The best white elephant gift ideas are often budget-friendly and range from funny to genuinely useful, depending on your audience. For an office gathering, you might want to play it safe with practical gifts like a Tile tracker or a popular lip balm. For a party with close friends, you could opt for amusing choices like wine condoms or cozy, silly slippers. Or perhaps you’ll splurge a bit on self-care items like a headache-relief cap or a heated blanket.
If you’re unsure what white elephant gift to buy, it’s wise to lean towards practicality and affordability. “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,” advises Matt Graham, co-owner of Shadow Breeze, a gifting services company. But most importantly, don’t overthink it. “No one goes to a white elephant gift exchange expecting to walk away with an amazing gift,” Graham says. “It’s more about having fun with your coworkers, friends, and family.” Keeping this in mind, here are over 60 of our top white elephant gift ideas—from gag gifts to office-appropriate options—so you can relax and find the perfect present.
Our Top White Elephant Gift Picks
Best White Elephant Gift Ideas Overall
Soul Food, Snoop Dogg Style
From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes From Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen
This gift is both entertaining and useful—especially for those who enjoy cooking soul food at home. Snoop fans will discover a variety of delicious recipes, from Shrimp Po’ Boy to more refined dishes like Lobster Thermidor. And of course, there are also recipes for snacks like Chewy Starbursts and Frito BBQ Twists for when those cravings hit.
Slime That Cleans
Car Cleaning Gel
This slime might not be magic, but it’s pretty close. This brightly colored gel can clean every corner of your car, from the air vents to the cup holders. You can even use it on home office gadgets like your keyboard. (Just remind the recipient not to leave it in a hot car!)
Flavor-Packed Cubes For Instant Brunch Cocktails
[Woman-Owned](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
[Allison DeVane](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
These citrus, peach, and berry flavored sugar cubes are the perfect gift for party hosts (or a safe bet for your partner’s mom). They taste best with bubbly drinks like mimosas or Bellinis.
A Coffee Table Book That Addresses Life’s Burning Questions
[MOST POPULAR](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Am I Overthinking This?: Over-Answering Life’s Questions In 101 Charts
Illustrator Michelle Rial’s humorous book of charts offers witty answers to life’s big and small questions. It’s a coffee table book that will actually be a hit—especially with the overthinkers in the group (we can relate).
A Cult-Favorite Lip Mask-And-Balm Duo In Festive Flavors
Laneige Divine Lip Duo
Beauty lovers will rejoice: The popular Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and Lip Glowy Balm will help them achieve incredibly soft lips—now in holiday flavors and colors. Bonus: This duo is also a perfectly sized stocking stuffer.
An Adorable Boba Tea—Shaped Night Light
Pearl Boba Tea Ambient Light
This cute, battery-powered light shaped like bubble tea adds a cozy touch anywhere it’s placed. And yes, it even comes with “boba” balls. Just note that AAA batteries aren’t included, so consider adding them to the gift bag.
Best Funny White Elephant Gift Ideas
A Throw Blanket That Burrito Fanatics Will Cozy Up In
Casofu Burrito Tortilla Blanket (47-Inch)
This funny yet functional tortilla blanket has tons of great reviews saying it’s genuinely cozy to snuggle in. There are also options for fans of other foods like pepperoni pizza and waffles.
An Astronaut Suit For Cold Ones
Puffin The Space Suit Jacket
These space-themed beer koozies are both cute and practical. Other fun styles include beer hoodies, beer flannels, and beer preservers resembling life jackets.
The Ideal Shower Beer Or Bath Wine Solution
SipCaddy Shower Beer And Wine Holder
Help someone relive their college days with the shower beer, elevated. This plastic holder from SipCaddy can also hold wine glasses, shampoo, or conditioner bottles.
Extra-Comfy Slippers Inspired By Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Dearfoams Ugly Christmas Sweater Slippers
Don’t underestimate the commotion these ugly Christmas sweater slippers will cause. Hilarious and unisex, these slippers feature Dearfoams’ memory foam insole and plush lining for maximum comfort.
