There’s no pressure to find the perfect present for this quirky gift exchange. Here are a few fun ideas that’ll make for a memorable experience.
Everyone knows it’s better to give than receive, especially during the holidays, right? Did you know the idea of a white elephant gift exchange started in Siam (Thailand)? Legend has it that the king would gift pale elephants as a passive aggressive way to punish annoying courtiers. The sacred elephants could not be used for labor and were a hassle to care for.
Today, white elephant parties incorporate quirky Christmas presents that can be “stolen” or swapped. There’s no pressure to find the perfect gift, so, feel free to bring something totally random!
Rosemary tree
Big tree or little tree? Real tree or fake tree? While you’re figuring out what kind of Christmas tree to use, get the tree that keeps on giving. With all the “disposable” seasonal plants like mums, pumpkins, poinsettias and Christmas trees, rosemary is tough enough to survive year after year.
In fact, it’s often one of the few things blooming on Christmas day! Pick up a big upright rosemary bush, trim to shape, add a battery powered string of LEDs, and a few ornaments and tape some wrapping paper around the pot — now you have a mini Christmas tree! Fun, festive and fragrant, it’s perfect for a porch or sunny window. When the new year rolls around, instead of tossing your mini tree by the curb, plant it in your garden. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can prune the shrub in the shape of a Christmas tree and decorate it every year!
Worm dookie
Move over coal, worm castings are for naughty and nice kids alike! An unlikely stocking stuffer, worm castings may not be the first to be stolen unless there’s a secret gardener in the group who knows the power of Christmas poo!
Hori hori
Sometimes called a soil knife, it’s one of my favorite gardening tools. Strapped to the hip, it’s ideal for walking around the garden and doing general garden stuff. Prickly lettuce’s burly tap roots are no match for a sturdy Hori Hori. Tasks like digging, weeding and even minor pruning are made easy with this versatile tool. Even non-gardeners may fight over this one!
Christmas cactus
Festive and flashy, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is a beloved and tolerant house plant that’s a good option no matter the experience level. Don’t worry, this cactus doesn’t have spines. It gets its name for its tendency to bloom right around Christmas.
