A white elephant gift is a type of gift given in a playful exchange among friends or family. It usually involves either pre-set budget (such as $5 or $10) or participants draw names and must give the person whose name they drew a surprise gift.
The white elephant gift is so called because the items are often considered to be peculiar, useless, or unwanted. Some popular examples of white elephant gifts include tasteless gag gifts, novelty items, used or outdated items, or re-gifted items.
Unlike a regular gift exchange, the purpose with a white elephant gift exchange is more to entertain and amuse than to provide useful items.
What is a traditional white elephant gift?
A traditional White Elephant gift is a type of gift commonly exchanged during the holiday season. It involves people randomly selecting gifts from a pile of wrapped presents. The twist is that each person can either choose to keep or steal a gift from another player.
This tradition is meant to be a light-hearted way for family and friends to have fun together.
Typically, White Elephant gifts are usually items that are inexpensive and typically have some sort of comedic value. Such items may include novelty mugs, funny t-shirts, weird kitchen gadgets, gag gifts, and other fun items.
It is common to bring a used items or regifted presents as White Elephant gifts, creating an element of surprise as each item is opened.
White Elephant gift exchanges are typically done with a large group of people. Guests draw numbers to determine their turn order. When it is their turn to choose a gift, the participant either chooses an unwrapped gift from the pile or they can choose to ‘steal’ an unwrapped gift that someone else has chosen before them.
The game ends when all guests have received a gift.
Although there are many fun variations of traditional White Elephant gifts, the principle of the game remains the same. It is a great way for loved ones to bond and share laughs during the holiday season.
Are you supposed to write your name on a white elephant gift?
Whether or not you should write your name on a white elephant gift is ultimately up to you, and depends on the specific context. Generally speaking, it is not necessary to write your name on a white elephant gift.
This is because white elephant exchanges are designed to be fun, anonymous events and by writing your name on the gift, you may detract from that. Unless the exchange specifically requests that participants write their name on the gift they bring, it is recommended that you don’t do it.
On the other hand, writing your name on the gift could be advantageous in some situations. For example, if you have chosen a gift that is too expensive for the exchange, writing your name on it may help ensure that you get it back.
In addition, if you know the person you are giving the gift to well, writing your name may be a thoughtful gesture that can add to the gift.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to write your name on a white elephant gift is up to you. Be sure to consider the particular context of the exchange and make the appropriate decision.
Is a candle a good white elephant gift?
Yes, a candle can make for a great white elephant gift. Candles come in an array of fragrances and sizes, so you can pick one to match the personality of the recipient. Candles are also a great way to add a little extra something to the holiday experience, as their warmth and scent can often evoke a magical feeling.
Candles also make for good gift-giving for those on a budget, as they typically start at very reasonable prices and can be re-gifted many times over the years.
What are the rules of the white elephant?
The rules of the White Elephant gift exchange vary by group, but the basic premise remains the same: Everyone brings a wrapped gift, and one at a time, each recipient chooses a gift to open. The recipient of that gift then has the option of either keeping the gift or stealing a gift already opened.
The following are the main rules that should be agreed upon and communicated prior to playing the White Elephant game:
1. Select a price limit: Prior to the game starting, all participants must agree on a price limit for their gifts. This ensures that everyone’s gift is on the same level of value.
2. Take turns selecting gifts: Once the game officially begins, each player should take turns selecting a gift from the pile. Players should not be allowed to open gifts before their turn, or it will defeat the purpose of the game.
3. Allow players to “steal” a gift: After a participant opens a gift, the next person has the option to either select a remaining gift or “steal” the gift already opened. If the player chooses to “steal,” the recipient of the stolen gift may then decide to either “keep” the stolen gift or “steal” another gift that has already been opened.
Keep in mind that the participant whose gift was stolen has the option to take back their original gift or select another gift in the pile.
4. Stealing only allowed up to a certain number of times: One rule that can be put in place to make the game more exhilarating is to only allow a gift to be stolen up to a certain number of times. This prevents one gift from dominating the game and keeps it fair for all participants.
