When the holiday season rolls around, many companies introduce fun gift exchange activities to bring employees together and lighten the work atmosphere. Two of the most popular games in corporate settings are Secret Santa and White Elephant.
While both are enjoyable, they have distinct rules and styles that can change the tone of the gift exchange. Let’s explore the differences between Secret Santa and White Elephant and how they work in the workplace. Spark your office with festivities while using or guide with the top 10 office decoration ideas for Dubai offices in 2024
If you are looking for a gift for multiple employees go through our 10 Best Corporate Christmas Gifts for Employees. If you know what gift you are looking for go directly to all our Christmas experience gifts and choose the right one for your colleagues.
Secret Santa vs. White Elephant
What is Secret Santa?
Secret Santa is a gift exchange game where each participant is randomly assigned another person to buy a gift for. The identity of the giver remains anonymous, which is why it’s called "Secret Santa." This game often involves some level of personalization, as participants usually know who they are buying for. This creates an opportunity to get creative with Secret Santa gifts and show thoughtfulness. If you're the lucky Secret Santa for your boss, don't panic! Use our help with these top 10 gift ideas for your boss.
Secret Santa in a Corporate Setting
In an office, Secret Santa is a great way to spread holiday cheer among colleagues. Employees typically fill out a Secret Santa wish list, which helps guide the giver in choosing a gift that aligns with the recipient's preferences. Some offices might set a budget, making it easier for everyone to participate without the pressure of overspending.
When choosing Secret Santa gifts, consider who you’re buying for. Secret Santa gifts for men might include a delicious chocolate workshop, or a Ferrari World ticket, while Secret Santa gifts for women might be something thoughtful and unique, like a pottery class, or an immersive wellness experience. If you’re stuck on what to give, here are some Secret Santa gift ideas.
Top 5 Secret Santa Gift Ideas Dubai 2024:
Secret Santa gifts for him: delicious chocolate workshop, a Ferrari World ticket, etc.
Secret Santa gift ideas for her: pottery class, an immersive wellness experience, etc.
Secret Santa gift ideas for a colleague in a couple: 3-Course Lunch for Two In a Private Pod, Guided Meditation at Illuminations Dubai, etc.
Secret Santa gift ideas for a colleague with a family: Family Escape: Immersive Magical Digital Show at TODA, LEGOLAND ® Dubai - One Day Ticket, etc.
Explore more gift ideas under 500 AED.
What is a White Elephant?
On the other hand, White Elephant is a gift exchange game that adds a competitive twist. Participants bring a wrapped, anonymous gift and place it in a central pile. People take turns choosing a gift from the pile or "stealing" a gift someone else has already opened. The game continues until everyone has a gift.
The idea behind a White Elephant Christmas exchange is to choose a gift that is fun, lighthearted, or even ridiculous. White Elephant gifts can range from useful items to hilarious, unexpected things that spark laughter. Unlike Secret Santa, where gifts are more personalized, White Elephant Christmas gifts are usually intended to be entertaining or universally appealing.
White Elephant in a Corporate Setting
In the office, White Elephant is a more laid-back, fun way to engage employees in a holiday activity. Since the gifts are more random, the focus is on the fun rather than getting a perfectly tailored gift. This game often leads to laughter and competitive "stealing" of the best gifts, creating a lively atmosphere.
If you're participating in a White Elephant exchange, here are some good White Elephant gift ideas that are perfect for the office.
Top 3 White Elephant Gift Ideas Dubai 2024:
Fun White Elephant gifts: Pottery Class, Immersive Digital Show, etc.
Unisex White Elephant gift ideas: Guided Meditation, Guided Kayak Tour, etc.
Best White Elephant gift: Discovery Scuba Dive, etc.
Find more experience gift ideas here.
Differences Between Secret Santa and White Elephant
Gift Selection:
Secret Santa: You buy a specific Xmas gift for one person, based on their preferences or a Secret Santa wish list.
White Elephant: You buy a Xmas gift that could appeal to anyone or that’s purely for fun.
Game Structure:
Secret Santa: Participants exchange gifts directly, with no trading or swapping.
White Elephant: Participants can "steal" gifts, and the game involves strategy and fun interactions.
Gift Type:
Secret Santa: Gifts tend to be more thoughtful and personal.
White Elephant: Gifts are typically humorous, quirky, or aimed at creating excitement during the exchange.
Tone:
Secret Santa: The tone is often more intimate and sentimental, as gifts are selected with care for a specific person.
White Elephant: The tone is playful and often involves lighthearted competition.
Choosing the Right Game for Your Office
Both Secret Santa and White Elephant have their merits. If you’re looking to create a warm, personalized environment where employees feel appreciated, Secret Santa is a great choice. It allows employees to get creative and thoughtful with their Secret Santa present ideas.
On the other hand, if you want a lively, engaging, and fun office party, White Elephant is ideal. The mix of random and humorous gifts, like elephant Christmas ornaments or quirky desk toys, ensures that everyone gets involved and enjoys the surprise of opening an unknown gift.
In a corporate setting, both Secret Santa and White Elephant offer different but equally enjoyable ways to celebrate the holidays with colleagues. Whether you opt for the thoughtful approach of Secret Santa or the playful chaos of White Elephant, both games will help foster a festive, fun atmosphere at the office.
This holiday season, make sure to plan your gift exchange ahead of time, and don’t forget to stock up on the best White Elephant gifts and great Secret Santa gifts for your team! Whether it’s a Secret Santa or White Elephant Christmas, the right gift can turn a simple exchange into a memorable event.
Comments