Depending on what kind of gift exchange your work does (if they even do one) or if you attend a holiday party with a gift exchange, there are typically two kinds of gift exchanges: Secret Santa or a White Elephant. We all know what Secret Santa is, the name basically explains itself. Everyone draws a name and that's the person you have to get a gift for. Now, you're probably thinking what the hell is a White Elephant?
White Elephant is a gift exchange that is meant to entertain rather than actually give out good presents.
It is also known as Yankee Swap, which is a more common name due the hilarious Christmas party episode of the Office. But sometimes, it even goes by Dirty Santa but that's not as common.
White Elephant is basically all one big joke. Everyone provides one generic gift, usually there's a limit set (typically around $25) but it's not a present you really should go out and buy. A true white elephant gift is defined as an extravagant but burdensome gift that cannot be easily disposed. Basically it's something you hated and could not find a way or to regift it.
When you get to the gift exchange here is how it works. All the gifts are wrapped up, all in disguise so you have no idea what gift is what. Everyone gets a number and that will be the order of the picking. The first person picks a gift, and then opens it up. Then when the second person goes, they can steal that gift or pick a new gift. If a gift gets stolen, then the person who originally had it gets to pick a new gift. A gift can only be stolen three times. This will go on and on until everyone has taken their turn. Then once the last person picks their gift, the first person can decide if they want to steal anything or keep what they have. Sounds fun right?
But most of the time, people don't always have a random joke gift in the back of their closet ready to go. So here are some ideas for some fun and even useful gift ideas for a White Elephant gift exchange:
Silly Tech Items. A White Elephant gift exchange is the perfect time to get those funny tech items that were once trending topics like selfie sticks, fidget spinners, silly cell phone cases, character USB drives and etc. These make perfect gag gifts and are bound to get a couple laughs. Maybe throw in something useful like a pop socket, portable charger or a speaker to be on the nicer side.
Fun Mugs. You can never go wrong with a mug that has a fun quote or something snarky on it. Some places have some funny shaped mugs like toilets or even the poop emoji. You can always pair it up with some nice coffee or hot chocolate and make it a real treat.
Cozy Items. Getting items that will help people relax is always a real treat. Getting some fuzzy socks with some bath bombs, face masks, candles, essential oils and any other type of soothing items will be a big hit. Who doesn't want to relax? If you want to add a joke element to it get a funny pillow like a Pillow Pet or a funny blanket like a Snuggie or mermaid blanket to get some laughs.
Adult Coloring Books. These used to be a big thing, maybe not so much any more but they still would make a great gift. Who doesn't like to color? They also make some fun coloring books filled with profanities and curse words. Pair it with come crayons, colored pencils or markers and you're good to go.
Table Top Games. This year it seems like table top games are a popular ticket item, which is fun and different! Getting a travel size beer pong or flip cup game set would be a hot item to steal. Also this year, nostalgia board games are very popular. 90s kids would be happy to hear that Oregon Trail, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Where in the World is Carmen San Diego, and other games from their childhood have board game versions and are actually priced decently.
Alcohol Related Items. Fun giant wine glasses, Moscow mule glasses, beer steins, shot glasses, and any kind of fun alcohol glasses always make great gifts that you know someone will want to steal. Or even something funny like a beer funnel or the Chambong, a classy version of a beer funnel will get some laughs. Even a little bartending set would make a great gift. When in doubt, you can even just get a bottle of booze and you'll be good.
Gift Cards or Lottery Tickets. When in doubt, gift cards or lottery tickets always work great. You can pair it up with any item you want to get rid of or some kind of gag gift. Or you can make up a a cool way to wrap it, like putting them in a picture frame or even a mason jar. You can even add some candy to it to make it a little more fun!
White Elephant and Yankee Swap gift exchanges are meant to be silly and fun, not a serious or stressful event. If you're going to participate in one of these kinds of gift exchanges this year, it honestly should be the easiest gift you buy or don't buy this year.
Until tomorrow!
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