Finding the best White Elephant Gift Ideas often means balancing budget-friendliness with the right level of humor or usefulness to please the crowd. Whether it’s for an office holiday party or a casual get-together with friends, the perfect gift can range from practical items to laugh-out-loud novelties. For a workplace setting, you might want to lean towards universally appealing and safe options like a handy Apple AirTag to keep track of belongings, a festive edition of Laneige’s popular lip balm for winter dryness, or the always-appreciated Yeti Rambler Mug for beverages on the go. For gatherings with closer friends, you can explore more humorous options like “wine condom” bottle stoppers or comical “ugly Christmas sweater” slippers. For a slightly more generous budget, consider self-care gifts like the distinctive HungOvr headache-relief cap or a cozy electric heated blanket.
The key to the best white elephant gift exchange is finding items that are affordable yet highly desirable—gifts that people will actually want to steal, like a jar of car-cleaning gel or even Snoop Dogg’s cookbook.
Image: Car cleaning gel and Snoop Dogg’s cookbook, examples of steal-worthy white elephant gifts.
If you’re feeling stuck trying to decide what to bring for a white elephant gift, it’s often best to err on the side of practicality. “Bring a practical, inexpensive gift instead of just a gag gift. And be sure to stick to the budget. If there isn’t a set budget, I would suggest around $25 as a good guideline,” advises Matt Graham, co-owner of Shadow Breeze, a gifting services company based in Utah. Most importantly, remember not to overthink it. “No one goes into a white elephant gift exchange expecting to leave with the most amazing present,” Graham points out. “It’s really more about enjoying time and having fun with your colleagues, friends, and family.” Keeping this spirit in mind, we’ve compiled 60 of our top white elephant gift ideas under $50—ranging from funny to work-appropriate—to help you gift with confidence and ease.
Our Top Picks for White Elephant Gifts
Best Overall White Elephant Gift Ideas
Soul Food, Doggfather Style
Image: Cover of Snoop Dogg’s cookbook, “From Crook to Cook”.
From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes From Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen
This cookbook is a gift that blends fun with functionality, especially for those who love to cook and appreciate soul food. Snoop Dogg enthusiasts will discover a variety of delicious recipes, from casual dishes like Shrimp Po’ Boy to more refined options like Lobster Thermidor. And of course, for those moments when cravings strike, there are recipes for munchies like Chewy Starbursts and Frito BBQ Twists.
Slime for Car Cleaning
Image: Brightly colored car cleaning gel in a clear jar.
Car Cleaning Gel
This isn’t just slime; it’s a cleaning marvel. This vibrantly colored gel is perfect for cleaning every hard-to-reach spot in a car, from air vents to cup holders. It’s even effective on home office gadgets like keyboards. Just remind the recipient not to leave it in a hot car!
Cocktail Cubes for Instant Brunches
Image: Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio packaging.
Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
These flavor-infused sugar cubes are an ideal gift for party hosts or a thoughtful option for in-laws. Infused with citrus, peach, and berry flavors, they are designed to pair perfectly with sparkling beverages like mimosas or Bellinis.
A Book of Charts About Life’s Big Questions
Image: Cover of the book “Am I Overthinking This?: Over-Answering Life’s Questions In 101 Charts”.
Am I Overthinking This?: Over-Answering Life’s Questions In 101 Charts
Michelle Rial’s humorous book uses charts to playfully tackle life’s most pondered questions, big and small. It’s a coffee table book that’s sure to be a hit, especially with those prone to overthinking.
Festive Lip Care Duo
Image: Laneige Divine Lip Duo set in holiday packaging.
Laneige Divine Lip Duo
Beauty lovers will be thrilled with this set featuring Laneige’s cult-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask and Lip Glowy Balm, known for creating incredibly soft lips. These popular products are now available in festive holiday flavors and colors, making this duo a perfect stocking stuffer as well.
Boba Tea Night Light
Image: Pearl Boba Tea Ambient Light, a cute boba tea shaped night light.
Pearl Boba Tea Ambient Light
This charming battery-operated night light, shaped like a bubble tea, adds a cozy touch to any space. Complete with “boba” balls, it’s an adorable and unique gift. Remember to include AAA batteries as they are not included.
Funny White Elephant Gift Ideas
Burrito Blanket
Image: Casofu Burrito Tortilla Blanket, a round blanket printed to look like a tortilla.
Casofu Burrito Tortilla Blanket (47-Inch)
This tortilla blanket is both funny and surprisingly cozy, with rave reviews praising its comfort. For those with different food preferences, options like pepperoni pizza and waffle designs are also available.
Space Suit Beer Jacket
Image: Puffin The Space Suit Jacket, a beer koozie shaped like a tiny space suit.
