Posts Tagged ‘Gifts’

White elephant gifts are encased in value

White elephant gift traditions

Marketing unique gifts

Gifts in a Virtual World?

White elephant gift discovery

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 tease 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.

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 an item 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 item.

#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 item 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 item 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 item.

#14 If this player is able to carol for the itemthen they have the option of keeping the newly opened item 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 an item.

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.

For more great party ideas. → Unique white elephant exchanges

White elephant gifts that get “handled”

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

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

The Party Rules

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your going to love this white elephant party!

Marketing agencies like Navigate Boomer Media are suggesting that baby boomer women like “Barbara Baby Boomer” are savvy internet users. These mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and grandmothers balance their nurturing efforts with many other interests. They have found that the internet, smart phones and skype are the tools that allow them to juggle many balls in cyberspace, and still remain close and connected to the family.

She supports on the internet

These boomer trendsetters demonstrate that they can find technical solutions to the things that pull them in many directions.

The real elephant in the room for these busy women is the problem of distance. Her kids are in two different states, with the grandchildren, her parents live several hours away and her siblings are scattered across the country. Travel is expensive and time restricts her desire to be with those she loves for every important life event. She has now turned to the web to assist her in navigating around this elephant in the room and succeeding in her various areas of support.

Regular readers of the AlbinoPhant blog know that we are passionate about the gift-giving support system within families. The baby boomer woman drives a significant portion of the gift market in the US, as she supports a multi-generational network of family and friends. She manages gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, weddings, births and much more. She purchases gifts for business clients and office associates and still she struggles with the idea of doing more to make this process more personal and warm.

Barbara Baby Boomer stresses over the emotional choice between actually traveling to the party or just sending a gift through UPS. She knows that traveling drains the pocketbook, but the UPS option raises the level of guilt from missing the event.

AlbinoPhant is a white elephant party that tackles the elephant in the room called distance. The online gift giving application will never be as warm as an actual hug from grandma, but it is still a stronger substitute than a cold UPS delivery.

What other things should be developed to help Barbara get around the elephant in her gift giving processes?

White elephant facts and myths

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White Elephant as a gift…

In popular culture the term “White Elephant” refers to an object that isn’t worth very much or something that the current owner doesn’t particularly want to keep. Many feel that these  gifts are something worthy of re-gifting at the next holiday party. Wacky, crazy or unique white elephant gifts are common words used to search the internet for presents during the holidays. But is this really what a white elephant gift represents?

White Elephant as an object…

Some label a project that has an enormous production cost with little apparent future return, as a white elephant. There have been naval ships, sports stadiums and even huge water projects which some term as a “white elephant”. Many times these  projects create a huge political debate that lasts for decades. Is an expensive project anything like a real white elephant?

These descriptions represent a few of the myths and false representations of the real facts concerning the white elephant.

The White Elephant is an animal…

How on earth did a unique animal like the albino (white) elephant gain this reputation as a useless and unwanted gift, or the object of potential financial ruin? This is particularly interesting when the actual history of these rare  elephants revolves around an animal of very high value and with the sacred respect of its admirers.

In Thailand and Burma for example, people traditionally believe that white elephants will bring power, fertility and prosperity to those who posses the animal. These albino elephants are very rare and highly prized within these Asian cultures. Historically, anyone who owned one of these creatures was required to treat it better than any other animal in the barnyard. These elephants would live in luxurious housing, and would be adorned with fine robes and jewels. The special elephant would have a dedicated keeper who groomed and pampered the beast daily. It would dine on the finest cuisine, and receive visitors who would admire and even worship it!

As a result, the only people who could really afford to keep white elephants tended to be kings, emperors and the very rich. This privileged class of elephant owners would insure that their magnificent pets had the best possible care and pampering. In addition, they wanted their prized albino elephants to live a very long time – for legend held that the death of a royal  elephant foretold disaster and tragedy for its owner.

White elephants were often presented as gifts from one wealthy owner to another as a symbol of friendship and respect between mutual admirers. The gift of a white elephant was similar to someone receiving a Pulitzer Prize today.

The origin of the white elephant myth…

Many believe that our modern interruption of a “white elephant” started when the King of Siam gave an albino elephant to one of the members of his court that had fallen from favor. It is unknown if this story is completely true or if it has been embellished through the decades. Regardless, the story suggests that the king gave him a sacred royal elephant as a gift, with the stipulation that he take great care of this treasured animal or suffer a disaster in his family.

But here’s the catch. Think about how much it would cost to feed an ordinary elephant – then imagine caring for a sacred elephant in a way that was expected by cultural norms. The story suggests that the costs of upkeep for this wonderful gift bankrupted the man of lesser wealth and the King therefore got his revenge.

And so we have our modern day concept of white elephants. These words came to symbolize a prized possession whose maintenance cost exceeded its worth. It is a myth and a great misrepresentation of the real value of an important and thoughtful gift from one admirer to another.

