The 67 Best White Elephant Gifts That Won’t Be Re-Gifted (2024)

One of the best parts about the holiday season is getting to participate in your favorite annual traditions. Whether your go-to holiday activities include picking out and decorating a tree, decorating gingerbread houses, or hosting a festive cookie swap, there are plenty of fun things to keep you busy this season.

If you’re participating in a white elephant exchange this year, finding the perfect quirky gift can be a challenge. Instead of buying an item that gets re-gifted or left behind at the end of the night, we’ve created a list of gifts your friends and family will actually want to take home. Our list of the best white elephant gifts features a handful of cute home decor items, board games, budget-friendly kitchen tools, and more.

The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50

Panel Sound Pickleball Paddles Set

This beginner-friendly pickleball paddle set is a great white elephant gift for any age group. It comes with almost everything you need to play the game, minus a net: two USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) approved paddles, a carrying case, two outdoor balls, two indoor balls, and two cooling towels. The perforated handle absorbs sweat and is antislip, offering a strong grip for all players.

Price at time of publish: $40

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray, Blossom 5-Pack

The holiday season coincides with the flu season, and this pack of hand sanitizers is a practical gift anyone can appreciate. Each bottle contains over 500 sprays of fresh-scented hand sanitizer that leaves hands feeling moisturized without a sticky residue. The flat bottles are slim enough to fit in a pocket or a small handbag, making them a great pick for those who are always on the go.

Price at time of publish: $48

Dreamfarm Scizza Non-Stick Pizza Scissors with Protective Server

It may seem silly at first, but after using a pair of pizza scissors—aptly named ‘Scizzas’—for the first time, they’ll say goodbye to their traditional pizza cutter. These specialty scissors are made specifically for pizzas and easily slices through any crust, no matter if it’s thin or deep dish.

Alongside being easy to use, they’re easy to care for as the blades come apart for sharpening, and the entire tool is dishwasher-safe. We also love that it includes a safety lock and a protective edge connected to the bottom stainless steel blade that protects pizza stones and non-stick pans.

Price at time of publish: $35m

Gladiour Deep Tissue Massage Gun

Whether the recipient who wins this gift is an avid athlete who’s always at the gym or could just use a little TLC after a long day, this deep tissue massage gun will become a prized possession. It comes with 10 different head attachments to loosen even the most stubborn knots. Plus, it’s about as quiet as an electric toothbrush, so users can get a massage in while watching TV or listening to some calming music.

Price at time of publish: $30

Rocketbook Core Smart Reusable Notebook

Writing daily to-dos or taking notes for school and work has never been easier thanks to this reusable smart notebook. It includes 36 scannable and reusable pages that the recipient can draw or write on just like classic pen and paper. The included pen writes with ease, and a microfiber cloth, also included, will wipe away notes once the user is done with them.

The recipient can also scan in their notes to the free Rocketbook app to reference later. The notebook comes with executive- or letter-sized pages and is available in a variety of colors.

Price at time of publish: $34

Cabot & Carlyle Luxury Bath Caddy Tray

We could all use a little more rest and relaxation these days, so anyone you know would be more than happy to receive this adjustable bamboo bath tray. The universal tray can expand from 29 to 41.5 inches to fit most bathtubs, and it folds up to about 14.5 inches for storing it away when not in use.

There are various slots to hold a glass of wine or other beverage of choice, warm face towels, a book or tablet, a phone, bath bombs, face masks and really any other accessory the user needs for a relaxing bath. It also includes a matching bamboo soap holder.

Price at time of publish: $34

Simple Modern 40 oz Tumbler with Handle and Straw Lid

Everyone needs a trusty water bottle to help them stay hydrated, and this tumbler from Simply Modern is a great place to start. With a durable stainless steel construction and a slim design that’ll fit in most cup holders, it’s easy for your recipient to take this water bottle with them on the go without worrying about leaks or damage. According to the manufacturer, it can keep beverages cold for over 24 hours and the bottle, lid, and straw are all dishwasher-safe.

Price at time of publish: $30

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves

Keep your giftee cozy and warm this winter with a pair of ultra-soft cashmere gloves. To avoid chilly wrists, the Quince gloves have an extra-long cuff that’ll fit inside your coat sleeves, allowing protection from the elements. The cashmere material is three times warmer than wool, yet we love that it has a sleek and breathable construction. Shop the gloves in six different colors for the coziest white elephant gifts.

