following:</p>
<p>1. &#8211; 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.</p>
<p>2. &#8211; Turns proceed until everyone has a gift. A turn is ended when a gift is opened and displayed to everyone.</p>
<p>3. &#8211; A gift cannot be stolen more than once in a turn.</p>
<p>4. &#8211; The third &#8220;owner&#8221; of any stolen gift gets to keep it &#8211; 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The game ends.</p>
<p><a title="The history of the online white elephant gift exchange from the christensen's" href="http://albinophantblog.com/history/">Our family</a> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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…</p>
<p>If you want to give an <a title="Host a free online white elephant gift party" href="http://albinophantblog.com/albinophant/">online white elephant gift party</a> a try you can use offer code 1234 when you host your own AlbinoPhant party.</p>
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<h2><strong>…MORE IDEAS WANTED…</strong></h2>
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<p>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.</p>
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<h2><strong>…SHARE THE FUN…</strong></h2>
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<p>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:</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">http://albinophantblog.com/White-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-rules-compared/</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">We would appreciate if you would use the words:</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">&#8220;white elephant gift exchange rules&#8221;</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">when doing a link to our site</p>
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<p>If you would like some other fun ideas for gift exchanges please explore other pages on this site.  Have a great party!</p>
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<h2><strong>…WHITE ELEPHANT PARTY INVITATIONS…</strong></h2>
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<p>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.</p>
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----------------------------------------------------------<br />
<img src="/authors/PartyWeDo.gif" align="left"/><br><i>PartyWeDo</i><br>The AlbinoPhant Creators<br>
Your Party 2.0 Specialists<br><br><div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script></div><br>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>White elephant auction and gift swap</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-auction-and-gift-swap/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-auction-and-gift-swap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:49:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Party Resource File]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AlbinoPhant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas and holiday season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant gift idea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant party]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5541</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Try a combination gift auction and white elephant exchange for your next gathering]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Graveling SOLD &#8211; White elephant gift auction</h1>
<p>Finding fun and unique ways to share gifts between family and friends is a challenge for every group. The white elephant <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-party-how-to-center/">gift exchange</a> is a great tradition for gift sharing during the holidays, but sometimes it gets a little old-hat.</p>
<p><a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-party-how-to-center/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-5546" title="white elephant gift auction" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/gift-auction.jpg" alt="white elephant gift exchange game and gift auction" width="248" height="224" /></a></p>
<p>AlbinoPhant attempts to mix-up the fun by offering several variations of this classic party, including an <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online white elephant gift exchange</a>.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The following white elephant gift exchange rules will help you host the white elephant auction party of the year&#8230;</p>
<p>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.<br /> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>#1  Put all the wrapped gifts in one place</p>
<p>#2  Put every players name into a hat</p>
<p>#3  Draw the first name, read it and then put it back into the hat.</p>
<p>#4  The first player opens a gift and shows it off.</p>
<p>#5  The first player can choose two options:<br /> A   Keep the gift<br /> B. Start a White Elephant Auction</p>
<p>#6A  If they keep the gift the next name is drawn from the hat and then the name is returned to the hat.</p>
<p>#7A  Player two has the same two options, ether keep the gift (until stolen or swapped) or hold a white elephant auction)</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>#8   Another name is drawn from the hat and then returned into the hat.</p>
<p>#9   Player selects from three options:<br /> A. Steal another opened gift.<br /> B. Open a new unopened gift and display it to others.<br /> C. Hold a white elephant auction on any open gift in his/her possession.</p>
<p>#10  Following the actions of ether the steal, the open or the auction, the next name is drawn from the hat and returned.</p>
<p>#11  The next player again has the 3 options explained in #9.</p>
<p>#12   In the event that a player with an opened gift has their name pulled from the hat they have two options:<br /> A. Swap for any other opened gift<br /> B. Hold a White elephant auction for their existing gift so that they can open a new gift.</p>
<p>#13  Game play continues until every gift is opened.</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<h2>You are going to love this party!</h2>
<div id="__ss_7959769" style="width: 425px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a title="White elephant gift auction" href="http://www.slideshare.net/PartyWeDo/white-elephant-gift-auction">White elephant gift auction</a></strong> <iframe src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/7959769" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" height="355" scrolling="no" width="425"></iframe></p>
