by Susan Quilty

Created on: December 17, 2008

A white elephant gift exchange may be designed to give gifts, but the real fun is in the exchange itself. A white elephant gift exchange is also commonly known as a Yankee swap. To some it is also known as a Barona gift exchange or Selfish Santa game. Whatever the name, white elephant exchanges are sure to liven up any holiday party.

The Gifts

Organizing a white elephant gift exchange is fairly simple. The most important step is to ask all guests to bring a wrapped gift to exchange. It also helps to have a few wrapped gifts on hand in case any last minute guests show up or someone forgets their gift. There must be one gift per person for the gift exchange to work.

Price Range

Traditionally, white elephant gifts are inexpensive. Setting a price limit keeps guests from walking away with a gift unequal to the one given. A price range of $5 to $10 is typical. Stating the range is "from $5 to $10" as opposed to saying "gifts should be under $10" may be more effective.

Theme

Depending on the crowd, the gifts might be silly, naughty, or intentionally tacky. Choosing a theme, such as "tacky holiday items" can make the exchange even more fun. It also helps guests decide what kind of gift to bring. If certain items are considered inappropriate for the crowd - such as adult-themed gifts or alcohol - tell guests in advance to avoid awkwardness during the exchage.

Set-up

As the guests arrive, collect the gifts and set them aside for the exchange. Be careful to keep them separate from other holiday gifts. When it is time to begin, move the gifts to a central location. Guests draw numbered pieces of paper from a container to determine the order of play.

The Exchange

The basic white elephant gift exchange rules are simple. The person who drew the number one chooses a gift from the pile and unwraps it, letting everyone see the gift. Taking turns in order, all subsequent guests can choose to take an unwrapped gift from the pile or "steal" a previously opened gift from another guest. If a gift is stolen, the former owner then chooses a new gift either from the unwrapped pile or from the already opened gifts.

Variations

There are many variations in white elephant gift exchanges. To avoid upset, explain the rules before the exchange begins. Common variations can be included as long as they are explained up front. In some games, the person who chose first has one chance to steal at the end of the game. Another variation is to set a limit to how many times any gift can be stolen (typically three times).

Whether it's called a white elephant exchange, Yankee swap, or any other name, this gift exchange is sure to entertain!

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.