White Elephant Gift-Swap: The Definitive Guide
Everything you wanted to know about the beloved Christmas game, from the experts at White Elephant Online
We’ve compiled everything you could want to know about White Elephant, from it’s history, to it’s game rules, to tips for throwing an amazing gift-exchange.
In This Post:
White Elephant: the game and its history
White Elephant: planning & playing your game
🤨 What is a White Elephant Gift Exchange?
White Elephant is a Christmas game tradition played around the world. The premise is quite simple: everyone brings a gift to the party, and puts it on the gift table or under the tree. At the beginning of the game, each person draws a number. The White Elephant game begins with player #1 opening a gift, and then each subsequent player gets a turn to open a new gift, or steal someone else’s gift. Once everyone has a gift, player #1 gets to go one final time, and the game ends. It’s a simple formula that leads to lots of laughter, and everyone leaving with a little something to remember the party by.
📜 White Elephant Game History & Popularity
Where does the name White Elephant come from?
The term “white elephant” dates back to ancient Siam (modern-day Thailand), where according to reports that date back to 1873, the king of Siam would gift rare, sacred albino elephants to courtiers who had displeased him. The catch? These elephants were enormously expensive to maintain - a “gift” that became a burden. Over time, the phrase “white elephant” came to mean something valuable but impractical, or something given out of spite. Modern historians say this legend is more myth than reality, but the name was a perfect fit for the game over a hundred years ago, and still fits today.
When was the White Elephant game invented?
The 1890s. The earliest mentions of holiday “swap parties” in newspapers dates to the 1890s, with various papers publishing detailed explanations of the rules for such a swap. In 1897, the Marysville, Ohio Tribune explained that guests were supposed to trade “‘sight unseen’ with another [guest], any old thing she might have brought for that purpose,” such as pictures, china, or poorly fitting gloves or shoes” said another newspaper. Hmm… swapping useless junk sounds familiar to the White Elephant game we play today.
Where was White Elephant gift-swap invented?
Ohio, USA (probably). As with many games, there is some mystery to the exact origins of White Elephant, but as The New York Times points out, all the early mentions of holiday ‘swap parties’ were in Ohio newspapers, with The Delphos Daily Herald going so far as to declare in 1896 “Delphos [Ohio] is not keeping up with the times. It should have a ‘swap party.’” Delphos was remarking on what was clearly a big trend elsewhere in the state.
When was it first called a “White Elephant” gift-swap?
Early 1900s. According to Mental Floss, a joke published in 1907 about “White Elephant Parties” was a hit, and reprinted in newspapers across the country. This may have led to the standardization of these ‘swap parties’ as White Elephant gift swaps.
Popularity over the years
The popularity of the new White Elephant game continued to grow into the 1930s, where the Great Depression made a game based on regifting used items quite desirable. After a dip in the 1940s due to the war, it became popular again in the 1950s, especially at fraternal organizations.
Since then, the game has become a staple of the holidays for organizations, clubs, families, friends and companies across the United States and beyond. While it’s impossible to track the exact number of White Elephant games played each year, estimates are in the millions.
🤣 Why Play White Elephant?
Amid the bustle of the holiday season - the endless to-do lists, crowded calendars, and gift-buying stress - White Elephant stands out as a refreshingly simple tradition. It’s not about the perfect present or polished wrapping; it’s about shared laughter, surprise, and connection.
1. It Brings People Together
Whether it’s your office team, your extended family, or a group of old friends, White Elephant creates a shared moment of fun that everyone can enjoy. The randomness of the game breaks the ice and gives everyone - from the quiet coworker to the family prankster - a chance to shine. It’s a level playing field where wit, luck, and timing matter more than status or spending.
2. It Sparks Genuine Laughter
There’s something universally funny about a serious gift exchange turning into playful chaos. The fake enthusiasm when someone unwraps a bizarre gadget, the dramatic “steal” of a coveted blanket, the collective gasp when a mystery box finally opens - these moments become the stories people remember year after year. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t have to come from expensive gifts, but from shared experience.
3. It’s Low-Pressure and Inclusive
Unlike traditional gift-giving, where you have to find the right thing for the right person, White Elephant removes the stress. Everyone brings just one gift within a simple budget, and anyone can join in - no guessing sizes, tastes, or wish lists. It’s an activity that works across generations, departments, and friend-groups alike.
