

If you’re not sure how to begin shopping for white elephant gifts, here are the most common gift categories: Popular categories of white elephant gifts For example, if the maximum dollar amount is $20 and you purchase a small candy bar for $1, It’s generally not viewed as an acceptable gift in most situations. On the other hand, if you opt for a gift that is noticeably less than the maximum dollar amount, it may disappoint recipients. While no one will know these gifts are purchased under budget, most people are aware they’re a reasonable gift within the price range. Some individuals are savvy shoppers and leverage sales and coupons to get gifts at lower prices. Many participants wonder whether spending less than the designated maximum amount on white elephant gifts is acceptable. Popular themes include Star Wars-, food- or season-oriented gifts.Ĭan I spend less than the maximum amount on white elephant gifts? Some individuals host themed white elephant gift exchanges.Some white elephant gift exchanges have “last calls” after the game is over, in which participants can swap gifts with anyone else willing to swap.A gift can’t be “stolen” by the next player if it was already swapped in the previous turn.Most white elephant gift exchanges designate a maximum dollar amount, which typically ranges from $1 to $100.There are a few more rules for white elephant gift exchanges worth noting: Other rules for white elephant gift exchanges The game ends after the last gift has been unwrapped. When a gift has been “owned” by three participants, it’s no longer eligible for swapping. They can keep their gift, exchange it for another one in the pile or swap it for someone else’s unwrapped gift. Once a participant selects a gift and unwraps it, they have a few options. When it’s someone’s turn, they select a gift from the pile. Participants then draw numbers from a hat, with whoever pulls number one picking a gift first and so on. What to know about white elephant gift exchanges What is a white elephant gift exchange?Ī white elephant gift exchange is a party game where everyone buys a gift, wraps it and adds it to the pile. If the top-dollar amount is $20, rest assured that there are dozens of options that will excite, delight or impress recipients.ĭo you need a few more party gift recommendations this holiday season? Check out these gift guides: The rules of white elephant exchanges are simple, and to begin playing, all you need to do is go shopping for a gift within the recommended price range. Some participants try to out-do one another with unusual or impractical gifts, whereas others opt for tried-and-true gifts that most recipients can appreciate. Which white elephant gift ideas under $20 are best?Ī white elephant gift exchange is a fun way to engage guests at parties. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission.