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		<title>White Elephant Gift Exchange with a Song</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-with-a-song/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-with-a-song/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:37:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Party Resource File]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AlbinoPhant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas carols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great White Elephant Gift Suggestions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rules for white elephant gift party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yankee swap]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5514</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is an opportunity to add a little musical fun to your regular white elephant gift party]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Caroling white elephant gift exchange rules</h1>
<p>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).  </p>
<p>Place the CD player where the host or an appointed “carol-leader” can have access.</p>
<p><a href="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Caroling-exchange.jpg"><img src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Caroling-exchange.jpg" alt="White elephant gift exchange with a Christmas carol" title="Caroling gift exchange" width="248" height="224" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5518" /></a></p>
<p>#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. </p>
<p>#2   Draw the first name and start the first musical carol on the CD.</p>
<p>#3   The first player selects a gift and opens it for all to see. </p>
<p>#4   The host or carol-leader randomly stops the music.</p>
<p>#5   Play who just opened the white elephant gift must “sing” the next 3 words in the Carol to keep the gift.</p>
<p>#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)</p>
<p>#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. </p>
<p>#8   All names must be returned to the drawing hat.</p>
<p>#9   Another name is drawn at random</p>
<p>#10  Another wrapped white elephant gift is take from the pile by the next player</p>
<p>#11  The gift is opened while the next Christmas carol is playing</p>
<p>#12  The host waits a moment while the gift is displayed and discussed, pushes the pause button.</p>
<p>#13  The player that just opened a gift must sing the next 3 words of the carol in order to keep the gift.</p>
<p>#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)</p>
<p>#15  If that player is unable to sing the words, then the host picks the first person to stand and “carol for the gift”.</p>
<p>#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. </p>
<p>#17  Whenever the swapping stops, the music starts and the next name is drawn to discover the next person who opens a new gift. </p>
<p>#18  The white elephant game continues until all gifts are opened and all players have a gift.</p>
<p>
<h2>Your going to love this party!</h2>
</p>
<p>We suggest that you attempt this unique white elephant gift exchange idea at your next holiday gathering and bring Christmas music into the fun.</p>
<p>If you can’t get everyone together in one place because they all live in other towns, we suggest that you try a fun <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online white elephant gift party</a>, AlbinoPhant.</p>
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		<title>Handel’s Gift Can-Share-Go &#8211; White Elephant Exchange</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/handels-white-elephant-exchange/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/handels-white-elephant-exchange/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:44:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Party Resource File]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Handels music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rules]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The thinking is that the most popular gift will get passed around more than any others.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>White elephant gifts that get &#8220;handled&#8221;</h1>
<p>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.</p>
<p><a href="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/can-share-go.jpg"><img src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/can-share-go.jpg" alt="Unique white elephant party game that handles many gifts" title="white elephant game can-share-go" width="248" height="224" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5493" /></a></p>
<p>Our recreational specialists strive to provide you with some interesting new twists to this traditional gift party, so we have designed the <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online white elephant gift party</a> 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 <em>Can-Share-Go</em> this season.</p>
<h2>The Party Rules</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>The Handel’s Gift <em>Can-Share-Go</em> 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.</p>
<p>You will still need a random name draw to pick the playing order, just like other white elephant games.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Step#3  If the player Shares the <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gifts/unique-white-elephant-gift-idea-center/">white elephant gift</a> they must wait for another gift opening opportunity from the random drawing to make a play for a gift.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>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..</p>
<h2>Your going to love this white elephant party!</h2>
</p>
<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_8228026"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/PartyWeDo/handels-cansharego" title="Handel&#39;s can-share-go">Handel&#39;s can-share-go</a></strong><object id="__sse8228026" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=handelscansharego-110606182854-phpapp01&#038;stripped_title=handels-cansharego&#038;userName=PartyWeDo" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse8228026" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=handelscansharego-110606182854-phpapp01&#038;stripped_title=handels-cansharego&#038;userName=PartyWeDo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
