White Elephant Gifts

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We have carefully selected high-quality White Elephant gifts in a variety of price ranges. This will allow you to find a gift no matter how much money you planned to spend. We've all been to our fair share of white elephant gift exchanges around the holidays. It can be difficult knowing exactly what sort of party you are getting into, as some pull out old items from the garage and others carefully curate small gifts. No matter what you are in for, our suggestions can help make your gift the most coveted item at the game. No matter what your holiday season looks like, a white elephant gift exchange is sure to be a highlight of the festivities—especially if you make everybody laugh with that perfectly chosen, oddball present wrapped in seven different boxes. No matter what budget has been set by your host or hostess, we can help you meet the requirements of the day.

10 Things to Consider When Buying White Elephant Gifts

1. The Holiday

Typically, white elephant gift exchanges are centered around Christmas, though this is not always the case.

You will want to make sure you are aware of the occasion and that your gift and wrapping do not stand in antithesis to the spirit of the day.

2. The number of people

The larger a gift exchange gets, the more likely it is that someone is going to like the gift that you bring.

The larger the crowd, the riskier you can get with your present choices.

If there are only a few people, though, you will want to stick to safer items that just about anyone will love.

3. The age of the participants

White elephant exchanges are popular with just about every sort of crowd. If you are going to a family event, it is probably best to avoid bringing alcohol or other adult items. If

you are going to an all-adult party, you’ll want to avoid toys, games, and puzzles.

4. The theme

Many white elephant gift exchanges come with a theme. Check your invitation or ask the host/hostess if there are any guidelines for purchasing your gift.

Very often there will be a suggested category of items that makes sure all participants go home with something roughly equal.

5. The wrapping

Depending on how this particular white elephant gift exchange is going to play out, it may add some fun into the mix to wrap your gift in a clever or misleading fashion.

If you have a small item, consider wrapping it in a very large bag to throw people off.

You might also consider adding additional items to throw off the sound of the package if someone shakes it.

6. The budget

Even if your white elephant gift exchange doesn’t have a theme, it may have a budget (10 dollars? 20 dollars?).

Very often, hosts/hostesses will mandate a price point for the gifts, ensuring that everyone goes home with something of just about the same value that they brought to the exchange.

7. Who is going to be there

It may be that you are doing this gift exchange with a group of close friends or family members. If that is the case, you likely know a good bit about the players.

There is no shame in catering your white elephant gifts specifically to appeal to one or two people. In fact, they’ll probably appreciate it!

8. How to get a laugh

White elephant gifts started out as trading of items meant to inconvenience the recipient.

Find something funny and useless, and you’re on the right track. The more ridiculous, the better, if you are will the joking sort of crowd.

9. Boring is okay

If you aren’t with the sort of group that would appreciate a prank-style gift, or you just don't feel comfortable giving a joke gift, it is more than okay to opt for something sedate.

Soft blankets, tea and coffee, nice soaps, and other daily-use items are always appreciated.