A Box Of Unique(ly Funny) Affirmations
Emergency Affirmations for Exceptionally Stupid Days Card Deck
If humor is therapy, this affirmation card deck is the proof. Say phrases like “Don’t be ashamed of who you are—that’s your parent’s job” and see how your day goes.
Stickers For Adults
Googly Food Sticker Book
Who doesn’t love stickers, especially with googly eyes? This sticker book features vintage food illustrations with judgmental comments like “Go zest yourself” to stick on your fridge or anywhere.
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 hand-embroidered toilet paper with phrases like “This is the crappiest gift I could find” or a custom inside joke? Nothing.
Sushi-Inspired Socks That Look Like The Real Thing
Rainbow Sushi Socks Box
This “sushi” set includes five pairs of colorful cotton socks that are OEKO-TEX certified and—thanks to rolled-up fabric versions of soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger—look good enough to eat.
A Gigantic, Huggable Seeded Baguette Throw Pillow
Much Comfort 3D Seeded Baguette Throw Pillow, XL
Bread lovers will adore this huge seeded baguette body pillow and its detailed design (the seeds! the crust!)—and how incredibly soft it is. Croissant and doughnut pillows are also available for other pastry fans.
A Hilarious Gag Gift For Dog Lovers
[Gives Back](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Pooping Pooches White Elephant Gag Gift Calendar
A white elephant gift that’s cute, useful, and gives back to dogs in need? Yes, it exists. Pooping Pooches created this memorable gift of dogs doing their business—and will donate $1 from each sale to the Maui Humane Society.
To Make Snacking On Drive-Through Fries So Much Easier
French Fry Holder For Car
Enjoying hot drive-through fries just got easier with this french fry holder. The tray fits perfectly in a car cup holder, meaning less digging for fallen fries and more crunching time.
An Adjustable Stool To Make Going Potty Easier
Squatty Potty Adjustable 2.0 Toilet Stool
Never stop sharing the life-changing magic of the toilet stool. Sure, everyone poops—but it’s not always easy. The Squatty Potty helps you squat to reduce strain (less bathroom time).
Best Useful White Elephant Gift Ideas
An Easy Way To Keep Track Of Your Things
Apple AirTag
Who doesn’t need a tracking tag to keep tabs on their belongings these days? Apple’s handy AirTag works with your iPhone’s Bluetooth or GPS, so you’ll never lose your luggage again.
Possibly The Most Convenient Portable Charger Ever
Charmast Portable Charger With 6 Built-In Cables
If you prefer practical over hilarious, this is a safe bet. This slim charger has six outputs and three inputs to charge up to six devices at once.
A Uniquely Shaped Gift For Hands-Free Reading
[Editor’s Pick](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
Now they can finish that page-turner in the dark without disturbing their partner. This neck light has two movable arms with light heads, each with three brightness levels.
A Portable, Waterproof Clip-On Speaker
JBL Clip 3 Portable Speaker
Music and podcast lovers will wonder how they lived without this speaker. It’s waterproof, plays for up to 10 hours, and has a clip-on carabiner for strollers or bags.
This Handy-Dandy Coffee Warmer
BestInKits Smart Coffee Warmer
Coffee mug warmers are popular, steal-worthy white elephant gifts—especially when they’re this affordable. This warmer ensures a hot cup of coffee or tea all the time.
A Mini Multi-Tool For Gear Heads
Gerber Gear Dime Mini Multi-Tool
Outdoor enthusiasts and gear collectors might want this petite multi-tool. It folds to 4.25 inches but includes pliers, an awl, a file, scissors, can/bottle openers, and a blade.
Best Office White Elephant Gift Ideas
A Mug That Keeps Hot Drinks Hot And Cold Drinks Cold
Yeti Rambler Mug (14 Ounces)
Perfect for hot toddies, mulled wine, and Irish coffee, Yeti’s insulated mug keeps drinks warm (or cold) for extended gatherings.
Make The Loo Smell Like Christmas
Poo-Pourri Spritzmas Tree Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Ensure the bathroom smells like Christmas with Poo-Pourri spray. Spritz into the bowl to trap odors and release scents of cypress, cedar, and vanilla.
