White Elephant Gift Exchange Ideas for the Holiday Season

The White Elephant Gift Exchange has become a tradition
amongst gift givers during the holiday season.The White Elephant Gift Exchange provides families, groups of friends,
co-workers, club members, or neighbors with a fun way of giving during the
holidays without having to spend a lot of money.A "white elephant gift" has been defined as
something that is a valuable possession which its owner cannot dispose of and
whose cost (particularly cost of upkeep) exceeds its usefulness. It has turned into so much more and many
people actually shop for the perfect treasured white elephant gift that will be
the talk of parties all season.

The White Elephant Gift Exchange has become a tradition amongst gift givers during the holiday season. The White Elephant Gift Exchange provides families, groups of friends, co-workers, club members, or neighbors with a fun way of giving during the holidays without having to spend a lot of money. A "white elephant gift" has been defined as something that is a valuable possession which its owner cannot dispose of and whose cost (particularly cost of upkeep) exceeds its usefulness. It has turned into so much more and many people actually shop for the perfect treasured white elephant gift that will be the talk of parties all season.

The White Elephant Gift Exchange has become a tradition
amongst gift givers during the holiday season.The White Elephant Gift Exchange provides families, groups of friends,
co-workers, club members, or neighbors with a fun way of giving during the
holidays without having to spend a lot of money.A "white elephant gift" has been defined as
something that is a valuable possession which its owner cannot dispose of and
whose cost (particularly cost of upkeep) exceeds its usefulness. It has turned into so much more and many
people actually shop for the perfect treasured white elephant gift that will be
the talk of parties all season.

Some of my favorite white elephant gifts are listed here.

Smoke Detectors with batteries and a candle - This is a practical yet fun white elephant gift. Everyone burns candles during this time of year; it's a great reminder to either check your smoke detectors and batteries.

Retro Toys - Slinkies, Play Dooh, Hula Hoop, Pogo Stick, or even just some good, old-fashioned Crayola crayons are great ideas for white elephant gifts. As I get older, I know that I long for the days of yesteryears and gifts like this bring back those memories.

Food such as Spam, Beef Summer Sausage, Fruitcakes or a basket of a themed food. Everyone loves food but if you can find something that is different and will provide for some laughs that would be even better. Some themed food baskets that are sure to be winners are: cookie ingredients with recipes, cream of soups in a variety of flavors with crockpot recipes, pasta dinner, a variety of spices, teas, coffees, or chocolates.

Framed 8 x 10 photograph of the gift giver. If it's autographed in celebrity style it's even better. A nice close up of you is sure to get a laugh out of the crowd of white elephant exchangers. A bonus would be to make sure the frame is a nice one so the recipient could chose to use it in the future.

Clothing - but not just any normal clothing, it has to get a laugh to be worth it. Extra gigantic ladies underwear will make everyone crack up. An over-the-top holiday sweater could start a new tradition where the recipient could re-gift it the next year or wear it to the next white elephant party. Fancy socks or slippers or an ultra-fancy tie are also a nice idea.

Office supplies - Who can't use a variety of pens, pencils, post it notes, paper clips, scissors, tape, markers, tacks, paper or envelopes? You could get creative and have this white elephant gift be thematic or it could be a hodge podge of leftovers from your desk with a new desk calendar thrown in for the New Year.

A gag gift or a white elephant gift that is an inside joke to the party-goers would also be a fun choice. If it's a group of neighbors, you could consider a fun lawn ornament that could be passed from neighbor to neighbor each year.

Traditional "white elephant" gifts - Any knick knack, item, or small appliance that you have been holding onto and just doesn't have a place in your home is worth giving in a white elephant exchange. Remember, one person's junk is another person's treasure!

And if you're hesitant about the whole white elephant concept, you won't go wrong bringing a Gift Card as long as it's accompanied by a small gift. Tim Horton's or Starbucks gift card in a mug, local drug store with some band aids or Kleenex, a Target or Walmart gift card with some candy or cookies are great choices for a white elephant gift exchange. It won't get the laughs but have a happy recipient.

The most important thing to give is your message of good will, peace and happiness during the holiday season!