Koreo asks about the previous post:

Why do they call it a “white elephant” gift exchange. I never understood that.

I found the answer over at The Phrase Finder:

White (albino) elephants were regarded as holy in ancient times in Thailand and other Asian countries. Keeping a white elephant was a very expensive undertaking, since the owner had to provide the elephant with special food and provide access for people who wanted to worship it. If a Thai King became dissatisfied with a subordinate, he would give him a white elephant. The gift would, in most cases, ruin the recipient.

Wikipedia adds:

The metaphor was popularized in the United States after New York Giants manager John McGraw told the press that Philadelphia businessman Benjamin Shibe had “bought himself a white elephant” by acquiring the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team in 1901. The Athletics manager Connie Mack subsequently selected the elephant as the team symbol and mascot. The team is occasionally referred to as the White Elephants.

Wow. I didn’t expect the origin to be so deep. I guess in India White Elephant gifts aren’t quite as much fun as they are here in the States.

Phrase Finder Article
Wikipedia Article