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		<title>Left Right Game with White Elephant Gifts</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/left-right-game-white-elephant-gifts/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/left-right-game-white-elephant-gifts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:10:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Party Resource File]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great White Elephant Gift Suggestions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[left right game]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[right left game ideas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5447</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[learn the rules of the Lefty the White Elephant gift exchange]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>White Elephant gifts that shift left and right</h1>
<p>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.<a href="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Lefty.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5454" title="Lefty the white elephant gift" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Lefty-205x300.jpg" alt="left right game with white elephant gifts" width="205" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>The host should choose someone to be the story teller and be given a printed version. (we have a PDF version <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/PartyWeDo/lefty-the-white-elephant-story">HERE</a>)</p>
<p>Explain to all the players that they will be participating in a <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gifts/unique-white-elephant-gift-idea-center/">unique white elephant gift</a> exchange that involves both gift swapping and gift passing.  Let them know that whenever they hear the words <strong>right</strong>, <strong>left</strong> or <strong>gift </strong>in the story, that something will happen in the game.</p>
<p>#1   Start the white elephant party as usual with all the gifts in the middle of the room and players sitting around the pile.</p>
<p>#2   Put the name of every player into a hat for a random drawing.</p>
<p>#3    Draw the name of the first player who picks a gift and opens to reveal to others.</p>
<p>#4    Return the name back into the hat for potential re-drawing.</p>
<p>#5   The story teller begins reading the right-left story of “Lefty the White Elephant”.</p>
<p>#6   When the first mention of Lefty is read, the first gift opened moves one person to the left.</p>
<p>#7   The story teller continues until the next mention of left or right.</p>
<p>#8    The gift moves one person to the left or the right.</p>
<p>#9    The story teller continues reading the story as the gift moves ether left or right on each mention of the word.</p>
<p>#10    When the story teller reads the word <strong>Gift </strong>, another name is drawn from the hat. (<em>…on his Christmas shopping list. Lefty was looking for just the right white elephant <strong>gift</strong></em>.)</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>#13  The story teller continues with the story until left, right or gift is mentioned again. With the word gift the story stops.</p>
<p>#14    Another name is drawn from the hat (remember to put all names back into the hat for re-drawing purposes).</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>This wacky white elephant party game is just one more way to share in the gift-giving fun with family and friends.<br />
AlbinoPhant, the <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online white elephant party</a> 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 <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online version</a> of the white elephant gift exchange.</p>
<p><strong>You are going to love this party!</strong></p>
<div id="__ss_7959829" style="width: 425px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a title="Lefty the white elephant gift game" href="http://www.slideshare.net/PartyWeDo/lefty-the-white-elephant-gift-game">Lefty the white elephant gift game</a></strong> <object id="__sse7959829" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=leftythewhiteelephantgame-110513202625-phpapp02&amp;stripped_title=lefty-the-white-elephant-gift-game&amp;userName=PartyWeDo" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="355" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=leftythewhiteelephantgame-110513202625-phpapp02&amp;stripped_title=lefty-the-white-elephant-gift-game&amp;userName=PartyWeDo" name="__sse7959829" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
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<h2>The Story of Lefty the White Elephant</h2>
<p><em>Christmas was almost here, and <strong>Lefty</strong>, the White Elephant was finishing what was <strong>left</strong> on his Christmas shopping list. <strong>Lefty</strong> was looking for just the <strong>right</strong> white elephant <strong>gift</strong>.(stop to draw a name from the hat)  <strong>Lefty</strong>’s father suggested that he should head <strong>right</strong> over to the mall to find a huge selection of <strong>gifts</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat). As <strong>Lefty</strong> walked down the <strong>right </strong>concourse he found one of the <strong>gifts</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) he was looking for sitting <strong>right</strong> in from of the toy store entrance and it seemed like there was only one <strong>left</strong>.  <strong>Right</strong> after <strong>Lefty</strong> entered the store he realized that he had <strong>left</strong> his wallet in the trunk. But as you know one of the greatest <strong>gifts</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) of being an elephant is that your trunk is <strong>right</strong> in front of your face.<br />
Once <strong>Lefty</strong> had found his wallet he marched <strong>right</strong> up to the cashier and put his white elephant <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) on the counter <strong>right</strong> next to the cash register.  To his amazement <strong>Lefty</strong>’s old circus trainer friend Suzie <strong>Wright</strong> was the cashier. Suzie had<strong> left </strong>the circus a few months earlier to take a job as the mall <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) wrapper. Even though the <strong>Wright</strong> family owned the circus, Suzie had felt that it was the <strong>right</strong> time to leave and take a job in the <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) industry.  