White elephant rules for work
An office white elephant works best with a short list of rules sent before the day: price limit, steal limit, what gifts are not allowed and how remote coworkers play. Here is a setup you can copy.
The rules to send in the invite
- Bring one wrapped gift, new, with the price tag removed, between $15 and $25.
- Gifts must be safe for work. No alcohol and nothing adult or personal.
- Everyone draws a number. Number 1 opens a gift. After that, each person opens a new gift or steals an open one.
- A gift can be stolen up to 2 times, then it is frozen with its holder.
- You cannot steal back the gift that was just taken from you in the same round.
- Player 1 may swap with anyone at the end, if the group agrees.
- Taking part is optional. Anyone may sit out and watch.
Hollyhush can draw the numbers and show steals on one screen for the room. Run a game night
Why these defaults
A steal limit of two keeps the game under about an hour for 12 to 15 people. A limit of three adds drama and time. Teams that have a hard stop at lunch should choose two.
The no immediate steal-back rule stops two people from trading the same gift for five minutes. The optional wording protects people who do not want to take part, and that matters at work.
Remote and hybrid teams
Remote coworkers can play by video call. They ship or buy a gift with a tracking deadline, or the host brings a gift for them. See virtual white elephant for steps. A shared link with the turn order lets everyone follow along without installing an app.
Set a firm ship-by date at least a week before. Late gifts break the game.
Make it HR-safe
- Say the price limit once in writing.
- List what is not allowed: alcohol, adult items, religious or political items.
- Name an organizer who can settle disputes.
- Do not require anyone to bring a gift or take part.
This page is general advice, not legal advice. If your company has an event policy, follow it.
A message you can paste
Here is a short invite you can copy: "Our white elephant is on the date below. Bring one wrapped gift, new and safe for work, between $15 and $25. We draw numbers at the start. On your turn you can open a gift or steal one that is open. Each gift can be stolen twice, then it is frozen. Joining is optional, and you are welcome to just watch."
Send it a week ahead, then a reminder two days before. Post the time and place in the same message.
How long does it take
Plan about five minutes per player. Twelve players need about an hour. Add time for opening, laughing and the final swap.
For gift ideas that fit work, see white elephant gifts for coworkers. For more detail on all the variants, see the main white elephant rules and steal rules.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules for an office white elephant?
Set a price limit, draw numbers, open or steal in order, limit steals per gift, and keep gifts safe for work.
How much should an office white elephant gift cost?
$15 to $25 is the most common range.
Can remote employees join a white elephant?
Yes. Use a video call, a shared link for the turn order and a firm ship-by date for gifts.
Is white elephant optional at work?
It should be. Make it clear that nobody has to bring a gift or take part.
How many steals should we allow?
Two is a good office default. Three makes a longer, more dramatic game.
Try it now
A draw takes about a minute. No signup, no email, a private link for everyone.
Run a game night- Couples & exclusions
- Wishlists & anonymous questions
- Deletes itself in 60 days
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