Navigating the world of white elephant gift exchanges can be a delightful yet sometimes daunting task. The perfect white elephant gift strikes a balance between humor, usefulness, and steal-worthiness, all while ideally staying within a budget. Whether you’re shopping for an office gathering, a festive get-together with friends, or a family holiday party, finding the right present to contribute to the gift pool is key to making the exchange memorable and fun.
For professional environments like office parties, opting for gifts that are practical and universally appealing is often a safe bet. Think items like the incredibly useful Apple AirTag, a luxurious Laneige lip balm duo for those winter-chapped lips, or the ever-reliable Yeti Rambler Mug to keep beverages at the perfect temperature.
When the gathering is among close friends, you have more leeway to lean into humor and gag gifts. Consider amusing items such as “wine condoms” bottle stoppers or delightfully ridiculous “ugly Christmas sweater” slippers. For those aiming for a blend of fun and functionality, self-care gifts with a quirky twist, like the HungOvr headache-relief cap or an incredibly cozy electric heated blanket, can be fantastic choices.
Remember, the best white elephant gifts are often those that are affordable yet highly desirable – think of items that spark laughter or are surprisingly practical. Perhaps a jar of car-cleaning gel or even Snoop Dogg’s cookbook could be unexpectedly popular choices!
If you’re feeling stuck on what to bring, it’s wise to lean towards practicality. As Matt Graham, co-owner of Shadow Breeze, a gifting services company, suggests, “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.” However, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy the process. “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, let’s dive into a curated list of 60+ white elephant gift ideas under $50, spanning from hilarious gag gifts to work-appropriate options, ensuring you’ll find the perfect contribution to keep the gift exchange light-hearted and entertaining.
Top White Elephant Gift Ideas for Maximum Steals
Overall Best White Elephant Gift Ideas
Soul Food, Snoop Dogg Style
From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes From Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen
This cookbook is a fantastic blend of fun and utility, especially for those who love to cook soul food. Snoop Dogg fans will appreciate the range of recipes, from casual dishes like Shrimp Po’ Boy to more elaborate meals such as Lobster Thermidor. And for those snack cravings, there are recipes for munchies like Chewy Starbursts and Frito BBQ Twists.
Slime That Cleans
Car Cleaning Gel
This isn’t just any slime; it’s a cleaning marvel! This brightly colored gel reaches into every corner of your car, from air vents to cup holders. It’s also great for home office gadgets like keyboards. Just remind the recipient to keep it out of hot cars!
Flavor-Packed Cubes For Instant Brunch Cocktails
Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
These flavor-infused sugar cubes are the perfect gift for party hosts or a thoughtful gesture for a partner’s parent. Flavors like citrus, peach, and berry pair wonderfully with sparkling beverages like mimosas or Bellinis.
A Coffee Table Book That Addresses Life’s Burning Questions
Am I Overthinking This?: Over-Answering Life’s Questions In 101 Charts
Illustrator Michelle Rial’s witty book uses charts to humorously tackle life’s big and small questions. It’s a coffee table book that’s sure to be a hit, especially with the overthinkers in the group.
A Cult-Favorite Lip Mask-And-Balm Duo In Festive Flavors
Laneige Divine Lip Duo
Beauty enthusiasts will be thrilled with this duo featuring the popular Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and Lip Glowy Balm. Now available in festive holiday flavors and colors, they are perfect for achieving super-soft lips and also make great stocking stuffers.
An Adorable Boba Tea—Shaped Night Light
Pearl Boba Tea Ambient Light
This charming, battery-powered night light shaped like a bubble tea adds a cozy touch to any space. It even includes “boba” balls. Remember to include AAA batteries in your gift bag as they are not included.
Best Funny White Elephant Gift Ideas
A Throw Blanket That Burrito Fanatics Will Cozy Up In
Casofu Burrito Tortilla Blanket (47-Inch)
This tortilla blanket is both funny and surprisingly comfortable. It has garnered rave reviews for its cozy feel. Options for pizza and waffle designs are also available for other food enthusiasts.
An Astronaut Suit For Cold Ones
Puffin The Space Suit Jacket
These space-themed beer koozies are both adorable and practical. Other fun styles include beer hoodies, flannels, and life jacket-like beer preservers.
The Ideal Shower Beer Or Bath Wine Solution
SipCaddy Shower Beer And Wine Holder
Help someone relive their college days with this shower beer holder. This plastic caddy can also hold wine glasses, shampoo, or conditioner bottles.
