White Elephant Rules: How to Play in Five Steps
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White elephant rules are simple: everyone brings one wrapped gift, you draw numbers for the order, and each person in turn either opens a new gift or steals one already opened. A gift can usually be stolen only a set number of times.
How to Play in Five Steps
First, everyone brings one wrapped gift, within an agreed budget, and puts it in the pile. Second, draw numbers to set the order. Third, player one opens any gift. Fourth, each next player either opens a new gift or steals one already opened; whoever loses a gift opens a new one or steals another. Fifth, when every gift is open, the game ends, and everyone keeps what they hold.
Common House Rules
Most groups add limits: a gift can be stolen three times at most, and then it’s frozen. You can’t steal back a gift that was just taken from you. Player one usually gets a last turn, because they had nothing to steal at the start.
Spin a Twist Into It
Use the white elephant wheel on a big screen to decide each turn: swap with the person on your left, everyone passes, steal, or open. It keeps the game moving, and quiet players get a go without having to steal from anyone.
Good Gifts and a Fair Budget
Agree a budget first, and keep it low: $15 to $25 suits most offices and families. The best gifts are funny and also useful, like a silly mug, a board game or a good snack box.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can a gift be stolen in white elephant?
Three is the usual limit, but agree on it before you start.
What’s the difference between white elephant and Secret Santa?
In Secret Santa you draw one name and buy for that person. In white elephant the gifts are for anyone, and players swap and steal them during the game.
How many people do you need?
Six or more works best. Above twenty, split into groups, or the game runs long.
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