4. It Encourages Creativity
The best White Elephant gifts are often the most imaginative: a funny mug, a quirky kitchen gadget, or something so random it’s perfect. Participants get to show off their humor and personality, and discovering what everyone brought becomes half the fun.
5. It’s Evolving with the Times
As more teams and families gather remotely, the White Elephant tradition has adapted beautifully to the digital world. Virtual games hosted through White Elephant Online recreate all the laughter, twists, and reveals - no living room required. It’s proof that the spirit of play and connection can thrive anywhere.
🎅 White Elephant vs. Secret Santa vs. Yankee Swap vs. Dirty Santa
If you’re confused about all the different gift swap games out there, you’re not alone! How is White Elephant different from Yankee Swap? Are Secret Santa and Dirty Santa the same thing? Why is life so complicated?
Don’t worry - we’re here to clear it all up. Here are some brief definitions for each of these:
White Elephant: a gift-swap game where people open and steal gifts from each-other. “White Elephant” is the most popular / universal name for the game across the United States.
Dirty Santa: just another name for White Elephant that is popular in the southern US. It has the same basic game rules, but without as much connotation that the gifts be useless or silly
Yankee Swap: a gift-swap game very similar to White Elephant, but with slightly different game-play. Unlike in White Elephant where a person will choose to open a new gift or steal an existing gift, in Yankee Swap players always open a gift first, and then choose whether to keep it or to ‘swap’ it with someone else. So - you’re still stealing gifts, just via a ‘swap’ (hence the name). This variation and naming is most popular in New England and the northeast USA.
Secret Santa: a totally different gift swap game from White Elephant, Dirty Santa and Yankee Swap. The way Secret Santa works is that each participant gets randomly (and anonymously) assigned another person to purchase a gift for. On the day of the event, one-by-one each person opens their gift from their ‘Secret Santa’ - and often the secret gifter will reveal themselves. It’s quite different in format and experience to White Elephant, since each gift is actually purchased with a specific recipient in mind, as opposed to a general gift that the group may like or find funny. There’s also no swapping or stealing once a gift has been opened.
For a deeper dive into these topics, check out our posts: White Elephant vs. Dirty Santa vs. Yankee Swap, and White Elephant vs. Secret Santa - battle of the gift swaps.
🎬 White Elephant in Pop Culture
The White Elephant Game has become more than just a holiday pastime - it’s a pop culture phenomenon. From office comedies to viral TikToks, the White Elephant Gift Exchange keeps showing up anywhere people mix humor, surprise, and a little friendly chaos.
On TV and in Film
Pop culture loves the White Elephant Gift-Swap because it captures everything about human nature in one hilarious setting: excitement, envy, and the fine art of pretending you didn’t want the gift that just got stolen.
The Office - The unforgettable sitcom’s Season 2 “Christmas Party” episode turned a simple Secret Santa into a chaotic Yankee Swap (a cousin of White Elephant), complete with awkward steals and unforgettable reactions. It’s one of the most quoted depictions of the game - and helped cement the tradition in American workplace culture. Check out Yankee Swap segment here.
Friends and Parks and Recreation both featured versions of group gift exchanges that play with the same tension between generosity and comedy.
Hallmark Christmas movies often include a White Elephant Gift Exchange scene - it’s a visual shorthand for holiday warmth, laughter, and togetherness.
On Social Media
Every December, TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit light up with White Elephant Game highlights - from unwrapping fails to epic gift steals.
Hashtags like #WhiteElephant and #WhiteElephantGiftExchange rack up millions of views.
Creators share funny wrapping hacks, theme ideas, and “best and worst gifts” lists.
Viral posts often feature over-the-top gag gifts, making the White Elephant Gift-Swap part of the digital holiday zeitgeist.
In Workplace and Team Culture
Corporate holiday parties have adopted the White Elephant Game as a go-to morale booster. It’s funny, low-stakes, and inclusive - the perfect antidote to awkward small talk. Many companies now host their White Elephant Gift Exchange virtually through tools like White Elephant Online, keeping the laughter going across distributed teams.
