The difference between the White Elephant vs. Dirty Santa vs. Yankee Swap
White Elephant, Dirty Santa, and Yankee Swap are gift exchange games known for an element of surprise and anticipation. In this post, we will look into the similarities and differences between these popular gift exchanges, and see if they all mean the same thing.
Gift exchange games are a fun way to celebrate the holiday season with friends, coworkers, and online communities. Such games as Dirty Santa, White Elephant, and Yankee Swap are entertaining in nature and include swapping gifts and competition for the most desirable presents. Today, we will take a closer look at the regions where these game names are used, the rules, and the gift guidelines to determine the similarities and differences between them.
The location
When you hear different gift exchange names, you should know that in most cases they mean the same thing. People use White Elephant, Dirty Santa, and Yankee Swap interchangeably, and they often tend to use one name over the others in different locations. While most US states use the White Elephant name, people in the South tend to call it Dirty Santa, and the Yankee Swap is most common in New England.
Let’s take a look at this picture to see where each name is commonly used:
Wikipedia also suggests that Yankee Swap and Dirty Santa are just name variations for the White Elephant. There are even more names, including Grinch Game, Thieving Elves, and Snatchy Christmas Rat, but they are less popular.
Rules for Dirty Santa, White Elephant, and Yankee Swap
White Elephant, Dirty Santa, and Yankee Swap are gift exchange games with the element of stealing and competition for the best gift.
The basic rules of all three games are similar:
- Each player brings a wrapped gift within the agreed amount. All gifts are then placed at the center of the room, usually under the Christmas tree.
- Players draw numbers to determine in what order they will select gifts. The first player unwraps a new gift, and the next ones can either open a new gift or steal someone’s open present.
- The swapping and stealing continues until all presents are unwrapped and everyone has a gift.
White Elephant vs. Dirty Santa vs. Yankee Swap differences
While the main concepts are similar, there are subtle differences in the gameplay. In White Elephant and Dirty Santa, players have an option either to pick a gift from the pile or steal someone’s open present. If they choose to open a new gift, their turn is done, and they cannot steal an open gift or pick another one. This element makes the game quite unpredictable, as well as competitive – you never know what gift you’ll end up with! Another feature of the Dirty Santa rules is that players can usually steal only once per round. They must keep the gift they end up with at the end.
On the other hand, Yankee Swap game rules put emphasis on trading over stealing. The player unwraps the new gift and can decide to keep it or to swap with another person. This game variation is not as unpredictable, as you can see the gift before deciding whether to swap it. Therefore, all players can enjoy a more collaborative and playful atmosphere with less competition.
Gifts for Dirty Santa, Yankee Swap, and White Elephant
The gift exchanges may also vary in gift themes. Let’s take a closer look at what type of gifts to bring for each type of exchange.
White Elephant gifts
The White Elephant game prioritizes having fun and a good laugh during the gift exchange over exchanging useful gifts. Therefore, fun, novelty, and impractical gifts are welcome. The Yankees Swap and Dirty Santa exchanges usually don’t have this connotation.
White Elephant players often incorporate various themes to keep the exchange relevant to the interests of the group. For example, you can exchange gifts under $25, re-gifted items, homemade gifts, self-care items, and sweets.
What are the best gifts for the White Elephant exchange? According to the 2023 report, the most popular White Elephant gifts are:
1. Mug Warmer
2. YETI Rambler
3. Moon Lamp
4. Tortilla Blanket
5. Electric Wine Opener
Yankee Swap gift ideas
The Yankee Swap gifts tend to be more practical and desirable. While adding some humor is still welcome, players focus on bringing gifts that other players will enjoy and want to use. Since the game focuses on trading and swapping gifts, appealing and nice gifts would be best.
Here are some good Yankee Swap gifts:
- Cozy blanket
- Scented candles
- Kitchen gadgets
- Books
- Set of scrunchies
- Belt bag
- Gift certificates
Dirty Santa gifts
When buying a gift for Dirty Santa, choose something unique, fun, and useful. People bring gag gifts and funny items, but it is also a good idea to contribute items that others will want to steal. This will fuel the competition and make the gift exchange more enjoyable for everyone.
Popular Dirty Santa gift ideas include ugly sweaters, re-gifted items, joke presents, phone accessories, and self-care items. Humorous gifts are great, but be sure to avoid something that could be offensive.
Conclusion
Dirty Santa, White Elephant, and Yankee Swap are all fun ways to exchange Christmas gifts as they have the element of stealing, intrigue, and surprise. They are very similar, yet there are subtle game variations and regional differences. The White Elephant emphasizes humorous and impractical gifts, Dirty Santa allows for strategic stealing, and Yankee Swap prioritizes trading over stealing.
Whatever game variation you choose, be sure to discuss the rules with your friends or family and specify what gifts to bring to ensure a fun and memorable celebration.
