Final answer:
The traditional White Elephant was a sacred and costly gift, while a modern White Elephant gift is intended for fun and entertainment at social events, holding little practical value.
Step-by-step explanation:
The modern-day White Elephant gift is different from the historical gift of an albino elephant in several ways. Traditionally, a White Elephant was a rare and sacred creature, often associated with power and religious significance, especially in Eastern cultures such as Buddhism. It was considered a burdensome gift because its upkeep was very expensive, yet it was too sacred to be put to practical use. In contrast, a modern White Elephant gift is typically an entertaining exchange of inexpensive, quirky, or unwanted items that have little to no practical value, meant to provoke amusement and laughter at social events rather than being a sign of wealth or status.