A Holiday-Inspired Scented Soy Candle
[USA-Made](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Moonlight Makers “Fresh Cut Christmas Tree” Candle
Help them set a jolly holiday mood early. This non-toxic soy candle, hand-poured in North Carolina, has notes of pine, patchouli, cedar, and spearmint.
A Truly Useful Milk Frother
Zulay Executive Milk Frother With Stand
With a stand and stainless steel whisk, Zulay’s frother is a top milk frother. It creates thick foam for lattes, hot chocolate, matcha, and more.
A Bartender-Curated Cocktail Kit
The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit
These kits are handy for last-minute Old Fashioned cravings. One tin includes bitters, sugar cubes, a muddler spoon, and cocktail picks to make six servings—just add bourbon.
Refreshing ‘Manly’ Scents And A Touch Of Humor
Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap Variety Pack (3-Pack)
Useful and humorous, Dr. Squatch handmade soaps are for men (but women enjoy them too!). Natural ingredients and 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
This wooden puzzle locks around a bottle and only releases when solved. It’s equal parts fun and frustrating—depending on their need for a drink.
Dinosaur Fans Will Love This Playful ‘Nachosaurus’ Set
Funwares Original Nachosaurus Snack And Dip Set
For “Jurassic Park” nights or Taco Tuesday, these dino chip-and-dip holders will be a hit. Fill the dino with chips (“spikes”) and the dip holder with salsa (“volcano”).
For Singing Hearts Out At Home—Or Wherever The Party Is
Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
Karaoke lovers will adore this wireless “microphone” speaker. Connect to your phone via Bluetooth, play an mp3 or YouTube video, and you have a karaoke bar 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 two tiny cats for zen.
A Pen That Writes—And Diffuses Oil
Lifelines Crisp Mountain Air Pen Diffuser
Writer’s block? This pen writes and diffuses essential oils. Choose a scent like Crisp Mountain Air or Citrus Grove to please the group.
A Rechargeable, Collapsible Solar ‘Candle’
[Sustainable](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Biolite Luci Candle
More than a candle, this 2.8-ounce solar lantern uses a flame-free LED (that flickers), collapses to 1 inch, and runs for 18 hours. Great for pool, camping, or baths.
Best Adult White Elephant Gift Ideas
‘Protection For Wine Lovers’
The Original Wine Condoms
Looks like a gold condom, but it’s a food-grade latex stopper that’s leak-proof and keeps wine fresh. Reusable, unlike the human version.
A Massage Candle To Set The Mood
[Cruelty-Free](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Maude Burn Massage Candle
Instead of lube, try a thoughtful, spicy gift. Maude’s jojoba oil massage candle is unscented or scented with essential oils. No. 3 (eucalyptus, sandalwood, vetiver) is a favorite.
Make Bizarre, Slightly Inappropriate Sentences
Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game
Cards Against Humanity meets Magnetic Poetry. Create answers to prompts like “Tell someone you’ve clogged their toilet.” Hilarious and challenging for everyone.
A Subtle, Irresistible Roll-On Scent
Bravado Labs Premium Unisex Pheromone Oil
Single folks might love this pheromone oil. It’s for men and women, apply to pulse points, subtle scent to layer under cologne/perfume, and maybe turn heads.
For A Little Spice In The Bedroom
Lovehoney Red Furry Handcuffs
Cute and naughty cuffs for a chuckle. Metal, faux fur, and they lock—but come with two keys and a quick-release lever.
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 removes dead skin for baby-soft feet. Just warn them about the shedding.
A Spa Experience In The Form Of Bath Bombs
Cleverfy Shower Steamers (6-Pack)
Spa-themed gifts are always a hit. These shower steamers with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint melt in the shower.
An Adorable Way To Keep Your Hands Warm Anywhere
Gaiatop Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are great in cold climates. These penguin-inspired ones are cute, rechargeable, have three heat settings, and are magnetic to avoid losing one.
