Organizing a Yankee Swap or White Elephant swap is fairly easy, but having a plan and making sure everyone knows how to play is important. The basic game is that participants bring a wrapped gift (sometimes with the gift wrap inside out - so the white part shows). I'm not sure how this got started, but it may have something to do with the term "White Elephant". In these more eco-friendly times, some folks opt for a brown paper bag or a reusable gift bag or box.

The players take turns picking unwrapped items or stealing' an already opened one until all the gifts are unwrapped and claimed. .

Here are some tips on how to set one up:

1. Figure out who will be in the game. Usually it's a party and everyone is included, However, if its at work, there are usually departments, or the office staff, etc. that participate. Obviously if you work for a large company you can't include two hundred people. Well, I guess you can if you really want to! Make a note of who's playing and the number of players.

I've also brought one or two extra elephants, just in case someone forgets theirs or there is a last minute addition (which frequently happens at parties with a guest brings a friend, etc.) This insures everyone can play and there are not hurt feelings.

2. Print out the rules. You can explain how a game works to people as a group, but if they're anything like me and haven't played before they'll be asking you (maybe several times) how it works. Giving them a print out about what's happening (if many haven't played before) will save you a lot of time and frustration.

3. Set a price range. Most of the Yankee swaps I've bee in set a limit of five or ten dollars for the gift. Impress upon the players how important it is to stick with the set price so no one will either be very disappointed (with a candy cane) or embarrassed if they spend five dollars and another person runs off the rails and spends twenty-five. Trust me, it's happened!

I've also participated in re-gifting was the theme (as long as no previously given gifts to the people in the group were included). Or sometimes the gift is supposed to be something from your own home which can be quite interesting and funny. A rule for another game I participated in was to find the best gift for the cheapest price and this was great fun too, as our group had some amazing bargain hunters.

4. Have a location in mind (like an empty conference room if it's at work) and be sure there is a table and enough chairs for everyone.

5. Try to set a fun and friendly mood. Some folks are quite competitive and are prepared to roll around on the floor and pull hair to get the Elephant they want.

6. Set a time limit or the number of rounds (each person in the circle stealing or swapping an open gift). We normally go three rounds, otherwise it could go on for years!

7. The most important tip is to have fun!

Learn more about this author, Pat Merewether.
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