White Elephant

If you are unfamiliar with the White Elephant concept, here's how it goes down:


Participants bring a wrapped gift fulfilling the cost requirement; however DO NOT label it to indicate the present is from him or her.  All the participants draw numbers to determine the order of picking presents.  The person that draws #1 picks amongst the gifts to unwrap- that is their gift.  The person that picks #2 has two options: 1) pick an wrapped gift to unwrap, or 2) steal from person #1.  If #2 decides to steal, the person s/he stole from (person #1) must pick another wrapped gift to unwrap.


So for example: it is person #5's turn.  This person can 1) pick from whatever remains of the wrapped gifts to unwrap, or 2) steal from one of the 4 gifts that have already been unwrapped by the people who went before him/her.  If s/he chooses to unwrap a gift, that is their gift.  However, if s/he decides to steal, the person who was stolen from can, again, choose to 1) unwrap, or 2) steal.  And on and on and on.... get it?


Here are the rules (2019):

-Gifts should be $30+. (Obviously, it's up to you if you want to go over, and we appreciate your generosity if you do!  However, to be fair, please don't go under.)

-As for whether the gift should be gender specific or gender neutral- we'll leave that to you, as there are pros/cons for both.  Neutral gifts can be harder to think of, but anybody can enjoy; on the other hand, gifts for guys or girls can be easier to buy, but of course will be desired only by a few.

-Please refrain from buying gift cards.  We're hoping people will be more creative.  It's not as fun if we're just stealing and swapping money, no?

-Once unwrapped, gifts can be stolen a MAXIMUM of 3 times.  On the 3rd steal, the item becomes "locked", and the gift can no longer be taken away and remains with the last stealer/robber. You cannot steal back a gift right after it has been taken from your hands; you can steal it back during any other turn.

-After the last person has taken their turn, the person who drew #1 can choose to steal any of the gifts that are not "locked", BUT ONLY if they have not been robbed throughout the whole game (ie they are still holding the first gift they unwrapped.)

-We will stick to the general rules of White Elephant; however, if any "backroom" deals occur, they must be sanctioned by the host and hostess.  (Just know: we will probably not allow any of this to happen.)

-With that in mind, there shall be NO ALLIANCES, especially amongst couples.  If abuse is observed, the host and hostess are allow to impart penalties to the offending parties, as they see fit.  And you will pay. Oh yes, you will pay.  And come on- it's the one game you can be selfish and only think of yourself!!

-Basically, in lay terms: be cool. don't start nothing, it won't be nothing.  :)  Really, we want this to be fair, and we will be so- so long as we don't see any funny business.

THANKS! HOPE YOU PLAY!