For many professionals, “the office White Elephant” has become as much a seasonal tradition as Secret Santa or ugly sweater contests - a shared experience that brings levity to the end of the year.
The Modern Symbolism of White Elephant
Pop culture has helped the White Elephant Gift-Swap evolve from a quirky parlor game into a symbol of community and playfulness. It represents the joy of imperfection - gifts that surprise, delight, or confuse - and reminds us that holiday spirit isn’t about perfection or price tags.
The fact that the White Elephant Game continues to appear on screens, in memes, and in workplaces worldwide is proof of its lasting charm: it’s not just a game, it’s a reflection of how we connect through laughter.
🎲 White Elephant Game Rules
At its heart, White Elephant is a game of luck, laughter, and lighthearted thievery. The premise is simple: everyone brings a wrapped gift, players take turns unwrapping or “stealing,” and chaos (the fun kind) ensues.
How It Works - Step by Step
Everyone brings a gift.
Usually there’s a set budget (commonly $10–$25) and sometimes a theme like “cozy,” “funny,” or “tech gadgets.”Gifts go in a central pile.
The mystery of the wrapping is half the fun - no labels or hints allowed! In fact, wrapping an item in misleading boxes is a great way to add to the mystery and surprise.Players draw numbers.
Numbers determine the order of play - #1 goes first, and so on.Turn order begins.
The first player picks any wrapped gift, opens it, and shows it off.Subsequent players can unwrap or steal.
Each player can choose to open a new gift or steal one that’s already been opened.
If your gift is stolen, you get to pick another from the pile.Stealing rules apply (depending on your ‘house rules).
Sometimes to keep things moving, hosts will apply rules like:A gift can only be stolen a limited number of times (commonly 2–3).
A player can’t immediately steal back the same gift that was just taken from them.
The game ends when everyone has a gift.
Some groups allow the first player a final “swap” at the end - a nice perk for starting the game.
Common House Rules
As mentioned, some ‘House Rules’ can keep the White Elephant game moving and players on their toes. For example:
Cap the number of times a gift can be stolen. This adds to the drama, because being the ‘last’ to steal a gift before it’s locked means it’s yours for good.
Cap the number of times a person can be stolen from. If you’re worried about anyone getting picked on too much, you can cap the steals per person.
Cap the number of steals per round. With large groups, stealing rounds can get… long. If you cap it to 3 steals a round, you can ensure everyone stays interested in the action.
Add an extra ‘swap round’ at the end. For smaller groups, the fun may be over too quickly! Add an extra round at the end where each player gets to go one more time, in the order of their numbers, trying to swap to get the perfect gift.
Other Variations
White Elephant is famously flexible. Popular twists include:
“Yankee Swap”-style of play. (More on that below)
Themed exchanges - like “Re-gift Edition” or “$5 Thrift Finds.”
Wildcard cards that let players skip a turn, unwrap two gifts, or force a trade.
Online versions using virtual rooms and randomized draws - perfect for remote teams.
The Spirit of the Game
While the rules keep it fair, the real goal is fun. The best exchanges strike a balance between friendly competition and shared laughter. The most memorable gifts aren’t the expensive ones - they’re the ones that make everyone crack up.
🗓️ How to plan & host a White Elephant Party
Hosting a White Elephant party is easy - and that’s part of the charm. With a few simple steps, you can turn any gathering (in-person or virtual) into a laughter-filled event everyone looks forward to all year. Whether you call it a White Elephant Game, a White Elephant Gift-Swap, or simply “the gift-stealing game,” Here’s how to plan and host your own unforgettable White Elephant event.
1. Choose Your Group and Setting
Decide who’s playing and where. The beauty of the White Elephant Game is that it works anywhere - from office holiday parties to family gatherings to virtual team celebrations.
In-person: Gather around a tree, conference room, or cozy living room.
Virtual: Use a platform like White Elephant Online to host your White Elephant Gift-Swap digitally - complete with random gift draws, steals, and laughs.
Hybrid: Let in-person and remote guests join together seamlessly.
2. Set a Budget and Theme
Agree on a spending limit, typically between $10 and $25. Keeping the budget low encourages creativity and ensures the focus stays on fun, not expense.
You can also spice things up with a theme:
“Funny and Useless” – for the classic White Elephant Gift Exchange energy.