Extra-Comfy Slippers Inspired By Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Dearfoams Ugly Christmas Sweater Slippers
These hilarious ugly Christmas sweater slippers are sure to cause a stir. Beyond the humor, these unisex slippers are incredibly comfortable, featuring Dearfoams’ signature memory foam insole and a plush lining.
A Box Of Unique(ly Funny) Affirmations
Emergency Affirmations for Exceptionally Stupid Days Card Deck
If laughter is the best medicine, this affirmation card deck is therapeutic humor at its finest. Cards feature phrases like “Don’t be ashamed of who you are—that’s your parent’s job” for a daily dose of sarcasm and smiles.
Stickers For Adults
Googly Food Sticker Book
Stickers aren’t just for kids! This sticker book features vintage food illustrations with googly eyes and witty comments like “Go zest yourself.” Perfect for sticking on fridges, bills, or anywhere that needs a touch of humor.
Best Gag White Elephant Gift Ideas
A ‘Crappy’ Present That’ll Get Plenty Of Laughs
Funny Embroidered Toilet Paper Rolls
What’s more practically hysterical than toilet paper embroidered with phrases like “This is the crappiest gift I could find”? You can even customize it with an inside joke for added laughs.
Sushi-Inspired Socks That Look Like The Real Thing
Rainbow Sushi Socks Box
This “sushi” set includes five pairs of OEKO-TEX certified cotton socks, cleverly rolled to look like sushi. Complete with fabric versions of soy sauce bottles, wasabi, and ginger, they look good enough to eat!
A Gigantic, Huggable Seeded Baguette Throw Pillow
Much Comfort 3D Seeded Baguette Throw Pillow, XL
Carb lovers will adore this oversized seeded baguette body pillow. Incredibly plush and detailed, it’s available in croissant and doughnut versions for other pastry aficionados.
A Hilarious Gag Gift For Dog Lovers
Pooping Pooches White Elephant Gag Gift Calendar
This white elephant gift is both funny and gives back. The calendar features photos of dogs doing their business, and Pooping Pooches donates $1 from each sale to the Maui Humane Society.
To Make Snacking On Drive-Through Fries So Much Easier
French Fry Holder For Car
Upgrade drive-through snacking with this french fry holder. It fits perfectly in car cup holders, making it easier to enjoy fries on the go.
An Adjustable Stool To Make Going Potty Easier
Squatty Potty Adjustable 2.0 Toilet Stool
This toilet stool is literally life-changing. The Squatty Potty helps achieve a squatting position, reducing strain and making bathroom visits easier.
Best Useful White Elephant Gift Ideas
An Easy Way To Keep Track Of Your Things
Apple AirTag
In today’s world, who doesn’t need a tracking tag? Apple’s AirTag works with Bluetooth or GPS to help keep track of luggage, keys, and other valuables, directly from your iPhone.
Possibly The Most Convenient Portable Charger Ever
Charmast Portable Charger With 6 Built-In Cables
If practicality is your aim, this portable charger is a surefire hit. Slim and lightweight, it features six outputs and three inputs, allowing you to charge up to six devices simultaneously.
A Uniquely Shaped Gift For Hands-Free Reading
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
Perfect for bookworms, this neck light allows for reading in the dark without disturbing others. It features two movable arms with adjustable brightness levels.
A Portable, Waterproof Clip-On Speaker
JBL Clip 3 Portable Speaker
Music and podcast lovers will appreciate this waterproof portable speaker. It offers up to 10 hours of playtime and includes a clip-on carabiner for easy attachment to strollers, bags, and more.
This Handy-Dandy Coffee Warmer
BestInKits Smart Coffee Warmer
Coffee mug warmers are popular white elephant gifts, especially this affordable and effective model from BestInKits. It ensures a consistently hot cup of coffee or tea.
A Mini Multi-Tool For Gear Heads
Gerber Gear Dime Mini Multi-Tool
Outdoor enthusiasts and gadget collectors will appreciate this petite multi-tool. Despite its small size, it includes pliers, a knife, screwdrivers, and more.
Best Office White Elephant Gift Ideas
A Mug That Keeps Hot Drinks Hot And Cold Drinks Cold
Yeti Rambler Mug (14 Ounces)
Perfect for any season, the Yeti 14-ounce mug keeps drinks hot or cold for extended periods. Its double-wall insulation makes it ideal for both office and outdoor use.
Make The Loo Smell Like Christmas
Poo-Pourri Spritzmas Tree Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Ensure the office bathroom always smells festive with Poo-Pourri’s toilet spray in Spritzmas Tree scent. It traps odors and releases nostalgic scents of cypress, cedar, and vanilla.
