We have grown to make these two gift-giving games a part of our holiday gathering traditions. Both are great to participate in, provide gifts for all involved, and are one of the few stress-free activities during the Christmas holidays.
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I only recently participated in Secret Santa and just learned of White Elephant a few years ago in my years of working. These gift-giving games are celebrated in the workplace, family gatherings, and within friend groups. And while both can produce some great gifts, have you ever wondered which is the better deal?
What is Secret Santa and White Elephant
When you look at the two, the first thing that comes to mind is receiving a gift from someone in secret. Secret Santa is a beloved tradition that’s been celebrated for years. For the most part, each person starts with a wish list of gifts they like to receive.
Each person involved would receive their Secret Santa. At the gift exchange, everyone would take turns opening their gift and trying to guess who their Secret Santa was.
We each received a small slip with our name on it at my last job to put three items on. Then the piece of paper is folded up, placed in a hat, and we’d pick out who we’d be Secret Santa to. At the job’s Christmas party, the gifts were placed on a table and picked one by one, and we’d have to stand and open it in front of everyone.
Now, if you don’t know how White Elephant works, it’s slightly different. At the beginning of the gift-giving game, no one knows who will end up with the gift you’ve bought, and you have the opportunity to swap with someone else’s gift or unwrap the one you first receive.
When thinking about it, it’s kind of like the game Let’s Make a Deal where you had to pick what’s behind door number 1, 2, or 3. While some may see it as vindictive because of the “steal” factor, many see it as comical and fun.
Both gift-giving games are fun to participate in, and in the end, you end up with a gift nonetheless. But I’m sure some pros and cons make one a tad better to play than the other.
Pros and Cons of Secret Santa gift giving
So let’s look at the pros and cons of Secret Santa.
Pros of gift-giving:
- There’s a set amount to spend
- Adds suspense and mystery for fun
- Only responsible for getting a gift for one person
- Saves time on shopping
- You avoid hurting the feelings of others
- Budget friendly
Cons of gift-giving:
- Shopping for someone you’re not too fond of
- Can be challenging to shop for someone
- Limited in what you can buy depending on the amount
- Chance of early reveal
- Not enough participants for an even balance
Pros and Cons of White Elephant gift giving
Now let’s look at White Elephant.
Pros of gift-giving:
- There’s a set amount to spend
- Adds suspense and mystery for fun
- You’re only responsible for one gift
- No one is left without a gift
- Each person has a chance to keep their gift or “steal” someone else’s
- Budget friendly
Cons of gift-giving:
- There’s a chance of ending up with a bad gift
- Number of participants may dictate the gift you receive
- Can lead to boredom if played in a larger group
- The theme for the gifts may not be suitable for all
- Arguments may ensue do to the swapping factor
The verdict is in
Now while I’ve only participated in one of these events, I have to say that both have their strengths and flaws. When it comes to prolonged fun and antics, White Elephant wins the race. I mean, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to “steal” for a better gift.
However, when it comes to thoughtful and sentiment, I have to give it to Secret Santa. There’s nothing like receiving something on your list in a thoughtful presentation. And there’s no missing out on the gift you want.
If it were left up to my vote, then I’d have to say it’s a tie. With the proper set of rules, an affordable amount so all can participate equally in and the perfect group of friends, family, or coworkers, you can’t go wrong if you did either.
However, no matter which one you choose, it’s the sentiment of the gift-giving that should matter the most. So making sure there are great gifts all around means that there’s no disappointment. Unless someone gets that Switch game, you always wanted in White Elephant. Then all bets are off, LOL.
So are you for Secret Santa or White Elephant? Share your comments down below. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, @thesilenttorch, for daily affirmations, weekly challenges & check-ins, updates, and positive words.
Until next time this is Tammy saying keep strong, keep positive. And Happy Holidays!!!
