Posts Tagged ‘Gift exchange’

White elephant gifts are encased in value

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 white elephant gift exchange, where everyone provides a gift and everyone takes away a gift.

White Elephant Gift Party Rules

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.

Rattle loose a great white elephant gift

For  about $15 dollars this white elephant gift will be a find great appeal in your next white elephant gift exchange. It is a combination set of wrist rattles and foot covers for babies.  Baby items are great conversation starters in these group gift party settings.

The rules of the white elephant gift exchange require that players open wrapped gifts and then allow others to make comments and possibly steal the gift away.  Traditionally the gift that gets stolen the most also receives the most comments. This rattle and foot cover systems definitely meets the conversation starter status needed for a popular white elephant gift.

The funniest part of this gift is its name:

Foot Finders

This gift has worked very well in the online version of the white elephant game because the complete description is displayed on the playing page when the gift is revealed. With the additional information on the product the players can take the conversation if several directions.  I could see one of my son’s attempting to gross everyone out with an image of an ugly toe that would need a toe-cover.

Even in a standard offline white elephant gift party or a Yankee Swap this set would rattle some conversation out of even the most stoic participant. .

You are going to love this party!

This white elephant gift idea is 100% MamaC endorsed!

Graveling SOLD – White elephant gift auction

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!

Flashy $15 white elephant gift

When this special white elephant gift is unwrapped during the party it will instantly be popular. 

TIME TO STEAL…!!!

Other gift exchange game players will see that they can finally clear that pesky traffic (not recommended) on the way to K-Mart for that big sale.

As MamaC, I get to select the white elephant gifts for the online gift parties that family and friends enjoy on AlbinoPhant.  I know that this blue-light flasher will get conversation going in your next white elephant party or at a Yankee Swap.

With this great white elephant gift conversation will head in several directions, including to K-Mart shopping memories or old Cop-show stereotypes.

Have some fun with this flashy gift…

This Special commercial “I know a Place!” should get your toe a tapping…

Comfort from the white elephant exchange

Put the words wedge, pregnancy and “Boppy” together in a group and someone will have something cleaver to say.

Cleaver banter is what makes the white elephant gift exchange a popular holiday event, and when friends and family members see this white elephant gift coming out of the box, they all will  teasie the new owner.

The fun will spin out of control from there!

You are going to love this Party Gift!

I selected this gift for the online white elephant gift exchange because I can see how much fun it would yield in the party.

Google “Boppy” and see if you could find something interesting to talk about….

I found this gift in the $15 dollar white elephant gift idea marketplace here in AlbinoPhant.

My white elephant gift idea for today

My name is Sarah Christensen and I am passionate about white elephant gift parties. I am also a professional recreationalist who has spent the past 27-years finding ways to engage groups in fun activities.

They call me MamaC and I have earned the “mama” part by raising 5 children of my own and shepherding hundreds of other youth in many recreational venues.

My family created the AlbinoPhant online white elephant party to provide a way to share great white elephant gifts from any distance. We have played this game online for the past several years, and now we offer it for others to enjoy. The unique feature of this activity is that real gifts are delivered following the party. It is not a wimpy virtual gift application, but really mimics the actual white elephant gift exchange.

The AlbinoPhant experience includes several white elephant gift marketplaces that allow you to select fun and unique gifts to share with your friends and family. It is my job to select the gifts that are stocked in the marketplace, and because I see every gift, I thought that I would share with you some of my favorite white elephant gift ideas.

I will post my selections on this AlbinoPhant Blog several times per week with the hope that they might inspire you to have some fun with your gift giving experience…

You are going to love this Party!

Caroling white elephant gift exchange rules

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.

White elephant exchange + spin the bottle!

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.

The Yankee Swap rules build group fun

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.

We counted about 25 people in this gift swap video, that looks like it was hosted in a typical living room. The Yankee Swap rules 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.

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.

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 white elephant gift exchange are the most popular group parties during the holidays.

swap 2010 time lapse from Roy Hodgman on Vimeo.

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 white elephant party.

Your going to love this party!