White Elephant Gift Exchange Ideas

Have you ever been to a white elephant gift exchange? The kind where you take a gift off the table or you can "steal" a gift from another person? I have played this game at several business parties over the years and only recently realized it was called a white elephant gift exchange.

The name comes about because a true white elephant gift exchange means you bring a bad gift that was given to you to exchange for a bad gift someone else brings. This is not always the case anymore and often you are expected to bring a new gift to the exchange or, in the case of some business holiday parties, the gifts are provided by the host.

What should you bring to your white elephant gift exchange? First, check with the host to see what kind of exchange this will be. Should you bring a bad gift that was given to you, a new gift, a gag gift, a gift under a certain amount of money?

If you do not have time to shop and need to pick up something quick for your white elephant gift exchange then consider these ideas! A bottle of wine or wine accessories would be good for an event were you personally know the people and that they would not be offended by alcohol.

For people you do not know well, or gifts that are sure to be inoffensive, you may look at bath, candy or food gift baskets. Gift cards to places like Wal-Mart or restaurants, are good for either gender and insures the receiver will be able to get something they like. Another great gift that can be found for next to nothing, are those throws you find rolled up in many stores.

While your white elephant gift exchange may not actually be the kind where you are supposed to bring a bad gift given to you, does not mean that you cannot re-gift. Grab that fancy coffee set your great aunt bought you, knowing full well you do not drink coffee, or the candles you were given in a color you would never use in your own home. These gifts may not be bad, just not for you, and may make another person very happy.

Think about gifts that are gender neutral, are not religious or political in nature, and are appropriate for the group, when you shop for your white elephant gift exchange.