4 minute read
The gift that keeps on being given
BY EMELANIE WANZEK, CTW FEATURES
Just because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure doesn’t mean it makes a good Christmas present. A look at the odd tradition of re-gifting
Advertisement
Jodi Newbern’s introduction to the (Synergy Books, 2009), has grown up around, or even make bids on gifts. You end idea of re-gifting began early. At six re-gifting. Though re-gifting and white up with something someone else didn’t years old, she tried to give her mom elephant parties are often thought of as want, so it doesn’t go to waste.” a box of gloves that her mom tacky and tasteless, she says the traditional already owned. For others, the initiation into holiday exchange is an opportunity to “White elephant” is an expression used to the world of re-gifting came later — when recycle gift waste, reduce clutter and use describe something valuable that has, or they unwrapped a gorgeously wrapped box your creativity. will, become a burden to the one who to find a hot pad with Elvis’ face smirking possesses it, according to Albert Jack, author back at the annual white elephant party. “White elephant parties are a great idea,” she of “Red Herrings and White Elephants: The says. There are countless varieties. “Everyone Origins of Phrases We Use Every Day,” Newbern, the author of “Regifting Revival: can bring things they don’t want, have an (Harper Collins, 2005). As the legend goes, A Guide to Reusing Gifts Graciously” open exchange, bring wrapped gifts to pass in Siam (present-day Thailand), white
elephants were highly valued. When discovered, they became the property of the king. The king would occasionally give the huge beasts as royal gifts to subjects who displeased him. The king’s gift — impossible to refuse and costly to keep — drove the hapless new owners to financial ruin. Jack writes that the phrase arrived in England when empire-builders brought it home with them and began using the phrase to refer to impressive yet useless structures.
While there are plenty of theories — and even a Wikipedia entry — the origins of white elephant gift exchanges are murky. Cele Otnes, professor of business administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with expertise in giftgiving, says perhaps the ritual was limited to certain cultural subgroups. “Holiday traditions that are widely celebrated or supported by marketing have origins that are typically better developed and more easily traceable,” she says.
Nowadays, various familiar exchanges carry the white elephant label, ranging from the “most ridiculous gift you can find” theme to more focused parties, such as an ugly lamp swap. Another white elephant exchange call for attendees to bring useful items they received but never actually used, such as glassware, kitchen utensils or wine. Newbern suggests a holiday-themed white elephant exchange, where people bring the best and worst gifts received in years past and never used, from Christmas ornaments to gingerbread cookie jars.
Usually, white elephant exchanges begin with everyone drawing a number. The guest who picks number one selects a gift, unwraps the package and can opt to keep it or to pass. Subsequent guests choose a gift from the pile or “steal” one already opened by someone else. Otnes says the process continues until the pile is depleted. Usually, an item can only change hands a certain number of times, perhaps three, until it can no longer be swapped.
Aficionados of white elephant gifts believe that while almost any gift can be re-gifted, how it is given makes all the difference. “Sometimes people think just change the tag and it’s good, but there are different things you can do to make it unique and thoughtful,” Otnes says. In a process she calls “gracious re-gifting,” Newbern suggests embellishing a gift you received but never used by adding personal touches. Repackage it or mix it with other unwanted gifts to create a white elephant theme basket.
Otnes cautions that white elephant parties carry a certain amount of social risk with them and should be thrown with caution. In a poor economy, exchanging unwanted or slightly goofy items may not be as much fun as it was in better times. Rather than participating in a white elephant extravaganza, families or co-workers may settle for simply drawing names and buying for one person.
However, Newbern remains convinced that white elephant exchanges can be an excellent way to save money and reduce stress at a time when many families could use a break.
After all, exchanging white elephant gifts is preferable to dropping the gift-giving entirely, she says.
“Our family decided we will have a re-gift Christmas this year. When you make it apparent, it takes the pressure off, so people can have fun with it. You can still give great gifts without feeling cheesy or tacky.”
© CTW Features
