White elephant gift exchanges are a staple of holiday parties, office gatherings, and friend get-togethers. The quest for the Best White Elephant Gift often leads to a mix of laughter and strategic stealing. The ideal gift strikes a balance: it’s budget-friendly, funny, and potentially useful enough to be coveted.
For office parties, practical yet amusing gifts tend to be a safe bet. Think about items like the Apple AirTag, a festive Laneige lip balm duo, or the always-appreciated Yeti Rambler Mug. When the gift exchange is among closer friends, you can lean into more humorous options such as “wine condoms” or quirky Christmas sweater slippers. For those willing to splurge a bit, self-care items like the HungOvr headache-relief cap or a cozy heated blanket can be a delightful surprise.
The essence of a great white elephant gift lies in its ability to be both affordable and highly desirable, sparking gift envy and playful theft among participants. As Matt Graham, co-owner of Shadow Breeze, a gifting services company, advises, “Bring a practical, inexpensive gift instead of a gag gift. And stick to the budget. If there isn’t one, I would use $25 as the suggested amount.” Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy the experience. “No one goes to a white elephant gift exchange expecting to walk away with an amazing gift,” Graham notes. “It’s more about having fun with your coworkers, friends, and family.”
With that spirit in mind, we’ve curated a list of 60 of the best white elephant gift ideas under $50, encompassing everything from gag gifts to work-appropriate options, ensuring you’ll find the perfect contribution to your gift exchange.
Our Top Picks for White Elephant Gifts
Best Overall White Elephant Gift Ideas
Soul Food Cookbook by Snoop Dogg
From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes From Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen
This cookbook is a fantastic blend of fun and practicality, especially for those who love cooking soul food or are fans of Snoop Dogg. Inside, you’ll discover a range of recipes from tasty dishes like Shrimp Po’ Boy to more elaborate meals like Lobster Thermidor. And for those snack cravings, there are recipes for munchies like Chewy Starbursts and Frito BBQ Twists.
Car Cleaning Gel Slime
Car Cleaning Gel
While it might not be magic, this cleaning slime is remarkably effective. This brightly colored gel can reach into every corner of a car to clean vents and cup holders. It’s also useful for cleaning gadgets in a home office, like keyboards. Just remind the recipient not to leave it in a hot car.
Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
A perfect gift for anyone who loves to host parties, or even a thoughtful gift for a partner’s parent, this trio of flavor-infused sugar cubes includes citrus, peach, and berry flavors. They are designed to dissolve in bubbly drinks like mimosas or Bellinis, creating instant and delicious cocktails.
Chart Book for Overthinkers
Am I Overthinking This?: Over-Answering Life’s Questions In 101 Charts
This hilarious book of charts by illustrator Michelle Rial offers wry answers to both big and small life questions. It’s a coffee table book that’s genuinely entertaining, especially for those who tend to overthink things.
Laneige Divine Lip Duo
Laneige Divine Lip Duo
Beauty enthusiasts will be thrilled with this gift. The popular Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and Lip Glowy Balm, known for creating super-soft lips, are now available in holiday flavors and colors. This duo also makes an excellent stocking stuffer.
Boba Tea Ambient Light
Pearl Boba Tea Ambient Light
This charming, battery-powered night light is shaped like a bubble tea drink and brings a cozy ambiance to any room. It even includes “boba” balls for added detail. Remember to include AAA batteries as they are not included.
Best Funny White Elephant Gift Ideas
Burrito Tortilla Blanket
Casofu Burrito Tortilla Blanket (47-Inch)
This tortilla blanket is both funny and surprisingly comfortable. It has received rave reviews for its cozy feel. For those who prefer other foods, versions featuring pepperoni pizza and waffles are also available.
Space Suit Beer Koozie
Puffin The Space Suit Jacket
These beer koozies, designed like space suits, are both cute and practical for keeping drinks cold. Other styles available include beer hoodies, beer flannels, and beer preservers, all offering a humorous take on drink accessories.
Shower Beer and Wine Holder
SipCaddy Shower Beer And Wine Holder
Help someone relive their college days with this shower beer holder. This plastic SipCaddy can also hold wine glasses, shampoo, or conditioner bottles, making shower time more enjoyable.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Slippers
Dearfoams Ugly Christmas Sweater Slippers
These ugly Christmas sweater slippers are sure to get a reaction. Beyond the humor, these unisex slippers are incredibly comfortable, featuring Dearfoams’ signature memory foam insole and a plush lining.
Emergency Affirmations Card Deck
Emergency Affirmations for Exceptionally Stupid Days Card Deck
This affirmation card deck proves that humor can be therapeutic. Cards feature phrases like “Don’t be ashamed of who you are—that’s your parent’s job” and “I have the unlimited potential to put things off until the last second,” perfect for a laugh.
Googly Food Sticker Book
Googly Food Sticker Book
For sticker lovers, this book is a hit, especially with its googly eyes. It features vintage food illustrations with humorous, judgy comments like “Go zest yourself” and “I’m starting to feel like a third peel,” ideal for decorating fridges or even bills.
Best Gag White Elephant Gift Ideas
Embroidered Toilet Paper Rolls
Funny Embroidered Toilet Paper Rolls
Combining practicality and humor, these hand-embroidered toilet paper rolls are a unique gag gift. Phrases like “This is the crappiest gift I could find” or custom inside jokes can be embroidered on them for a personal touch.
Sushi Socks Box Set
Rainbow Sushi Socks Box
This “sushi” set contains five pairs of colorful cotton socks that are OEKO-TEX certified. Rolled up to resemble sushi, complete with fabric versions of soy sauce bottles, wasabi, and ginger, they look good enough to eat.
Baguette Body Pillow
Much Comfort 3D Seeded Baguette Throw Pillow, XL
Carb enthusiasts will adore this oversized seeded baguette body pillow. It’s incredibly plush and features detailed design, including seeds and crust. Croissant and doughnut pillows are also available for other pastry lovers.
Pooping Pooches Calendar
Pooping Pooches White Elephant Gag Gift Calendar
This calendar is a hilarious and useful white elephant gift that also gives back. Pooping Pooches will donate $1 from each sale to the Maui Humane Society.
French Fry Car Holder
French Fry Holder For Car
Upgrade the drive-through fry experience with this car french fry holder. The tray fits perfectly into a car cup holder, making it easier to snack on fries while driving without the mess.
Squatty Potty Toilet Stool
Squatty Potty Adjustable 2.0 Toilet Stool
This toilet stool is surprisingly life-changing. The Squatty Potty helps users achieve a squatting position, reducing strain and making bathroom visits easier and quicker.
Best Useful White Elephant Gift Ideas
Apple AirTag
Apple AirTag
In today’s world, an Apple AirTag is incredibly useful for keeping track of belongings. It works with an iPhone’s Bluetooth or GPS, helping to prevent lost luggage or misplaced keys.
Portable Charger with Built-In Cables
Charmast Portable Charger With 6 Built-In Cables
Opt for practicality with this portable charger. This slim, lightweight charger features six outputs and three inputs, capable of charging up to six devices simultaneously.
LED Neck Reading Light
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
This neck reading light is a uniquely useful gift. It allows for hands-free reading in the dark without disturbing a partner, featuring two movable arms with adjustable brightness levels.
JBL Clip 3 Portable Speaker
JBL Clip 3 Portable Speaker
Music and podcast lovers will appreciate this portable speaker. Waterproof and offering 10 hours of playtime, it also has a clip-on carabiner for easy attachment to bags or strollers.
Smart Coffee Warmer
BestInKits Smart Coffee Warmer
Coffee mug warmers are always popular white elephant gifts, especially when affordable. This BestInKits warmer ensures a consistently hot cup of coffee or tea.
Gerber Mini Multi-Tool
Gerber Gear Dime Mini Multi-Tool
Outdoor enthusiasts and gadget lovers will enjoy this mini multi-tool. Despite its small size (4.25 inches when folded), it includes pliers, a knife, screwdrivers, and bottle/can openers.
Best Office White Elephant Gift Ideas
Yeti Rambler Mug
Yeti Rambler Mug (14 Ounces)
Perfect for hot or cold drinks, the Yeti 14-ounce mug is a great office gift. Its double-wall insulation keeps beverages at the desired temperature for extended periods.
Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray
Poo-Pourri Spritzmas Tree Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Ensure the office bathroom always smells pleasant with Poo-Pourri toilet spray. This spray traps odors and releases a festive Christmas tree scent of cypress, cedar, and smoke vanilla.
Christmas Tree Scented Candle
Moonlight Makers “Fresh Cut Christmas Tree” Candle
Help create a jolly office atmosphere with this holiday-scented soy candle. Hand-poured in North Carolina, it features notes of pine, patchouli, cedar, and spearmint.
