White elephant gift exchanges are becoming more popular throughout the United States. With the current economic downturn, a white elephant gift exchange might just be the solution to this year's gift giving problems.
The hardest part of arranging a white elephant gift exchange is getting everyone to agree to participate in it and setting a price limit. With this type of gift exchange a price limit as low as twenty dollars can still provide a nice simple gift without breaking your bank account.
Like everything there must be rules, such as;
Nice gifts versus gag gifts, only your group can make this decision
Gender specific gifts or simply a gift anyone would want or use.
Is re-gifting allowed? This can lead to some very interesting and fun gifts and is a great way to clean out your closets.
Will people simply take turns picking a gift or will everyone draw a number and then go in numeric order.
Is stealing allowed? One way to add a fun twist to a simple grab bag is after a person has chosen a gift, they must open it up for display, and then the next person has the opportunity to "steal" that gift or choose a new one from the pile. "Steals" are usually limited to three times for a single gift.
White elephant gift exchanges allow everyone to become creative with their gift choices, such as:
1. Pick a Theme-It's always fun to gather a few items together to make a themed gift. Put a small scented candle, bubble bath, and a romance novel together, and you've got a wonderful gift of a relaxing evening for some lucky person. A pack of cards, a few poker chips, some snacks, or a book of card games can provide several nights of fun for some lucky person.
2. Food-Everyone loves food. Whether you choose to go with homemade candy or cookies, or splurge and buy a small box of gourmet chocolates at a local shop, food is always a welcome gift. Popcorn tins, though hard to disguise, are fun and easily consumed.
3. Promissory notes-A promissory note not only adds to the gift's time frame, but also can be packaged in many fun ways. Slip it into the center of a toilet paper roll, or put it in an empty nut can, try to think out side of the usual gift box. Promissory notes can be for things like a free night of babysitting, a ride to the store, washing windows, or even a dozen homemade cinnamon rolls delivered to the giftee's door on a date worked out between the giver and givee.
4. Re-gifting-One way to bring fun to any white elephant gift exchange is to regift an item. That crocheted Kleenex box cover you received last year, the poinsettia platter that just doesn't work with your holiday dishes, or all of those ornaments that teachers' seem to accumulate from gift bearing students year after year, make lovely white elephant gifts. What can make this tradition even more fun is to see what gifts show up year after year.
5. Pick a team-Whatever sport is popular in your local area, put together a few items of a favorite team to help the fan cheer them on. A team mug or glass filled with magnets, pens, note pads, or even posters will bring a smile to any loyal fan's face.
6. Books-Even if everyone in the group is not an avid reader, they will enjoy an eclectic mix of old and new books. Go to a local used book store and look for cartoon books, travel books, game books, anything that's just a little out there and put them together to make a gift that if nothing else will start a discussion.
7. Lottery tickets-If all else fails go to your local gas station and pick up a stack of lottery tickets. If you want to, splurge and buy several different games and give the lucky recipient the opportunity to try their luck at winning cash and prizes.
White Elephant gift exchanges can provide an evening of fun for very little cost. Have everyone bring a snack to share and let the festivities begin. Remember, some of the most fun and popular gifts at a white elephant gift exchange might already be in your closet or cupboards collecting dust, so don't be afraid to wipe them off and let someone else store them for awhile.