White elephant parties and gifts…

The white elephant gift party is a holiday tradition in North America, and because of the myth of the white elephant gift, we think of the event as a place to pass off our hand-me-downs or re-gifting items. The fact is that this idea is OK, because the days of Siamese and Burmese kings are passed and so are the real white elephants. Still, many thoughtful shoppers purchase new gifts for the party that are unique, wacky and crazy.

The importance of the gift exchange really is the opportunity to gather and to share gifts among family and friends.

WARNING: If you were to invite a Burmese king to your party – don’t tell him his white elephant gift is worthless!

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It has been reported that Facebook continues to build strong engagement statistics . AllFacebook announced that the number one social network is now gathering an average of 143 pages viewed per user, every month. This represents a huge lead over other web properties.

Our family knows about engaging websites that draw us back time and time again. For the past 4-years we have gathered online to share gifts and conversation for a few days before Christmas.

We all live in different parts of the country so we can only get together on the internet. Our family game makes us feel closer when we can’t gather in real life.

Here are the statistics of this engaging party:
… 11 players participated for 19 days.
… 789 comment visits were made to the party page
… 67 pictures where gathered from Google images where linked to the party.
… 37 videos where gathered from YouTube into the activity.

It is not possible to know the actual page views that the game creates, but we each spent a great deal of effort and time to stay engaged.

It is a great blessing that the internet has provided us the opportunity become engaged with any of our family and friends, and the latest numbers from Facebook is just one more illustration that we all want to stay connected.

You really need something to generate more fun in this years Yankee Swap…

Or, you want the white elephant gift party to really be something unique…

Then try this white elephant gift exchange poem… It was created to keep the party lively and unique. Read this poem during the party to guide the actions in the gift exchange…

This will work for a Dirty Santa, Rob your Neighbor or Chinese Christmas party as well.

We can all thank Melanie Day at SugarDoodle for this great gift party generator of fun.

Give it a read… Then give it a try!

A Fun White Elephant
Gift Exchange Poem

1.  Lucky you, you’re # 1

You get to start all the fun.

So grab a gift and grab it quick.

Cause you’re the one who gets first pick.

2. Number 2 you’re on the way.

It’s time for you to have your say.

Get your gift and when you’re done,

Swap it off with number 1.

3. Number 3 its plain to see.

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

And when your choosing job is through,

Swap with 1 and then with 2.

4. Number 4 must use your head.

So grab a gift that has some red.

If it doesn’t suit you to a `T’,

You may swap with 2 or 3.

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

Take your gift back to your seat.

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

But what comes next, you can never tell.

6. Number 6 it’s your time to go.

Grab a gift and don’t be slow.

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

Cause you must swap with #4.

7. Is a lucky number it seems,

You choose a gift that has some green.

Poke it, and shake it until you get back.

Now trade with someone wearing black.

8. Number 8 its up to you.

To get a gift that has some blue.

Now go quietly to your place.

Or trade with someone with a smiling face.

9. Nine, we haven’t forgotten you.

So choose your gift and don’t be blue.

Consider well and when all is said.

Trade with someone wearing red.

10. Number 10 come to the front.

For yours you shouldn’t have to hunt.

Now hurry back and look alive.

For you get to swap with #5.

11. Your turn 11 is finally here.

Pick a gift and hold it near.

Back at your seat look both ways.

If your choice was right then it may stay.

12. Number 12 jump to it sir/girl.

Make your choice, and with a whirl

Glance around to see who’s where.

Swap with whomever’s got the darkest hair.

13. Well, now, what do you know.

It’s finally 13′s turn to go.

There you go, you’re doing fine.

Now swap with 3 or 6 or 9.

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

So find a gift and don’t you pine.

Somewhere you really have a friend.

You get to trade with number 10.

15. Number 15 how do you do?

There should be a fit up there for you.

So pick one out without delay.

Now trade with someone wearing gray.

16. Number 16 your patience is great.

Go get a gift and don’t be late.

When your return, spin around.

And switch with someone wearing brown.

17. 17 your choice is here.

Find a box and hold it near.

When you return and look behind.

Swap with 11 if you don’t mind.

18. Number 18 boogie to the tree.

Choose the largest gift you see.

Admire it well, then turn with a wink.

And swap with someone wearing pink.

19. Now #19, do as you’re told.

Find a gift which has some gold.

When you’ve chosen we must be fair,

Trade with whoever has the blondest hair.

20. Number 20 how patiently you’ve waited.

Go get a gift before it’s outdated.

Shake it a bit and look around the floor.

Swap it with someone who’s five feet four.

21. 21 it’s time for fun.

For swapping time has just begun.

After trading with 4 and 9.

Swap with two even numbers–That’s fine.

22. 22 it’s time to make your way.