Price at time of publish: $30

GenCrafts Watercolor Pens Set

Help your friends and family tap into their creative side with this set of watercolor brush pens. Painting can be relaxing and fun, but it doesn’t have to be messy. These pens are refillable with flexible felt tips that mimic a natural hair paintbrush with less mess and cleanup. This kit also includes a carrying case, so the recipient can paint at the park, in the backyard, or at the dining table. You might want to pick up a watercolor notebook for about $10 to add to this gift, too.

Price at time of publish: $30

Brooklinen Restore Candle

Our editors love the scent of this soothing single-wick candle, which is designed to help you relax and unwind after a long day. Created by world-class perfumers, it features bright wild berry top notes and a calming blend of violet and cedarwood that’ll linger in your giftee’s home as it burns. We also love that this candle is made of non-toxic materials, contained in a recyclable glass canister, and has a 60-hour burn time.

Price at time of publish: $35

West Elm Stone Octagonal Coasters

Host a festive party or a casual holiday dinner without worrying about how your furniture will fare. These sleek and modern coasters protect your coffee table and other flat surfaces from developing moisture rings without being an eyesore. At 4 inches in diameter, the handmade coasters are large enough to hold coffee mugs, co*cktail glasses, and chunky water bottles with ease. They even have rubber feet to prevent the stone from slipping or creating scratches on your wooden furniture.

Price at time of publish: $32

Stackers Classic Jewelry Box Collection

Organizing jewelry can be a pain, especially without the proper sections to fit rings, necklaces, and earrings. This lidded box is a great gift for anyone who wears jewelry thanks to its velvet interior to keep fine jewelry safe and modular design to stack additional boxes down the line.

Price at time of publish: $33

Kate Spade New York Lunch Tote, Deco Dots (Out To Lunch), Canvas

This chic, insulated lunch box makes it easy to pack your favorite meals or snacks for a day at the office. At 8 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 4.5 inches tall, there’s plenty of space for delicious sandwiches, sides, thermoses, and more, while the patterned exterior allows you to travel in style. For an even more elevated gift, you can always pack the inside of this lunch tote with candy or other goodies to make unwrapping even more exciting.

Price at time of publish: $32

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Winter weather means dry hands, and this shea butter hand cream from L'Occitane is a great gift for soothing skin without feeling greasy. The 5.1-ounce tube contains enough cream to last through the season, but you can also choose the smaller, 1-ounce container that's easy to throw in a bag and take on the go.

Price at time of publish: $30

Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in Foldable USB-C Connector

Whether it's at a concert, sporting event, or a busy travel day, nothing's worse than not being able to find an outlet while your phone is running low on battery. This USB-C portable charger from Anker plugs directly into iPhone 15 and Samsung models so there are no messy cables needed. The brand also sells a version with a lightning connector for compatibility with older iPhones. The pocket-sized power bank will fit in almost any bag and can provide up to 20 extra hours of battery life.

Price at time of publish: $30

The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $30

Vobaga Coffee Mug Warmer

It's nice to have a steaming cup of joe in the morning, but for those with busy mornings, it's easy for hot coffee to turn cold in the blink of an eye. This coffee mug warmer from Vobaga will keep drinks warm up to 149℉. If the giftee doesn't like their coffee scalding, they can choose between two other settings to maintain the temperature at 131℉ or 104℉. The warmer also turns off automatically after four hours of use for extra peace of mind

Price at time of publish: $26

Uncommon Goods Heart Bouquet Puzzle

Relax and unwind with this colorful heart-shaped puzzle. Made up of 634 colorful pieces that make up a stunning floral design, it’s a challenging brain teaser that can be finished all in one sitting or spread out over a few days. We like the durable, recycled cardboard construction, which ensures this puzzle will fit together perfectly and last for years.

Price at time of publish: $27

ban.do Strawberry Ceramic Vase

Anyone who loves a quirky decor piece is sure to fight for this vintage-style ceramic strawberry vase. At 6 x 6 x 3.25 inches, it's small enough to hold pens or makeup brushes, but it's also large enough to fit a small bouquet of flowers. Or, leave it empty as a solo decor piece on a bookshelf or kitchen counter. Keep in mind, the vase should only be washed by hand and isn't meant for food storage.

