Posts Tagged ‘Shopping’

Gift exchange parties are full of hot air…

Especially parties that carry the Dirty Santa or Dirty Thieving Santa moniker.
You see, these are the gag-gift cousins of the tamer and more common White Elephant Exchange or Yankee Swap.

The “dirty” implication is associated with the “stealing” portion of these gift exchange events. Gifts are opened by random players and then subsequent players can swap or “steal” from those who have gone before.

The gifts that create the most banter are usually the weird gifts that can be associated with something funny. Gifts that can prompt a conversation will make the party more lively and will pull more guest into the fun.

Many Dirty Santa, Yankee Swap and White Elephant parties are hosted with a theme of some sort.  This way, the conversation can share a common subject line and sets the scene for creative conversation.

Lets assume that you have a fun group of friends and it is time to share gifts among them; It could be Christmas, Valentines Day or St. Patty’s day… Just pick an unusual theme and then let them shop creatively for gifts that would releate.

For example:  Choose the theme   “HOT AIR” and send out the party invitations…

We entered the AlbinoPhant Markets and found a few items that could be associated with HOT AIR…

As you can see, the shopping could be as fun as the actual game, with players planning their explanations as to how the gift  relates to HOT AIR.  Then, these explanations, during the game, will build the banter and the fun conversation into the party.  
It is the conversation, that is built around creative shopping, that makes the Dirty Santa and the White Elephant exchange social explosions.

Now, be creative and bold… Host a gift exchange party with a unique theme and watch what Hot Air blows your way!

———————————————————-

PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

HOW DO YOU HIDE AN ELEPHANT?

We can thank the artist who are members of Worth1000 for this great piece of creativity…

Our online white elephant gift party is grateful to pochiex2 for allowing us to include this great image!

———————————————————-

PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

With the launch of AlbinoPhant only days away, we are starting to get in the artwork for the white elephant gift exchange on Facebook.

This application is a bit more complex than most of the simple social games that are found in Facebook. AlbinoPhant parties involve the sharing of real gifts in a long-term party and therefore integrate eCommerce shopping and secure payment systems into the process.

We want players to realize that after they purchase a gift in one of the AlbinoPhant markets, they wait while others do the same thing. So we felt that a cute and artistic message might make players feel at ease while they wait for the party to begin.

We hired a talented designer from Tuscon, Arizona by the name of Jay Pierstorff. He has created several creative and cleaver images to help players understand the steps in the game play process.

So when a player has used PayPal to purchase their selected gift for the party, and after they virtually wrapped it in some fancy or interesting box, the Armed-Elephant will store it safely in the AlbinoPhant Palace.
The virtual gift box and the image of the gift will be used on the gameplay page during the party. The real gift will actually remain in the control of Amazon, until we know who gets the gift after all the stealing and swapping are finished in the party.

The AlbinoPhant management system will see that all the gifts are sorted out and that all the players get the correct gifts delivered after the game ends.

At the end of the party another fun artistic message will be displayed to remind players that they should be looking for a shipping company to show up with the gift that they won in the party.

We know that family and friends will find AlbinoPhant a fun and easy way to connect and share real gifts together this holiday season.. These humorous images of elephants should assist in making the experience all the more fun.

Your are going to love this party!!!

———————————————————-

King Thibaw
The Royal Thibaw, Golden-footed Lord of the White Elephant, Master of a Thousand Gold Umbrellas, Owner of the Royal Peacocks, Lord of the Sea and of the World, Whose face is like the Sun.

Ok, I am the first to admit that some of the gifts that are shared in a white elephant/Yankee Swap can be pretty useless…

A middle aged guy will never need a My Little Pony saddle collection. But, that is what he takes home after his 18 piece tool pouch was stolen by cousin John. (He’s not bitter!)

Gift sharing and stealing are what make the gift exchange party such a great social event. You never know how it all will turn out, so you could leave with a keepsake or you could just keep wishing until next year…

Some gifts are just begging to be re-gifted…

Jennifer, the ThriftyMommy blogger suggested a great idea for that stable collection sitting in a box in the garage… Have a re-gifting party after the holidays. She writes: “Plan your party for mid-January so everyone can relax a little after the holidays before attending yet another seasonal party” She then suggests that this gift exchange could be handled like a white elephant gift exchange or Yankee Swap, or even a open gift barter party.

We join in white elephant parties mainly for  socializing during the holidays, so the gifts are just a small part of the great experience.  So, why not bring out those unneeded gifts and do it all over again in a re-gift Yankee Swap?  This  and other re-gifting suggestions are included in a book on saving money called, Penny Saving Household Helper.

