Posts Tagged ‘White Elephant Gift Exchange’

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A White Elephant honor from the kingdom of Thailand

Every country has its top-level awards – like the Congressional Gold Medal, or the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Country of Thailand has high-honors as well.

Here at the white elephant gift exchange headquarters, we strive to highlight all white elephant focused information so that you will be a completely informed party host. Therefore – We give you Thailand’s highest honor…

The Exalted Order of the White Elephant

Listed as a high honor by the King of Thailand, the White Elephant award has a long history.  It was started in 1861 by King Rama IV of Siam (now Thailand) as a recognition of the dedicated service of governmental leaders. Today the king still presents the honor to high achievers within the country.

In the Dusit Garden of Bangkok they conduct induction ceremonies for the Exalted Order of the White Elephant. On the garden’s property is the Royal White Elephant Museum and a small temple with an alter dedicated to bestowing the white elephant medal upon the citizenry. These gifts from a King are in the same tradition of ancient albino elephant giving that has created the basis of modern white elephant gift support.

The true history of the white elephant gift is different from the modern and greatly revised description of these royal elephant gifts. Some identify white elephants with something of a lower value or and item with high-cost and low utility.  Obviously in Siam and modern Thailand, the value of a unique elephant gift is very high indeed.

AlbinoPhant suggests that we all treat white elephant gift giving as a special occasion. It is a time when we share support and fun with those we care about – a very high value endeavor.  By understanding the social significance of white elephants to the people of Thailand we can make playing this modern-day gift sharing game even more engaging.

The Master of ES Award

You should consider adding your own “high-honor” award to your next white elephant party.  It is called the Master of ES and it is awarded to the player who is the most engaged and active in the gift exchange game.

As the host you could observe and score the players as you  judge the most engaged in the party. At the end of the event you could make an announcement and award the prize.  Purchase a medal from the Dollar Store or create your own special gift for the person who is the most Extraordinarily Superfluous… (go ahead look it up).

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PartyWeDo
We are passionate about white elephant gifts and white elephant gift exchange parties. We will do all that we can to make your experience with AlbinoPhant better than you can imagine.

The center of white elephant lore and history – Thailand

Any self-respecting white elephant website must acknowledge the rich history associated with these wonderful and rare animals. As the white elephant headquarters on the internet we take this responsibility very seriously – Even though we spend most of our time sharing fun gift exchange ideas.

We dedicate this page to the story of Thailand – The center of white elephant lore and history.

By Bangkok florists, John and Ning

Geography & Society

Thailand is a country that is located in Southeast Asia in the center of  Indochina. Thailand was formerly known as Siam until 23rd of June 1939 when the named was changed from Siam to Thailand. The word Thailand means the land of freedom. Thailand was the only land in the area that was not colonized by European countries. The country of Thailand represented by His Majesty The King, it is a constitutional monarchy. The current King is known as King Rama IX who is the ninth king from the rule of Chakri House. The Chakri house has reigned since 1946. They are the longest reigning family in Thailand. Thailand has a population of about 64 million people. It is estimated to have an area of 513000 sp kilometers. It is the 51st largest country in the world. With its population, it is considered to be the 20th most populous country. The largest city in Thailand is Bangkok which is the capital city. Bangkok is home both to the government and most of the industry in the country. The racial make-up of Thailand is as follows: Three percent are the ethnically Malay, 14% are Chinese, 75% are the Thai people and the rest are the other minor groups including hill tribes and minor ethnic groups.

Economy

The economic growth of Thailand increased from 1985 to 1995. The main economic activity in Thailand is tourism due to its diverse culture and beautiful islands and beaches. Many investors have invested in Thailand. It is estimated that the number of the illegal and legal migrants is almost five million. Thailand used to be a main trading partner with China and India and still is to some degree.

Religion

The main religion carried out in Thailand is Buddhism. This religion is practiced by 95% of the Thai population.