Price at time of publish: $29

Nostalgia Indoor Electric S'mores Maker

When the weather outside is frightful, bring the fun indoors with this s’mores maker. The center acts as a flameless heater to toast marshmallows like a classic campfire, while convenient trays surround it and hold graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and any other s’mores fixings the user wants to include. There are also two roasting forks, so no one has to fight over whose turn it is to roast their marshmallows.

Price at time of publish: $28

Apple AirTag

It’s no secret that air travel has been more hectic than usual the past few years. One way to keep better tabs on checked bags? Slip an Apple AirTag inside the suitcase. Then, the user can pinpoint where their bag may have journeyed to if it didn’t end up at the carousel. Plus, these AirTags are versatile, so the recipient can use it to track down wallets, house keys, and other everyday items that always end up misplaced.

Price at time of publish: $29

Rainbow Socks Pizza Socks Box

Funny socks are a classic white elephant gift option, and Rainbow Socks takes the concept a step further by presenting the socks to look like popular food items. This set includes four pairs of cotton socks with pepperoni pizza designs rolled and packaged to look like a whole pizza.

Price at time of publish: $26

Rockkii Portable Dining Set

Imagine dining on the beach, at the park, or along a hiking trail with some of the best views the world has to offer. That will be the reality for the recipient of this portable dining set, perfect for camping trips or picnics. It includes a zippable carrying case, two cloth napkins, a wine and bottle opener, and stainless steel dinnerware for two, including plates, forks, knives, and spoons. The set also comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Price at time of publish: $29

Sweet Water Decor Candle Care Kit

To prevent annoying tunneling or smoking on candles, this candle care kit has everything one needs to extend the life of their favorite candles. The wick trimmer keeps wicks at a safe burning height and reduces soot, and the snuffer helps reduce smokiness when putting out a flame. The kit also includes a wick dipper and a cute carrying pouch. The candle accessories are available in gold, silver, or matte black colors to match any decor style.

Price at time of publish: $25

CocobowlCo Coconut Bowl and Wooden Spoons

Skip the expensive smoothie shop and make an Instagram-worthy smoothie bowl at home with these gorgeous bowls made from coconut shells. The set of four bowls includes four wooden spoons to make an afternoon snack feel like a tropical vacation. The bowls are available in a natural or polished finish and are excellent for holding all types of meals and snacks, not just smoothies.

Price at time of publish: $28

HyperChiller HC2 Iced Coffee/Beverage Cooler

No cold brew maker? No problem. The HyperChiller is a frosty canister that can take any beverage, even hot coffee, and chill it in under a minute. Unlike an ice pack, it doesn’t contain any freezing gel or other chemicals, so it’s easy to clean up in the dishwasher. While it’s perfect for cooling coffee on a busy morning, it can also chill tea, juices, or even a beer or wine after a long day.

Price at time of publish: $25

Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Frequent travelers will appreciate opening this set of packing cubes to help fit more in their suitcase and organize their clothes, toiletries, and shoes. The set includes four packing cubes in different sizes, a shoe bag, and a laundry bag to keep a keep their dirty clothes separate. Plus, it comes in 13 different colors, including neutrals like black, gray, and white, and bright colors like cyan, pink, or wine red.

Price at time of publish: $27

Maldon 3.1 lb Sea Salt Flakes

At first glance, someone might laugh at this over 3-pound bucket of sea salt. But people will be clamoring to take home this white elephant gift, which is both luxe and extremely useful. Maldon sea salt can elevate any entree, side dish, and even desserts and co*cktails. The bucket lasts far longer than the boxed version of this salt, and the packaging is surprisingly attractive enough to leave out on display.

Price at time of publish: $25

Godinger Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set

Build the perfect charcuterie board with this sleek acacia cheese board and three-piece knife set. At 12 inches in diameter, the wooden board is the ideal size for serving cheese, meat, crackers, and more in a stunning (and delicious) display. The accompanying stainless steel knife set makes it easy to cut and serve cheese, too.

Price at time of publish: $25

Steel Mill & Co. Book-Shaped Decorative Vase

Bibliophiles will appreciate this bookish vase, which is the ideal shape to style a bookshelf with some fresh flowers. The book-shaped vase comes in a large, 8-inch size inspired by Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll or a smaller, 5.5-inch size with a design inspired by The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Pair this gift with fresh flowers or a copy of the book it takes after.

