At Christmas, some people host a white elephant gift exchange.
A white elephant gift exchange is a gift exchange event that often is held for groups of people, such as co-workers in an office. The premise behind the exchange is to "steal" gifts from each participant. White elephant gift exchanges are known for incorporating a large number of gag gifts along with a handful of "prize" gifts. Traditionally, a gift brought to a white elephant gift exchange is any object that a person no longer wants but that others could see as valuable.
Rules
Rules for a white elephant gift exchange are loose, but vary by game and the group of people participating. Before the day of the exchange, set a few rules--such as a price ceiling for the gift. For example, the gift can be $10 or less. Each participant should wrap his gift ahead of the exchange.
Theme
Set a theme for your white elephant gift exchange. Many exchanges are held at Christmas, but the exchange format can work for just about any festive event. Some examples of white elephant gift exchanges include "Old Saint Nick," "Christmas Tree Hunt" and "Joy." In considering each of these themes, participants must choose a gift that is related to the theme.
Types of Gifts
You can bring a variety of gifts to a white elephant gift exchange--from a coffee mug to a gift certificate. Remember that in general, the gift "should be something someone would actually want or use. It should be in new or good condition," advises the Santa Lady website. It is OK, however, to mix "great" gifts, a gift that would appeal to many participants, with gag gifts.
Prep Work
Ahead of time, write numbers 1 through 20 (or up to the number of participants) on index cards. Mix the cards up in a basket. When guests arrive, they will put their gift on the exchange table and then take a random number from the basket. This number indicates the order in which the participant will get to select a gift.
Strategies
When it is your turn to select a gift, you have two choices. You can either select a gift from the gift table or you can "steal" another participant's opened gift. If you steal a gift, then the person whose gift you took will choose another gift from the gift table. Be forewarned that your stolen gift is not safe yet. Another participant who has a higher number than you do can steal your gift, in which case you would select a new gift from the gift table.
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