Do You Know The Rules for the White Elephant Gift Exchange?

In the USA, typically, for the holidays, often at the office Christmas party, or other social gatherings, we will have a white elephant gift exchange (also called Secret Santa). Each person has to bring in one gift. They usually limit the price to $5 or $10. Nothing expensive. Something nice. Then we play the white elephant game, where people exchange gifts. It's pure wholesome happy holiday fun! (See link below.)

When you have a family, you don't usually do a gift exchange. However, if you have a large family, buying gifts for everyone can be quite expensive. Imagine me. I had a family of 7 brothers and 1 sister. Some of my brothers were married with kids. I was also married with kids. Shopping for that many people without breaking your bank was a real challenge. I managed somehow. But it wasn't easy!

But then I thought of the idea of doing a white elephant gift exchange for the family when we got together to enjoy the holiday meal. I figured it would cut down on the expense of having to buy several gifts. I tried to sell this idea to family members, but they wouldn't buy it.

Rules for a White Elephant Gift Exchange

• Do you participate in the gift exchange at social gatherings?

• What do you think of the idea of a gift exchange for the extended family?  Sometimes it's very expensive buying for lots of family members.  But perhaps if you did the white elephant exchange for the family get-together, it would be less expensive and probably more fun!

P.S.  Sometimes the White Elephant gift exchange is called Secret Santa.

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Here are some great options you can consider for a Secret Santa exchange — split into fun but practical and funny/gag categories!

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🎁 3 Fun but Practical Gifts

These are items people will actually use — but are still enjoyable and thoughtful.

1. Insulated Tumbler or Travel Mug
   Great for coffee, tea, or iced drinks on the go — fits in most car cup holders.

2. Mini Desk Game or Puzzle
   Think a small tabletop game (like magnetic darts, mini cornhole) or a brain teaser — fun breaks at work!

3. Cozy Socks or Fuzzy Slippers
   Everyone loves comfy feet — choose a fun pattern or theme to make it playful.

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😂 3 Funny or Gag Gifts

These are perfect for laughs and making your Secret Santa memorable.

1. Novelty Toilet Paper
   With jokes, crosswords, or funny prints — guaranteed chuckles in the bathroom.

2. “Emergency” Snack Stash (Silly Packaging)
   Pack snacks with a label like “In Case of Crisis — Break Glass (Open Now)”.

3. Ridiculous Desk Sign or Mug
   
   

Humorous Office Sign Funny Wooden Plaque For Desk Box Wood #OfficeDecor Sign Gift For Boss Coworker Friend Motivational Answer Desk Rates #Workplace Decoration 5.9x5.9 inch : https://t.co/1Sy46RHdVo#homeoroffice #SecretSanta #whiteelephant #giftexchange pic.twitter.com/3ZVAepaHX0

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 18, 2025

Fancy Land Funny Desk Signs 30 Cute Flip Over Messages for Office Supplies Desk Accessories https://t.co/uQ9mds6Knk #homeoroffice #SecretSanta #whiteelephant #giftexchange pic.twitter.com/QrMKu0peYd

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 18, 2025

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