What Is a White Elephant Gift Exchange

A white elephant is a party game where guests bring wrapped gifts, then take turns unwrapping new gifts or stealing opened ones from others.

Core Rules for a Smooth Game

Use clear, simple rules that keep things moving and maximize funny moments. This guide will help you build momentum, encourage friendly (and sometimes unfriendly…) competition, and prevent chaos from ensuing.

1. Draw numbers to figure out turn order

Randomly assign turn order by putting numbers into a hat. Player 1 picks any wrapped gift and unwraps it so everyone can see.

2. Pick or steal a wrapped gift

Each subsequent player can either steal a previously opened gift or choose to unwrap a new one. The tension….

3. Limit steals per item

Cap each gift at three steals to stop the endless back-and-forth. Once a gift hits the limit, it’s “dead” and can’t be stolen again, so it'll be locked in with its current owner.

4. Final unwrap and last steal option

After all gifts are unwrapped, the first player gets one final chance to steal. DRAMA.

Step-By-Step Hosting Timeline

Follow this guide to plan the party and keep prep manageable.

1. Two Weeks Out: pick a date and budget

Choose a date most guests can attend. If you don't know when people are free, use Partiful's Find-a-Time to figure out a time that works best for everyone. Set your spending limit (most people do $15–$30) so gifts feel equal and no one overspends.

2. One Week Out: Send invites with rules

Share the rules, budget, and any themes in the invite. Set the expectations up front to reduce confusion and last-minute questions. Click here to create your invite.

3. Day Before: Prep space and gift pile

Create a central, visible gift area. To prep, print numbered slips to assign the playing order quickly.

4. Party Time: Explain rules in sixty seconds

The moment we've all been waiting for…kick off with a quick, upbeat rules recap to keep the energy high and get straight to unwrapping!

image source: pinterest

Send Playful Invitations and Track RSVPs Online

Use digital invitations to set the tone, automate reminders, and make RSVPs effortless while hyping the fun.

Custom backgrounds and animations

Match your visuals to the theme and season: animated effects and playful graphics get people excited before the party even starts.

Automated reminders for bringing gifts

Schedule reminders that remind people about the event, so nobody forgets to bring a wrapped gift.

Guest updates for hype before the event

Guests can leave notes and message the host to learn more, brag about their picks, and build excitement before the game.

Click here to create your invite

Budget and Theme Ideas That Spark Good Gifts

Smart themes guide guests toward gifts that are useful, funny, or delightful—without turning into clutter.

Under-$25 crowd-pleasers

• Cozy comfort items: blankets, candles, snacks

• Quirky kitchen gadgets: unusual utensils, fun mugs

• Self-care essentials: bath bombs, face masks, tea

Themes for White Elephant

• All red gifts: creates visual cohesion and a creative shopping challenge

• Fire emoji theme: spicy snacks, hot sauce, warming items

• Plant emoji: succulents, gardening tools, botanical items

Sustainable or Homemade Gifts

You can't go wrong with handmade items for a personal, budget-friendly touch, or if you're brave…regifts are a great options.

Crowd-Pleaser Variations To Keep the Game Interesting

If you want to add a spin on it, pick one twist to add a hint of chaos without overwhelming players.

Dice roll wwap

Roll to determine your move (e.g., 1–2 unwrap, 3–4 steal, 5–6 swap with anyone) to let fate play its role.

Musical chairs grab

Play music and pass wrapped gifts around the circle; when it stops, hold the gift you’ve got and unwrap.

Hot potato timer

Pass gifts while a hidden or random timer runs; when it dings, whoever’s holding a gift unwraps.

Tailor the Party to Friends Family or Coworkers

Adjust tone, gift categories, and boundaries to fit your group’s relationships and comfort levels.

After-hours office edition

If you like your coworkers enough to play with them, you can probably use this as an opportunity to spruce up your office setup with desk gear, coffee accessories, snacks, or modest gift cards.

Brunch with roomies

Lean into inside jokes and practical items. Breakfast-themed gifts like fancy pancake mix or mugs are perfect.

Family gathering

Sorry but that's your challenge to figure out

For Hosting White Elephant Virtually

Use simple tools to make it easy for remote guests to keep it lively.

Screen-share gift reveal

Have the active player on camera for each unwrapping so reactions are visible and shared in real time.

Randomizer apps for turn order

Use digital number pickers and screen-share the results to keep the order transparent and impartial.

Shipping or drop-off logistics

Coordinate mailing or local drop-offs so gifts arrive before the event, and share tracking or pickup details.

Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes

A lot can go wrong. Here's how to keep it from falling apart.

If guests forget gifts

Keep a few backup gifts on hand, or let latecomers buy in with cash toward a group gift so no one’s left out.

Game runs too long

Set a soft time limit per turn and reduce the maximum steals per gift to keep things moving along.

Awkward or inappropriate presents

If you're playing with a sensitive crowd, keep it PG you weirdo…

Keep the Fun Going

The party doesn't have to stop once the game's over.

Post-party photo dump

Lock in your memories by asking guests to share event photos directly to the event page.

Best gift superlatives

Send a post-event Text Blast thanking your guests and sharing some superlatives.

• Most Creative: unique or handmade items

• Most Stolen: gifts that changed hands multiple times

• Most Practical: everyday useful items everyone wanted

Create Your Next Invite on Partiful

Keep the momentum going by planning your next get-together with a free, easy event page: https://partiful.com/create