Thailand has been influenced by the Indians lifestyle just as the other countries in Southeast Asia. Buddha himself came from India. In the 19th century the Western lifestyle and influences came from Europe and many believe this lead to the downfall of many traditional values in Thailand. Gradually the cultures of Britain and Europe took hold. Even so, ancient practices are still enjoyed within the kingdom.

Second World War

During the Second World War, the Japanese government wanted a passage through Thailand and temporarily occupied the land. Initially there was an engagement  between the Thai military and the

Japanese troops but after eight hours they decided on a military alliance which helped Thailand to regain its lost territories from the British government. In 25 January 1942, Thailand declared a war between against The United States and The United Kingdom. Thailand had the support of the Japanese Empire due to the contract that they had signed.

Post War

Thailand went through a time of political instability but finally they gain a democratic government in 1980. The Thai government has had a change of constitution for about 17 times. This has lead to dictatorship but the monarchy government has been maintained all through.

 

John and Ning are flower shop owners in Thialand. They have a great interest in political history and John has studied history at Chula University in Bangkok. They work together and co-own a Bangkok florist and Thailand flower delivery network.

 

Thanks to Wikipedia for the Bangkok skyline image

 

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PartyWeDo
We are passionate about white elephant gifts and white elephant gift exchange parties. We will do all that we can to make your experience with AlbinoPhant better than you can imagine.

Here is a great video that demonstrates the white elephant gift exchange party better than we have seen in a long time. Here is a link to introduce the Blue Sombrero Team.  Look at the way that they wear their blue sombreros!

You may not know any of these people, but in just a few minutes of white elephant gift sharing you will know that they are a fun group. During this video they will demonstrate why the white elephant party is the most widely used gift exchange party on the planet …

We Tip our Hat to you Blue Sombrero

You’re Invited to our White Elephant Gift Party Anytime!

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

White elephant gift exchange – Easter style

Every holiday is an opportunity to share gifts and fun with family and friends, and Easter is no different.  This year you might change things up a bit and host an Easter Gift Exchange.

Unique and creative gift giving is the hallmark of a great party, and nothing makes a party more fun than some games… Of course we always suggest some type of white elephant gift exchange.

For your Easter party you could ask everyone to bring gifts with a Easter theme.  Maybe it could be a Bunny& Egg party, or an “Everything Fuzzy” exchange or for a religious gathering the theme could be centered on Christian gifts.

You would structure your gift exchange like any traditional white elephant gift party, with all invitees asked to bring a wrapped item. You could specify a price level and determine if regifting is OK and then notify all with an invitation.

Because we are affiliated with the Amazon markets we went in and gathered together some gifts that may help to get your creative juices flowing.

We also searched Python Printable Games for some other party game ideas for you → Easter Games

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

White elephants compared to gift exchanges by eatery.

A Bay Area Thai fusion diner called the White Elephant is the passion of Siripat Nuengchamnong, a Thai-trained chef.  Because of her cultural background she is confused by the way that we identify the albino elephants of her homeland.

“We like the elephant- the elephant is nice, friendly, and gentle, and it is a symbol of Thailand.” I know that here in America, a white elephant is a game where you can steal other people’s gifts in a gift exchange. But in Thailand, our white elephant is a rare species.”

Yes we do view the white elephant as something that doesn’t have as much value as they do in their home country. But we do use the white elephant gift exchange as a friendly group sharing activity and that is positive.  In Thailand the albino elephant is rare and held in very high regard. We tend to use the gift exchange as a very popular party activity in the Americas.

At AlbinoPhant we believe that the white elephant gift  should be elevated to include gifts that really add to the friendly atmosphere of the party. This is why we continue to share white elephant gift ideas that will add to the conversation within the game.

We are pleased that Thailand, a restaurant in California and others around the world continue to educate all of us concerning the white elephant and its value.  The albino elephant and the gift exchange party that it has inspired are both very valuable. We will continue to promote great gift swapping opportunities here on the pages of AlbinoPhant.

Just for fun we explored the internet to find other restaurants that have chosen to name themselves after these rare white elephants. Listed below are various location around the world, so we have provided a link on each so that you can explore their websites if you wish.

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PartyWeDo
We are passionate about white elephant gifts and white elephant gift exchange parties. We will do all that we can to make your experience with AlbinoPhant better than you can imagine.

Cooking-up white elephant gifts for the party

You have been invited to a white elephant gift exchange and want to bring the perfect gift. You know that the key to success in a gift swap is to find items that will expand the conversation and make people want to own the gift.
AlbinoPhant is the headquarters for white elephant gift giving, with gift markets for many interests. Our shoppers scour the internet to find a collection of gifts for your gift exchange entertainment.

We invite you to explore these gifts for Cooks and Chefs and “feed” your family and friends some tasty fun at the next party.

If you don’t see something here try White Elephant Gifts for _______

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MamaC
Head Recreationalist for PartyWeDo

A unique way to share great gifts within the cat-crowd

You may belong to a cat lovers club, a breeders group or you may know a bunch of crazy cat-ladies. Regardless, there is a bunch of fun awaiting your group with a Cat Lovers gift exchange.

The gift exchange is the perfect way to share gifts and social interaction without breaking the bank. We can see a complete event surrounding the love of cats – including a gift swap.

What could be more fun for animal lovers than to combine cats with white elephant gifts?

Do a Cat-lovers white elephant gift exchange!

Invitations could spell out the rules – everyone must bring a gift that a cat-lover would find interesting… The more unusual the better for this gift party…

We all know that a white elephant gift exchange is more about the banter and social engagement than anything else, so have everyone shop for wacky gifts that will get everybody talking. Play the white elephant game the same way you would normally, just add a touch of feline fun into the mix.

We have gathered together some unique cat lovers gifts from the AlbinoPhant marketplace for your inspection. The marketplace is powered by Amazon so you can increase your search directly from our custom Cat lovers gift list, using the search box right on the page.

Explore the White Elephant Gifts for Cat-Lovers now…

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

White Elephant Gift Party Rules

The most complete list of gift exchange rules anywhere!

The white elephant and secret Santa exchanges are the most popular gift swapping parties for groups during the holidays. Similar group 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 presents 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.

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Your Going to LOVE a White Elephant 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 secret is an important part of the fun. Some gift exchange games like the White Elephant Secret Shopper game use the secret identity of each 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 present delivery to the party host.

It is the responsibility of the party host to collect and administer the items 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 items and to keep track of how many packages 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 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 purchases so that people don’t become to extravagant or go too cheap. Most exchange party items 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 pricing is not so much of an issue, because the bride or birthday person is getting all the presents 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 Gift Ideas to get your creative juices flowing from the AlbinoPhant marketplace.

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15 Dollar White Elephant Gifts

20 Dollar White Elephant Gifts

25 Dollar White Elephant Gifts

30 Dollar White Elephant Gifts

35 Dollar White Elephant  Gifts

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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 items. 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.

White elephant game variations…

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 items brought to the game. In the Online White Elephant Party the players are selected with a computer-controlled randomizer software program.

Standard Game Play

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.

All game play items 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.

The Christensen Family Tradition is Shared

Our family has enjoyed white elephant parties for many years as a way to save money on sharing presents. 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.

…MORE IDEAS WANTED…

 

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.

…SHARE THE FUN…

If you would like some other fun ideas for gift exchanges please explore other pages on this site. Have a great party!

…WHITE ELEPHANT PARTY INVITATIONS…

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.

 

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists

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 very popular white elephant gift.

The funniest part of this gift is its name:

Foot Finder Set

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 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!

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MamaC
Head Recreationalist for PartyWeDo

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 auction and white elephant exchange for your next gathering and be amazed at the fun and conversation that you will start. Remember that the most important component of the white elephant party is the gifts. Suggest that your guest find the most unique, zany and fun white elephant gifts so that the conversation will be lively and the bidding will be strong.

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 items 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 item
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 item 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 item into the auction bidding. For example a bid could be: I will give $100 dollars and this great ???? for your ????. If the winning bidder has a gift they will exchange the item 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 item.
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 item.

#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!

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PartyWeDo
The AlbinoPhant Creators
Your Party 2.0 Specialists