The Best White Elephant Gift Exhange (A Fun, Paper Bag Version)

We’ve all been there – sitting in a circle, clutching a wrapped package that’s probably a regifted candle, wondering how we got roped into yet another White Elephant gift exchange.

Nah, forget that mess. I’m here to show you how to turn this holiday tradition from a cringe-fest into the highlight of your social calendar.

Here we goooooooo!

Psst! As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases-at no extra cost to you. But, I’m picky: I only share the good stuff. If it’s not useful or fun, it’s not on my list. Check this out if you wanna know more.

Out with the Old White Elephant Gift Exchange, In with the New Paper Bag White Elephant Gift Exchante

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to pour one out for the traditional White Elephant game.

You know the drill – wrapped presents, numbered players, and the dreaded “stuck with the gag gift” scenario.

Been there, done that, got the ugly Christmas sweater to prove it.

In the old version, if you were unlucky enough to get stuck with the dud gift, you were essentially benched for the rest of the game.

And that kinda sucks.

The Rules for the Paper Bag White Elephant Gift Exchange: Dice, Doubles, and Delightful Mayhem

Gather your guests in a circle and prepare for the madness to unfold.

I’ve found that a whiteboard (or a set of individual sheets with the rules) is a game-changer.

After a few rounds (and maybe a few drinks), you’ll be grateful for the visual aid.

Before we dive into the chaos, let’s set the stage.

In the center of your game play circle, place the Ultimate Gift – a tantalizing, brightly-wrapped mystery prize that’ll keep everyone on their toes.

But here’s the kicker: top it with 7 candy bars or other small, fun gifts (more about this later).

This little twist adds a whole new layer of excitement to the game

Anyway, here’s the lowdown on how to play:

1. Every player brings an unwrapped White Elephant Present that fits in a LARGE BROWN PAPER BAG. Here’s some large brown bags that should work great!
   
   Make sure that you have enough brown paper bags for everyone AND 2 dice handy that can be used for the game.
   
2. When guests arrive, they put their gift in a brown bag. One gift, one bag. Each player needs to have a gift or the game won’t work.
   
3. Sit everyone in a circle. Everyone should put their bags somewhere in the middle of the circle.
   
4. Explain the rules. People will forget (yep, that’s a thing) So, a whiteboard with the rules or indivudal printable sheets are a must – unless you LOOOOOVE repeating yourself like a hyperactive parrot.
   
5. Everyone grabs a brown bag and gives a quick sneak peek of their gift to the rest of the group.
   
6. Roll the dice and let fate decide your destiny. The youngest player can go first and then rotate to the right:
   • Doubles: Switch bags with someone of your choice or choose 2 player to switch their bags
   • Roll a 5: All bags shift once to the right
   • Roll a 9: Bags get passed three times to the left
   • Any other number: Pass the dice and cross your fingers
     
7. Snake Eyes (double ones): Choose a candy bar or small gift from the center OR swap bags with someone else
   
8. When all small gifts/candy bars are gone in the middle are gone, the next Snake Eyes roll wins the Ultimate Prize and ends the game

Once the game ends, everyone opens their bags to reveal their final prizes.

Let me tell you, the anticipation in the room at this moment is palpable.

Legit. You’ll see grown adults turn into giddy children as they unwrap their mystery gifts. So. Much. Fun.

Keeping the Game Spicy

This Snake Eyes rule adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.

Do you go for the immediate gratification of a candy bar, or risk it all for a potentially better gift in someone else’s bag?

You will see friendships tested and alliances formed over these decisions.

But, that’s part of the fun.

Why The White Elephant Paper Bag Version Sleighs the Competition

This dice-rolling, bag-swapping extravaganza keeps everyone in the game and super excited until the very end.

No more sad faces clutching unwanted gifts while others battle it out for the good stuff.

Talk about a buzzkill, right?

In this version, even the person with the “World’s Best Cat Dad” mug (despite not owning a cat) has a shot at redemption until the final roll.

Tips for White Elephant Success

1. Mix It Up: Encourage a blend of practical and outrageous gifts. The juxtaposition of a high-end bluetooth speaker next to a “World’s Okayest Employee” mug is comedy gold.
   
2. Set a Price Range: This keeps things fair and prevents that one overachiever from showing everyone up with a PS5. A $10 to $30 gift is perfectly fine.
   
3. Theme It: One year, we did a “As Seen on TV” theme. Let’s just say, there were a lot of Snuggies and Shake Weights in circulation.
   
4. Document the Madness: Assign a photographer (like your dependable cousin) or set up a photo booth. These moments are too good not to capture for posterity (and future blackmail).

Hosting Tips: How to Be the Party Legend You Were Born to Be

Want to host a White Elephant party that’ll have people talking until next Christmas? Here’s how:

1. Set the mood: Transform your living room into a winter wonderland. Or at least hide the laundry pile.
2. Playlist on point: Curate a mix of holiday classics and modern bops. Just maybe skip the 10-hour loop of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
3. Snacks galore: Nothing kills the holiday spirit faster than hangry guests eyeing each other’s gifts.
4. Be prepared: Have extra paper bags and pens on hand for the inevitable unprepared guest.

Your Turn (Let’s Get Social)

What’s the most ridiculous White Elephant gift you’ve ever received? Bonus points if it’s still collecting dust in your closet!