Posts Tagged ‘online gift exchange’

White elephant gift swap history and future

If you are a regular visitor to our site, you know the real story 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 white elephant from the king would be a huge honor and make the receiver the envy of all the land.

Somehow the tradition of valuable gift sharing morphed into a gift exchange game and the result is the now the traditional white elephant gift exchange.

Here is how the game got started:

The white elephant gift exchange or Yankee swap started with the need to increase social engagement at group parties; particularly office gifting 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.

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 Yankee swap. Ether way it is a unique gift giving system that continues to be popular.

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 items 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.

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.

Another unique characteristic of the rules in a white elephant party 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’t matter who would eventually get the gift it became easier to shop for a gift that many people might find valuable.

That’s how white elephant gift exchange parties came to be so popular, by cutting down on expenses, reducing shopping stress and adding great fun to any group event.

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.

The format 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.

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 online version 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.

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!

 

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

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Retailing is all about finding and developing a strong distribution channel and building sustainable sales opportunities through great marketing.

Wal-Mart has conquered the brick and mortar space and is now making great strides on the internet. Their success is built on serving large volumes of individuals with value pricing and convenient locations.

Every day Wal-Mart attracts huge crowds through their strong marketing initiatives, so no one can argue with their ability to build out a strong sales channel…

Then why should Wal-Mart make Facebook a subsidiary sales channel?

To access the huge crowds of potential shoppers within social networks.

15 Slides suggest how to appeal to Facebook users…

Wal-Mart could start by committing to be the gift merchant of the internet. They already sell and distribute a lion’s share of the $150 billion dollar gift business in the US.

With Facebook, Wal-Mart will become the gift supplier for the millions of families and friends who share birthdays, weddings, births, and holidays each year. (They already gather on the network to share everything else).

Facebook would be Wal-Mart’s online gift sales channel, as well as its virtual greeter…

What do you think? Should Wal-Mart call Facebook and make an offer?

Enter your email address:

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

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.

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Princess Phant
Daughter of the King of Burma
Caretaker of the AlbinoPhant Parties

White elephant gift exchange parties are well known as banter generators.  You know the drill, right… Get friends together with some wacky white elephant gifts and contagious banter breaks out from all directions.

Last year our family online gift exchange included a gift that got the potty humor going right from the start.  And, it all started with an item  that would not normally be considered a great white elephant gift.

Someone opened a gift pack that included a tall blue container and a can of hot chocolate mix.  Someone asked the question; “does it have any hot chocolate left in the container??” That seemed to be a reasonable question.

Then out of nowhere, the comment box displayed a statement from our law student son-in-law: “I didn’t do anything. And maybe the container is filled with poop.” He was obviously answering some accusation from another player, but then added the poop comment.

That keyword – Poop - started a fire storm of creative comments and conversations concerning poop… Someone posted the video from the TV series Scrubs, with a song about poop…  There was an image posted of dog poop… Winnie the Pooh was mentioned… A discussion on dirty diapers came from the parents of toddlers, and there was some banter about out-houses…  The “poop” gift took on a life of its own, built great conversation and even garnered rather high rating points in the game.

What we find interesting is that just a simple keyword placed into the banter of this engaging party atmosphere moved a simple blue bottle into the world of potty humor.  No really dirty stuff was shared, just funny and clever banter filled the comment stream for the day.

Our son-in-law didn’t plan on his statement blowing up the conversation, it just happened. Granted, any statement containing the word “poop” is going to get some attention, and this time it generated 4 pages of comments, several images and a video or two into our online party.

We thought that it would be fun to take a little time and explored some of the AlbinoPhant markets to share a couple of items that could get the potty humor going in your next online white elephant party.

Do you have any other crappy suggestions?

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists