Gift Ideas
Written By Ashley Rollins
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If you’ve been to a holiday party, it’s likely that you have seen a white elephant gift exchange. This holiday season tradition is a silly way to pass around gifts that become the highlight of the night.
What Is A White Elephant Gift?
White elephant gifts are often funny or gag gifts, usually under $30 dollars. While people sometimes choose to bring a gift card from their favorite retailer to the gift exchange, more often than not, it is a contest to see who can bring the most outlandish gift.
What Are The White Elephant Game Rules?
The rules are fairly simple. Everyone draws a number to see what order they will select a gift in. The person who draws number one selects a present to start the exchange. The second person can choose to “steal” the gift from the first person or select a new one. The gift selecting continues until everyone has had a chance to select a gift or steal from another person.
When everyone has selected a gift, the first person who started can choose the final steal if they want. There are a variety of options and rules—often putting a limit on the number of steals a specific item can have. But however you choose to play it, a white elephant gift exchange is a fun party game that’s become a holiday staple.
If you’re needing some inspiration for an upcoming white elephant exchange, we’ve got gift ideas to suit any style and budget—whether you want that hilarious gag gift or a thoughtful gift that everyone will fight for.
Best White Elephant Gifts Under $10
Image: Amazon
Avocado & Toast Magnetic Christmas Ornaments
Hallmark
We love funny white elephant gift ideas, but these cute Christmas ornaments take it up another notch. Whether they are a taco lover, a PB&J fan, or a foodie, there is a set of these adorable ornaments for anyone!
Image: Amazon
Boho Absorbent Rubber Drink Coasters
Nipichsha
Not all white elephant gifts have to be funny — we love these boho drink coasters. Perfect for a hostess, these are a useful gift that can be used all year long and bring a bit of aesthetic into their home!
Image: Amazon
Scented Bubble Cube Candles
Aokala
There’s just something about a great smelling candle. If you want a gift exchange idea that is also work (and family!) appropriate, these bubble candles can’t be beat.
Image: Amazon
Reusable Jumbo Baking Cups
The Silicone Kitchen
Silicone baking cups are a great idea for any foodies that might be playing in the white elephant game. Plus, they are an eco-friendly and sustainable way to bake without having to use single-use muffin liners.
Image: Amazon
Clear Waterproof Playing Cards
Hoyle
This is an under $10 gift idea that is an absolute must for anyone that lives near a beach, has a pool, or travels often. Whether you’re splashing around with kids, or having an adults-only party, these waterproof cards need to be in your game rotation!
Image: Amazon
Mini Hot Sauce Challenge Box
Tabañero
There’s always that one person who says that they can handle even the hottest food. Dare whoever wins this at the White Elephant exchange to take the challenge right there at the party!
Image: Amazon
Poo-ing Dogs Coasters
Better Me
We’ve all see the calendars (and you might have even won one at a previous exchange), but why not take it up a notch with these drink coasters? They’re just as hilarious.
Image: Amazon
Wearable Nail Polish Holder Ring
Tweexy
Have a friend that loves at-home manicures? This ultra useful gift idea is a great white elephant gift to bring if you have a lot of skincare or beauty lovers in the group.
Image: Amazon
Mini Christmas Fidget Sensory Pop Toys
JoFAN
Fidget toys aren’t just for kids! These sensory gadgets are great for anyone who often feels anxious, nervous, or stressed. By letting the user make small movements to calm their nerves, these can help anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by a situation. They have also been shown to increase concentration for those with ADHD!
Image: Amazon
Facial Sheet Mask Set
Facetory
Yes! It’s time for a bit of self-care. This sheet mask set is a relaxing gift idea that everyone will want to steal.
Image: Amazon
Tequila Mockingbird: co*cktails with a Literary Twist
Tim Federle
The best white elephant gifts are those that are completely unexpected. We love this unique way to experiment with new and fun co*cktails, whether at home or hosting guests at the next party!
Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20
Image: Amazon
Cool Mist Portable Cactus Air Humidifier
Amazon
We’re big lovers of houseplants around here, but this under $20 gift idea is a cute piece of decor that they can sit on their home office desk, too.
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
Wall-E Ceramic Planter
Silver Buffalo
Have a few friends that are Disney lovers? Plant lovers? This cute Pixar planter of our favorite robot is the cutest decor for your desk or shelf.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Foul Language Mug
Uncommon Goods
This might be the quintessential White Elephant gift, hilarious and not exactly work appropriate.
Image: Amazon
El Corko Bottle Stopper
Monkey Business
Don’t stop at wine bottles! Use this cork topper to seal your favorite tequila bottles, too.
Image: Madewell
Stick Of Butter Ornament
Cody Foster
All that is missing is Paula Deen. Or maybe a large scoop of mashed potatoes…
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Bonsai Tree Kit
Garden Republic
This kit comes with everything that you need to grow and care for three bonsai trees. Not only does this make growing your own indoor plants easy and accessible, but bonsai tree gardening has long been considered to be therapeutic and stress-relieving. We all need that!
Image: Uncommon Goods
Glitter Hearts Toilet Bombs
Uncommon Goods
Want to make the bathroom an experience? These bombs are a nontoxic (and septic-safe!) way to give that moment in the bathroom a sparkly and stink-free flush!
Image: Amazon
Cash For Junk Cars Cards
Better Me
Need a fun prank for someone that can’t stop bragging about their car? These cards will trick them into thinking that someone wants to scrap their precious procession — make sure to catch their reaction!
Image: Amazon
Farfalloni Pot Holders
Monkey Business
You don’t have to be a pasta lover to use these silicone oven grips. If it makes you cook at home more often, it’s a success!
Image: Amazon
Nail Polish Grip
Mani Maker
The perfect gift idea for a manicure lover, these grips attach to the top of a bottle of polish to make it easier to hold and get the perfect nails each time.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Happy Leaves Punch Set
Uncommon Goods
Okay, we don’t normally advocate for cutting our plants, but it just looks so happy!
Image: Amazon
Champagne Bears Candy Cube
Sugarfina
Who doesn’t love an edible gift exchange idea? Take those standard gummy bears up a notch with some gourmet candy.
Image: Amazon
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Farberware
Another useful item on our list, this stainless steel water bottle is a sustainable way to up your water intake and help the planet at the same time.
Image: Amazon
Build-on Brick Coffee Mug
Lumsburry
If you are playing a white elephant game at work, you know that you probably have to bring an office appropriate gift. This brick mug is perfect if you need to include gifts for fellow employees in the exchange. Besides, how great would this look on your desk?
Image: Amazon
Foot Peel Mask
Dermora
Some of the best white elephant gifts are the ones that people wouldn’t buy for themselves. This could easily be a gift to include if you know there are a few people that could use a good pedicure in the group—-ssh! We won’t tell.
Image: Amazon
Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
Dash
Here’s a white elephant gift that everyone will fight over! Because doesn’t everything taste better when it’s mini-sized?
Image: Amazon
Stuffed Decompression Toy
HelegeSONG
This funny white elephant gift has bendable legs and arms and magnets so that you can put him in any position (anywhere!) you want.
Image: Amazon
Hammer 12-in-1 Multi Tool
ForChic
If you’ve all agreed to bring useful gifts, then this 12-in-1 tool is the perfect idea. Besides, who doesn’t want a space-saving item in their home that can fix just about any problem?
Image: Amazon
USB Rechargeable Lighter
Suprus
This is a TikTok find that we can’t help but love! A USB lighter is a quick and easy way to light your candles at home, without the use of matches or flames.
Image: Amazon
Cube-Shaped Granite Whiskey Stones
Mixology & Craft
This under $20 gift idea is perfect for whiskey drinkers to prevent drinks from getting watered down. Just make sure not to swallow them!
Image: Amazon
'Fries on the Fly' Universal Car French Fry Holder
Maad
This is a hilarious white elephant gift that might get more use than you’d think—especially if they spend lots of time in their car.
Image: Amazon
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Bombombs Hot Chocolate Bombs
Thoughtfully
A set of chocolate bombs is a delicious and relaxing way to start (or end!) your day. Just add your favorite mixer.
Image: Amazon
Edible Glitter
Sweets Indeed
Edible glitter? We didn’t even know it existed! We’re guessing that no one else will have either.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Beer Sleeping Bag
Uncommon Goods
This funny white elephant gift idea is also the ideal koozie to take with you anywhere to keep your drink cold.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Funny Food Plastic-Free Produce Bags
Uncommon Goods
Making sustainable swaps is so important, but if you want a funny way to tell the others to start using reusable grocery bags, too, this is it!
Image: Anthropologie
Extraordinary Things to Cut Out and Collage
Maria Rivans
Why not add a creative gift to the mix? This book includes 1500 images and is a great gift idea under $20 for a stocking stuffer, too!
Image: Uncommon Goods
Poop Bingo
Uncommon Goods
We didn’t want to disappoint you—there are hilarious white elephant gift ideas on this list! After all, if you haven’t played poop bingo, have you even lived?
