Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it is inevitable that you will attend a white elephant party at least once in your lifetime! The concept of white elephant, originating from what is now Thailand, is a timeless tradition and something witty to look forward to during the holiday season.
While anything goes, and rules may vary depending on the host, white elephant gift exchanges are pretty tricky to mess up! There is a broad spectrum of things that everyone shares enjoyment of, for example, your holiday basics: chocolates, fuzzy socks, and maybe a festive candle. Nonetheless, there are a few things that are absolute “NOs” to wrap up and place on the table of destiny.
- Used clothing – don’t get me wrong, I love a good thrift haul, and what screams Christmas more than an ugly grandpa sweater? No matter how festive, I would not recommend resorting to Goodwill for your gift choice. Let’s be a little classier.
- A DIY Disaster – Everyone loves a heartfelt craft or creation. However, if you are over the age of 8 and do not have recorded certification of knitting experience, I promise that no one will appreciate your two left mittens.
- Slime – Just no. It is understood that the kids love it, however, save Mom the hour or the $200 in carpet service.
- Weirdly Scented Candles – While it may be funny for a minute, respectfully no one wants a bacon, pickle, or turkey dinner scented candle collecting dust on their trophy shelf. Stick with a classic: Winter Candy Apple.
- Broken Electronics – I am 100% for regifting, or giving away things you just never got to open, however if you have a cheap speaker or pair of wireless “Bluetooth” headphones that you know don’t work. Please throw them away.
- An empty gift bag – I get that you are trying to be funny, but it is not funny. Save yourself the embarrassment. Don’t bring an empty gift bag.
- Anything that smells – This includes anything pickled, leftover, or air fresheners in general. While white elephants are mostly anonymous, I promise you do not want to be the coworker identified as: “oh right, she brought the nice jar of pickled onions!” Big no.
- An already dying plant – While some people take pride in their gardens, I guarantee that no one wants to start their new year with a guilt–trip plant. Maybe a fake succulent?
After all, the holidays are all about giving. Personally, I enjoy giving much more than receiving. I would never want to be the running joke in the break room because of a lousy white elephant mistake that will be brought up every Christmas until my retirement. Hopefully this list is useful to those who have an upcoming gift exchange; remember, put your heart into it but don’t overdo it. Think basic; everyone loves chocolate assortments and Epsom salt!
