Why is it a white elephant gift?

The phrase is said to come from a perspective about the historic practice of the King of Siam (now Thailand) giving rare albino elephants to courtiers who had displeased him, so that they might be ruined by the animals' upkeep costs.

What is the meaning of to buy a white elephant?

Meaning of white elephant in English

something that is expensive, or that costs a lot of money to keep in good condition, but that has no useful purpose and is no longer wanted: She believes the development may become a white elephant that fails to attract suitable tenants.

When did white elephant gift exchange began?

4) The party aspect of White Elephant giving first began in the early 1900s with “swap parties." Players would bring the strangest gifts possible. Awards would then be given to best and worse bargains. 5) Although white elephant gift exchanges have remained essentially unchanged since then.

How is a white elephant different from a regular gift exchange?

Unlike conventional gift exchanges, the white elephant gift exchange (also known as Dirty Santa or the Yankee Swap) is all about giving and receiving humorous, impractical gifts. Essentially, the point of the gift exchange is not the gift itself but the laughs people will get from it.

What is the history of the term white elephant?

Etymology. In Siam, elephants were working animals. However, white (albino) elephants were considered sacred and therefore were not to be put to work. The owner was then left to feed the elephant but could get no work from it.

White Elephant Gift Exchange - a how to guide

What is white elephant etiquette?

White Elephant Rules

White elephant is a gift exchange, so each person must bring one wrapped present to the Christmas party. Once everyone is assembled, have each person draw a number. The person with number "one" chooses a present to unwrap.

What does it mean when a white elephant has its trunk up?

The elephant spreads its trunk in greeting and gladness. To get blessings and compassion, place an elephant with its trunk pointing upward. The upward-pointing trunks of elephant statues are regarded to be particularly lucky and bring wealth to the home.

Does everyone bring a gift for white elephant?

Each gift can only be stolen once per turn. Everyone who has had a turn must have a gift. For example, if you took the first turn and your gift was stolen, you must unwrap a gift. As the game goes on, stealing gifts turns into swapping gifts, so everyone should have a gift at any given time.

How much is the average white elephant gift?

An office white elephant gift exchange should have a price target of around $10, according to White Elephant Rules. There may be people who don't want to participate and may have hurt feelings walking away with an undesirable gift. This is why it's best to keep the target low to head off any negativity.

What are examples of good white elephant gifts?

It might seem tricky to pick something that will please everyone, but luckily we've included a variety of useful ideas below—from an $8 bath bomb to an adorable mini heart-shaped pillow. You'll also find exfoliating foot masks, a toilet night light, a terrarium kit, various unique gifts for family, and more.

How much should you spend on a white elephant gift?

ICYDK, White Elephant is a holiday game in which everyone brings a gift—usually with a designated price limit under $20 or $25.

What does it mean when an elephant's nose is up?

An upward-pointed elephant trunk is said to bring energy, luck, prosperity and kindness. The elephant raises its trunk to greet friends and express happiness. Place an elephant with an upward trunk to be showered with good fortune and compassion.

What does it mean when an elephant wags its tail?

For example, elephants use their tails to communicate with each other; much like a dog, a swishing or wagging tail can signify happiness or excitement. Baby ellies sometimes hold on to the tail of older elephants while they are walking, for guidance and security on long walks.

What does two elephants holding trunks mean?

Two elephants crossing their trunks signifies bonding and friendship. If one of the elephants has a tusk and the other does not, it signifies a healthy relationship between males and females. Such statues are believed to have a positive impact on couples if placed in the bedroom.

What are the cons of white elephant?

White Elephant Cons

Not everyone can see what's being opened and keep track of how many times each gift has been stolen. This can lead to boredom and take all the fun out of the game. You also have to be careful with how silly (and sometimes raunchy) white elephant gifts can get.

How do you pass a white elephant gift?

How does an elephant behave when one dies?

They bury their dead and pay tribute to the bodies and to the bones. Scientists have observed that elephants feel empathy: they toss dust upon the wounds of fellow elephants, they help others climb out of mud and holes, they even have been seen plucking tranquilizing darts from one another with their trunks.

What does it mean when elephants flap their ears fast?

An elephant that is flapping its ears isn't angry, it's hot and trying to cool down. They use wind cooling over the surface of their ears to lower the temperature of the blood and ultimately, their core body temperature.

What does it mean when an elephant sprays you?

The trunks are used like a hose to spray water across the body. To help protect the skin from parasites and biting insects, elephants wallow in mud or spray dust on their wet skin.

What is head bobbing in elephants?

Two commonly recognized stereotypical behaviors exhibited by captive-held elephants are head bobbing and swaying. Elephants might engage in these behaviors when they feel unstimulated or as an anticipatory reaction to their normal routine, such as regularly scheduled access in or out of a barn or feeding time.

What does it mean when elephants put their heads together?

Elephants stroke or caress each others' heads and backs with their trunks to console or comfort loved ones. Calves place the tips of their trunks in their mothers' mouths for reassurance -- a gesture repeated by lower-ranking elephants in interactions with the herd's matriarch.

What is the finger like thing on the end of an elephant's trunk?

The Asian elephant has a prehensile finger at the tip of its trunk which it uses to curl around food to scoop it up. The African elephant has two fingers which can more firmly grasp leaves and grasses.

Is it OK to regift a white elephant gift?

Etiquette Guidelines

It's OK to “regift” by giving something you received that you can't use, but make sure it is “like new.” Something obviously used is a no-no.

Can a white elephant gift be nice?

It all depends on the group, the guidelines, and your own personal style. Gag gifts are always a big hit, but there's also nothing wrong with bringing a nice item that people actually want. Better yet, if you can find something that's both funny and useful, you've hit the White Elephant jackpot.

What is the difference between Dirty Santa and white elephant?

Whether you call it White Elephant or Dirty Santa, the game sticks to the same format. We're not sure where the name "Dirty Santa" originated, but it's meant to refer to game participants, the "Santas," stealing desirable gifts from each other.