From Mistress Theadora Perplexa, gift exchange Marshal In Charge:
From the Land of Big Fun comes one of our most martial activities: A full-contact gift exchange!
Basic Information
This is a classic “white elephant” gift exchange. The main thing that seems to set it apart is the fact that the gifts stay wrapped until the very end, so no one really knows what they’re getting. That makes the trading the main part of the fun; what’s in the gift is almost immaterial. Remember, never judge a gift by its wrapping!
Gift Exchange Rules
- The gifts should be inexpensive and wrapped. They stay wrapped until the end.
- A “round” begins when a gift is taken from someone, and continues for 10 seconds, or until a gift is picked from under the tree. Whoever doesn’t have a gift in hand when the count reaches zero has to pick from under the tree.
- Gifts may not be hidden.
- Gifts must be taken and given up humanely.
- Each gift may be exchanged only once per round.
- The wrapping is part of the gift and may be kept.
Those who wish to participate in the gift exchange should bring a wrapped gift. The suggestion is $5.00 in value or less (or something that you don’t mind exchanging for something that cheap, though some will contribute gifts of a higher value). Again, keep in mind that the wrapping is the main draw, since no one but you will know what’s inside.
Please label it if has an age restriction (alcoholic beverages are the most common example). Please do not add any other hints; the lack of information is part of the fun. Deposit it on the table or under the tree with the other wrapped gifts (not with the donations for Toys For Tots).
On Saturday evening after court, we will make a circle of benches. Everyone who’s brought a gift (or gifts) will get to draw a number for each one. We will then go in numerical order, picking gifts from the pile or taking them from each other.
Whoever draws number 1 will have a last chance to mix things up at the end.
If the idea of being in the middle of a scrimmage is daunting to you, “hire” a runner; many of the more spry Oldenfudlians are happy to wade in for a small consideration (cookies are frequently a good currency).
Please feel free to ask Theadora any other questions you may have about this activity.