The holidays offer a chance to reconnect with friends and family, and give us an excuse to have a little fun around the office with our co-workers, and one of the most common ways we do this is by giving gifts. But we, as humans, also like playing games, so it only makes sense that we would combine these two passions into one this time of year in the form of holiday gift exchanges. And the two most popular kinds of gift exchanges are White Elephant and Secret Santa. But where did these traditions get started, and what kinds of gifts are appropriate for each?
Here's a closer look at these holiday classics as well as some inspiration to ensure your gift exchange is a success.
White Elephant gift exchanges
Legend has it that this party gets its name from the passive-aggressive, gift-giving habits of an ancient king of Thailand. Whenever someone left him displeased, he'd “honor" them with the gift of a white elephant. These animals may have been beautiful, but they were useless and expensive to keep. Today's white elephant parties are a little less mean spirited, but the tradition of gifting something a little “funky" remains.
Make sure you get something that your gift getter will actually like. You might think that a 'gag gift' will be really funny, but it might not be.
james cooper
Christmas expert and manager of WhyChristmas.com
There are many variations on how the game is played, but the general rules remain the same. Each player brings one present, and everyone participates in a game that determines the order in which the gifts are received. This could be as simple as drawing names from a hat or as elaborate as playing bingo or another party game.
When someone's turn is up, they get to choose a present from the community pile OR decide to steal one from someone else. (It's up to the game host whether you unwrap presents as you receive them or wait until the end.) Sometimes there's a limit on how many times a gift can be stolen, while others prefer to facilitate a free-for-all.
White elephant exchanges work best when gifts range from quirky to quality. Ideally, you want multiple people fighting over a few items and lots of laughs over the weirdest presents. But, above all, no one should take the gift exchange too seriously — it's an opportunity for some lighthearted fun and mischief.
Secret Santa gift exchanges
Secret Santa is the more traditional of the two types of gift exchanges and has been around longer — but in case you haven't heard of it, we went straight to an authority to explain more about it.
“Secret Santa is a way of anonymously giving gifts," says James Cooper, Christmas expert and manager of WhyChristmas.com. More specifically, it involves a group of people writing each of their names on a slip of paper and putting them all into a hat (perhaps, even a Santa hat), and then each participant pulling out a name at random. Then, they buy a present for the person whose name they picked without letting the recipient know who it is from.
Sometimes, small gifts are distributed in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with the grand finale taking place at a Christmas party. The goal is to be sneaky; you don't want anyone identifying you as their gift giver until the big reveal.
But despite how common Secret Santa parties are today, no one really knows how the tradition started.
“It might have begun in Sweden with a custom called 'Julklapp' ('Christmas knock')," Cooper explains. “Several hundred years ago, there was a tradition where you would knock on the door of a friend or neighbor and then leave a small gift (often made from straw or wood) behind on the doorstep. The gift would include a little motto or riddle to help people work out who had left the gift.
"There's also the legend of Saint Nicholas (the original Santa) giving money anonymously to a poor family by dropping coins into a shoe or stocking," Cooper continues. "This means that he was literally the first 'Secret Santa'!"
For those putting on a Secret Santa party, Cooper has some advice.
“Make sure you get something that your gift getter will actually like. You might think that a gag gift will be really funny, but it might not be," he says. "I also recommend setting a monetary limit, so all the presents are of relatively equal value."
Now, let's explore some popular White Elephant and Secret Santa gift ideas.
White Elephant gift ideas under $25
Fun and whimsical, these white elephant gifts will be the highlight of your party.
Christmas Tree Seed Grow Kit
The plant lovers at your party will be fighting over this clever kit that's designed to grow a balsam fir from seed. They'll remember your thoughtfulness every winter as they watch it grow.
12 Games of Christmas
Keep everyone laughing this Christmas with a collection of 12 amusing holiday-themed games. They offer the perfect segue to other activities once the White Elephant exchange is over.
Holiday Malted Milk Balls Jar
These premium chocolate candies come packaged in a holiday-themed resealable quart jar. If you're unsure what to get, this simple treat should appeal to almost everyone.
Classic Fruitcake
Dive into a Christmas tradition with a fruitcake served in a decorative tin. This timeless treat is chock full of candied fruits, nuts, and warming spices for a delicious take on a holiday classic.
Warm Wishes Holiday Trivets
Help your White Elephant giftee keep things festive for the holiday with these seasonally appropriate fabric trivets. They're the perfect size for a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
Holiday Appetizer Plates
These cute, holiday-inspired plates make for a perfect small gift. Each in the set of four showcases a cozy winter scene.
Snowy Merriment Gift Box
Make sure there's plenty to munch on during the holiday movie season with this gift box filled with three flavors of popcorn: butter, cheese, and cinnamon sugar.
DIY Macrame Plant Hanger Kit
Liven up a boring winter night with this DIY gift for making a classic macrame plant hanger. All necessary crafting supplies, as well as a step-by-step booklet and video tutorial, are included.
Apple Cider Doughnut Baking Mix
Bring the taste of the cider mill home with this kit for 12 crumbly cinnamon-spiced doughnuts. It's perfect for beginners and expert bakers alike.
White Elephant gift ideas under $50
Don't let the White Elephant theme prevent you from sharing one of these gifts. They're memorable for all the right reasons.
Bad Christmas Movie Bingo
The family holiday gathering will never be the same after you introduce this bingo game that's meant to be played while you're watching made-for-TV holiday movies. Fifteen unique bingo cards mean the whole crew can play.