Image: Anthropologie
Nature Table Monogram Mug
Lou Rota
This beautiful coffee cup will be another gift that we image will get many steals at your exchange. Fill it with a bag of coffee or cocoa and marshmallows for an extra touch.
Image: Anthropologie
Artistic Journals
Designworks Inc
New year, new planner, new journal. This set of three is an aesthetic that we love.
Best White Elephant Gifts Under $40
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Light Therapy Lamp
Circadian Optics
Winter blues got you down? This happy lamp is great for anyone who suffers from seasonal depression and it’s a gift that brings a literal ray of sunshine to the game.
Image: Amazon
Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner
Kunphy
You might not know it, but your jewelry is hiding a lot of dirt and grime. Ew!
Image: Amazon
Multiple Device Charging Station
VIMC
Can you tell that we love a useful white elephant gift idea? This charging station is great for parties or home offices that are full of tech gadgets!
Image: Amazon
Eco Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Gruper
Yoga lovers or fitness fans in your game? This non-slip yoga mat comes with a strap to carry it to and from any workout class.
Image: Amazon
Tortilla Wrap Blanket
SeaRoomy
Don’t we all like to wrap ourselves in blankets during the cold winter months? So, why not just become a human burrito?
Image: Amazon
Old Fashioned co*cktail Kit
The co*cktail Box Co.
These co*cktail kits made our other gift guides, too, because they are just so good. Don’t like old fashioneds? There are a variety of different mixes—just don’t forget the alcohol!
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
Smiling Cherry Wood Spatula Set
My Fancy Craft
This funny white elephant gift brings a smile to our face…or smile to our spatula… Whatever.
Image: Amazon
3D Simulation Bread Plush Pillow
Levenkeness
This hilarious white elephant gift sure does like to loaf around on the weekends. In fact, it’s a no-grainer gift to bring.
Image: Amazon
Glow in The Dark Football
GlowCity
Keep the party going outside even after dark with an illuminated football!
Image: Uncommon Goods
Mistaken Lyrics Coasters
Uncommon Goods
Be honest—haven’t we all sang in the shower and swore we knew the words?
Image: Amazon
Banana Saving Hats
Nana Hats
Contrary to what you might think, this funny white elephant gift actually will save your bananas from ripening too quickly. Seriously! It’s science!
Image: Amazon
Odor Deodorizing Spray
Oopsie Poopsie
A small portable spray to make your next bathroom experience a little bit more pleasant, we also can’t help but think that it makes using a public bathroom just a little bit easier.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Monday/Friday Sock Set
Uncommon Goods
Do you really need a special pair of socks for every day of the week? No, but you do need Friday and Monday socks! Friday happy, Monday sad? These socks are an absolute mood.
Image: Amazon
Neck and Back Massager
Liba
This might look a bit like a torture device, but we can assure you, it’s anything but! This specially curved massager makes it easy to get into those hard-to-reach spots on your back and neck. Everyone will be wanting to steal this gift from you!
Image: Amazon
Bluetooth Banana Handset
Banana Phone
Never mind that this banana phone connects to your iPhone or Android via Bluetooth. It’s a banana. That’s a phone. What’s that? Sorry, I have to answer my banana phone.
Bonus: (All banana jokes aside, 1% of all sales is donated to Gearing Up 4 Gorillas through 1% for the Planet to protect gorillas!)
Image: Uncommon Goods
Rainbow Bagel Kit
Uncommon Goods
This rainbow bagel kit is a doughy treat that also makes for a fun holiday project with friends or kids.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Plant Personality Magnet Set
Uncommon Goods
Houseplant parent? We know you want a funny way to share your plants’ sassy attitudes with your friends.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Shower Affirmation Set
Uncommon Goods
Why not set aside the gag gifts in favor of a thoughtful and inspirational morning message? There’s nothing more empowering than starting the day with a powerful mantra or intention.
Image: Urban Outfitters
Image: Anthropologie
Neon Iron Mushroom
Terrain
Do you love the idea of mushrooms, but want a more adult touch? These colorful shrooms are a piece of home decor that can bring a whimsical touch to an otherwise boring mantle.
Image: Etsy
Custom Flower Tumbler
APK Bridesmaids Gifts
Now, these tumblers can be personalized with a recipient’s birth flower and name for a thoughtful gift, but we challenge you to get imaginative and creative with the customization on this tumbler.
Image: Sephora
Lifestyle
Ashley Rollinshttps://www.swiftfit.net
