Many know that the real story of white elephant gifts began with the Asian kings of Burma and Siam. White (albino) elephants were extremely important and valuable creatures in these Asian countries, so receiving this elephant gift from the king would be a huge honor and make the receiver the envy of all the land.
Somehow the tradition of valuable gift sharing morphed into a gift exchange game and we now call them white elephant gift exchanges.
Here is how the white elephant game got started:
The white elephant gift exchange or Yankee swap started with the need to increase social engagement at group parties; particularly office gift events, where additional activities could act as conversation starters. Eventually people learned the high level of fun and banter that were created with the gift swapping game, so it spread to other groups.
In most areas of the US it is called a white elephant gift exchange, but in the Northeastern US it is more commonly called a Yankee swap. There are at least 31 different titles given to this same gift sharing party game (reach-out and I will provide you with a list) Ether way it is a unique gift giving system that continues to be popular.
Offering gifts is an expression of kindness or love among close-knit groups, so gift giving has always been an important part of our social support structure. The issue for businesses and other groups is that hosting a gift exchange party includes the requirement that gifts be purchased. Many groups had used a secret Santa exchange format and found that there where issues that arose when spending was ether extravagant or cheap.
In an effort to bring gift giving budgets into line and to offer a fun activity during the party, the gift swap game was developed.
The gift exchange host selects a pricing range and invitees are expected to purchase gifts within that budget. Then the guest list is created for the party.
Another unique characteristic of the rules in a albino elephant party is the idea that anyone could go home with any gift. The swap mixed up the gift giving and took the pressure off from individual gift purchasers to buy for a specific person, like they did in the secret Santa format. When it didn't matter who would eventually get the gift it became easier to shop for a gift that many people might find valuable.
That's how white elephant gift exchange parties came to be so popular, by cutting down on gift expenses, reducing shopping stress and adding great fun to any group event. The gift exchange party spread, and today it's a much-loved way of having a good time with family and friends during the holiday season. Everyone brings one gift and leaves with one gift, making it fair, no matter how many unexpected guests show up.
The format of White Elephant parties has changed and evolved over the years, but at its core it has always remained an entertaining way to spend time with loved ones, share gifts, save money, and above all have fun. If you do some research you can discover many unique variations to the standard white elephant gift swap on the internet.
The internet has also provided the opportunity to move this traditional gift swapping activity onto the web and invite everyone to the party, no matter the distance. Online versions of the white elephant gift exchange have all the same features we have come to expect from the game we play at regular gift swapping events.
The white elephant gift exchange has a long history of success and is continuing to evolve with the times€¦..
Somehow the tradition of valuable gift sharing morphed into a gift exchange game and we now call them white elephant gift exchanges.
Here is how the white elephant game got started:
The white elephant gift exchange or Yankee swap started with the need to increase social engagement at group parties; particularly office gift events, where additional activities could act as conversation starters. Eventually people learned the high level of fun and banter that were created with the gift swapping game, so it spread to other groups.
In most areas of the US it is called a white elephant gift exchange, but in the Northeastern US it is more commonly called a Yankee swap. There are at least 31 different titles given to this same gift sharing party game (reach-out and I will provide you with a list) Ether way it is a unique gift giving system that continues to be popular.
Offering gifts is an expression of kindness or love among close-knit groups, so gift giving has always been an important part of our social support structure. The issue for businesses and other groups is that hosting a gift exchange party includes the requirement that gifts be purchased. Many groups had used a secret Santa exchange format and found that there where issues that arose when spending was ether extravagant or cheap.
In an effort to bring gift giving budgets into line and to offer a fun activity during the party, the gift swap game was developed.
The gift exchange host selects a pricing range and invitees are expected to purchase gifts within that budget. Then the guest list is created for the party.
Another unique characteristic of the rules in a albino elephant party is the idea that anyone could go home with any gift. The swap mixed up the gift giving and took the pressure off from individual gift purchasers to buy for a specific person, like they did in the secret Santa format. When it didn't matter who would eventually get the gift it became easier to shop for a gift that many people might find valuable.
That's how white elephant gift exchange parties came to be so popular, by cutting down on gift expenses, reducing shopping stress and adding great fun to any group event. The gift exchange party spread, and today it's a much-loved way of having a good time with family and friends during the holiday season. Everyone brings one gift and leaves with one gift, making it fair, no matter how many unexpected guests show up.
The format of White Elephant parties has changed and evolved over the years, but at its core it has always remained an entertaining way to spend time with loved ones, share gifts, save money, and above all have fun. If you do some research you can discover many unique variations to the standard white elephant gift swap on the internet.
The internet has also provided the opportunity to move this traditional gift swapping activity onto the web and invite everyone to the party, no matter the distance. Online versions of the white elephant gift exchange have all the same features we have come to expect from the game we play at regular gift swapping events.
The white elephant gift exchange has a long history of success and is continuing to evolve with the times€¦..
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