White Elephant Gift Exchange Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a White Elephant Gift Exchange

The holiday season is the perfect time for festive gatherings, and one of the most fun and laughter-filled traditions is the White Elephant gift exchange. Whether you're hosting one or attending as a guest, this quirky party brings people together for a lighthearted evening of trading, stealing, and unwrapping surprises. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know: how the game works, gift ideas for men and women, outfit suggestions, and even what tasty treats to bring along.

What is a White Elephant Party?

A White Elephant gift exchange is a party game where guests bring wrapped gifts, usually of a set value, to exchange. The twist? Gifts are chosen at random and can be "stolen" by others in the group! The goal is less about giving a practical present and more about sparking joy or laughter—so expect some hilarious or unusual gifts in the mix.

How the Game Works

1. Set a price limit – Typically, $20–$40 is common.
2. Bring a wrapped gift – Make sure no one knows who brought what.
3. Draw numbers – This determines the order in which people pick gifts.
4. Choose or steal – Players can either unwrap a new gift or "steal" a previously unwrapped one.
5. Limit the steals – To keep the game moving, limit how many times a gift can be stolen (usually twice).

Gift Ideas for Men and Women

Finding the perfect White Elephant gift can be tricky, but we've got you covered with creative ideas for everyone.

Funny Gifts

• Men: “Dad Jokes” calendar, funky socks with outrageous patterns, or a desk-sized “Decision Maker” gadget.
• Women: A wine tumbler with a cheeky saying, a “plant parent” mug, or an pineapple-shaped stress ball.

Useful Gifts

• Men: Multi-tools, portable phone chargers, or a sleek key organizer.
• Women: Cute makeup pouches, reusable silicone food bags, or a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Unisex Gifts

• Gourmet hot chocolate kits
• Mini board games (think Uno or Exploding Kittens)
• Cozy blankets or scented candles

Luxury Gifts (if your group ups the price limit)

• Ear buds
• High-quality coffee grinder
• Plush bathrobe

What to Wear to a White Elephant Party

The dress code for a White Elephant party is usually casual and festive. Here are some ideas:

• Casual Fun: Holiday-themed sweaters, jeans, and cozy socks.
• Chic Comfort: A knit sweater dress paired with boots or loafers.
• Ugly Sweater Vibes: Make it a contest and go all out with the most ridiculous sweater you can find.

For accessories, don’t forget a festive touch—like reindeer antlers or sparkly earrings.

Food & Drinks to Bring

While the host usually provides the main course or drinks, bringing something to share adds to the fun! Here are some crowd-pleasers:

Appetizers

• Spinach artichoke dip with crackers
• Deviled Eggs
• Charcuterie board

Desserts

• Holiday cookies - bonus if they’re shaped like snowflakes or snowmen
• Mini cheesecakes or brownies
• Chocolate-dipped pretzels

Drinks

• Mulled wine or cider
• Sparkling water with fresh fruit
• Festive drink like Egg Nog

Tips for Hosting

• Set a theme: For example, all gifts must be something useful or must fit a “winter wonderland” theme.
• Encourage participation: Include a reminder on the invitation about the price limit and any other rules.
• Add extra games: Include holiday trivia or a gingerbread decorating contest to keep the energy going.

White Elephant parties are a wonderful way to celebrate the season with a mix of humor and heart. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, choosing a festive outfit, or bringing a delicious dish to share, you’ll be ready to make the most of this lighthearted tradition.