How the White Elephant Game Plays Out
Each round of the game starts with a new unwrapped gift. Player order is determined before the start of the game.
- The first player selects a wrapped gift from the pool, unwraps it, and places it on the table in front of them. This officially starts the game.
- The next player has two options:
- STEAL: Player can choose to steal any already unwrapped gift that is on the table (provided it wasn’t just stolen from them or is locked out after 3 steals); If a gift is stolen, the player whose gift was stolen from them becomes the next player.
- OPEN A NEW GIFT: Player can go and select a wrapped gift, unwrap it, and place it on the table in front of them. If a new gift is unwrapped, a new round has begun, and the next player will be the next selected via raffle.
If a player’s gift is stolen, they immediately become the current player. We will repeat the above until there are no more unwrapped gifts in the pool. Once everyone has a gift and the final player does not steal, the game is done!
STANDARD WHITE ELEPHANT GAME RULES
Rule #1. One Steal Per Round
An unwrapped gift can be stolen only ONCE per round (a gift cannot be stolen again until another gift has been unwrapped). If all unwrapped gifts have been stolen once, the next player will be drawn via raffle and select a new wrapped gift to start a new round and keep the game from dragging on too long.
Rule #2. No “Steal Backs”
You cannot steal an unwrapped gift that was stolen from you in the same round. You can, however, attempt to steal it again after a new gift has been unwrapped (and a new round begins).
Rule #3. Three Steals and a Gift is Locked
Once an unwrapped gift has been stolen 3 TIMES in total, it is locked to the last person who stole it (the third steal). This gift and this player are effectively out of the game.
Rule #4. No Box Checking!
A player cannot lift or shake any wrapped gifts in the pool!
Rule #5. No Putbacks!
Once a player touches, moves or picks a wrapped gift up from the table, they cannot change their mind, they must open it!
Rule #6. No Teaming Up!
No teaming up/coordinating with other players to try to get a particular gift!
Rule #7. After-game Trades Are Fine
Once each player has their gifts, it’s yours to do what you want.
Trade it with someone else, gift it to someone else, or do whatever you want!
