I had the same question? I have never heard of this before. Like Secret Santa? Or Yankee Swap?
In my neck of the woods it is “tastefully presented” gag gifts. Or crap you want to regift because it sucks.
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I used to do a new years yankee swap, bring your least desirable Christmas gift or a gag gift. It was always a blast!
I’ve been to different white elephant parties. Some with a price limit. One where we weren’t supposed to open until the end (that one failed because no one wanted to steal since they had no clue what anything was!!). I went to one that was all “regifting the worst gift you ever got”. One woman brought a biography of Sadam Hussain…in French!!! It was hilarious.
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I once gave a can of baked beans and beeno.
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I think I have a idea for a new tradition here! 
So last night for the friends party I bought a book called “what’s your poo telling you” and a bob ross mug with bob ross on it, blank canvas when cold and happy little accident when hot. I’m a nurse so poo is always a hot topic. Lol I think I’ll go with the throw and chocolates for work! Nice input guys and some hilarious stories.
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I have that same Bob Ross mug. On purpose!
I’d love to get batteries! Lots of uses…
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I had to google it too 
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How long does it take to dry the paint on the cat?
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I know in general a white elephant refers to a gift that is unwanted, usually because it’s more trouble for the recipient than it’s worth. I have no idea what these white elephant gift exchange events are all about though.
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