A Holiday-Inspired Scented Soy Candle
Moonlight Makers “Fresh Cut Christmas Tree” Candle
Set a jolly holiday mood with this nontoxic soy candle. Hand-poured in North Carolina, it features notes of pine, patchouli, cedar, and spearmint.
A Truly Useful Milk Frother
Zulay Executive Milk Frother With Stand
This milk frother is a must-have for coffee lovers. With a stainless steel whisk and included stand, it quickly creates perfect foam for lattes, hot chocolate, and more.
A Bartender-Curated Cocktail Kit
The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit
Perfect for impromptu cocktail cravings, this kit includes everything needed to make six Old Fashioneds: bitters, sugar cubes, a muddler spoon, and cocktail picks – just add bourbon.
Refreshing ‘Manly’ Scents And A Touch Of Humor
Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap Variety Pack (3-Pack)
Useful with a humorous edge, Dr. Squatch soaps are formulated for men but loved by all. Made with natural ingredients and fresh scents like Cedar Citrus and Cool Fresh Aloe.
Best Unique White Elephant Gift Ideas
A Fun Brain Teaser For Wine And Puzzle Lovers
Bsiri Wooden Wine Bottle Brain Teaser Puzzle
Combine puzzles and wine with this brain teaser that locks around a wine bottle. It’s a fun challenge that ends with a rewarding drink.
Dinosaur Fans Will Love This Playful ‘Nachosaurus’ Set
Funwares Original Nachosaurus Snack And Dip Set
Perfect for “Jurassic Park” nights or Taco Tuesday, this dinosaur chip-and-dip set is sure to be a hit. Fill the dino with chips (“spikes”) and the dip holder with salsa for a volcano effect.
For Singing Hearts Out At Home—Or Wherever The Party Is
Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
Karaoke lovers will rejoice over this wireless microphone speaker. Connect it to a phone via Bluetooth and instantly create a karaoke party anywhere.
A Calming Zen Garden Cat People Will Appreciate
RP Minis Zen Garden Litter Box
Meditate with a litter box? This mini zen garden includes a “litter box” tray, sand, rocks, a rake, and tiny cats for a unique calming experience.
A Pen That Writes—And Diffuses Oil
Lifelines Crisp Mountain Air Pen Diffuser
Overcome writer’s block with this pen that doubles as an essential oil diffuser. Scents like Crisp Mountain Air and Citrus Grove are available to boost creativity.
A Rechargeable, Collapsible Solar ‘Candle’
Biolite Luci Candle
More than just a candle, this solar-powered lantern is rechargeable and collapsible. With a flickering LED light and 18-hour runtime, it’s perfect for poolside, camping, or relaxing baths.
Best Adult White Elephant Gift Ideas
‘Protection For Wine Lovers’
The Original Wine Condoms
These gold-wrapped stoppers aren’t what they seem! Wine Condoms are leak-proof, reusable, food-grade latex stoppers that keep wine fresh, adding a humorous twist to wine preservation.
A Massage Candle To Get You In The Mood
Maude Burn Massage Candle
Instead of typical adult gifts, opt for this thoughtful massage candle from Maude. Made with jojoba oil and essential oil fragrances, it creates a cozy atmosphere and provides warm, moisturizing massage oil.
Make Bizarre, Slightly Inappropriate Sentences
Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game
Imagine Cards Against Humanity meets Magnetic Poetry. This game challenges players to create ridiculous sentences with limited magnets, guaranteeing laughter and awkward fun.
A Subtle, Irresistible Roll-On Scent
Bravado Labs Premium Unisex Pheromone Oil
For the single folks, this pheromone oil is a subtly intriguing gift. Infused with pheromones for both men and women, it’s designed to be layered under perfume or cologne to attract attention.
For A Little Spice In The Bedroom
Lovehoney Red Furry Handcuffs
These cute and slightly naughty furry handcuffs are sure to elicit chuckles. Metal with faux fur sleeves, they include keys and a quick-release lever for safety.
Best Self-Care White Elephant Gift Ideas
The Trendy Chemical Peel That Promises ‘Baby-Soft’ Tootsies
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
This cult-favorite foot peel promises baby-soft feet by sloughing off dead skin. Recipients should be prepared for some serious shedding!
A Spa Experience In The Form Of Bath Bombs
Cleverfy Shower Steamers (6-Pack)
Bring the spa home with these shower steamers. Scented with essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus, they dissolve in the shower to create a soothing, aromatic experience.
