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White elephant rules

The standard rules, four ways to mix it up, and a timer so turns don't drag.

Jump to the turn timer

White elephant rules are simple once you've seen one round. Everyone brings a wrapped gift, you take turns opening or stealing, and the fun is in the stealing. Here's the standard game, the variations people argue about, and a timer to keep it moving.

The standard white elephant rules

Works for 6 to 30 people. Takes 30 to 60 minutes.

  1. 1

    Everyone brings one wrapped gift.

    Set a budget beforehand, usually $20 to $30. Gifts go in a pile with no names on them.

  2. 2

    Draw numbers for turn order.

    Slips in a hat, or a quick shuffle. Number 1 goes first.

  3. 3

    Player 1 opens a gift.

    They pick any gift from the pile, unwrap it, and show everyone.

  4. 4

    Each next player picks or steals.

    On your turn, either open a new gift from the pile, or steal an opened gift from someone. If you're stolen from, you take a turn right away: open a new gift or steal from someone else.

  5. 5

    No stealing back.

    You can't steal a gift straight back from the person who just took it from you. You can steal it later in the game.

  6. 6

    Three steals and it's locked.

    When a gift has been stolen three times, it stays with its current owner for good. Nobody can steal it after that.

  7. 7

    Player 1 gets a last turn.

    After the last gift is opened, player 1 can swap their gift with anyone's unlocked gift. Then the game is over.

Keep the steal count visible so there's no arguing. The counter below does it for you.

Popular white elephant variations

Everything stays wrapped.

Gifts are stolen without being opened. You only find out what you've got at the end. Faster, sillier, and nobody can play favorites.

Themed gifts.

Everyone brings a gift that fits a theme: something under $10, something from the kitchen, the ugliest mug, a gift that starts with the first letter of your name. Good for groups who have done the plain version a few times.

Two-steal lock.

A gift is locked after two steals instead of three. The game runs shorter, which helps with big groups or a tight schedule.

Pass the dice.

No steals. Players roll a die on their turn: 1 or 2, open a gift; 3 or 4, swap with the person on your left; 5 or 6, swap with anyone. Play until the pile is empty. Gentler for mixed ages and for people who hate being stolen from.

Turn timer and steal counter

Open this on a phone and hand it to whoever is keeping score.

Turn timer

Pick a time and press Start when the next player is up.

Steals per gift

Add each gift as it's opened. Rename it so everyone knows which is which.

  • Gift 1: 0 of 3 steals

Running a Secret Santa instead? Draw names free, no sign-up.

Need a gift? See white elephant gift ideas under $10, $25, and $50.