Don’t bring a gift anyone actually wants. That kills the fun. Bring something controversial—like a jar of pickled herring or a talking Christmas tree ornament.
If you open a gift that’s great (like a gift card), guard it with your life. Sit on it. Literally.
And the ultimate move: wait until the last pick. The final player can steal anything. That’s when you pounce like a hungry cat on a laser pointer.
Why This Game is Perfect for the Holidays
Forget “Secret Santa.” Too polite. Too boring. White Elephant is the pulse of a crazy family gathering.
It breaks ice. It reveals hidden rivalries. And it guarantees at least one photo of someone holding a mustard-bottle-shaped beer cozy.
Plus, you leave with a story, not just a gift. “Remember the year grandpa fought Aunt Carol over a deflated beach ball?” Legendary.
