# White Elephant? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 27, 2006, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400 "2006-09-27T19:23:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![OneCentStamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/141 "2006-10-17T17:55:37Z")
Is it considered bad form to contact your elephantee with questions, in the interest of coming up with suitable gifts? I’ve been researching her through her posts, but I don’t know if it’s bad to jump out and ask, “so…um…do you like kung fu movies?” ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/142 "2006-10-17T18:15:52Z")
if you have me, no. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/143 "2006-10-17T20:00:02Z")
One box of elephant parts, shipped minutes ago! ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/144 "2006-10-17T20:01:17Z")
[QUOTE=OneCentStamp] Is it considered bad form to contact your elephantee with questions, in the interest of coming up with suitable gifts? I’ve been researching her through her posts, but I don’t know if it’s bad to jump out and ask, “so…um…do you like kung fu movies?” [/QUOTE] I think it’s ok. I can e-mail her and ask her if it’s ok if you like - she HAS to accept e-mails from me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![SkeptiJess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@SkeptiJess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkeptiJess)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/145 "2006-10-17T20:37:16Z")
[QUOTE=OneCentStamp] Is it considered bad form to contact your elephantee with questions, in the interest of coming up with suitable gifts? I’ve been researching her through her posts, but I don’t know if it’s bad to jump out and ask, “so…um…do you like kung fu movies?” [/QUOTE] While I certainly don’t think it would be rude for you to do this, I’ll speak up and say that, for me, the randomness is part of the fun. ---
**Author:** ![OneCentStamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/13edae/32.png) [@OneCentStamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneCentStamp)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/146 "2006-10-17T20:40:53Z")
Eh. I think I’ll just surprise her. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Twinkie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@Twinkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twinkie)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/147 "2006-10-17T21:03:15Z")
This is my first time doing this, and I’m very excited about it. However, I’m the type of person who tends to over-think things. In this instance, I’m thinking about what my random collection of goodies will look like to someone who doesn’t know me. I mean, I know that I have a perfectly good reason for owning all these things. And any one item taken individually is harmless enough. But a whole boxful, taken out of context? Might as well send the van & the white coats for me now, that’s all I can say. And I invite you all to over think this along with me – _what do your elephantine castaways say about you?_ ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2006, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/148 "2006-10-17T21:25:20Z")
[QUOTE=Twinkie] This is my first time doing this, and I’m very excited about it. However, I’m the type of person who tends to over-think things. In this instance, I’m thinking about what my random collection of goodies will look like to someone who doesn’t know me. I mean, I know that I have a perfectly good reason for owning all these things. And any one item taken individually is harmless enough. But a whole boxful, taken out of context? Might as well send the van & the white coats for me now, that’s all I can say. And I invite you all to over think this along with me – _what do your elephantine castaways say about you?_ [/QUOTE] You’re a Doper. Sending to other Dopers. Nothing you send can be all that much crazier than whatever your elephantee already has lying around the house… ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/149 "2006-10-18T07:42:05Z")
[QUOTE=dahfisheroo] The post office has ‘flat rate’ shipping boxes for free. If you use one of those boxes, it can weigh up to 70# and you can send it anywhere in the US, or APO/FPO for around $8. Only takes 2-3 days for delivery, and is much more economical than standard shipping, especially if the package is heavy. [/QUOTE] I just went to the USPS website and couldn’t find information on that do you have a link or other information. Hubby just weighed my box and it’s 15#s that’s $27.00 cheaper would be better. (I’ll send it anyway, don’t worry :D) ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/150 "2006-10-18T09:17:24Z")
You know, it’s a pity I’ve just moved (again) and that this time I did throw stuff away… And the Earth didn’t split in two or anything! Some of my favourite stuff are hand-me-downs. Some of the hand-me-downs I’ve given are among the recipient’s favourite stuff. Some hand-me-downs I got were passed further down later. Don’t sweat it too much, **Stamp** and **jayjay** : after all, even if your recipient isn’t into kung-fu movies, they may know someone who is 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/151 "2006-10-18T10:43:38Z")
