Last Minute Gift Exchange Ideas for the White Elephant Game

Each year my family has the gift exchange where all the gifts are placed in the middle of the room, everyone circles around, draws number's to see whose first and then the madness begins. I don't know why, but, I feel it is my duty to steal a gift so that someone has to go back for another. Really, the gift isn't the important part, its being able to act silly and play with my otherwise, pretty serious family! Ok, if you don't want to upset anyone too much here is a "nice" list of items you can find locally for your gift exchange. Most exchanges are co-ed so I'll try to make it pretty much androgynous for you.

The Nice Gift List

Wine & bottle opener... if they are nice they'll share!

Box of microwave popcorn with bowl & flavored salts

A piece of art, by you or a local artist

A punch card for the best espresso joint around, in a coffee mug

A car wash kit (bucket, sponge, car wash, microfiber towel)

A toolbox with the essentials, such as screwdrivers, measuring tape, utility knife & hammer

Some paperback novels

A deck of playing cards, dice, and guide to games

Batteries (everyone needs them!)

A grocery gift card taped to the bottom of a paper grocer bag or in a new eco sack

Seed packets with small gardening tools

Brownie or cake mix with pan

DVDs

My family favorite is some sort of Christmas decoration

Personally, I enjoy the stupid things and some of these can be found at a local hardware store or grocer if there is a time issue. So here is a list of gag gifts, which everyone tries not to take home!

The Gag Gift List

An actual white elephant figurine, you might find one at your local "around" a dollar store or Asian market

A toilet seat

A can of beans (i.e. Bubble Bath!)

A package of soap

Marbles (for those who've lost them)

Screws (for those missing a few)

A bib

Toilet paper

Reading glasses

A cane

A fruitcake

Diapers

A case of duct tape

A package of deodorant

A bag or can of Mixed Nuts, for those who are nutty!

Anti-Itch Cream or Powder

A Brick

Blank keys with a keychain for a high end car, you know the ones, with the brand logos!

Whether you are naughty or nice, it's fun to see people's reactions to what they just opened. It really makes me want to think about throwing everyone for a loop this year!