What Is a Good White Elephant Gift?
A White Elephant gift exchange is a popular tradition during the winter holiday season. It’s a popular event at office holiday parties, large family celebrations, and neighborhood get-togethers. You might be familiar with it by another name. In different parts of the country, this competitive gift exchange goes by Dirty Santa or Yankee Swap.
If you’ve never participated in this event, you may be asking, “What is a good white elephant gift?” First, be sure to follow the guidelines. Your organization will typically set a price limit for gifts and provide rules about the types of items allowed. At Goodly, we have a full range of affordable gifts to meet your needs.
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Check Out Our Selection of Silicone TumblersIt’s Only a Game
When people think of holiday gift giving, the focus is usually on personal gifts for friends or family members. Even a Secret Santa exchange in a workplace involves gifts purchased for an individual. A White Elephant exchange involves a different gifting strategy.
The White Elephant swap combines a gift exchange and a party game. No one knows who will end up with which gift. The first player chooses a wrapped gift from the pile. The next player can either steal that gift or choose another wrapped gift. Players continue this process of opening and exchanging until the game ends.
Swap rules vary from place to place. Some games have a time limit, and others limit the number of swaps. As the game continues, it becomes clear that some gifts are more desirable than others. Finally, everyone leaves with a fun gift to remember the event.
Choose Your Gift Wisely
What is a good White Elephant gift? It’s difficult to predict which presents will be the most popular. You may be surprised by the items that generate excitement. If you want to bring one of the best gifts to the next swap, remember it's all about having fun. Office gifts to avoid include anything that is mean-spirited or potentially embarrassing. Instead, look for a balance between the practical and whimsical.
Practical Gifts
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When someone opens your white elephant gift and says, “I could really use one of these,” you know you have chosen well. Your coworkers will always appreciate useful items like well-crafted desk supplies. At Goodly, we carry pens, pencils, and other work-related items that are both functional and playful.
Mugs and tumblers are affordable gifts that everyone can use. Coffee cups with funny sayings reflect a sense of humor. Silicone tumblers with simple lines offer a sense of style.
Funny dish towels and other kitchen items are also good choices for appropriate gifts. Colorful towels are both practical and decorative, adding a splash of color and good cheer to the cooking area.
Silly Fun
It's tempting to go for the silliest gift possible when shopping for a White Elephant swap. However, if the present has no practical value, it will end up at the bottom of a desk drawer or the back of a closet. One of our favorite gift categories is our funny designer socks. These items combine personal expression with comfort and function. We know there will be stiff competition when players unwrap these fun foot coverings.
Explore Our Wide Assortment of Funny SocksYour Secret Weapon for the Next White Elephant Gift Exchange
White Elephant gift exchanges are supposed to be fun, and the gifts people bring set the stage for enjoyment. The right present will lead to competitive swaps and intense gameplay. We have a wide selection of items appropriate for any occasion. If you need a creative, unique present for an upcoming event, start your search at Goodly.