Price at time of publish: $27

The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $25

Lomao Fleece Throw Blanket

With the weather getting colder, it’s a great time to gift friends and family a cozy blanket to curl up under. The Lomao Fleece Throw Blanket is made from high-grade fleece and features a stunning texture on the top layer that not only looks beautiful but also feels super soft. Plus, it comes in 15 different colors to choose from.

Price at time of publish: from $20

Bodum Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

Anyone who enjoys a steaming cup of coffee in the morning will love this sleek and easy-to-use pour-over coffee maker. Simply heat water, place coffee grounds inside the filter, and slowly pour the water in a circular motion over the grounds. We love the sleek profile and handy cork cuff, which makes it easy to pour a fresh cup without burning your hands or dropping the glass container. Plus, it’s super easy to clean between brews and tuck away into a cupboard when not in use.

Price at time of publish: $20

Better Homes & Gardens 100th Anniversary Cookbook

We think our 100th Anniversary Cookbook makes the best white elephant gift at your holiday party, whether your friends and family are excellent cooks or new in the kitchen. With more than a thousand recipes to try and brand-new chapters that explore the history of America’s first test kitchen, there are plenty of foods and flavors to discover. This hardcover book also features a lay-flat design which makes it easy to refer to the recipe as you cook.

Price at time of publish: $23

Monister QE Plant Propagation Station

Any gardeners in your life are sure to love this gift that keeps on giving. The propagation station includes 15 glass tubes to hold plant cuttings and grow their roots until they are ready to be planted in soil. The set includes a cleaning brush to easily clean out tubes between propagating different plant cuttings. It also requires no counter space; instead, the recipient can conveniently hang this lightweight propagation station on a wall.

Price at time of publish: $21

Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher

Chopping garlic by hand can be frustrating, so this vampire-shaped garlic press is sure to become a staple in your recipient's kitchen. The Gracula can both mince garlic and crush unpeeled cloves without getting your hands dirty. And at just three inches in diameter, the tool is easy to stow away in kitchen drawers or cabinets.

Price at time of publish: $24

Scandinordica Disco Ball Planter

Disco ball decor has likely taken over your social media feeds. There’s something that feels magical about the way the light reflects off the mirrored ball, but hanging a disco ball in the middle of the living room isn’t exactly practical. Enter this fun and functional disco ball planter. Available in silver, gold, or rose gold, the planter also includes an acrylic stand, a chain hanger, or a macrame hanger, so the recipient can set it up however they prefer.

Price at time of publish: $28

Anthropologie Woven Geo Dishcloths

This set of six vibrant woven dishcloths makes the chore of hand-washing dishes seem a little more fun. At 12 inches on each side and covered in eclectic, colorful patterns, they’re designed to hold up against wear and tear without fading or unraveling. Use them to scrub dishes or to replace your disposable paper towels, then toss them into the washing machine for easy cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $24

STOJO Collapsible Coffee Cup

Saving the planet has never looked better than this chic and minimalist travel mug. The Stojo travel cup holds 16 ounces of hot or cold drinks in a dishwasher-safe silicone material. When the recipient isn’t sipping their favorite beverage out of this cup, they can collapse it down to take up less space in their bag or cabinet. It even includes a straw and a heat sleeve for added convenience and less waste.

Price at time of publish: $20

Pop ‘n Dulge Popcorn Movie Night Set

Loved ones who prefer a savory snack over something sweet will love this gourmet popcorn set. This set includes five gourmet popcorns, including blue and ruby-red varieties, plus five different seasonings: salted butter, white cheddar, garlic parmesan, creamy chive, and hot pepper. The set comes with six popcorn bags, too, which are perfect for movie nights at home.

Price at time of publish: $21

Modern Sprout Hydroponic Mason Jar Indoor Grow Kit

Your recipient will love being able to keep fresh herbs on hand in the kitchen thanks to this vintage-inspired mason jar planter. It uses a passive hydroponic system to keep herbs perfectly hydrated, so there’s little effort required when it comes to keeping the plant alive. You’ll be able to choose between basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, and rosemary herbs, which arrive in a seed packet, just waiting to be planted.

