Yankee Swap, Dirty Santa, The Grinch Game—whatever the heck you call it, taking turns stealing cheap presents from your beloved family and friends is a time-honored tradition we all look forward to each season. But let's be honest: the presents themselves have gotten, well, a little predictable.
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Plush blankets, Starbucks mugs, and Christmas tree-scented candles are all well and good. But fighting over the same mediocre gifts year after year gets old. Does anyone really need another pair of fuzzy socks? Uh, no. Something needs to change, and nothing spices up a holiday game quite like a set of arbitrary rules.
Rather than just setting a semi-enforced price limit on the gifts, why not throw a theme into the mix? Implementing a unique set of parameters forces your participants to get creative, and results in some hilariously weird (and actually good) presents making their way around the room. By the time the game's over, everyone will have something interesting to take home and some stories they'll be sharing for years to come.
So, if you're looking for a way to shake up Grandma's next White Elephant exchange, here are 10 TikTok-approved themes guaranteed to take your holiday game up a notch.
Gas Station
Put your participants to the test by challenging them to find the strangest, most unusual gift they can think of at a gas station. Whether it's a pack of beer or a rhinestone-adorned ball cap like this TikToker's family gifted, nothing lifts spirits quite like a piece of nostalgia from the place you get your Slurpees.
Stolen from Grandma's
Easily one of the best themes to come out of TikTok is "stolen from Grandma's." The rules are pretty straightforward: participants must venture into one family member's home (grandma's are ideal, but anyone from the group is fair game) at some point before the party and swipe a gift-worthy item—the more obvious, the better. Keep the person in the dark until the game and see how long it takes them to realize that every item was stolen from their own home.
And, of course, end the game by giving it all back.
As Seen on TV
If there was ever a time to indulge in one of those ridiculous As Seen on TV products, it's during a White Elephant game. For this theme, participants must bring something so absurdly unnecessary that there must have been a commercial in the middle of the night for it. If it doesn't have the red logo, it isn't allowed.
Hats
Another fun spin on the usual White Elephant rules? Hats only. Be it an elf-themed beanie or a sparkly fascinator, ask your guests to bring the most outrageous hat they can find. You'll know the game was a success if every family member is sporting an insane hat by the end of the night. Check out this family for some inspiration.
Shop From Home
Sometimes, the best White Elephant gifts are the ones already sitting in your closet. Challenge your family and friends to pursue their abodes like a curated department store and bring items they no longer need—but could be perfect for someone else. Bonus points if you up the theme to "from home and unopened," like this family did.
Thriftmas
Turn your White Elephant into a scavenger hunt by asking participants to buy the weirdest, most interesting item they can find at the thrift store. Whether it's a bowling ball or an old movie poster with obscure actors, the more random the item, the better. You'll know you've submitted a good gift if the person opening it says, "huh?"
Ornaments
Hosting an ornament exchange is a perfect opportunity to give and receive decorations for your tree. People can submit the classic Santa Claus, something handmade, or a piece that has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas—anything goes as long as it can be hung from a branch.
Favorite Things
A little less silly and a little more practical, a Favorite Things White Elephant Exchange is a great way to give gifts that people will actually use. Ask your guests to bring one of their favorite items they've purchased from themselves this year and prepare an explanation as to why they love it so much.
Things That Start With...
Pick any letter and ask participants to bring something that starts with that letter. And by anything, we mean anything. You could choose a holiday-esque letter like 'C' or 'S' or the first letter of your family's last name. For inspo, check out all the ridiculous gifts that came out of this family's R-themed White Elephant.
Books
Reading fanatics rejoice! Ask your family and friends to give their best book recommendation, like this TikToker did. Not only does this theme introduce participants to some great new reads, but it's also a chance for people to learn more about each other and their favorite authors.
White Elephant is a great way to get together with friends and family and have a good time. By giving the game a unique twist, you can make the experience even more memorable for everyone involved.
