White elephant gift exchange: rules and variations

What is a white elephant exchange?

A white elephant exchange, also called Yankee swap or Dirty Santa, is a gift game without a draw beforehand. Everyone brings a gift, and the game decides on the spot who gets what. It is called Schrottwichteln in German. Because it is not about personal taste, it also suits groups who do not know each other well.

The process step by step

• Everyone brings a wrapped gift. A small budget, for example 5 euros, keeps the game fair.
• All gifts go on a table, wrapped and without names.
• The order is drawn, for example with slips of paper or a die.
• When it is your turn you choose: unwrap a new gift or steal an already unwrapped gift from someone else.
• Whoever had a gift stolen is up next and chooses again.
• The game ends when everyone has a gift.

Rules against constant stealing

So that a gift does not change hands all the time, many groups agree on limits beforehand:

• A gift can be stolen at most two or three times, after that it is locked.
• Someone who just lost a gift may not take it straight back.
• Optional: the person who went first may swap with anyone at the end.

Popular variations

• Dice game: the gifts lie in the middle and everyone rolls a die in turn. On a certain number you may take or steal a gift until all gifts are handed out.
• Story game: someone reads a story aloud. Every time the words “right” and “left” come up, everyone passes their gift in that direction. Whatever you hold at the end of the story is yours.
• Useful instead of junk: the gifts should be practical, for example sweets, candles or mugs.

Tips for a great game

• State budget and rules up front in the invitation.
• Rule out offensive or dangerous gifts, especially at work.
• Plan 30 to 60 minutes depending on group size.
• One person runs the game and watches the rules.

When classic Secret Santa fits better

A white elephant exchange thrives on play and laughter. If you would rather have personal gifts with a wishlist, classic Secret Santa is the better choice: everyone gives to one drawn person. Wichtellab organizes that for you, from the invitation through the wishes to the draw.

Frequently asked questions about white elephant

How many people do you need for a white elephant exchange?

It is fun from about five people. There is hardly an upper limit, but the game takes longer.

What is the difference between Secret Santa and white elephant?

In classic Secret Santa the draw happens beforehand and the gift suits the person. In a white elephant exchange everyone brings a gift that is handed out, swapped and stolen on the spot.

What budget suits a white elephant exchange?

A common range is 5 to 10 euros. A small budget makes the game funnier and nobody feels pressured.