Working in the mall gave Miss <strong>Wright</strong> the opportunity to meet all the <strong>right </strong>people to help her advance her career. <strong>Lefty</strong> was impressed that she had found a cashier job soon after leaving the <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) wrapping position. Like the rest of the <strong>Wright</strong> family, Suzie was a <strong>gifted</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) individual and <strong>Lefty</strong> was so happy that he was now in the <strong>right</strong> place at the <strong>right</strong> time to meet Miss <strong>Wright</strong> once again. As <strong>Lefty</strong> gathered his <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) he shyly asked Suzie how many hours she had <strong>left</strong> on her shift. Miss <strong>Wright</strong> explained that she was off <strong>right </strong>after 2, but then needed to get one more <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) that was <strong>left </strong>on her white elephant gift exchange shopping list.  <strong>Lefty</strong> mustered every bit of courage that he had<strong> left</strong> and asked Suzie if he could accompany her on her <strong>gift </strong>(stop to draw a name from the hat) shopping task <strong>right</strong> after work. Miss <strong>Wright</strong> smiled, said yes and handed <strong>Lefty</strong> her phone number on the back of an expired Home Depot <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) card she had <strong>left</strong>-over from a recent remodeling project at her condo that is located <strong>right</strong> next to <strong>Lefty’</strong>s favorite bistro.<br />
After leaving the store <strong>Lefty</strong> could hardly wait to see Suzie, but he still had one more <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) <strong>left</strong> on his list. He knew that if he was to give Miss <strong>Wright</strong> the <strong>right</strong> amount of attention in her <strong>gift </strong>(stop and draw a name from the hat) shopping efforts he would need to pick the <strong>right</strong> time to finish his shopping and he only had a couple of hours <strong>left </strong>to finish.<br />
<strong>Right</strong> before 2 pm <strong>Lefty</strong> came back to Miss <strong>Wright</strong>’s store for their <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) shopping date.  Suzie and <strong>Lefty</strong> enjoyed what was <strong>left</strong> of the afternoon exploring the <strong>gift </strong>(stop to draw a name from the hat) shops of the mall to find the <strong>right</strong> <strong>gift</strong> (stop to draw a name from the hat) for the <strong>Wright</strong> family <strong>gift </strong>exchange.<br />
To make a long story short, <strong>Lefty</strong> and Miss <strong>Wright</strong> fell in love, married and had several little <strong>leftys</strong>, making Grandpa <strong>Wright</strong> and Grandma <strong>Wright</strong> very proud.</em><br />
THE END</p>
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<img src="/authors/PartyWeDo.gif" align="left"/><br><i>PartyWeDo</i><br>The AlbinoPhant Creators<br>
Your Party 2.0 Specialists<br><br><div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script></div><br>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>White Elephant Gift Party &#8211; How-to Center</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-party-how-to-center/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-party-how-to-center/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 00:15:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great White Elephant Gift Suggestions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unique white elephant party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wacky white elephant exchange ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant exchange rules]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yankee swap]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5401</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Our recreational specialist give you step-by-step instruction on how to play each of these unique games.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>How-to: Unique white elephant exchanges</h1>
<p>Welcome to the <strong>Gift Exchange How-to Idea Center</strong>, where we share some unique and fun white elephant gift exchange party rules.  Our recreational specialist give you step-by-step instruction on how to play each of these unique games.</p>
<p>Of course, you are always welcome to try our <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online white elephant gift party</a> &#8211; AlbinoPhant. It is perfect for sharing <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/great-white-elephant-gift-suggestions/unique-white-elephant-gift-idea-center/">white elephant gifts</a> among distant family and friends.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Use these ideas to host wacky white elephant parties, or Yankee swaps for your next gift giving event.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Your going to love this party!</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>CLICK on any IMAGE to go to the instruction page.</h2>
<p><a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-spin-the-bottle/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5406" title="white elephant spin the bottle" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/spin-the-bottle.jpg" alt="white elephant gift exchange game - spin the bottle rules" width="248" height="224" /></a><a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/handels-white-elephant-exchange/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-5417" title="White elephant Handel's can-share-go" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/can-share-go.jpg" alt="Unique white elephant game - Handel's can share go" width="248" height="224" /></a><a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-auction-and-gift-swap/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5422" title="white elephant gift auction" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/gift-auction.jpg" alt="How to -  white elephant gift exchange auction" width="248" height="224" /></a><a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-with-a-song/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-5423" title="White Elephant Caroling exchange" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Caroling-exchange.jpg" alt="white elephant caroling party and Gift exchange " width="248" height="224" /></a><a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/left-right-game-with-white-elephant-gifts/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5426" title="left right white elephant " src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/left-right.jpg" alt="White elephant gift exchange - Left Right game" width="248" height="229" /></a></p>