Milk Frother with Stand
Zulay Executive Milk Frother With Stand
This milk frother is a truly useful office gift. Equipped with a stand and a stainless steel whisk, it quickly creates foam for lattes, hot chocolate, matcha, and more.
Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit
The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit
These cocktail kits are perfect for office happy hours or desk celebrations. Each tin includes everything needed to make six Old Fashioneds: bitters, sugar cubes, a muddler spoon, and cocktail picks – just add bourbon.
Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap Set
Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap Variety Pack (3-Pack)
Useful and humorous, Dr. Squatch handmade soaps are formulated for men but enjoyable for all. Made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, they come in scents like Cedar Citrus and Cool Fresh Aloe.
Best Unique White Elephant Gift Ideas
Wine Bottle Brain Teaser Puzzle
Bsiri Wooden Wine Bottle Brain Teaser Puzzle
This wooden brain teaser puzzle adds a fun challenge to a bottle of wine. It locks around the bottle and requires solving the puzzle to access the drink, perfect for wine and puzzle enthusiasts.
Nachosaurus Snack and Dip Set
Funwares Original Nachosaurus Snack And Dip Set
Dinosaur lovers will enjoy this playful nacho and dip set. The dinosaur chip holder and dip bowl are perfect for themed parties or casual snacking. Fill the dino with chips (“spikes”) and the dip holder with salsa for a fun presentation.
Wireless Karaoke Microphone
Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
For karaoke fans, this wireless microphone speaker is a fantastic gift. It connects to phones via Bluetooth, turning any space into a karaoke bar. It comes in various fun colors.
Zen Garden Litter Box
RP Minis Zen Garden Litter Box
Cat lovers who need to relax will appreciate this Zen garden litter box. It includes a litter box tray, sand, rocks, a rake, and two tiny cats for a humorous meditation experience.
Pen Diffuser
Lifelines Crisp Mountain Air Pen Diffuser
For those experiencing writer’s block, this pen could be the answer. It writes and diffuses essential oils, with scents like Crisp Mountain Air, Glowing Embers, and Citrus Grove to choose from.
Solar ‘Candle’ Lantern
Biolite Luci Candle
This solar-powered lantern is more than just a candle. It uses a flame-free LED light that flickers, collapses to just 1 inch, and runs for 18 hours on a charge, perfect for pools, camping, or relaxing baths.
Best Adult White Elephant Gift Ideas
Wine Condoms
The Original Wine Condoms
These are not actual condoms, but food-grade latex wine stoppers that are leak-proof and reusable, keeping wine fresh. Their packaging is designed to resemble condoms, adding a humorous element.
Massage Candle
Maude Burn Massage Candle
Elevate the mood with this massage candle from Maude. Made with jojoba oil and essential oils, it can be used to create a cozy atmosphere or as a warm massage oil for sore muscles. Scent No. 3 with eucalyptus, sandalwood, and vetiver is a popular choice.
Ransom Notes Word Magnet Game
Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game
This game combines elements of Cards Against Humanity and Magnetic Poetry. Players use word magnets to create answers to ridiculous prompts, ensuring lots of laughter.
Pheromone Oil Roll-On
Bravado Labs Premium Unisex Pheromone Oil
For singles, this pheromone oil roll-on could be a fun gift. Designed for both men and women, it’s meant to be applied to pulse points to subtly enhance attraction.
Furry Handcuffs
Lovehoney Red Furry Handcuffs
These furry handcuffs are a cute and slightly naughty gag gift that’s sure to get laughs. They are metal with faux fur sleeves, lockable but include keys and a quick-release lever for safety.
Best Self-Care White Elephant Gift Ideas
Baby Foot Peel
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
This cult-favorite foot peel promises baby-soft feet. It effectively removes dead skin, though recipients should be prepared for their feet to shed skin like a snake.
Shower Steamers
Cleverfy Shower Steamers (6-Pack)
Bring the spa home with these shower steamers. Scented with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint, they melt in the shower, creating a relaxing aromatherapy experience.
Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Gaiatop Rechargeable Hand Warmers
These penguin-shaped hand warmers are both adorable and practical for cold climates. Rechargeable with three heat settings and magnetic to keep the pair together, they are a cute and useful gift.
Heated Foot Massager
Nekteck Heated Foot Massager
Those who spend a lot of time on their feet will appreciate this heated foot massager. It features six massage heads with rotating nodes and a heat setting to relieve tension and fatigue.