Price at time of publish: $20

Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

Everyone needs to do laundry, so consider gifting a product to make the chore easier. Wool dryer balls can help shorten drying time while reducing wrinkles and static. Plus, they'll save the giftee money over time as they're reusable, unlike dryer sheets or liquid fabric softeners. These wool balls don't contain any fragrances and are synthetic-free, making them a great pick for sensitive skin.

Price at time of publish: $20

Rifle Paper Co. Holiday Tea Towel

This festive tea towel is a colorful yet functional way to add a little holiday spirit to the kitchen. With six different illustrations to choose from,including holiday lights, Christmas tree farms, and nutcrackers, you’ll be able to find a fun pattern to catch everyone’s attention. The tea towels are soft and ultra-absorbent, making them both beautiful to look at and helpful when drying dishes. They even have a hanging loop for efficient drying.

Price at time of publish: $20

W&P Microwave Silicone Personal Popcorn Popper Maker

Freshly-popped popcorn is a staple for movie nights, but standing over the stove can be time-consuming. This silicone microwave popcorn maker pops up to four cups without the waste of a standard microwavable popcorn bag or the oil needed on the stove. The lid doubles as a measuring cup and the bowl is collapsible for easy storage.

Price at time of publish: $20

What Do You Meme? Incohearant Adult Party Game

If your loved ones enjoy getting together for game nights, gift this hilarious card game that’s suitable for any-sized group. To play, a judge holds up a card to show the group a gibberish phrase (the other side has the answer that only the judge can see). All the other players read the gibberish out loud until they decode the answer. For example, “real agents sip gulls” turns into “relationship goals.” The original game is made for adults, but there’s a kid-friendly Family Edition as well.

Price at time of publish: $20

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Keeping your skin hydrated can be a challenge all year round but during cold winter months. Packed with vitamin C, shea butter, and nourishing coconut oil, the Laneige lip mask is the perfect self-care gift to avoid chapped lips. It’s designed to be applied before bed every night and keeps skin plump and hydrated all day.

Price at time of publish: $22

The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20

Orvis Great Outdoors Playing Cards

Whether you’re on a family camping trip, hosting friends at your house, or playing a game of solitaire, it’s always a good idea to have a deck of cards on hand. We love this outdoor-inspired set of playing cards that feature beautiful illustrations on both sides of the card. The four suits are represented by trees, water, mountains, and sky, yet they’re easy enough to recognize in fast-paced games. Plus, the cards come with a stunning wooden box to keep them from getting bent when not in use.

Price at time of publish: $16

Genuine Fred Potato Clips

Everyone needs a way to keep their food fresh, and this chip clip shaped like a real potato chip is both a funny and useful white elephant gift to give. The pack of four clips, which are each 2 x 2.5 inches, are double-sided and sturdy enough to keep a tight seal on snack bags.

Price at time of publish: $10

Hasbro Gaming Wordle The Party Game

Inspired by the popular online word game, this dry-erase version of Wordle allows you to test your word skills alongside your friends and family. The game comes with three dry-erase markers and boards, yellow and green tiles to indicate correct or incorrect guesses, and cardboard barriers to hide your work from other players. According to the manufacturer, there are four ways to play this analog word game, meaning you can switch up the rules whenever you’re bored.

Price at time of publish: $15

1924 Double Black Cabernet Sauvignon

Made from full-flavored, California-grown grapes, this bottle of cabernet sauvignon is best paired with your favorite savory holiday appetizers. Our editors love the colorful blend of smoky yet sweet aromas this wine possesses, making it one of the best white elephant gifts to open and share.

Price at time of publish: $12

Smoko Dumpling Nightlight

This cute dumpling lamp is love at first light. Thanks to its battery-operated glow, it makes an adorable bedside buddy that automatically shuts itself off after one hour. At around 4 inches on all sides, it’s super easy to wrap for white elephant gifting, and it takes up very little space on your nightstand when in use. Plus, there’s no unsightly power cord to hide.

Price at time of publish: $20

The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20

Monkey Business Farfalloni-Shaped Pot Holders

White elephant participants are sure to get a kick out of these silly but useful pot holders. Shaped like bowtie pasta, the silicone grips are heat resistant to protect hands from hot handles, and they're dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $17

PowerLix Handheld Battery Operated Milk Frother

If you're shopping for the best white elephant gifts, that means the new year is just around the corner, and your loved ones may be setting savings goals—which may include making coffee at home. This handheld milk frother is a great addition to any home barista's toolkit, creating a foamy froth from any choice of milk in less than a minute. When they're done, it's easy to clean (just turn it on in a cup of water) and store on the included stand. What's better, the recipient doesn't need to be a coffee lover to appreciate the gift as the frother is also a great tool for mixing protein powders, co*cktails, sauces, or whisking eggs.