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<img src="/authors/PartyWeDo.gif" align="left"/><br><i>PartyWeDo</i><br>The AlbinoPhant Creators<br>
Your Party 2.0 Specialists<br><br><div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script></div><br>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>White Elephant Spin the Bottle</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-spin-the-bottle/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-spin-the-bottle/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:04:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Party Resource File]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great White Elephant Gift Suggestions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[group gift giving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spin the bottle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant gift exchange party]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5375</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is a great way to add some variety to your group gift parties.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>White elephant exchange + spin the bottle!</h1>
<p><a href="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/white-elephant-spin-the-bottle-game.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-5377" title="white elephant spin the bottle game" src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/white-elephant-spin-the-bottle-game.jpg" alt="white elephant gift exchange combined with a spin the bottle game" width="223" height="163" /></a>The popular <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/history-of-the-white-elephant-gift-exchange/">white elephant gift party</a> 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.</p>
<p>If you are doing a traditional white elephant party instead of an <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online gift exchange</a> like AlbinoPhant, then the white elephant spin the bottle game will make your party even more fun than ever.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Just like any white elephant gift exchange, you should gather all of the wrapped gifts into one spot and get everyone seated.</p>
<p>#1  The game starts with all players in their seats.</p>
<p>#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)</p>
<p>#3   The first person selected by the bottle opens one of the gifts from the wrapped gift pile.</p>
<p>#4   The bottle spins and selects the next player, who can ether open one of the wrapped gifts, or steal the opened gift.</p>
<p>#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)</p>
<p>#6   The bottle spins again after the stealing and opening have stopped.</p>
<p>#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.</p>
<p>#7   Continue play using the bottle as the turn selector, until all the gifts have been opened.</p>
<p>We have included some instructional slides that will help you understand the rules of the white elephant spin the bottle game.</p>
<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_7959675"> <strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/PartyWeDo/spin-the-bottle-white-elephant-gift-exchange-7959675" title="Spin the bottle white elephant gift exchange">Spin the bottle white elephant gift exchange</a></strong> <object id="__sse7959675" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=spinthebottlewhiteelephantgiftexchange-110513194057-phpapp02&#038;stripped_title=spin-the-bottle-white-elephant-gift-exchange-7959675&#038;userName=PartyWeDo" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse7959675" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=spinthebottlewhiteelephantgiftexchange-110513194057-phpapp02&#038;stripped_title=spin-the-bottle-white-elephant-gift-exchange-7959675&#038;userName=PartyWeDo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>
<div style="padding:5px 0 12px"> View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/PartyWeDo">PartyWeDo</a> </div>
</p>
</div>
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<img src="/authors/PartyWeDo.gif" align="left"/><br><i>PartyWeDo</i><br>The AlbinoPhant Creators<br>
Your Party 2.0 Specialists<br><br><div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script></div><br>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Yankee Swap rules = social excitement</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/yankee-swap-rules-social-excitement/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/yankee-swap-rules-social-excitement/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:54:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[group gift giving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White Elephant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephant gift party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yankee swap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yankee swap rules]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5324</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is interesting is the social dynamics created as a result of the party.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>The Yankee Swap rules build group fun</h1>
<p>Watch this time elapse video of a group gift exchange party. The Yankee swap or white elephant gift exchange game is perfect for large group gift sharing. </p>
<p>We counted about 25 people in this gift swap video, that looks like it was hosted in a typical living room. The Yankee Swap <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/white-elephant-gift-exchange-rules/">rules</a> are the same as the white elephant git exchange, so gifts are opened, stolen and conversation is created. You can get a feel for the fun in the party by watching this in quick-time view.</p>
<p>What is interesting is the social dynamics created as a result of the party. If you watch the last few seconds of the video you will see how conversations and groupings continued even after the clean-up was finished.</p>
<p>Group gift parties are greatly enhanced by using an engaging game like the Yankee Swap. It is no wonder that this swap game or the <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/the-top-31-gift-exchange-titles/">white elephant gift exchange</a> are the most popular group parties during the holidays.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/18244520" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/18244520">swap 2010 time lapse</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/royh">Roy Hodgman</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p>Our family has enjoyed this style of gift exchange for many years so we have created an online version of this party game. Much of the same dynamics can be mimicked in the AlbinoPhant <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">white elephant party</a>.</p>
