Is A White Elephant Gift Exchange Right For Your Group?
Discover the fun, the quirks, and festive alternatives to white elephant exchanges — and make your holiday gathering unforgettable.

Planning a holiday party or gathering? A white elephant gift exchange might seem like the perfect centerpiece. But will it resonate with your group, or could there be better ways to create a fun and memorable experience?
When it comes to holiday party games, few are as widely known as the white elephant gift exchange. The basic premise is simple: Purchase something inexpensive that will get some laughs or head scratches when some one chooses the gift.
White elephant gift exchanges are planned to foster light-hearted fun, especially in settings like the workplace, social clubs, and family gatherings. The unpredictable nature of the game, where gifts can be unexpectedly funny, bizarre or oddly useful like gift cards, encourages people to let their guard down, share laughs, and build connections. It can be a chance for colleagues or group members to see a more relaxed, playful side of each other, strengthening team bonds.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Not sold on the idea of a white elephant exchange? There are other creative ways to celebrate that can still bring holiday cheer to your group's gathering.
Festive alternatives to white elephant gift exchange
Here are a few alternative activities that can make your holiday gathering special while creating connection:
Secret Santa exchange - Participants are randomly assigned to buy a thoughtful gift for a specific person in the group. This approach allows for more intentional giving, as it often involves learning about the recipient’s preferences and selecting something they’d enjoy. It still keeps an element of surprise but adds a personal touch that many find more meaningful.
Ornament exchange - Everyone brings an ornament to swap, either through a random draw or by assigning exchange partners in advance. In the end, each participant walks away with a charming keepsake to decorate their home for future holiday seasons.
Holiday donation drive - Instead of a gift exchange, participants contribute to a chosen cause or organization. This approach creates a sense of community, reinforces the spirit of giving, and supports those in need during the holiday season.
Pros and cons of white elephant gifting
Before making a final decision, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of a white elephant gift exchange.
White elephant gift exchanges can offer a great, stress-free way for everyone to be included and have fun, regardless of how expensive of a gift they can afford. Additionally, this holiday party game is great for those who don't seem to need or want anything. The point is to have fun and laugh rather than to feel pressured about buying something that most people will want.
On the other hand, some people simply don't enjoy exchanging silly gifts, especially when there's a chance no one will want any of them because they're items aimed at getting some laughs. Additionally, some people might feel awkward trying to pick out something for a gift exchange, and those whose gift is stolen might feel hurt. Finally, some people might feel like participating in a white elephant gift exchange is simply a waste of money.
Whether or not white elephant gifting fits your crowd, the goal is the same: to create moments of joy and connection. Choose the activities that best suit your group’s spirit, and you’re sure to make lasting holiday memories.
Holiday gift exchange deals
- Shop Amazon gifts under $25
- Shop Costco gifts under $25
- Shop Walmart gifts under $25
- Shop Target gifts under $25
- Shop Etsy gifts under $25
RELATED CONTENT
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Jacob is the founder and CEO of ValueWalk. What started as a hobby 10 years ago turned into a well-known financial media empire focusing in particular on simplifying the opaque world of the hedge fund world. Before doing ValueWalk full time, Jacob worked as an equity analyst specializing in mid and small-cap stocks. Jacob also worked in business development for hedge funds. He lives with his wife and five children in New Jersey. Full Disclosure: Jacob only invests in broad-based ETFs and mutual funds to avoid any conflict of interest.
-
Is Your Social Security Earnings Record Wrong? Here's How to Fix It
Your Social Security benefits are based on your Social Security earnings record. It's important to review your records to avoid having your benefits reduced.
-
Stock Market Today: Markets Discount Another U.S. Downgrade
After Friday's closing bell, Moody's followed Standard & Poor's and Fitch and cut its rating on U.S. government debt.
-
Walmart Raising Prices Soon — Here’s Which Products Will Cost You More This Summer
If you heard about Walmart raising prices, here are the key details you need to know ahead of your next shopping trip.
-
How to Save $50 on a Sam’s Club Membership
This Sam’s Club membership deal from Stack Social saves you up to $50 and gets you a full year of access to the warehouse club.
-
Ford Sticker Shock: Tariffs Trigger Price Hikes on Popular Models
Why Ford is raising prices on three of its popular models and what it means for car buyers.
-
Sugar Rush: Kentucky Boy Orders $4,000 in Lollipops from Mom's Phone
A Kentucky mom was surprised to find her son ordered 70,000 lollipops from Amazon. Here's how to ensure a similar oopsie doesn't happen to you.
-
14 Mother’s Day Gifts That Are a Boost to Her Bank Account
These Mother’s Day gifts show your appreciation and save her money at the same time.
-
Walmart Scan & Go: Does It Really Save Time?
Is Walmart’s Scan & Go really faster? Learn how this Walmart+ feature works, its pros and cons, and whether it actually saves you time and hassle at checkout.
-
Amazon’s Prime Day Faces Tariff Troubles: What Shoppers Need to Know
Amazon Prime Day 2025 is happening this July, but new tariffs and supply chain issues could affect deals and availability. Here’s what shoppers need to know before they load their carts.
-
Baby on the Way? Tariffs Could Raise Prices on Must-Have Infant Gear
Upcoming tariffs on baby items like car seats and cribs could raise costs for families, but shopping smart can help you save.