A Heated Foot Massager
Nekteck Heated Foot Massager
For those on their feet all day, this foot massager is perfect. Foot-operated, six massage heads, rotating nodes, and heat setting to ease 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 inside with this electric s’mores maker. 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 people decide dinner. Dice with different ingredients to inspire kitchen creativity.
A Set Of Tasty Sichuan Sauces
[Editor’s Pick](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Fly By Jing Mini Sampler Set
Spicy food lovers will love this Fly By Jing set. Includes Sichuan Chili Crisp and Sweet & Spicy Zhong sauce.
Perfect The Art Of Wine-Cheese Pairings
The Wine and Cheese Board Deck: 50 Pairings To Sip And Savor
Foodies will want this wine and cheese pairing card deck. Wine and cheese recommendations for different tastes and budgets.
Jams Of Every Flavor
Bonne Maman Assorted Mini Jams
How cute are these mini jam jars? Bonne Maman set with eight 1-ounce jars of flavors from Apricot to Orange Marmalade.
A Cast-Aluminum Press For Perfect Patties
Williams Sonoma Adjustable Nonstick Burger Press
Useful or ridiculous? Either way, this quality cast-iron burger press from Williams Sonoma has a nonstick finish.
Best White Elephant Gift Ideas For Game Lovers
A Simple, Fast-Paced Game For Groups
[USA-Made](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This matching card game is simple, fast-paced, and addictive. “Silly, insane, fast-paced game…breathless with laughter.” Even a 3-year-old can join.
Scrabble-On-The-Go For Wordsmiths
Bananagrams Word Game
Banana-shaped pouch with tiles, like Scrabble without the board or scoring. 144 letters for word-filled fun for anagram fans.
A Party Game Of Extremes
Spin Master’s Where On The Scale Party Game
This game helps you know each other truly—while laughing. Players guess a number on a scale (e.g., 1 “Easy Peasy,” 10 “Hard AF”) based on an action.
A Fun Party Game That Skips The Small Talk
[Black-Owned](https:// Forbes.com/Forbes-Personal-Shopper/)
Hella Awkward Card Game
Go deeper with friends and family with Hella Awkward. 140 questions in categories like Dating to Real Talk, customizable by category.
Best Splurge White Elephant Gift Ideas
A TikTok-Viral Blackout Cap For Headache Relief
OG HungOvr Cap
For migraines, hangovers, puffy eyes, or stress, this blackout gel cap helps. Cool or heat it, blocks light and sound, comfortable for headaches.
An Innovative Stanley Alternative
BrüMate Era (30-Ounce)
Insulated cups are great white elephant gifts. BrüMate Era is a Stanley alternative with a swivel lid (spill-proof, sip, clean) and stainless steel straw. Matte finish and colors.
Socks That Give Back To Elephants
Socks That Protect Elephants
Quality socks are good white elephant gifts. These bright socks have terry-padded soles and arch support, Fairtrade, GOTS, Vegan Certified, and support elephant protection.
An Electric Heated Blanket With 12 Settings
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket
Splurge on something cozy and useful: Sunbeam’s plush electric blanket. 12 heat settings for winter warmth.
Espresso In Minutes
OXO Rapid Brewer
Coffee lovers will love the portable OXO Rapid Brewer. Single-serve espresso in two minutes or cold brew in five, using favorite beans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is A Traditional White Elephant Gift Exchange?
In a white elephant exchange, guests buy a gift within a budget and wrap it. Gifts are piled, numbers are drawn, and players take turns unwrapping a gift or stealing from someone who went before. The first player unwraps a gift by default, but the last player has the advantage of stealing any unwrapped gift. Rules may limit steals per gift or player. Sometimes the first player gets a final steal turn.
What’s The Difference Between A Yankee Swap And A White Elephant?
White elephant and Yankee swap (aka “dirty Santa”) are the same gift exchange type, where gifts switch hands as people open and steal. Not like Secret Santa, where you buy for a specific person secretly and budgets can be higher.
What Is Appropriate For A White Elephant Gift?
Regifting unused items is okay. A candle or home décor you haven’t used is great. If no regifts or online shopping time, check local stores for candles, holiday treats, blankets, or gag gifts like funny snacks or stuffed animals.
