How to Play the White Elephant Gift Exchange Game

Wondering how to play the White Elephant Gift Exchange Game? Not sure what a white elephant gift exchange game is? A white elephant gift exchange game can be very entertaining and fun for Christmas parties. Here's tips on how to play the white elephant gift exchange game.

How to Play the White Elephant Game Step #1: Decide what type of gifts you will exchange.

As the host, you can decide what type of gift exchange this will be. You might make it to be for "any gift between $20 and $30" or "under $15." You can also specifically say that the exchange is for gag gifts. You might also make it for food-only gifts, or gifts for your home, or Christmas decoration gifts.

How to Play the White Elephant Game Step #2: Announce it on the party invitation.

Be sure to let your guests know at least 2 weeks in advance that you will play the white elephant game. Print it on the invitation to "Bring a gift less than $20", etc.

How to Play the White Elephant Game Step #3: Set the rules.

You can either play it where each gift can only be stolen once, twice, three times, or countless amount of times. The game can get kind of tricky if you allow each gift to be stolen without a limit. I recommend setting a limit of three times. This will make the game fun, but not drawn out.

Also, you might allow the first person (whoever draws number 1) to be able to "steal" a gift at the very end of the game, since he or she doesn't have a chance in the beginning.

How to Play the White Elephant Game Step #3: Have everyone draw a number

At the party, be sure to have each guest draw a number. Guests will then have a turn to pick a gift in the order of which numbers are chosen.

How to Play the White Elephant Game Step #4: The first person picks a gift.

Whoever draws number one begins the game by choosing one of the wrapped gifts. After displaying it to everyone, whoever chose number two now has a chance to go. He/she can then "steal" the gift that #1 chose, or choose another unwrapped gift. if he/she steals the gift from #1, then #1 can choose another unwrapped gift.

How to Play the White Elephant Game Step #5: Step #4 is repeated until everyone has had a chance to go.

After everyone has had a chance to either "steal" a gift or open an unwrapped present, the game is then over!

Some people love the white elephant game, some people despise it. But it can be really fun and create lots of memories!

If you are looking for white elephant gag gift ideas, please read "Crazy White Elephant Gift Ideas for a Dirty Santa Christmas Gift Exchange." Another article to read is "More White Elephant Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas." You might also check out "More Silly White Elephant / Dirty Santa Gifts." You might find some additional gift ideas in "10 More White Elephant Christmas Gift Ideas for a Dirty Santa Gift Exchange." For some nicer (non-gag gifts), please read "Nice Gifts for a Dirty Santa or White Elephant Gift Exchange."

Merry Christmas! Have fun!