Price at time of publish: $12

Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap

Anyone can benefit from owning this stylish and functional belt bag, which is designed to hold your phone, keys, wallet, and more when you’re on the go. Waterproof and tear-resistant, it’s sturdy enough to hold up against scratches and falls if the giftee uses it while spending time outdoors. We also love that it has multiple zipper pouches, and at 8 x 5 inches, there’s plenty of space to store all your must-haves.

Price at time of publish: $16

Lanest Housing Satin-Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases are a great gift thanks to their ability to reduce the typical bedhead frizz and tangles. We tested the Lanest Housing silk sheets, which stood out for their soft feel and quality construction. These pillowcases feel cool and soft to the touch, making them a great pick for hot sleepers or warm climates. While these are sold as individual pillowcases, their affordable price means can buy a set of two for less than $20.

Price at time of publish: $9

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

Whether your recipient is the jet-setting type or not, this hardcover coffee table book is a great way to inspire new adventures while adding visual flair to their living space. The book is filled with hundreds of photos and thousands of travel recommendations from across the globe, so it’s sure to inspire your giftee to start planning their next adventure.

Price at time of publish: $18

GoodsmithShop Half-Circle Plant Magnet with Air Plant

Gift exchange participants can decorate the fridge with living decor thanks to these adorable little air plant magnets. Each wooden magnet is 2 x 1.5 inches and comes with a live air plant and an instruction card to help your recipient keep their new friend alive. If your giftee doesn’t have a green thumb, no sweat—these little guys require no soil, just an occasional soak in lukewarm water and indirect light.

Price at time of publish: $16

Design Imports Mushroom Salt and Pepper Shakers

These charming mushroom salt and pepper shakers add character to any table. Whether your recipient’s home decor trends toward funky, modern pieces or prefer a timeless cottage aesthetic, the glazed ceramic shakers will fit right in. Each shaker is around 3.5 x 2.75 inches, so they won’t take up much space in your kitchen or on the table.

Price at time of publish: $20

Eosyjay Rechargeable Lighters

Candle lovers will appreciate these environmentally friendly, rechargeable electric lighters to spark flames. The flexible lighter head makes it easy to get to the very bottom of even the most well-loved candles, and these lighters can also come in handy for starting up a grill. For added safety, each lighter in this pack of two includes a safety lock and a timed electrical arc that will shut off after seven seconds.

Price at time of publish: $15

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

This miniature waffle maker is a fun yet practical gift breakfast lovers will treasure. We like that it heats up quickly and evenly in just a couple of minutes, allowing you to cook tasty, golden-brown waffles in no time. Plus, at just 4 inches in diameter, it’s a useful tool that won’t take up tons of storage space in your recipient’s kitchen.

Price at time of publish: $13

Kilostep Essential Oil Car Diffuser

Nobody likes sitting in traffic, but these attractive car diffusers make the experience at least a little more pleasant. The wood diffusers clip into the car vents and hold drops of the recipients favorite essential oils for a soothing or energizing scent that will blow through the entire vehicle. Each set includes two vent diffusers, which are available in several different wood-etched patterns and designs.

Price at time of publish: $15

Ban.do Wellness Workbook

Self-care is important, and this helpful workbook makes it a priority. The recipient will get wellness tips, regular check-in worksheets, journal prompts and more in this helpful little book. The guide includes 288 pages of content to help the recipient work toward becoming their best self. As a bonus, the book itself is gorgeous and will look great on any desk or coffee table.

Price at time of publish: $18

Fox Run Polished Marble Rolling Pin with Wooden Cradle

If there’s one thing your recipient will almost definitely find a use for during the holidays, it’s a baking tool. This sleek natural stone rolling pin is great for rolling out cookie dough, cinnamon rolls, pie crust, and more. Because of the marble variations, each rolling pin has a unique look that makes your gift one of a kind. Plus, we love that it comes with a wooden base that prevents the rolling pin from moving around when placed in a drawer or on a shelf.

