Last Updated on October 6, 2024 by Corynn
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Every Christmas my mom’s side of the family loves to play this game called, White Elephant. It’s where you purchase a gift and you can exchange your gift for something better.
This game can be played between family members, friends, or coworkers. Here is a complete breakdown of how to grab the best white elephant gift!
What Are The Rules Of White Elephant Gift Exchange?
According to White Elephant Rules (https://www.whiteelephantrules.com/) These are the rules on how to play the white elephant gift exchange.
- You bring a wrapped gift (non-labeled)
- Players drawer a number (1-to how many people are participating)
- Players can sit in a circle or a line (In numerical order) surrounding the gifts
- The first player selects a gift from the pile and opens it
- The next player will pick and open the gift. The player can choose to keep the present they have or exchange it with another present that is already opened.
- If you get your gift stolen, you have the option to pick from the pile or steal from someone else
- After all the players have a turn, it goes back to the first player to see if they want to steal another person’s gift or keep the gift they have.
- If the first player decides to keep their gift, the game ends
- If the first player decides to exchange their gift, the game will continue until the last person says they want to keep their gift.
How Much Should I Spend On A White Elephant Gift?
Similar to Secret Santa. You can set a budget for everyone to follow. Some choose a $50 budget, others choose a minimum $100 threshold for the gift.
Take a moment to ask each member participating what they are comfortable paying, and come up with a budget.
I’m only going to be talking about gift ideas that are under $100.
What Kind Of Gifts Do You Give For White Elephant?
Now that you have figured out your budget, it’s time to pick your gift. Not sure what to get? Here is a list of white elephant presents you can exchange with;
1. Mug Warmer
Offering a mug warmer as a white elephant gift is great for people who have a busy lifestyle and never have the time to sit down and drink their coffee/tea.
A mug warmer keeps your drink warm for as long as you need it for!
2. Waffle Maker
Let’s get creative for breakfast and grab a waffle maker. With a waffle maker, you can make so many variations of waffles. From chocolate chips, sprinkles, or plain old buttermilk waffles.
3. Bathtub Tray
All adults love to take the time for self-care and relaxation after work. a bathtub tray is perfect for just that! You can place your iPad, a bowl of snacks, and even a candle for the aroma.
4. Bluetooth Speaker
I truly believe the best gift is a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. You can listen to music everywhere! In the shower, at the beach, or even at a pool party.
5. Electric Kettle
The goose neck-shaped sprout of the kettle has a sleek modern design and pours more effortlessly than a regular kettle.
6. Milk Frother
I didn’t know I needed one of these until I purchased one. a milk frother can be used in so many ways. I used to blend my green juice, hot chocolate, and milk frother. In addition, beat eggs for breakfast.
7. Diffuser
Want to have your home smell good? A diffuser is excellent for that. Want to spruce up your white elephant gift? I highly suggest adding some essential oils.
If you’re looking for ways to make your home smell good, I have a couple of smell-good hacks you can try out!
8. Wine Decanter
This gift is great for all of the wine lovers out there! Using a wine decanter can help your wine to breathe and also looks nice with the bar section of your house.
Want to spruce up this gift exchange? Add a nice bottle of wine to go alongside it.
9. Dutch Oven
For anybody who cooks, a Dutch oven is the ideal kitchen essential you need! A Dutch oven is great for making soups, stews, and baked dishes.
It is sturdy and comes in different colors.
10. S’mores maker
Here’s a super fun gift you can give away. a smores maker allows you to basically have a campfire all year long. This gift is great for adults who have children or love to host.
11. Henckels knife set
As seen on many cooking competition shows, the Henckels knife set is the knife you want inside your kitchen.
12. Comforter (Duvet)
Sleep is super important. You want to make sure the bedding you have helps you have a good night’s sleep. You want to purchase a comforter that uses either 100% cotton and/or bamboo.
13. Electronic Toaster
As you get older, you start to appreciate your kitchen appliances and what they can do for you. A toaster is one of them. This electronic toaster shows what and how long you can toast it for.
This toaster will be a white elephant gift everyone will fight for!
14. Neck Massager
Another gift everyone will be fighting for is the white elephant. A portable neck massager relieves the tension in your shoulders and neck muscles.
15. Amazon Firestick
I use my Amazon Firestick every single day. It offers so many streaming services in one!
You can get Disney Plus, Netflix, and even any channels you see on cable. All are connected to your Amazon Prime account.
16. Electric Toothbrush
Did you know that your dentist would approve of you using an electric toothbrush rather than a manual one?
Electric toothbrushes are a great gift to exchange for because no one would spend a lot of money on toothbrushes themselves.
17. Motion sensor garbage can
Don’t you hate when the garbage makes your entire kitchen smell? A motion sensor garbage can opens and closes all by waving your hand plus seal in orders! This garbage can be battery-operated or plugged in.
18. Desk Vacuum
With all the snacks I eat at my desk, I’m always wiping down my desk from crumbs and leftover food. Having a Desk Vacuum is great because I can quickly give myself a break while I am working to clean up.
Overall..
White Elephant can be a fun game to play amongst others. The best strategy you can do is either; buy something you want or a white elephant gift everyone will fight for.
Does a white elephant gift have to be funny? No, a white elephant gift doesn’t have to be funny. It can be a gift someone can use or something someone can eat.
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