Secret Santa: one person, one match
In Secret Santa, each person is assigned one specific person to buy for. The gift is chosen for them, so the givers can use hints, wish lists, and questionnaires. It works well when people know each other a little, and the surprise is who gave which gift.
White elephant: a game of choices
White elephant is played with a pile of wrapped gifts and numbered turns. On your turn, you unwrap a gift or steal one that someone else already opened. Gifts are not chosen for a person, so they should suit many tastes. The fun is in the choosing and stealing.
Yankee swap and other names
Yankee swap, dirty Santa, and a few other names describe similar games. The names are used differently in different regions and groups, and no body governs the rules. If someone says "we play Yankee swap," ask how steals and freezing work before you plan.
Which one fits your group
Pick Secret Santa when you want personal gifts, a longer exchange, or a remote format, since gifts can be sent in advance. Pick white elephant when everyone is in the same room and you want a lively party activity. Use a single budget in both cases.
- Secret Santa: needs a draw, works remotely, more personal.
- White elephant: needs a live event, more playful, gifts should be neutral.
- Mixed groups: consider white elephant for adults and Secret Santa for family.
Settle the rules first
For white elephant, decide how many steals are allowed in a row, when a gift becomes frozen, and whether the first player gets a final turn. Write the answers on a rules card so everyone plays by the same version. The white elephant tool on this site prints one for you.
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