How to Make a White Elephant Party Invitation
A white elephant gift exchange allows guests to bring quirky items such as unwanted gifts, odd trinkets or tacky fashion accessories to swap for something better or more humorous. Although the party game is often associated with Christmas gatherings, you can host festivities focused on this entertaining activity any time of year. Because the game requires guests to bring specific types of objects, ensure your invitations clearly outline the rules. Make white elephant party invitations featuring customized text and eye-catching graphics to get your friends and family members excited about the engaging event. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- White card stock
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors or paper trimmer
- Magazines
- Double-sided tape
- Markers or alphabet stamps and ink
- Colored card stock
- Computer and printer or pen
- Paper
- Envelope
Instructions
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Use a ruler and pencil to mark a five-by-eight-inch piece of white card stock. Cut the shape out with scissors or a paper trimmer and fold the card stock in half to create a four-inch-wide by five-inch-tall card base.
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2
Create a three-by-three-inch collage to embellish the front of the invitation. Find pictures in magazines of unattractive home accessories, gag gifts and out-of-date clothing or fashion accessories. Cut the images out with scissors and arrange and affix them to a piece of white card stock.
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3
Make one color copy of the collage for each party invitation you need to make. Trim the three-by-three-inch collages with scissors or a paper trimmer. Center the collage at the top of a card base, leaving a half-inch border along the top and sides. Affix the image with double-sided tape.
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Add a phrase such as "One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure," "It's a White Elephant Party" or "Time to Trade Your Trash" across the bottom of the card using markers or alphabet stamps and ink.
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Print or write the party details on a three-by-four-inch piece of card stock that coordinates with the party decorations. Include the day, date, time, location and RSVP details such as your phone number and preferred date for the guests' replies. Affix the card stock inside the invitation.
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Place a piece of paper in the envelope along with the invitation that features the rules of the white elephant gift exchange so guests will be familiar with the game before the party starts. Add a list of possible white elephant gifts that guests can find in their closets or buy just for the party.
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Tips & Warnings
Save time by buying a set of pre-made blank cards if you'd rather not cut and fold your own card bases to create the white elephant invitations.
If you're organizing a last-minute party, use free online card-making templates or email invitation services to get the word out about your white elephant event. Simply select a card specifically designed for white elephant parties or choose a generic party template featuring graphics of a wrapped gift on the front. Input the party details into the online form, along with information on the types of gifts to bring to the event. Print the invitations on a color printer to mail or input your friends' email addresses to have the invites sent electronically.