“Cozy Comforts” – blankets, candles, socks.
“Local Love” – small gifts from nearby shops.
“Re-Gift Edition” – bring something from your own home.
Themes make your White Elephant Gift-Swap feel unique each year and give guests a fun challenge.
3. Share the Rules Ahead of Time
Even though the White Elephant Game is simple, it helps to share the basics so everyone’s ready, and comes with a gift.
4. Make It Memorable
Little touches can elevate your event from “fun” to memorable:
Play festive music and serve snacks or drinks.
Encourage creative wrapping (the funnier, the better).
Add “bonus” cards like “Swap with anyone!” or “Open two gifts!” to shake things up.
Take photos or videos of the best reactions - they’re priceless.
For offices or larger teams, consider awards like:
🏆 Most Stolen Gift
😂 Funniest Gift
🎁 Best Wrapping Job
5. Keep the Energy Up
While this isn’t totally necessary, it can be fun to designate a cheerful host or emcee to guide the action and keep the jokes flowing. A good host ensures everyone stays engaged, and the pace doesn’t drag.
If you’re running a virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange, tools like White Elephant Online handle the turn order, steals, and countdowns automatically - so you can focus on having fun.
6. End with Laughter (and Maybe a Group Photo)
After the last turn, take a group photo, share a toast, or swap stories about your favorite gifts. The best White Elephant games end not with winners and losers, but with a sense of connection and joy.
🎉 The Key to Hosting
The real secret? Keep it simple, keep it silly, and keep it social. Whether you’re playing around a conference table or over a Zoom call, White Elephant is about creating laughter and connection - one gift (and one hilarious steal) at a time.
🎨 Top 10 White Elephant Theme Ideas
One of the best ways to make your White Elephant Gift Exchange stand out is by adding a theme. A good theme gives your guests direction, sparks creativity, and sets the tone for the whole event - whether it’s classy, cozy, or completely chaotic.
Below are some of the most popular and creative White Elephant Game themes to try this year. For more theme ideas, check out our blog post: 5 More Unexpected Themes for your White Elephant Party.
🎁 1. Classic “Anything Goes”
This is the traditional White Elephant Gift-Swap at its best - no rules, no restrictions, just bring something funny, weird, or wonderful within the agreed-upon budget (usually $10–$25). It’s ideal for mixed groups or first-time players and often produces the biggest laughs.
😂 2. “Funny and Useless”
The ultimate White Elephant Game theme. The goal: find the most hilarious, impractical, or head-scratching gift possible. Think:
A mug that screams when you pour coffee in it
Bacon-scented candles
Nicolas Cage pillowcases
Inflatable unicorn horn for cats
This theme guarantees laughter - and plenty of gift-stealing.
☕ 3. “Cozy Comforts”
Perfect for family or office gatherings where you want the game to feel a little warmer (literally). Encourage gifts like:
Fuzzy socks or blankets
Scented candles
Hot cocoa kits
Mugs or mini heating pads
It’s still a White Elephant Gift Exchange, but with a softer, feel-good twist.
💻 4. “Work-From-Home Edition”
Great for remote teams or virtual parties hosted through White Elephant Online. Gift ideas include:
Funny Zoom backgrounds (print or digital)
Desk toys and fidget gadgets
Coffee gift cards
“Do Not Disturb” signs
Ring lights or other gadgets useful for remote workers
This version of the White Elephant Game is perfect for distributed teams who still want to share in the fun.
🧑🍳 5. “As Seen on TV”
Bring your favorite infomercial chaos to life. Players find the weirdest or most overhyped “As Seen on TV” products they can. From egg cookers to slap choppers, this theme never fails to entertain - and every gift doubles as a conversation piece.
💚 6. “Eco-Friendly Swap”
Encourage sustainability while keeping the laughter going. Ideas include:
Reusable kitchen gadgets
Beeswax wraps
Upcycled items
Secondhand finds in great condition
This theme works beautifully for office groups or communities that care about green living - proof that a White Elephant Gift Exchange can be funny and thoughtful. Here’s more on how to run an eco-friendly White Elephant game.
🏡 7. “Re-Gift Edition”
Everyone’s got that one unopened candle, sweater, or gadget from last year. This theme invites people to pass it along - anonymously, of course. It’s thrifty, funny, and often yields surprisingly great gifts.
