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A left right white elephant game story is a read-aloud activity that directs guests to pass wrapped gifts around a circle. Each time the reader says left, players pass the gift they are holding to the person on their left. Each time the story says right, they pass it to the person on their right. When the story ends, everyone keeps the gift in hand.
This printable is useful for Christmas parties, family gatherings, office celebrations, classroom events, church groups, and other gift exchanges. It offers a simple alternative to traditional white elephant rules that may include choosing, opening, or stealing gifts one at a time. Because everyone passes gifts together, the activity keeps the whole group involved and usually takes only a few minutes.
How to use the story
- Ask each participant to bring one wrapped gift within the agreed price range. For children, use small toys, books, craft items, or age-appropriate treats.
- Have everyone sit or stand in a circle. Give one wrapped gift to each player.
- Choose a reader who can speak clearly and maintain a steady pace. The reader should hold the printable where the direction words are easy to see.
- Tell players to pass gifts only when the reader says “left” or “right.” They should pass one position at a time and avoid opening gifts during the story.
- After the final sentence, each player keeps the gift currently in hand. The host can then allow everyone to open gifts at the same time.
Practical tips for a smoother game
- Explain the rules before starting and demonstrate one pass in each direction.
- Use a large, comfortable circle so gifts can move without reaching across another player.
- For young children, seat an adult nearby to help with direction changes.
- Ask the reader to pause briefly after each “left” or “right” so the group can keep up.
- For a large party, print an extra copy so a backup reader can follow along.
Printing tips
Print the story on standard US Letter paper, using portrait orientation unless the page instructions specify otherwise. Choose actual size or 100% scale so the text remains readable. If the printable uses color to highlight direction words, select color printing for easier reading. Black-and-white printing also works when the words are bold or clearly separated.
For repeated use, print on slightly heavier paper or place the pages in a protective sleeve. Keep the pages in order, and test the printout before guests arrive. A clear copy, a confident reader, and enough space for passing are all you need for a lively white elephant game.
Where to Find and Print Left Right White Elephant Game Story
The Left-Right Christmas Game: Pass It On!
A free printable left-right Christmas story with color-coded direction prompts and instructions for using it during a gift exchange.
The Christmas Left Right Game Printable Story
A printable story designed as an alternative to a standard white elephant exchange, including practical play instructions and printing guidance.