We've been hosting a White Elephant Gift Exchange at our annual Christmas party for years. Here are some of the favorite ideas that have been used. A White Elephant is a gift exchange where you are supposed to bring something that you can't seem to get rid of or some kind of gag gift. We just had our 12th annual party and I've gone through most of the junk in my house, so I will buy or create something to give. For the exchange itself, people bring their gift wrapped and we take turns opening gifts. We assign an order for opening, and upon your turn you can either unwrap a new gift or steal one that has already been opened. Once a gift reaches the 3rd person (stolen twice) it cannot be stolen again. Here are some great ideas for a White Elephant exchange.
Personalized Items- Take an funny photo of someone and adhere it to something. This can really bring in some big laughs if you use the right photo. You can see the corny picture of my friend in the 'got wine' hat. Perfect addition to a bottle of wine with her initial on it. The pic of my friend to the right is from last year's New Year's Eve party that I put into an Iphone cover. We've also added photos to ornaments, snow globes, and candles.
Fish & Chips- This was an idea that a friend came up with a few years ago. It was so funny to unwrap a bag of live fish along with a can of chips.
Thrift Store Finds- I love browsing thrift stores and finding items. I usually get Christmassy stuff, but other themes can be funny too. This is what I found last week. Dancing/singing items go off well, such as hamsters, other animals, or trees. Festive hats or other accessories are good too.
Re-gift (Reoccurring) Gift- Every year people leave gifts they don't want at our house. Sometimes they hide them and we don't find them until later. I usually try to alter those gifts and use them the following year. Last year this duck cookie jar got left on our counter. It sat there ALL year long. My daughter & I decorated it with fabric scraps, Modge Podge, & glitter this year. It brought in lots of laughs! It's back on our counter. We might need to make some clothes for it next year!
White Elephants- Finally, elephants are a popular choice. In particular, white ones. We've started a little elephant collection at our house. First came the tea pot, then the salt & pepper shakers. That scary looking elephant at the bottom of the picture is a head I made in a pottery class. It has Xmas 2008 etched in the back. It actually belongs to my wine-o friend above.
What fun White Elephant gift ideas do you have?