I packed a box last night. Small box with lots of small things inside. But because of my stupid work schedule this week, it won’t go out until Friday. However, it will go then. I even included a note describing the origins of some of the stuff. 'Cause I’m nice, dammit. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Twinkie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@Twinkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twinkie)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/152 "2006-10-18T14:00:01Z")
[QUOTE=jayjay] You’re a Doper. Sending to other Dopers. Nothing you send can be all that much crazier than whatever your elephantee already has lying around the house… [/QUOTE] See, now that just sounds like a challenge! 😉 **FairyChatMom** , are you sure \*this \* isn’t the real reason you included a note? I mean, you are nice, dammit, but 'fess up. Without the note, it’s just a box full of crazy. ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/153 "2006-10-18T14:13:09Z")
[QUOTE=picunurse] I just went to the USPS website and couldn’t find information on that do you have a link or other information. Hubby just weighed my box and it’s 15#s that’s $27.00 cheaper would be better. (I’ll send it anyway, don’t worry :D) [/QUOTE] > **[Store redirect](https://store.usps.com/store)** You have to get the box from the post office, but it’s free. Comes in either a flat shirt box, or a more rectangular one. They’ll even give you tape if you ask nice. ---
**Author:** ![fisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@fisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fisha)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/154 "2006-10-18T14:15:14Z")
The almost square box. [http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13354&productId=11637&langId=-1](http://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10152&storeId=10001&categoryId=13354&productId=11637&langId=-1) ---
**Author:** ![Squeaker\_Snow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Squeaker\_Snow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squeaker_Snow)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/155 "2006-10-18T20:11:28Z")
I just got back from the post office! My white elephant is now making it’s way to Pennsylvania! _Happy dance_ ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2006, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/156 "2006-10-18T20:37:57Z")
Ah, but which of will be the first to RECEIVE an elephant??? BTW, we all should remember to post at length about our ellies when they come – it’s always fun to hear about what neat-o crap you might have gotten if the names sorted differently. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2006, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/157 "2006-10-19T03:53:03Z")
I put a list of everything I packed, so little stuff doesn’t get missed. Also, don’t forget to put your SDMB name in the box, so we know who to [del]blame[/del] thank! **dahfisheroo** , My Hero! Thank you! The 12"X12"X8" should work. The box I have now is 12"X15"X15" but I think it’s more than 1/2 full of peanuts. Even if it doesn’t hold everything, I could be a back-up Ele with the leftovers, and still come out ahead. ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2006, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/158 "2006-10-19T03:55:53Z")
[QUOTE=picunurse] Also, don’t forget to put your SDMB name in the box, so we know who to [del]blame[/del] thank! [/QUOTE] Oh, were we supposed to do that? Huh…I thought part of the point was the [waggles fingers] mysterious nature [/waggles fingers] of not knowing who’s crap you got. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2006, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/159 "2006-10-19T04:03:21Z")
[QUOTE=Hal Briston] Oh, were we supposed to do that? Huh…I thought part of the point was the [waggles fingers] mysterious nature [/waggles fingers] of not knowing who’s crap you got. [/QUOTE] No, part of the fun is the mysterious nature of not knowing who you were going to get. If it’s anonymous, how are we supposed to explain what everything is when our elephantee posts his/her puzzlement in this thread in a week or so? ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2006, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400/160 "2006-10-19T04:18:15Z")
[QUOTE=Hal Briston] Oh, were we supposed to do that? Huh…I thought part of the point was the [waggles fingers] mysterious nature [/waggles fingers] of not knowing who’s crap you got. [/QUOTE] Naw, read the last few pages of [last year’s thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=332556) In [2004](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=264160&highlight=White+Elephant) we posted what we received in a separate thread, but people got confused. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-elephant/374400.md?page=9)