Price at time of publish: $19

Kitsch Ice Roller for Face

Ice rollers have many potential benefits, including absorbing skincare products and reducing puffiness. These benefits aside, these icy skincare tools also simply feel relaxing to roll across the forehead, cheeks, and neck in the morning or before bed. This stainless steel ice roller by Kitsch is easy to use and clean, and it only needs about 15 minutes in the fridge to feel extra cold and ready to roll.

Price at time of publish: $18

Daphne’s Botanicals PlantDoc Color-Changing Plant Moisture Indicator Set

No matter how green your giftee’s thumb is, this set of five plant moisture indicators will help them keep their indoor plants thriving. Made from thick and durable paper, these monstera leaf-shaped inserts can be placed directly into the plant’s soil. As you water your plants, they’ll turn green when moist, then fade back to white as the soil dries, allowing you to rehydrate your plant at the right time. The best part is these moisture indicators last around three months before biodegrading into the soil.

Price at time of publish: $15

Brooklinen Socks

A pack of luxuriously soft ankle socks from thiseditor-loved bedding brandmakes a great white elephant gift when you’re low on inspiration. With a terry-lined interior and plush cushioning throughout, they’re designed to look as cozy as they feel. Plus, the socks come in small, medium, and large with five different colors, making them a comfortable fit.

Price at time of publish: $15

Mosiso 16-Inch Laptop Sleeve

This 16-inch protective laptop sleeve is one of the best white elephant gifts for your coworker’s annual exchange. It has a shock-absorbing polyester foam layer to help protect against accidental drops and a fuzzy interior lining to avoid scratches. There’s also a convenient pocket outside to store laptop accessories, notebooks, and more. This laptop sleeve comes in seven different sizes and 34 colors, so you’ll be able to pick a color and size that strikes your fancy.

Price at time of publish: From $19

Elecstars Touch Bedside Lamp with Bluetooth Speaker

Set the mood or start a party with this bedside lamp and Bluetooth speaker combo. The recipient can switch between six vibrant hues that’ll illuminate the room, dim the lights, or connect their phone via Bluetooth to play their favorite songs. It’s battery-operated and can last up to 10 hours when fully charged, so you won’t have to worry about ugly power cords on your giftee’s deskscape.

Price at time of publish: $19

Greenzla Reusable Cotton Pads

Removing makeup with disposable cotton pads or makeup wipes isn't just wasteful—it can add up in cost, too. These soft, reusable cotton pads are an easy-to-use alternative. Simply wet with water or cleanser to wipe away makeup. Once it's dirty, toss it into the included laundry bag and into the wash so it's ready to use again.

Price at time of publish: $10

The Bottom Line

The best white elephant gifts don’t have to be gag gifts. Instead of spending money on silly items that’ll be regifted or left behind when the party’s over, we’ve rounded up the best white elephant gifts that your recipient will love.

Your Questions, Answered

How much money should you spend on a white elephant gift?

When shopping for the best white elephant gifts for your friends, family, or coworkers, it can be tricky to know how much you’re supposed to spend. If you’re organizing a white elephant gift exchange for your holiday party, we recommend keeping the income ranges and lifestyles of your guests in mind before setting a spending limit. This helps to ensure that everyone can bring a gift that’s well within their budget and that all the gifts are approximately the same value.

For this list of best white elephant gifts, we stuck to picks less than $35. Some of the most affordable gifts on our list are the Lanest Housing Satin-Silk Pillowcase for $9 and the Genuine Fred Potato Clips for $10.

How do you choose the best white elephant gifts?

Depending on the type of party you’re attending, the best white elephant gifts will be cute or quirky items that cost $35 or under. Though some rules ask attendees to bring gag gifts to a white elephant exchange, others may iterate small purchases. We’ve found that the best white elephant gifts are tailored to the interests of the other participants in the exchange—this helps to ensure that everyone has a chance to get something they want. Plus, this creates a longer (and more fun) game where participants are more likely to "steal" a previous player's gift. Choosing practical gifts also minimizes the number of items left behind or thrown away at the end of the party.

Who We Are

Samantha Jones is an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens, writing and editing stories about the latest home, kitchen, and garden products on the market. For this story, Samantha scoured the internet (and her own holiday gifting list) to find the best white elephant gifts for friends, family, and even coworkers.Additional gifts were added by Paige Bennett, a freelance writer with experience covering travel, beauty, fashion, and sustainability.