How White Elephant numbers work
Each person draws a number, and the numbers set the turn order. Number 1 goes first, then 2, then 3, until everyone has had a turn. Drawing at random keeps it fair, because nobody gets to pick their own spot.
- 1Make one ticket for every player. If the host is bringing a gift too, count them in.
- 2Cut the tickets apart and fold each one so the number doesn't show.
- 3Put them in a bowl, a hat or a stocking. Once all the gifts are in the pile, each person draws one.
- 4Call number 1 to open the first gift, then call each number in order.
- 5Ask everyone to keep their ticket until the end, so there's no question about who goes next or who gets the final swap.
White Elephant rules for the table
The rules sheet prints on its own page. Set it next to the gift pile so anyone can check it mid-game. These are the rules it shows:
- 1Everyone brings one wrapped gift. Put all the gifts in one pile.
- 2Each person draws a number. Number 1 goes first, then 2, then 3 and so on.
- 3On your turn, open a new gift from the pile or steal one that's already open.
- 4If your gift is stolen, you go next. Open a new gift or steal a different one.
- 5Hold up each gift after you open it, so everyone can see what's up for grabs.
- 6The game ends when the last wrapped gift is opened.
Steal limit of 3
The most common rule. A gift can be stolen three times. After that, it's frozen and stays with whoever has it.
Steal limit of 2
Keeps a big group moving. A good fit for an office party with 20 or more people.
No steal limit
Any opened gift can be stolen at any time. Longer and louder, and best for a small group with time to spare.
Final swap for player 1
Player 1 opened a gift with nothing to steal. A final swap at the end makes up for that. You choose whether the sheet includes it.
Tips for printing and running the swap
- Print the tickets on cardstock or thick paper, so the numbers don't show through when folded.
- Use colored paper for the tickets so they're easy to spot in the bowl.
- Laminate the rules sheet and you can bring it out again next year.
- Pick one host to call the numbers. With a big group, it keeps turns from stalling.
- Set a budget before anyone shops. $20 to $25 is common at work.
- Plan for a minute or two per turn, so 20 people can easily fill 45 minutes.
Variations to try
Draw at the door
Have people draw a number as they add their gift to the pile. Everyone knows their spot before the game starts.
Themed pile
Ask for something cozy, something for the kitchen or a favorite book. A theme makes shopping easier and the pile more fun.
Open trades
After the last gift is opened, let people trade if both sides agree. Nobody goes home with a gift they can't use.
Dice version
Skip the turn order and roll dice to pass, unwrap and swap gifts. Our dice gift game rolls on one phone.
For more ways to swap gifts, read our post on gift exchange games.
For offices, families and classrooms
At an office party, paper numbers make the turn order feel fair, and the rules sheet answers questions before they come up. A steal limit of 2 keeps a large team on schedule. For the rest of the party, see our office holiday party games.
Families can keep it loose with no steal limit, or pick 3 if the cousins get competitive. In a classroom, the teacher can print numbers for the whole class and read the rules out loud before the first gift is opened.
Keep count on one phone
Want help keeping count? Our White Elephant tracker runs the game on one phone. It draws the turn order, shows who goes next and marks frozen gifts, so nobody has to remember how many times the waffle maker was stolen. Use the printed tickets when you'd rather keep phones in pockets.
Questions
How do White Elephant numbers work?
Each player draws a folded number from a bowl. Number 1 opens the first gift, and turns go in number order. If your gift is stolen, you take a turn right away, then play moves on to the next number.
How many numbers should I print?
One per player, from 3 to 60. Count everyone who brought a gift, including the host if they're playing.
What steal limit should we use?
Three is the most common. Pick 2 for a big group or a short party, or no limit for a small group with time to spare. Whatever you choose prints on the rules sheet.
Why does player 1 get a final swap?
Player 1 opens the first gift with nothing to steal. A final swap lets them trade for any opened gift at the end. You decide whether the rules sheet includes it.
What if someone arrives late?
Add their gift to the pile and let them take a turn after the highest number.
Are the numbers and rules sheet free?
Yes. They're free with no sign-up. Print from a phone or a computer, or save a PDF for later.