White elephant dice game
In the white elephant dice game, players sit in a circle with a wrapped gift and roll a die. The number tells you to pass your gift left or right, swap, or keep it. When the timer ends, you keep the gift you hold.
What you need
- One wrapped gift per player, all in the same price range.
- One or two dice. Use a bigger die if you can, so everyone can see.
- A timer, usually 15 to 20 minutes.
- A circle of chairs, with each player's gift on their lap or in front of them.
Basic rules
- Everyone sits in a circle with a wrapped gift.
- Pass the die around. On your turn, roll it once.
- Follow the rule for your number (see the table).
- Pass the die to the next player.
- When the timer ends, everyone stops. You keep the gift you are holding and open it.
Print the dice rules on your table, or use the Hollyhush rules card for the standard game. Run a game night
A common rule table
| Roll | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pass your gift to the player on your left. |
| 2 | Pass your gift to the player on your right. |
| 3 | Swap gifts with any player you choose. |
| 4 | Everyone passes their gift left. |
| 5 | Everyone passes their gift right. |
| 6 | Keep your gift. Roll again if you want, up to once. |
A Left, Right, Center version
Use three dice with L, R, C faces and dots. On your turn, roll the dice and pass your gift left for each L, right for each R, and to the center for each C. Gifts in the center are shared at the end. If you have no gift, you roll but do not pass. When the timer ends, keep what you hold. For a related game, see white elephant variations.
Tips and edge cases
- Count the gifts and players first, so everyone has one.
- Use a timer you can see, and stop on time. A game that goes long loses people.
- Set a rule that you can not touch a gift until the timer ends.
- For big groups, split into two circles with their own die.
- End with a normal open and a short reveal. If you want stealing, use white elephant rules or the steal rules.
The dice game is a good warm-up for the standard game, and great for mixed ages.
Why groups choose the dice game
The dice game solves two problems with standard white elephant: it is fast, and it takes the sting out of stealing, because the die decides, not a person. That makes it a good choice for mixed ages, large groups and offices where stealing from the boss feels awkward. The tradeoff is that there is less strategy, so some players prefer the classic game. A good compromise is to start with five minutes of dice and then finish with standard turns. You can also set a rule that the final swap goes to whoever rolls the highest number. Keep the gifts in one price range so the result is fair to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play the white elephant dice game?
Sit in a circle with a gift each, roll a die in turn, follow the number, and keep your gift when the timer ends.
How long does the dice game take?
About 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your timer.
How many dice do you need?
One is enough. Use two or three for the Left, Right, Center version.
Is the dice game good for kids?
Yes. It is quick, has no hard stealing and works for mixed ages.
Can you play the dice game with a big group?
Yes. Split into circles of 8 to 12 players so the die reaches everyone.
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