Hey there my fellow party animals! If you’re anything like me, you love a good game that involves exchanging ridiculous gifts full of laughter and surprises. And what better way to do that than with a classic Christmas game known as White Elephant, Yankee Swap, or Dirty Santa (depending on where you’re from)? Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But wait, what even is White Elephant?”. 
Well, fear not my friends, I’ve got you covered with all the dirty details and some printable goodies to go along with it.
The Rules
First things first, let’s go over the basic rules. Everyone who is participating brings a wrapped gift to the party, typically with a set spending limit (usually around $20). From there, the game usually goes a little something like this:
- Everyone draws a number to determine the order of the game. (Check out this
for some festive number templates.) - Number 1 goes first and chooses a gift from the pile.
- Number 2 goes next and can either steal Number 1’s gift or choose a new one from the pile.
- Number 3 goes next, with the option to steal from Number 1 or 2, or choose a new gift from the pile, and so on and so forth.
Now, here’s where things can get a little tricky. If someone’s gift gets stolen, they have the option to steal someone else’s gift or choose a new one from the pile. This usually goes on until someone decides to keep the gift they have, which becomes their final gift to take home.
The Twist
But wait, there’s more! We can’t forget the twist that makes this game even more entertaining. Most people add a rule that a gift can only be stolen a certain number of times (usually three) before it’s “locked”.
This adds a whole new level of strategy to the game. Do you steal the gift you really want right off the bat, or do you wait until later in the game when stealing is more restricted? It’s all about strategic and thoughtful planning, my friends.
The Printables
Now, you might be thinking, “This all sounds great and everything, but where do I even begin?”. Have no fear, my fellow party animals, because I’ve got you covered with these super cute and free printable numbers and gift tags from madebycristinamarie.com.
Simply print them out, cut them up, and have your guests draw numbers from a hat to determine the order of the game. And for a fun twist, add these number templates to your wrapping paper so everyone knows which gift belongs to which number.
The Gift Ideas
Now, let’s get down to the good stuff. You might be wondering, “What kind of gifts should I bring to a White Elephant party?”. Well, my dear party animals, the answer is simple - anything your heart desires!
The point of the game is to bring something funny, creative, and maybe even a little bit ridiculous. It doesn’t have to be expensive or flashy, just something that will get a good laugh and provide some entertainment for the crowd.
Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- A giant inflatable pool float in the shape of a unicorn or flamingo
- A singing fish plaque (you know the one)
- A pair of socks with your face on them
- A bacon-scented candle (because who doesn’t love the smell of bacon?)
- A mini disco ball that you can plug into your phone to play music
- An avocado slicer (because we all struggle with those pesky pits)
The possibilities are truly endless, so let your imagination run wild and have some fun with it. And remember, it’s not about the gift itself, it’s about the laughter and memories it brings to the group.
The Printables Part 2
But wait, there’s even more goodies to go along with our White Elephant game. Check out these adorable and free printables from madebycristinamarie.com.
These printables include game instructions, gift tags, and even a sign for your White Elephant gift table. Simply print them out, cut them up, and you’re ready to go.
And for those of you who like a little extra flair, add in some fun holiday-themed decorations like tinsel, garland, or even a reindeer sweater for your chair.
The Party
Now that you have all the tools you need for a successful White Elephant party, it’s time to get to the fun part - hosting!
Make sure to set the mood with some festive music, snacks, and drinks. And don’t forget to have a few extra gifts on hand just in case someone forgets to bring one.
Once everyone has arrived and the game is ready to begin, let the laughter and fun flow freely. And make sure to document all the hilarious reactions and steal attempts for memories to cherish for years to come.
The Wrap Up
And there you have it my friends, all the dirty details on how to host a successful White Elephant party. Remember, it’s all about having fun and making memories with those you love.
So, gather up some ridiculous gifts, print out those numbers and instruction cards, and get ready for a night full of laughs and surprises.
Happy gifting!
