Virtual white elephant

Two ways to run it

Rules for a video call game

1. Each person submits one gift in advance, either a photo of a wrapped gift, a description or a digital code. The organizer hides them in a shared list.
2. Draw turn numbers and post the order in the chat.
3. Player 1 picks a numbered gift from the list. The organizer reveals what it is.
4. On their turn, each player picks a new gift or steals an open gift. The organizer updates the board.
5. Limit steals to two per gift, so the game ends on time.
6. After the last turn, player 1 gets a final swap if you use that rule.
7. Winners get their gifts: shipped, or the code is sent in private.

Hollyhush's game night tool tracks turn order and steals. Share the live screen on your call; the app itself does not run video. Run a game night

Turn order and timing

Video games run slower because people unmute and speak over each other. Give each turn a thirty second limit. Use the chat to announce a steal, then confirm it aloud. If you have more than 15 people, split into two rooms and run two games. See white elephant rules for the standard flow.

What to do about lag and connection trouble

• Ask people to type their move in chat if their audio drops.
• Let the organizer move for a player who is disconnected, based on their stated choice.
• Skip a player who can not rejoin in a minute. Let them go last.
• Use a timer in the shared screen so everyone sees the same clock.
• Do not sync gift opening if gifts are shipped. Reveal photos, not packages.

Gift ideas for remote swaps

For shipped gifts, choose items that arrive safely: snacks, desk items, small games. See funny white elephant gifts and white elephant gifts under $20. For a remote team alternative, virtual Secret Santa needs no live game.

A short script to open the call

Here is an easy opener for the organizer. Welcome, everyone. We have gifts from every person on the call, listed on my screen by number. Turn order is in the chat. When it is your turn, pick a gift number or name the person whose gift you want to steal. A gift freezes after two steals. If your audio drops, type your move. We will finish in about an hour. If you want a no-video option, run a virtual Secret Santa instead and save the game for the party.