Best Foodie White Elephant Gift Ideas
Electric S’mores Maker
Nostalgia Tabletop Indoor Electric S’mores Maker
Bring campfire s’mores indoors with this electric s’mores maker. It has a stainless steel grate for roasting marshmallows and includes roasting forks and removable trays for easy cleanup.
Foodie Dice
Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice
For the indecisive dinner planner, Foodie Dice are a fun solution. Each die features different ingredients to inspire creative cooking in the kitchen.
Sichuan Sauce Sampler Set
Fly By Jing Mini Sampler Set
Spice lovers will appreciate this Sichuan sauce sampler set from Fly By Jing. It includes their popular Sichuan Chili Crisp and Sweet & Spicy Zhong sauces, offering a kick of flavor.
Wine and Cheese Pairing Deck
The Wine and Cheese Board Deck: 50 Pairings To Sip And Savor
Foodies will enjoy this wine and cheese pairing card deck. It offers recommendations for pairing various wines with cheeses, along with arrangement tips, suitable for all budgets.
Mini Jam Jars Set
Bonne Maman Assorted Mini Jams
These mini jam jars from Bonne Maman are adorable and delicious. The set includes eight 1-ounce jars in flavors ranging from Apricot to Orange Marmalade.
Adjustable Burger Press
Williams Sonoma Adjustable Nonstick Burger Press
This burger patty press from Williams Sonoma is both useful and a bit over-the-top. Made of cast aluminum with a nonstick finish, it helps create perfectly uniform burger patties.
Best White Elephant Gift Ideas For Game Lovers
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This matching card game is simple, fast-paced, and addictive. It’s described as silly and hilarious, even suitable for young children to join in the fun.
Bananagrams Word Game
Bananagrams Word Game
Bananagrams is a tile game similar to Scrabble but without the board and complex scoring. It comes in a banana-shaped pouch and provides hours of word game fun for anagram enthusiasts.
Where on the Scale Party Game
Spin Master’s Where On The Scale Party Game
This party game helps people get to know each other better through laughter. Players use scale cards to guess numbers related to various scenarios, with extreme scale cards and an adult pack available for more mature fun.
Hella Awkward Card Game
Hella Awkward Card Game
Skip the small talk with the Hella Awkward conversation game. It features 140 questions in categories like Dating and Real Talk, customizable for different groups, designed to deepen conversations.
Best Splurge White Elephant Gift Ideas
HungOvr Headache Relief Cap
OG HungOvr Cap
This TikTok-viral blackout gel cap provides relief from headaches, migraines, hangovers, and more. It can be cooled or heated, blocks light and sound, and is designed for comfort.
BrüMate Era Insulated Tumbler
BrüMate Era (30-Ounce)
As a stylish alternative to Stanley tumblers, the BrüMate Era offers innovative features. It includes a three-way swivel lid, a stainless steel straw, and comes in attractive matte colors.
Elephant Protection Socks
Socks That Protect Elephants
These cozy socks are a gift that gives back. They are Fairtrade, GOTS, and Vegan certified, and support elephant conservation efforts.
Electric Heated Blanket
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket
For a splurge-worthy gift, consider this plush electric blanket from Sunbeam. It features 12 heat settings and a digital controller, perfect for winter warmth.
Portable Espresso Maker
OXO Rapid Brewer
Coffee lovers will covet this portable OXO Rapid Brewer. It makes single servings of espresso in just two minutes or cold brew in five, using their favorite coffee beans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is A Traditional White Elephant Gift Exchange?
In a white elephant gift exchange, participants bring a wrapped gift within a set budget. Gifts are placed in a pile, and participants draw numbers to determine their turn. On their turn, a participant can choose to unwrap a new gift or steal a gift from someone who has already gone. The first player usually unwraps a gift, while later players have the advantage of seeing unwrapped gifts and choosing to steal. Rules may limit how many times a gift can be stolen and how often a person can steal. Sometimes, the first player gets a final turn to steal at the end.
What’s The Difference Between A Yankee Swap And A White Elephant?
Yankee swap and white elephant are essentially the same type of gift exchange, also known as “dirty Santa.” These involve gifts being opened one at a time and then being available for others to steal on their turn. This differs from Secret Santa, where gifts are bought for a specific person who doesn’t know who their Santa is, and budgets are often higher.
What Is Appropriate For A White Elephant Gift?
It’s perfectly acceptable to regift unused items for a white elephant exchange. Consider unused candles or home décor that doesn’t fit your style. If you need to buy a gift quickly, local pharmacies, supermarkets, or big-box stores offer plenty of options like candles, holiday treats, blankets, or gag gifts.
