We have 3 Christmas parties this year that require a White Elephant gift. I love this game. It was horrifying to watch “The Office” play it, but it is always fun to see what people give. Sometimes there are those gifts that are really just garbage and people should think twice about wrapping them. Then there are the gifts that continue to get traded and traded. Or the gift that seems to keep popping up every year with the same group of people. My friend Becca has had her gift ready for 3 months, now that’s dedication.
Here are some fun White Elephant gift ideas:
- A real “white elephant”. I made a white towel elephant once and it was funny. Here is a tutorial on how to make a Towel Elephant, or watch the video on how to make a different towel Elephant.
- My sister did a party once where all the ladies were in on it and they gave away their husband’s most prized possessions. The first husband didn’t think it was funny. The wife played it off that she really didn’t think that he cared that much about it. In the end, they all got their stuff back.
- My book club is doing a “white elephant book exchange”. You find a book off the shelf that you no longer need and wrap it up. I am super excited for this one, because it is different. We are even going to allow the 2 times to “steal”. I hope there are some good books.
- My cousin, Mark, recorded himself singing about 10 songs onto a Christmas album. It was a total hit and everyone wanted it. It was complete with a picture of him in a holiday sweater, holding a cozy dog, and drinking cocoa.
I need some more ideas for this year’s slew of White Elephant parties. What do you have to give?
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The homemade CD is the funniest thing I have ever heard!!! I usually give away the kitschy figurines my step-mom buys for me. But, I’m always the one laughing the hardest. Sometimes I’ll bring a box of chocolates because it’s fun to see everyone go for them.
Great ideas, Marie!
The husband gift idea is a terrible idea. I’m sick to my stomach to think of our TV being wrapped up and given away.
A friend of ours gave us a Yanni CD and a pair of handcuffs. It was funny, but I still can’t figure it out!
Well, it seems our White Elephant parties have been…a little on the odd side. Last year, we received a lovely little embroidered pillow, like the one you’d find on your grandmother’s couch. Cream, with rasberry trim. Then I read it – one side said “Tonight.” (Cute, right? I’m thinking countdown to Christmas or Santa coming.) The other side said, “Not Tonight.” I’m slow, but…yeah. That one’s hidden, and gonna be wrapped back up and sent back to the White Elephant party this year!!
When I was younger I made a batch of chocolate dipped peanut butter balls and put them in a big old-fashioned jar and wrapped those up. That gift was “stolen” by just about everyone in the room.
There’s one more that’s been traded around my husband’s family for at least 10 years. I got it last time I was there for the party because I stole it from a little 8 year old. The gift MADE HER CRY. It’s just a raunchy little Chia pet, but everyone was laughing at her for picking it. (It’s the one everyone wants to get rid of.) Since good, family people read this site, I’ll spare you the details. Write to me if you really want to know!
Oh Marie, I so hope you get our white elephant this year. Chris ordered it two months ago.
Lindsey – I love doing chocolates. Those do seem to be the ones that get traded a lot.
Jordan – I wasn’t thinking of giving the TV away, even though I know it is one your favorites. No, I was thinking of your Star Wars action figure collection. They are gathering dust and are not even out of their boxes yet!! Just kidding, Honey, I love you.
Neffgang – I am sure you and Steph figured out the use of the Yanni and handcuffs. But just in case, I will watch out for your gift at the next party.
Teah – I love the pillow. I hope it is getting sent back to the same party. I love when things come back into existence.
Alyssa – I see you are just as prepared as Becca. I love that it was ordered and by Chris!!
My father-in-law gave my sons ET walkie talkies last year and I was thinking they would be PERFECT for our Yankee Swap. If I can’t wrestle those from their hands then I was thinking of turning an old hoodie into a dinosaur hoodie. Have fun.
OK come on guys. The Tonight or not Tonight is obviously a pillow that goes in your bed….to tell the Hubby when your not in the mood.
And you need to make it more fun than chocolate.
How about Mens White Elephant Underwear.
A White Elephant Figurine.
or a Fart O Gram
Okay, some how I missed this post last time I was at the site. I just love white elephant exchanges. But I prefer the gag gifts over the nice gifts.
So this year I told my family they had to purchase one item from the dollar store. I can’t wait. I think I found the best gag gift there. A do rag. And the picture on the front of the packaging is hilarious. He’s wearing the do rag and trying to look extra sexy in it (he’s not). cant wait, LOL
My wife participated in one of those white elephant gift exchanges where the wives were in on it and the husbands were not.
In fact, it was the one hosted by your sister.
In fact, I’m the husband who didn’t think it was very funny.
It was the worst Christmas party of my life.
Years of counseling have been expensive and not particularly effective in providing closure. It still touches a raw nerve when I’m reminded of it. Like in your blog.
Thanks a lot.
You need better ideas. A rubber band -condoms blown up and playing instruments. Sling shot-giant bra with rocks in it. Martha Stewart slipper-two maxi pads one flat, one rounded over the top (preferrably with flowery designs on them).
also a brief case-giant mens underwear with a handle on it.
We do it a little different; we must because we have a limit of spending. And I always try to buy liquor that fits with in the limit. EVERYONE wants the gift. :)