How the game works, at a glance
White Elephant Rules
Everyone brings one wrapped gift. Open a new one, or steal one that’s already open.
What you need
- One wrapped gift eachSame price range, no name on it.
- NumbersOne slip per guest to set the order.
- A display spotWhere everyone can see opened gifts.
- A refereeCalls turns and counts the steals.
How a round works
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1
Draw numbersEveryone draws one. Number 1 goes first.
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2
Open a giftPlayer 1 picks a wrapped gift and opens it for all to see.
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3
Open or stealEach later player opens a new gift or steals an opened one.
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4
Got stolen from?You go straight away: steal a different gift or open a new one. No taking it right back.
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5
Keep it movingPlay on through the numbers until everyone has had a turn.
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6
Final swapMany groups let Player 1 swap with anyone at the end.
The life of a gift (agree your steal limit first: two or three is common)
- OpenedA gift is unwrapped
- Stolen onceChanges hands
- Stolen twiceChanges hands again
- FrozenIts holder keeps it
Our game (fill in and share)
Budget
Date
Steals per gift
Final swap? Yes No
White Elephant Rules page 2: rules to agree on, tips, common problems and quick answers
Agree these before you start
- How many steals per gift: two or three is common, then it freezes
- No stealing back straight away
- One action per turn: open or steal, not both
- Can Player 1 take a frozen gift in the final swap?
- Can you steal a gift you brought? (Most groups say yes)
- A time limit per turn, if your group likes to deliberate
Tips for a good game
- Seat people in a circle so everyone can see the table.
- Past about 20 players it drags: split into two groups.
- A little theatre is fun. Long lobbying isn't.
- Photograph each gift as it's opened.
- Keep a few spare gifts for anyone who forgets.
Common problems
- Odd number of guestsNo problem: it's one gift per person.
- Someone arrives lateGive them the last number, or a spare gift.
- Won't stealFine. They can open a new gift every turn.
- Playing remotelyWorks over video with a few changes.
Quick answers
- How many times can a gift be stolen?Your call. Two or three is typical. Say it before the first gift is opened.
- Are gifts opened when picked?Yes. That is what makes stealing possible. Hidden gifts mean no strategy.
- How long does it take?A minute or two per person: about 15 to 30 minutes for ten.