🎬 8. “Movie or TV Theme”
Ask everyone to bring something inspired by a favorite film, show, or character. Ideas include:
“The Office” mugs
Marvel gadgets
Retro movie posters
Popcorn kits
This theme adds a little pop culture flair to your White Elephant Gift-Swap, and the gifts are often surprisingly collectible.
🍹 9. “Happy Hour Edition”
For adult-only groups, turn your White Elephant Game into a mini cocktail party. Suggested gifts:
Unique bottle openers
Mini drink mixers
Funny bar towels
Craft beer or hot sauce samplers
(Pro tip: wrap the gifts in brown paper bags for an extra layer of mystery and alcohol-innuendo.)
🧩 10. “Mystery Box”
Each participant wraps an item and includes one clue about what’s inside.
Players pick based on clues alone - leading to big reveals and even bigger laughs. It’s a creative twist that adds suspense to your White Elephant Gift Exchange.
Bonus: Combine Themes for Extra Fun
Want to stand out even more? Combine two ideas:
“Cozy but Funny”
“Work-From-Home Re-Gift Edition”
“As Seen on TV Happy Hour”
Mixing themes keeps your game fresh year after year and gives repeat players something new to look forward to.
✨ The Takeaway
Themed exchanges make your White Elephant Gift-Swap easier to shop for and more memorable to play. Whether you go sentimental or silly, structured or spontaneous, the goal is always the same: create laughter, connection, and a story your group will tell long after the holidays.
🎁 White Elephant Gift Ideas
Choosing the right gift is what makes the White Elephant Game unforgettable. The best gifts strike the perfect balance between funny, useful, and unexpected - something everyone wants to steal (or laugh about). More importantly, the perfect White Elephant gift is something that reflects your personality.
When you’re planning your White Elephant Gift Exchange or Gift-Swap, think in terms of categories rather than single items:
Funny & Gag Gifts: Always crowd-pleasers. Think quirky mugs, novelty socks, or random gadgets that make everyone laugh.
Cozy & Practical Gifts: Ideal for family or office groups - things like blankets, candles, or coffee samplers that people actually want to take home.
Tech & Gadget Gifts: Small, clever devices like Bluetooth speakers, LED lights, or mini massagers - great for all ages and budgets.
Food & Drink Gifts: Gourmet snacks, hot sauce kits, or fun drinkware never fail to get attention. According to the White Elephant Online Trends reports, Yeti Ramblers are often one of the most popular gifts given.
Re-Gifts or DIY Surprises: Handmade, repurposed, or thrifted items often become the most talked-about gifts of the night.
No matter your budget or sense of humor, there’s a perfect gift out there - and you don’t have to search for it manually. Check out our White Elephant Gift Guides for all types of gift ideas.
💻 Playing White Elephant Virtually
The holidays don’t always bring everyone to the same room - but that doesn’t mean you have to skip the fun. A virtual White Elephant Gift Exchange brings the laughter, suspense, and friendly chaos of the in-person game to teams, families, and friend groups no matter where they are.
How It Works
The structure is exactly the same as a traditional White Elephant Game - players unwrap or steal gifts in turn - but it all happens online. Participants join a shared video call (like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet), while a digital platform manages the gifts, turn order, and steals. Before modern technology, playing a White Elephant Game remotely was a huge hassle. Some groups did play virtually, creating spreadsheets or power point decks to track the game manually. Fortunately today, tools like White Elephant Online make it effortless:
Everyone submits or selects a virtual gift before the game.
The platform randomizes turns and handles each “unwrap” or “steal.”
Gifts are revealed digitally, keeping the element of surprise intact.
At the end, participants receive the real item through a purchase or mail-out link.
Why It Works So Well
A virtual White Elephant Gift-Swap keeps remote teams connected and makes long-distance family parties feel spontaneous again. There’s no wrapping, no shipping stress, and no awkward silence - just shared laughter and surprises on screen.
Whether your group is across the country or just prefers pajamas to dress clothes, a virtual White Elephant Game delivers all the fun with none of the logistics.
Looking to play White Elephant virtually?
Join the thousands of teams that use White Elephant Online each year for a fun and memorable holiday party.
