5 White Elephant Gift Rules To Print And Play

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The thrill of a White Elephant gift exchange! It's a fun and exciting way to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, filled with laughter, surprises, and maybe a few awkward moments. However, to ensure the game runs smoothly and everyone has a great time, it's essential to establish some basic rules. In this article, we'll explore the top 5 White Elephant gift rules to print and play, along with some additional tips and ideas to make your gift exchange an unforgettable experience.

What is a White Elephant Gift Exchange?

A White Elephant gift exchange, also known as a Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa, is a popular holiday activity where participants bring a wrapped, used, or inexpensive gift to exchange with others. The goal is to have fun, be creative, and enjoy the company of others while sharing laughs and surprises.

Rule 1: Gift Guidelines

To ensure the game is enjoyable for everyone, it's crucial to establish some gift guidelines. Here are a few suggestions:

• Set a price limit: Decide on a maximum amount each participant can spend on their gift. This will help prevent overspending and ensure everyone's gifts are relatively equal.
• Choose a theme: Consider setting a theme for the gifts, such as something funny, creative, or related to a specific hobby.
• Use wrapping paper: Wrap each gift in festive paper to add to the excitement and mystery.

Gift Ideas

If you're struggling to come up with gift ideas, here are a few suggestions:

• Funny mugs or t-shirts
• Unique kitchen gadgets
• Desk accessories or decorations
• Quirky books or games
• Experiences, like tickets to a movie or a local event

Rule 2: Drawing Numbers

To determine the order in which participants will choose gifts, draw numbers from a hat or use a random number generator. This will add an element of surprise and ensure the game is fair.

Number Drawing Variations

If you want to mix things up, consider one of these number drawing variations:

• Use a random number generator app
• Draw numbers from a hat or bowl
• Create a list of numbers and have participants choose one at random

Rule 3: Gift Selection

When it's a participant's turn to choose a gift, they can either select a new, unopened gift from the pile or "steal" a gift that has already been opened by another player. If a gift is stolen, the original owner then opens a new gift.

Gift Selection Strategies

Here are a few strategies to keep in mind when selecting a gift:

• Choose a gift that you think others will want to steal
• Consider the interests and hobbies of other participants
• Don't be afraid to steal a gift that you really want

Rule 4: Stealing Limits

To prevent the game from going on too long, establish a limit on the number of times a gift can be stolen. For example, you might set a limit of three steals per gift.

Stealing Limit Variations

If you want to adjust the stealing limits, consider one of these variations:

• Set a limit of two steals per gift
• Allow gifts to be stolen an unlimited number of times
• Establish a "no stealing" rule for gifts that have already been stolen a certain number of times

Rule 5: Game Completion

The game is complete when everyone has a gift, or when a designated time limit has been reached. To add an element of surprise, consider setting a time limit and having participants open their gifts at the same time.

Game Completion Variations

If you want to mix things up, consider one of these game completion variations:

• Set a timer for a certain amount of time, such as 30 minutes
• Have participants open their gifts one at a time, rather than all at once
• Establish a "gift reveal" ceremony, where participants show off their gifts to the group

Now that you have the top 5 White Elephant gift rules to print and play, it's time to get started! Remember to have fun, be creative, and enjoy the company of others. Happy gifting!