Get a gift that’s pretty and gay.

Now get ready to use your bean.

You must swap with 8 and 14.

23. 23 your turn has come.

Choose your gift with a lithe hum.

Look it over and when you’re through.

You may swap with a number having 2.

24. Number 24 have you been bored?

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

So choose a box, see what you get.

Now you may trade with a brunette.

25. Let’s go 25, look alive.

Pick a gift of any size.

Show the gang that you’re O.K.

And swap with anyone you say.

26. It’s time for 26 to mix.

Get a gift if just for kicks.

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

With anyone whose shoes aren’t black.

27. Number 27 how lucky you are.

You’ve seen all the gifts chosen so far.

If a pretty box catches your eye.

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

28. Hop up 28, don’t drag your feet.

Study your gift as you reach your seat.

Now grin a bit and smile some more.

Trade with 22, then 24.

29. Number 29 you must wake up.

Run up there as spry as a pup.

Make your choice, isn’t this keen?

But you must swap with 17.

30. Number 30 your wait was long.

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

Just look them over from small to large.

See a favorite? Then forward charge!

31. Number 31, how about that?

On your chair so long you’ve sat.

But get a gift, it’s not too late.

And trade with 30, 20, and 8.

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

And snatch your prize.

Then trade with the person

With the bluest eyes.

33. Well 33 it’s here at last.

You may break your giftless fast.

Gaze around at all the lasses.

Trade with someone wearing glasses.

34. 34, can there be more?

This poetry may be a bore.

Find your gift and look around.

Swap with the youngest member found.

35. 35, it is really true?

That 34′s rhymes now are through.

Well, choose your gift, now you see.

You trade with two numbers having 3.

36. 36 your waits been endless.

But now you know that you’re not friendless.

Look around and “case the scene”.

Then swap with someone wearing green.

37. 37 the end is near.

But have a gift, and never fear.

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

Trade with odd numbers through 11.

38. 38, it’s your choosing time.

Please make it better than this rhyme.

When you have it, look around.

And trade with those from out of town.

39. 39, go to the tree.

Choose the smallest gift you see.

If you wish to make a trade.

Find the largest that was made.

40. 39′s turn is finally past.

It’s number 40′s turn at last.

Find your gift and make a date,

To swap with #38.

41. 41 are you still awake?

Go get a gift for heaven’s sake.

Pick it up nice and quick.

Then trade with numbers having six.

42. Guess whose turn has come up now.

42, please take a bow.

Choose your gift, isn’t it keen.

Now trade with 15 and 19.

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

43, let’s see your fate.

Go get yours, sakes alive.

You have to trade with 25.

44. On we go to 44.

There must be at least one more.

Take your pick, are you in heaven?

Alas, you’ll swap with 27.

45. 45, it’s time for you.

Guess what it is you have to do.

Trade with 28, then 29.

Now you can say, “This one is mine!”

46. Skip on over 46.

Time for you to stir and mix.

Make your choice and then connive,

To swap with #35.

47. 47, we’re now to you.

There’s a gift for you there, too.

Isn’t this a lot of fun?

Now trade with 40, then 41.

48. 48, there’s not much left.

Still we won’t leave you bereft.

Maybe you’ll choose an old, rare wine.

Would you like to swap with 39?

49. 49, are your eyes still open?

Are you sitting there just hopin’?

Trot on up, what’s your fate?

Then trade with number 48.

50. We’ll wrap this up with #50.

We bet what’s left is really nifty.

However, one last swap is due.

With the gal who’s sitting left of you.

The best white elephant parties have the gifts become the topic of fun conversations. Unique and fun gifts are why these gift exchange events are such popular social activities.

We not only use the gift itself to build the banter, but we also play off the title of the gift, the uses for the gift and even the brand name. Any one of these will assist in growing the conversation with other participants.

Part of the magic of this party is that everyone’s creative thought increases as each gift is opened. Then, each thought turns the conversation in another direction and toward the next subject for discussion. Clever conversationalists build upon the personalities of the other players, the gifts, the stealing and the banter to turn the event into a social explosion.

The online version of the white elephant party uses gifts in exactly the same way as the traditional gift exchange does – As conversation starters. Therefore selecting the right gift to reveal on the gameplay page is very important. Many take great care to find a white elephant gift that starts a great conversation.

We went into the AlbinoPhant $25 dollar market and pulled out some examples of ten great white elephant gifts that should start the banter building … (in no particular ranking order)

You can imagine how the conversation can begin around a bath tub thermometer, or a pig bongo buddy or a shear sarong…

The white elephant party can take many twists and turns as gifts like these are opened, discussed and then re-discussed, during the party.

As you plan for your holiday events this year, you should include your family and friends in a gift exchange. Take some time to shop for a gift that will be sure to add to the fun of the party…

What could be more social than a fun white elephant gift exchange and great gifts?