An Adorable Way To Keep Your Hands Warm Anywhere
Gaiatop Rechargeable Hand Warmers
These penguin-shaped rechargeable hand warmers are both adorable and practical for cold climates. They offer three heat settings, are magnetic, and rechargeable.
A Heated Foot Massager
Nekteck Heated Foot Massager
Perfect for those on their feet all day, this heated foot massager offers six massage heads with rotating nodes and heat settings to relieve tension and fatigue.
Best Foodie White Elephant Gift Ideas
For The Perfect S’more—Without The Flame
Nostalgia Tabletop Indoor Electric S’mores Maker
Bring the campfire indoors with this electric s’mores maker. It features a stainless steel grate, roasting forks, and removable trays for easy cleanup.
To Solve Their Dinner Dilemmas Once And For All
Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice
Foodie Dice helps indecisive cooks decide what’s for dinner. Each die offers different ingredients to spark creativity in the kitchen.
A Set Of Tasty Sichuan Sauces
Fly By Jing Mini Sampler Set
Spice lovers will appreciate this set of Sichuan sauces from Fly By Jing. Includes Sichuan Chili Crisp and Sweet & Spicy Zhong sauce for a flavor kick.
Perfect The Art Of Wine-Cheese Pairings
The Wine and Cheese Board Deck: 50 Pairings To Sip And Savor
Foodies will love this card deck for mastering wine and cheese pairings. It offers recommendations for various wine types and budgets.
Jams Of Every Flavor
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 from Apricot to Orange Marmalade.
A Cast-Aluminum Press For Perfect Patties
Williams Sonoma Adjustable Nonstick Burger Press
Is a burger press essential or extra? Either way, this cast-aluminum, nonstick burger press from Williams Sonoma is high-quality and makes perfect patties.
Best White Elephant Gift Ideas For Game Lovers
A Simple, Fast-Paced Game For Groups
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This matching card game is simple, fast-paced, and addictive. It’s a silly, insane game that will leave everyone breathless with laughter, fun for all ages.
Scrabble-On-The-Go For Wordsmiths
Bananagrams Word Game
This banana-shaped pouch contains a tile game similar to Scrabble but without a board or scoring. Filled with 144 letters for endless wordplay fun.
A Party Game Of Extremes
Spin Master’s Where On The Scale Party Game
Get to know each other while laughing with this party game of extremes. Players guess numbers on a scale, leading to hilarious and insightful moments. Adult expansion pack available for more mature fun.
A Fun Party Game That Skips The Small Talk
Hella Awkward Card Game
Go deeper than small talk with Hella Awkward. This conversation game features 140 questions in categories like Dating and Real Talk, customizable for different groups.
Best Splurge Elephant Gift Ideas
A TikTok-Viral Blackout Cap For Headache Relief
OG HungOvr Cap
This blackout gel cap is TikTok-viral for a reason. It helps with migraines, hangovers, and stress by blocking light and muting sound. It can be cooled or heated for extra relief.
An Innovative Stanley Alternative
BrüMate Era (30-Ounce)
A step up from the Stanley, the BrüMate Era offers innovative lid features, including a swivel top with three modes: spill-proof, sip opening, and full open for cleaning. Stainless steel straw and stylish matte finish.
Socks That Give Back To Elephants
Conscious Step Socks That Protect Elephants
Cozy and charitable, these socks from Conscious Step are Fairtrade, GOTS, and Vegan Certified. A purchase supports elephant conservation efforts.
An Electric Heated Blanket With 12 Settings
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket
Splurge on cozy comfort with Sunbeam’s electric blanket. Featuring 12 heat settings and a plush fleece material, it’s perfect for winter warmth.
Espresso In Minutes
OXO Rapid Brewer
Coffee aficionados will love the portable OXO Rapid Brewer. It makes single-serving espresso in two minutes or cold brew in five, using your 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 turn order. On their turn, they can either unwrap a new gift or steal a previously opened gift. The first player typically unwraps a gift, while later players have the advantage of choosing from all unwrapped gifts. Rules may limit the number of steals per gift or participant to manage chaos. 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 to be stolen by subsequent players. This differs from Secret Santa, where gifts are bought for a specific person who doesn’t know who their Santa is, and budgets can be higher.
What Is Appropriate For A White Elephant Gift?
Regifting unused items is perfectly acceptable for a white elephant exchange. Consider unused candles or home décor items that don’t fit your style. If you need to buy something quickly, local pharmacies, supermarkets, or big-box stores offer many suitable options like candles, holiday treats, blankets, or gag gifts.
