Gifts no one expected but are totally worth stealing!
Holiday gatherings are always better with laughter and this hilarious gift swapping game brings plenty of it. We’ve always called it Dirty Santa, though I’ve heard others refer to it as a Yankee Swap.
No matter the name, it’s become a favorite tradition in our family, and after more than a decade of playing, we still look forward to the surprises and laughs it brings every year.
Whether you’re heading to an office party, family gathering or friends get-together party, these gift ideas are silly, fun and perfect for any budget.
If you’re looking for some more fun to add to your party, check out this list of the best Christmas party games to play.
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What is White Elephant Game?
The White Elephant game is a gift swap where participants exchange funny, unexpected or impractical wrapped gifts. The goal isn’t finding the perfect item; it’s bringing something that everyone is going to be talking about or laughing at.
White Elephant Game Rules
While every host might tweak their game structure, the classic rules generally include:
- Each guests brings one wrapped gift.
- Players draws numbers to determine turn order.
- Each player can choose an unopened gift from the pile or steal an opened gift from another player.
- If stolen, the stole package player chooses a new gift from the pile.
- Usually, each gift can be stolen a set number of 2 times before it becomes frozen.
How to Play White Elephant Gift Exchange
- Place all wrapped gifts in the center.
- Have everyone draw a number.
- Player one chooses and unwraps a gift from the pile.
- Player two may either open a new gift or steal from player one.
- The game continues until all gifts are claimed and the swapping stops.
Cool White Elephant Gifts under $30
Need something funny and impressive? Try these choices that stay below the $30 mark.
Cool White Elephant Gifts under $25
These mid-range items offer personality without going overboard.
- Toilet Golf Game
- Night Lamp with Weiner Light Switch (a huge hit at white elephant parties)
- Bicycle Pizza Cutter
- Funny Drink Coasters
White Elephant Gifts Under $20
Great options that keeps things silly but useful.
- Oversized Tortilla Blanket (a crowd favorite!)
- Karaoke Microphone
- Pooping Pooches Calendar
- Dumpster Fire Sticky Notes
White Elephants Gifts Under $15
These items are fun, unexpected and always a hit.
- Lightsaber Light Up Chopsticks
- Toilet Bowl Night Light
- Car Sauce Holder (for ketchup and dipping sauces)
- Beer Belly Fanny Pack
Good White Elephant Gifts $10 and Under
Small budget? No problem. These choices pack surprising charm.
White Elephant Wrapping Ideas
The wrapping can be just as entertaining as the gift. Dress yours up with these creative ideas that makes everyone laugh before anything is even opened.
- Use prank boxes like Cat Hat or Shower Margarita machine to make them think that is the gift they are getting.
- Try the classic drill prank where you wrap a gift into the shape of something else such as making it look like a drill but it’s really other items.
- Use layered boxes inside each other to build the suspense to get to the gift.
- Place a tiny item inside an oversized bag for laughs.
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