A Very Holly Jolly White Elephant Gift Exchange

Most people think of the time before the holidays as a time filled with excitement and anticipation. However, for college students, the weeks before the holidays are filled with two things: stress and anticipation for finals week to be over.

The weather is becoming frigid, social schedules are dwindling, and morale is unfortunately, but unavoidably low. December is known as the most wonderful time of the year, so how do we make this true for college students who are camped out in the library for days on end?

I have the answer: A White Elephant Gift Exchange.

Everyone is probably thinking what is a white elephant gift exchange? It sounds fun and interesting! Well, it is! The White Elephant Exchange is a Christmas party game that started in Thailand centuries ago. Essentially, this “game” is a fun and more competitive version of the typical American Secret Santa.

Here’s what goes down: you gather a group of six or more people and each of you is responsible for bringing one wrapped gift. Then, everyone’s names are written and put into a hat and the person who is chosen first gets to pick the first gift. The next person chosen has the ability to either choose a new gift or “steal” the first person’s gift. This trend continues until all gifts are taken and there are no more names in the hat.

Now, what do people usually bring to this holiday extravaganza? Well, it really depends on the group of people. Traditionally, people bring small gag gifts that are meant to give everyone a good laugh.

However, for the sake of fashion and the twenty-first century, I am going to give you some ideas on what to bring that are more fashion-based.

Graphic T-Shirts: Graphic t-shirts are a rising trend among young adults. The best part about this clothing item is that you can find all sorts of variations and sayings on the shirts. My choice for finding graphic t-shirts is Etsy.com.

Etsy has nearly a thousand pages of t-shirt options that come in all different styles, colors, and price options (we’re college students, we cannot break our banks). If you are doing this exchange with your family or a small group of best friends, you could look at Urban Outfitters or Brandy Melville for some options that are a little more high-end.

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Socks: Socks might sound like a dumb gift idea, but honestly socks are the most versatile and necessary item in most people’s closets. When I say socks I don’t mean just a generic pair of Asics running socks, the White Elephant Gift Exchange is a time to get creative!

Look on websites like Etsy, Free People, Wanelo, Wildfox, and Urban Outfitters to find a pair of socks that are comfortable and funny. If you get something funny the gift will be extra memorable.

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Pajamas: Who doesn’t like a good pair of pajamas to wear when you are snuggled up with your friends and family on a cold winter’s night? Pajamas are comfortable and there are millions of options when choosing the perfect pair. The onesie trend is at an all time high, so go on Amazon or Etsy to find a fun onesie that is perfect for bedtime or even a themed mixer.

If you want to go all out, go on Wildfox, Victoria’s Secret, Hello Molly Fashion, or Nordstrom to find a “fancier” pair for your good friend or family member. Another fun pajama option is a big nightgown (my roommate has one that reads “This is My Sexy Irish Lingerie” and I wish I had it in my own closet).

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Beanies: Beanies are trendy and perfect for the cold winter weather. When I say beanies, I am talking about something so much more than just a solid colored or striped hat that keeps your head and ears warm.

I’m talking about hats that are warm and have funny and/or trendy sayings on the fold (I know most people have seen the hats that say ~Homies~ on them). The best part about beanies is that they are reasonably priced, can be used everyday, and are trendy.

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Necklaces: Necklaces are always a fun item to have in your jewelry box. Super nice necklaces are not something to bring to a White Elephant Gift Exchange, but fun necklaces that have a funny saying or a cute charm are perfect to bring to this sort of event.

Etsy is the PERFECT website to look for these necklaces because, like I said earlier, the website has nearly a thousand pages of options all priced differently and all hand crafted. If your friend likes pizza, get her a pizza charm. If she is into rap music, get her a necklace that says “Notorious B.I.G.” on it; the opportunities are endless.

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I hope that these suggestions helped everyone with gift exchanging this upcoming holiday season. Happy holidays everyone!

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