Cinnaberry and Gingerbread Kringle
Danish kringle wreaths are a unique holiday favorite, and these versions provide a one-two punch of the traditional flavors of the season.
Holiday Legacy Trio
Not one, not two, but three classic treats get the holiday treatment in this delightful gift. A cinnamon swirl, Hawaiian macadamia nut cake, and pair of baklava come nestled in a decorative tin that can be used as holiday décor — or even as packaging for future White Elephant gifts.
Rainbow Bagel Making Kit
Let the lucky recipient tap into their inner child with this unique kit that comes with supplies and instructions for making a dozen of these colorful treats.
The Couple's Bucket List
Inspire your friends to make the most of their time this year with this fun date night activity. It provides 100 cards with prompts for serious, silly —and spicy! — activities to help their relationships grow. An excellent gift for an adults-only party!
Holiday Sweet Treats
Cookie and candy lovers will appreciate this gift of premium popcorn, shortbread cookies, chocolate-covered cherries, and chocolate truffles.
Set of Four Greeting Card Puzzles
Help your White Elephant recipient while away the winter hours with these 60-piece postcard puzzles inspired by the works of Andy Warhol.
Align Your Chakra Tea Set
Promote well-being among your fellow partygoers with this ceramic tumbler and tea infuser, which is equipped with five types of chai. Each tea sachet contains a blend of warming spices renowned for their ability to stimulate mental clarity.
Secret Santa gift ideas under $25
These cute and thoughtful gifts will ensure your Secret Santa partner feels cared about.
Hottie Tottie Cocktail Infusion Kit
Give the mixologist in your life some libation inspiration this holiday season with a cocktail infusion kit. This blend of apple, pear, and fall spices kicks up the flavor and adds a warming effect to whiskey, brandy, or bourbon (sold separately).
Personalized Chili Bowl
Warm up your gift partner this holiday with their own custom chili bowl. It can be personalized with any first or last name within the design.
Ribbon Candy Gift Box
This sweet treat is a holiday classic for a reason. Each box of delicate ribbon candy contains five flavors: cinnamon, lemon, cherry, clove, and peppermint.
Personalized Christmas Dog Treats
Make sure those canine companions get some love this season, too. These holiday-themed dog treats can include any pet's name and come in two cute Christmas designs.
Choice of Two Teas
Nothing is more warming on a chilly winter day than a hot cup of tea. Or, your Secret Santa can save these for when the temperature warms up and make themselves a pitcher of iced tea. Either way, for a person who loves tea, this is a no-brainer.
Personalized Christmas Mailbox and Treat Gift Set
This cute and customizable gift tin comes shaped as a mailbox and is stuffed with holiday treats. Choose any name to be inscribed on the side to add a personal touch.
Christmas Plaid Wine Glass Collection
Spice up those holiday drinks with a customized wineglass printed with the name of your secret Santa partner.
Personalized Holiday Tumbler
Let your Secret Santa know you think they're special with a tumbler personalized with their name. These BPA-free cups are well suited to both hot and cold beverages and come in five charming designs: penguin, reindeer, polar bear, snowman, and sloth.
Secret Santa gift ideas under $50
Amp up the party with these specialty gifts anyone would be thrilled to receive.
Ghirardelli All That Glitters Bin
Decadent treats are always appreciated. This collection of gourmet chocolates, cookies, pretzels, and hot cocoa comes in a festive blue bin.
Choice of Four Cookie Boxes
This sweet gift — or gifts, rather — has something to satisfy every taste. Choose from eight different cookie varieties, including pumpkin pecan biscotti, lemon tea cookies, and vanilla shortbread cookies.
DIY 3D Puzzle
These dollhouse puzzle kits can entertain anyone — especially the person who likes mind benders — on dark winter nights. Full instructions explain how to make and assemble every intricate detail.
Bakery Sampler Box
Make mornings a little easier for your gift recipient with this box bursting with scrumptious bakery staples. They'll enjoy ground coffee, sourdough English muffins, a chocolatey scone and loaf cake, and a cinnamon roll covered in icing.
Sending Sunshine Spa Gift
Help them chase away their winter blues with this bright and sunny spa kit. It includes a hand-poured soy candle, calendula bath bomb, lavender and rose salt tubes, and a live succulent.
Merry Baking Mixes
Delight that person who loves spending time in the kitchen with a trio of baking mixes, including sugar cookie, mint brownie, and monkey bread. These make it easy for them to fill their home with the aromas and tastes of the holiday season.
Holiday Hot Chocolate Tin Collection
Give the warming gift of cocoa, and not just any cocoa — the finest and most popular varieties Harry & David makes. Each of the four holiday-themed canisters is filled with a different flavor: Belgian white chocolate, peppermint, milk chocolate, and caramel. Just add water or milk for an even more decadent drink.
May Your Days Be Merry and Bright Candle
Add a cheerful glow to the home with this terra cotta tea light candleholder. The replaceable candles light up the words carved on the exterior.
Sparkling Happy Holidays Treats Gift Box
Any Secret Santa participant would be thrilled to receive this treat box stuffed with holiday cookies. They'll get to enjoy frosted buttercream frosted cookies, sugar cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and more.
AUTHOR
Lydia Noyes specializes in content creation related to environmental topics, homesteading, organic gardening, health, fitness, and nutrition. Her online writing is featured in hundreds of articles for brands and publications within the health and wellness industry, including the popular gardening website, Rural Sprout.