White Elephant / Yankee Swap Gifts & Gift Ideas

What is a white elephant gift exchange (aka yankee swap)?
A white elephant gift exchange is holiday party game usually played with 6-50 people. Here is how it is played:

• Each person brings an inexpensive, wrapped gift (the host or hostess will typically specify the maximum cost)
• Players draw numbers from a hat to determine play order
• On their turn, each player may either unwrap a gift of their choice or “steal” an unwrapped gift from another player

A good White Elephant / Yankee Swap gift is something small and humorous or fun. Don’t choose something boring – choose a funny and unusual gift to take. Below are some ideas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of do-it-yourself gifts you can make for little or no cost.

White Elephant / Yankee Swap Gifts:

1) Marshmallow Shooter

Price: $15

Don't forget to buy ammo (marshmallows) so the recipient can test out their new toy on the other party goers!

2) Manly Fake Chest Hair

Price: $9

Give the gift of an uber-manly chest with this fake chest hair.

3) Pogo Stick

Price: $30

If this one gets unwrapped and tested at the party, hilarious fun is sure to ensue..

4) Chia Obama

Price: $20

Just water Chia Obama and in 1-2 weeks his hair will be fully grown. If only every politician other could deliver on their promises this quickly!

5) Box Of Chocolates

Price: $5-30

Mmmm. Who doesn't love chocolate? A small box of chocolate candies makes a perfect gift for a gift exchange.

6) Rubber Duck

Price: $5-10

Nothing says "silly gift" like a classic toy. You can choose from all sorts of styles including holiday rubber snowmen and reindeer.

7) Funny T-Shirt

Price: $10-30

Pick out a funny t-shirt that will appeal to your group of friends. There are plenty to choose from - click on the link above to view 100+ funny shirts.

8) Potato Clock

Price: $10

Plug this clock into two potatoes for power - no batteries required.

9) The Best of the Village People

Price: $7

Pop this CD into the player and turn the gift exchange party into a cheesy dance party!

10) Talking Plush Bacon

Price: $15

Squeeze this plush toy and it says "I'm bacon!"

11) Family Heirloom Fruitcake: Inedible - Just Like Grandma's!

Price: $5

This fruitcake advertises itself as "inedible - just like Grandma's!" Just freeze it after the party and you can reuse it next year!

12) Lindt Lindor Dark Chocolate Truffles

Price: $18

You're sure to get people fighting over your gift if you take this gift.

Do It Yourself White Elephant / Yankee Swap Gift Ideas:

1. Toy not included – just wrap up a pack of batteries with a note saying “toy not included”
2. Frame your mug – frame a photo of yourself (maybe in a costume or silly pose) to give away
3. Snowman poop – wrap a zip-lock bag of mini marshmellows, with a note explaining it is wild snowman poop, harvested from the North Pole