Q&A for How to Organize a White Elephant Gift Exchange

No, it's more fun if you don't know who the gift is from until the game ends.

It depends on how the host sets up the rules, but if the rules say that the person unwraps the gifts when they get them, then the first person is the only one that does not know what the other gifts are. To make it balanced, the first person gets a second turn at the end, and the game is over.

No.

It depends on the rules you set up ahead of time. Many groups decide to make this against the rules, but it is totally up to you.

No, the reason for a white elephant exchange is that they don't know what they're switching for, so their present can either be bad or good.

If this is a consistent problem, just institute a rule that this cannot be done. And add, perhaps, the first person can make an exchange at the end.

Mark what kind of gift it is on the outside of the package, i.e., "kid's gift," "adult gift," "male gift," etc.

You can always talk to the person after the game and make a trade. Or try to figure out where the original person got the gift so you can buy one. Not everyone gets an awesome gift in this game, and that's a reality.

No, there are no dice involved. Just follow the instructions in the article.

It is based on the legend of the King of Siam giving rare albino elephants to courtiers that displeased him. It was an honor to have an albino elephant, but it was very costly to take care of one; the king hoped that the courtiers would go bankrupt.

That does not happen in a "White Elephant" or "Yankee Swap". In this game, you do not know who the eventual recipient will be.

It depends on how the host sets up the rules. They could stay wrapped until the end, so the person with the gift won't know if it's good or bad, or it can be opened right away, and if it is a good gift, lots of stealing will happen.

No, there aren't any stories, but you can certainly make up something of your own.

It isn't required, but it is funny and they will probably get frustrated while unwrapping it.

Anywhere. Living room, office, backyard, restaurant, etc. You just need space for the gifts and seating (though some people could stand if they didn't mind).