<h2>Your going to love this party!</h2>
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<img src="/authors/PartyWeDo.gif" align="left"/><br><i>PartyWeDo</i><br>The AlbinoPhant Creators<br>
Your Party 2.0 Specialists<br><br><div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script></div><br>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>History of the White elephant gift exchange</title>
		<link>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/history-of-the-white-elephant-gift-exchange/</link>
		<comments>http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/history-of-the-white-elephant-gift-exchange/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:38:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PartyWeDo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[White Elephant Gift Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[banter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great White Elephant Gift Suggestions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[history of yankee swap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[office party]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[secret Santa exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white elephajnt gift exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yankee swap]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/?p=5184</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The white elephant gift exchange started with the need to increase social engagement at group parties]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><script src="http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"></script><fb:like href="htthttp://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/" show_faces="true" width="450" font=""></fb:like></p>
<h1>White elephant gift swap history and future</h1>
<p><a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/"><img src="http://AlbinoPhantBlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/white-elephant-gift-swap.jpg" alt="white elephant gift swap" title="white elephant gift swap" width="254" height="198" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5187" /></a>If you are a regular visitor to our site, you know the <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/what-is-a-white-elephant/">real story</a> of white elephant gifts begins with the Asian kings of Burma and Siam. White elephants were extremely important and valuable creatures in these Asian countries, so receiving a <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/what-is-a-real-white-elephant/">white elephant</a> from the king would be a huge honor and make the receiver the envy of all the land. </p>
<p>Somehow the tradition of valuable gift sharing morphed into a <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/the-top-31-gift-exchange-titles/">gift exchange game</a> and the result is the now the traditional white elephant gift exchange. </p>
<p><strong>Here is how the game got started:</strong></p>
<p>The white elephant gift exchange or Yankee swap started with the need to increase social engagement at group parties; particularly office gift events, where additional activities could act as conversation starters. Eventually people learned the high level of fun and banter that were created with the gift swapping game, so it spread to other groups. </p>
<p>In most areas of the US it is called a white elephant gift exchange, but in the Northeastern US it is more commonly called a <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/">Yankee swap</a>. Ether way it is a unique gift giving system that continues to be popular.</p>
<p>Offering gifts is an expression of kindness or love among close-knit groups, so gift giving has always been an important part of our social support structure. The issue for businesses and other groups is that hosting a gift exchange party includes the requirement that gifts be purchased. Many groups had used a secret Santa exchange format and found that there where issues that arose when spending was ether extravagant or cheap. </p>
<p>In an effort to bring gift giving budgets into line and to offer a fun activity during the party, the gift swap game was developed.  White elephant exchange hosts select a pricing range and invitees are expected to purchase gifts within that budget.</p>
<p>Another unique characteristic of the <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/the-most-common-gift-exchange-rules/">rules in a white elephant party</a> is the idea that anyone could go home with any gift. The swap mixed up the gift giving and took the pressure off from individual gift purchasers to buy for a specific person, like they did in the secret Santa format. When it didn&#8217;t matter who would eventually get the gift it became easier to shop for a gift that many people might find valuable. </p>
<p>That’s how white elephant gift exchange parties came to be so popular, by cutting down on gift expenses, reducing shopping stress and adding great fun to any group event. </p>
<p>The white elephant gift exchange party spread, and today it’s a much-loved way of having a good time with family and friends during the holiday season. Everyone brings one gift and leaves with one gift, making it fair, no matter how many unexpected guests show up.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-gift-exchange/hosting-a-white-elephant-gift-exchange-or-yankee-swap/">format </a>of White Elephant parties has changed and evolved over the years, but at its core it has always remained an entertaining way to spend time with loved ones, share gifts, save money, and above all have fun.</p>
<p>The internet has now allowed us the opportunity to move this traditional gift swapping activity onto the web and invite everyone to the party, no matter the distance. AlbinoPhant is the <a href="http://albinophantblog.com/white-elephant-game-online/">online version</a> of the white elephant gift exchange, with all the same features you have come to expect from the game you play at regular gift swapping events. </p>
<p>The white elephant gift exchange has a long history of success and is continuing to evolve with the times….. You are going to love this party!</p>
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Your Party 2.0 Specialists<br><br><div align="left"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.retweet.com/static/retweets.js"></script></div><br>]]></content:encoded>
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