5. No exchanging gifts with the same person: To add to the excitement of the game, it should be made clear that a person can only steal a gift from another person once in the game. This prevents someone from going back and forth with the same person and keeps the game moving.
6. Decide on a time limit for selecting gifts: It is important to determine a time limit on selecting gifts to make sure that the game progresses logically and everyone gets to participate. This time limit can be anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on the size of your group.
7. Decide who the winner is: The winner of the game is typically the last person to open a gift. However, depending on the group, you can also declare the winner to be the person with the most coveted gift or the host of the party.
Following these rules of the game will ensure that everyone has a fun and competitive experience when playing the White Elephant game.
What does it mean if a Christmas gift is called a white elephant?
A white elephant gift is a term used to refer to an object or gift that is seen as a burden or wasted expense due to its outlandishness or impracticality. This term is usually used at Christmas time when family and friends exchange presents during the traditional holiday celebrations.
The item can range from the hilarious to the totally useless, but is typically something that no one would want. The phrase “white elephant” is derived from a legend out of Southeast Asia, in which the nobles of Thailand (formerly known as Siam) would give albino elephants as gifts to each other, knowing full well that there was no practical use or value in caring for the animal.
A white elephant gift exchange is a fun and often comical way to liven up a Christmas party with friends and family by having each person give an unwanted gift for others to take home.
How many people do you need for white elephant?
The number of people you need for a white elephant gift exchange depends on how many gifts you plan to exchange. Generally, if you plan to exchange 5-7 gifts, you will need at least 6 participants; if you plan to exchange 8-10 gifts, then you will need 8 people; and if you plan to exchange more than 10, you will need 10 or more people.
It is also important to note that each person should bring a wrapped gift to the exchange, so make sure to decide the number of participants before collecting the gifts. Be sure to provide the necessary information to each participant in advance so that everyone is prepared for the gift exchange.
What is the cultural significance of a white elephant?
White elephants have a long history of cultural significance in many places around the world. In Thailand, a white elephant is held to be sacred and considered a symbol of power and wealth. A white elephant can only be owned by the king and is used to give special honors to those who have served his court faithfully.
Anyone who is granted one of these animals is seen to have special standing in society.
In Buddhism, a white elephant is seen as a symbol of power, peace, and prosperity. Legend has it that Buddha was born out of his mother’s side after being predicted by a white elephant. In Buddhist lore, a white elephant is considered an auspicious beast, one that can bring good luck to people and areas.
Because of this belief, many Buddhist temples are built with white elephant ornaments placed in them for protection and blessings.
In Ancient India, white elephants were a sign of great wealth and good luck, as they were seen as a blessing from the gods and goddesses. White elephants were said to have the power to bring happiness, longevity, and good luck to their master.
Ancient Indian mythology also tells of white elephants being sent by gods as gifts or as signs of favor, and even as omens warning of danger ahead.
The idea of the white elephant has been embraced in the west, especially in England where the phrase “white elephant sale” has come to mean a sale of items that are generally unwelcome, inefficient, and expensive.
Overall, the white elephant is a powerful and ancient symbol with cultural significance all around the world. From representing power, peace, and wealth to being seen as an omen of good luck, the white elephant continues to be a potent symbol that resonates with people everywhere.
What is the difference between Dirty Santa and white elephant?
The difference between Dirty Santa and White Elephant is that Dirty Santa involves participants taking turns choosing a wrapped present, while White Elephant involves players being presented with a gift they must open immediately.
In Dirty Santa, participants take turns either picking a wrapped gift, or stealing a gift from another player. This game emphasizes strategy as players decide whether to open a new gift or to take an already opened gift from someone else.
In White Elephant, all of the participants are given a wrapped gift and must open it once they receive it. This game emphasizes the joy of the unexpected since surprises are guaranteed!.
The end result of both games usually involves all participants exchanging gifts, except in the case of Dirty Santa, there are a few possible strategies players can use to try and obtain the best gifts.
Another popular tactic used in Dirty Santa is for participants to pick a gift, then pass it to another player as a way of “trading” for something they like more.
No matter which game is chosen, both Dirty Santa and White Elephant are sure to bring laughter and joy!