5 Ideas to Save Time and Money on a White Elephant Gift Exchange

^{Image courtesy of Tony the Misfit via Flickr}

If you don't know what a White Elephant exchange is, you may (or may not) be missing out.  The tradition, designed as a sort of "musical chairs" for Christmas gifts, has been a topic of holiday comedy sketches for decades and can be a fun and frugal way to gift to office colleagues, extended family members, or any group that appreciates a little holiday humor. 

Sadly, many people miss the point of the practice, stressing out about what gift to bring, and spending way more than they should.  (And since it's possible to end up with a really bad gift, overspending can make for a very uneven exchange.)

Here are some quick and tested tips for getting the most out of that white elephant gift, regardless of the crowd you'll be partying with.

1. Follow directions.  If the invitation for the event states that there is a $10 limit, don't try to show off by spending more.  It will only make you look insecure, and it can throw the entire balance of the exchange. 


2. Consider a used gift, if allowed.  Some white elephant exchanges are more informal than others, meaning that you can finally get rid of that horrible giant spoon hanging in your kitchen or can re-gift that set of rhinestone encrusted salt and pepper shakers.  Not only is it budget-friendly to pass on a clean, unbroken, used item as a holiday gift, it can add a little more humor to the event.  (Just be sure that the expectation isn't for everyone to buy new.)


3. Order online.  If a new purchase is required, and you can ensure it will ship in time, why not buy something online?  Fun gift items include boxed DVD-sets of fun TV shows, winter accessories, and food items that even the most allergy-prone can appreciate (gluten and nut-free are good ideas).  The time you'll save not having to window shop can be best spent elsewhere, and you won't be tempted to pick up a few things for yourself.


4. Know your guests.  You may love a new scented body mist; the 98% of employees in your company (who happen to be men) won't.  Unless the goal of the game is to toss all appropriateness to the wind, keep in mind that there are many gifts that can be enjoyed by either gender and by all age groups.


5. Don't go overboard on wrapping.  While you will want to slap a little brightly-colored paper on your gift box, it's not necessary to spend several dollars on a bow and tiny red berries to match.  The gift wrapping likely won't be noticed during the frenzy of exchange activity, anyway.  Save yourself a few dollars and keep the packaging simple.  For even more fun, put the gift inside a box that has nothing to do with the contents (a shredded wheat box for a set of soaps, perhaps?).

While the gift isn't everything in a white elephant exchange, it's what you'll be remembered by when you leave.  Keep fun in mind, and spend just what you need; you have a long holiday season to get through!

What kind of items do you like to buy for white elephant gifts?