As a sponsor of online white elephant parties, AlbinoPhant  suggests that you should do the right thing and pass along an unneeded gift to someone who will find it useful.  We further suggest that you make the re-gifting event into a party as well… What is more social than a party?

———————————————————-

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

Let the Gift Thievery Begin…

———————————————————-

PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

We just discovered a great way to share the holidays with your customers, if you are a retailer….  Host a gift swap party at your store…

Caroline Rose-Kerr is the owner of Knit ‘n Knibble, a specialty yarn and knitting store in Tampa, Florida, and she does just that…

Every year she hosts a gift swap party before the holidays. At 6:30pm, after the store is closed, she opens up for a party. She uses her blog, store signs and customer lists to invite people to the event.

Her rules for the party are pretty simple:
Bring a wrapped fiber related gift valued at no more than $25 to the party (arrive before 6pm please).  Drop your wrapped package at the counter and pick up a number.  At 6:30, we’ll begin unwrapping…  The person with #1 opens a gift and sits waiting.  #2 then gets to choose between what has already been opened and the surprises in the wrapped packages.  And it goes on…

Because the Knit ‘n Knibble is a fiber retailer, Caroline requires that the white elephant party carries a fiber theme.

If you are an auto parts retailer, use a car theme. A pet supplier should suggest that all the gifts relate to pets. This could work for almost any store…  You could even add simple party favors that also relate to your theme, or give out door prizes.

You don’t need to enforce or suggest any “only bring gifts from my store” rule, but most of your satisfied customers will probably find something in your shop to share at the party..

You should provide decorations around the theme and some refreshments to add to the party atmosphere. You could probably be clever and use some of your display items in the decorations as suggestions for future purchases.

Treat this like a customer appreciation event and leave the hard-selling to another time.

Thanks to Caroline for a great idea to nibble upon.  Plan a Yankee Swap party at your store to knit closer customer relations and greater holiday fun!

———————————————————-

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

Unique and Fun White Elephant Gift Ideas
The best white elephant gift parties and Yankee Swaps, start with interesting or entertaining gifts.  We have worked with Amazon to provide you with some great gift markets in which to shop for your AlbinoPhant Party. You will find gifts in markets with level pricing, from $15 dollars to $50 dollars, spaced at $5 dollar increments.

Before you shop for your own party, take a look at some of the great gifts that we have put in the AlbinoPhant markets.  There are several hundred Amazon gifts to choose from,  for your own party adventure.

When you join a party you should select a gift that brings out the fun conversation in the online white elephant exchange…  So we  pulled out 17 gift ideas that we believe you could make some great conversation around.

What story could you start with a Hide-A-Squirrel?  Could you find a way to talk about a Backseat Organizer? What about posting a video about Pinocchio and telling lies…  Or, put someone in “Time-out” with a new Pad!

Read the rest of this entry »

———————————————————-

PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

So that they can walk on a billiard table without being seen.

Don’t leave these jokes behind the 8-ball….SHARE today!

List of white elephant exchange jokes

———————————————————-

King Thibaw
The Royal Thibaw, Golden-footed Lord of the White Elephant, Master of a Thousand Gold Umbrellas, Owner of the Royal Peacocks, Lord of the Sea and of the World, Whose face is like the Sun.

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.

———————————————————-

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

If it has a cord, a battery or solar cells it can be a real shocker of a gift.  Adding these electrical items into the gift exchange party can really turn-on the conversation.

Try a “Shocking theme” for your next Yankee Swap or white elephant gift exchange. Invite your friends to the party, but tell them that all the gifts must have something to do with electricity or power.

You will be shocked and amazed how creative your friends will be in stretching the meaning of power, as they open gifts and banter about what is revealed in the swap.

This extra dimension will spice up the traditional white elephant party or the online version of the Yankee swap. Your friends will be more engaged and will have a better memory of your party.

Then, if you really want to liven up the event; require that every comment, image or video that they post or discuss in the party has some tie to electricity or power.  Partiers will start defending what they do and say, as other players accuse them of forgetting to follow the rules.  When it gets going, the more arguing and banter will build more laughter and greater fun.

Try one of these shocking gift exchanges this year. You will add some real juice to the conversation and flip the switch on the fun, as you plug into creativity of your group.

We spent some time in one of the AlbinoPhant markets to pull out some ideas for the “Shocking” Yankee swap.

———————————————————-

King Thibaw
The Royal Thibaw, Golden-footed Lord of the White Elephant, Master of a Thousand Gold Umbrellas, Owner of the Royal Peacocks, Lord of the Sea and of the World, Whose face is like the Sun.