The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a White Elephant Party
As a creative professional in the Bay Area who loves to host theme parties, I’ve attended (and hosted) my fair share of White Elephant parties. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to elevate this classic holiday tradition from fun to unforgettable. Whether you’re sticking to the traditional rules or ready to try out a creative twist, White Elephant parties are the perfect way to bring friends and family together for laughter, surprises, and maybe a little strategic stealing.
Rethinking the White Elephant Party Tradition
A typical White Elephant party involves everyone bringing a wrapped gift, drawing numbers, and either choosing a new gift or “stealing” an already-opened one. While this formula is tried and true, there’s no rule that says you can’t switch things up. For example, my girlfriends and I host a "Gold Elephant" party every year, where the theme is fancy and desirable gifts. This completely changes the dynamic into more of a high-stakes stealing game—and let me tell you, it’s a blast. No awkward moments when someone’s left holding a gag gift they hate. Instead, it’s all about strategizing for the gift everyone wants.
Of course, if you prefer the chaos of mixing quirky, useful, and downright silly items, the traditional White Elephant approach is still a hit. Just remember one thing: don’t be the person who brings the lame gift no one wants to steal. Trust me, you don’t want to see your contribution become the dreaded leftover at the end of the night.
Themes and Variations for Your White Elephant Party
If you want to make your party stand out, consider introducing a theme. Here are some fun ideas:
Gold Elephant: Set a higher price limit (e.g., $50-$75) and encourage upscale, desirable gifts like wine sets, luxury candles, or gourmet gift baskets.
Gag Gift Only: Keep it hilarious with items like oversized underwear, toilet seat nightlights, or a framed photo of Nicolas Cage. The goal here is to make people laugh.
DIY White Elephant: Challenge guests to bring homemade gifts. Think baked goods, hand-knitted scarves, or even a framed piece of their own art.
Re-Gift Edition: Encourage guests to dig through their closets for unused items. Just be prepared for some strange surprises—one year, someone brought a singing fish plaque, and it became the hottest item of the night.
Color-Coordinated: Assign a color for all gifts, such as gold, red, or green, for a cohesive aesthetic.
Tips for a Successful White Elephant Exchange
Set the Rules in Advance Decide on the price range (e.g., $15-$30), whether gag gifts are allowed, and how many times a gift can be “stolen.” Share the rules with guests ahead of time.
Encourage Creative Wrapping A cleverly wrapped gift adds to the fun. One of the best I’ve seen? A bladder of boxed wine wrapped to jiggle ominously—no one could figure out what it was until it was unwrapped.
Create a Festive Atmosphere Set the tone with holiday music, themed decorations, and maybe a signature cocktail or mocktail. A cozy and welcoming vibe makes the whole experience more enjoyable
Gift Ideas That Will Be the Star of the Party
Gifts People Will Fight Over
Electric Wine Aerator: Perfect for the wine lover in the group.
High-End Board Game: Classics like Catan or Ticket to Ride never fail.
Fancy Travel Mugs: Think Stanley or Yeti.
Portable Massagers: Small, handheld massagers are always a hit.
Gag Gifts That Actually Delight
Unicorn Onesie: I won one once, and it’s still a favorite.
Beer Shower Holder: Yes, it’s a thing—and yes, it’s hilarious.
Funny Kitchen Gadgets: Like a banana slicer or avocado saver.
Giant Gummy Bear: One year this was the most sought-after item.
Classy and Practical
Luxury Candles: Everyone loves a great-smelling candle.
Cozy Throw Blanket: Ideal for curling up on a cold night.
Gourmet Snacks: Think charcuterie kits or fancy popcorn sets.
Perfume or Cologne: Everyone appreciates a new signature scent.
Unexpected Hits
Mini Projector: Perfect for movie nights.
DIY Cocktail Kit: Include a small liquor bottle, mixers, and a recipe card.
Subscription Box Sampler: Wrap a gift card for a meal kit or wine subscription
The Let Them Theory: This top-selling book by Mel Robbins is life-changing.
The Dos and Don’ts of White Elephant Gifting
DO: Bring something you’d be happy to take home. Even gag gifts should be thoughtful.
DON’T: Bring something that screams “last-minute” or “re-gifted without thought.” (Looking at you, random office supplies.)
DO: Think about your audience. A group of coworkers might appreciate safe, neutral gifts, while close friends might prefer something bold or funny.
Party on white elephant style
White Elephant parties are about more than the gifts—they’re a chance to connect, laugh, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re hosting your own or just attending, make the experience your own. Bring a gift that gets people talking, stealing, and laughing, and you’ll be the hero of the night.
Want more holiday gift guides? Check out: Airbnb Host Gift Guide