Puffin The Space Suit Jacket
These beer koozies shaped like space suits are both adorable and functional. Other fun styles from the same brand include Chill Out Beer Hoodies, Chill Beer Flannels, and Beer Preservers which resemble miniature life jackets.
Shower Beer Holder
Image: SipCaddy Shower Beer And Wine Holder, a suction cup holder in a shower.
SipCaddy Shower Beer And Wine Holder
Help someone relive their college days with the Shower Beer, elevated. This SipCaddy plastic holder can also accommodate wine glasses, shampoo, or conditioner bottles.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Slippers
Image: Dearfoams Ugly Christmas Sweater Slippers in a festive setting.
Dearfoams Ugly Christmas Sweater Slippers
These unisex slippers, styled like ugly Christmas sweaters, are sure to spark conversation. Beyond their humorous design, they feature Dearfoams’ signature memory foam insoles and plush lining for ultimate comfort.
Affirmation Card Deck
Image: Emergency Affirmations for Exceptionally Stupid Days Card Deck, featuring humorous affirmations.
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.”
Googly Eye Sticker Book
Image: Googly Food Sticker Book with vintage food illustrations and googly eyes.
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” and “I’m starting to feel like a third peel”—perfect for adding a bit of fun to everyday items.
Gag White Elephant Gift Ideas
Embroidered Toilet Paper
Image: Funny Embroidered Toilet Paper Rolls with humorous text.
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” or a personalized inside joke? It’s a gift that’s sure to get laughs.
Sushi Socks
Image: Rainbow Sushi Socks Box, a set of socks packaged to look like sushi.
Rainbow Sushi Socks Box
This “sushi” set includes five pairs of colorful, OEKO-TEX certified cotton socks. Packaged to resemble real sushi with rolled-up fabric versions of soy sauce bottles, wasabi, and ginger, they look almost good enough to eat.
Baguette Body Pillow
Image: Much Comfort 3D Seeded Baguette Throw Pillow, XL, an extra-large baguette shaped pillow.
Much Comfort 3D Seeded Baguette Throw Pillow, XL
Bread lovers will adore this oversized seeded baguette body pillow. Its realistic detail, from the seeds to the crust, and plush comfort make it a delightful gag gift. Croissant and doughnut pillow versions are also available for pastry aficionados.
Pooping Pooches Calendar
Image: Pooping Pooches White Elephant Gag Gift Calendar, a calendar featuring dogs pooping.
Pooping Pooches White Elephant Gag Gift Calendar
This white elephant gift is cute, funny, useful, and charitable. Pooping Pooches’ calendar of dogs doing their business donates $1 from each sale to the Maui Humane Society.
French Fry Car Holder
Image: French Fry Holder For Car, a car cup holder accessory designed for french fries.
French Fry Holder For Car
Make drive-through snacking easier with this french fry holder. It fits perfectly in a car cup holder, keeping fries upright and within easy reach, meaning fewer dropped fries and more crunching time.
Squatty Potty
Image: Squatty Potty Adjustable 2.0 Toilet Stool, an adjustable stool to improve toilet posture.
Squatty Potty Adjustable 2.0 Toilet Stool
The Squatty Potty is a life-changing bathroom accessory. It helps achieve a squatting position on the toilet, reducing strain and promoting better colon health, which translates to less time spent in the bathroom.
Useful White Elephant Gift Ideas
Apple AirTag
Image: Apple AirTag, a small tracking device.
Apple AirTag
In today’s world, everyone can use a tracking tag to keep track of their valuables. Apple’s AirTag uses Bluetooth and GPS to help locate misplaced items, from luggage to keys.
Portable Charger with Built-In Cables
Image: Charmast Portable Charger With 6 Built-In Cables, a slim portable charger with multiple cables.
Charmast Portable Charger With 6 Built-In Cables
If practicality is the goal, this portable charger is a sure win. This lightweight charger has six outputs and three inputs, allowing for charging up to six devices at once.
Neck Reading Light
Image: Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light, a hands-free reading light worn around the neck.
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
Bookworms will appreciate this hands-free reading light. The neck light features two adjustable arms with individual light heads, each offering three brightness levels, perfect for reading in bed without disturbing a partner.
Clip-On Portable Speaker
Image: JBL Clip 3 Portable Speaker, a small waterproof clip-on speaker.
JBL Clip 3 Portable Speaker
Music and podcast lovers will find endless uses for this compact, waterproof speaker. It offers up to 10 hours of playtime and includes a clip-on carabiner for easy attachment to bags, strollers, and more.
Smart Coffee Warmer
Image: BestInKits Smart Coffee Warmer, a mug warmer for desks.
BestInKits Smart Coffee Warmer
Coffee mug warmers are always a popular and steal-worthy white elephant gift, especially one as affordable as this. The BestInKits warmer ensures a consistently hot cup of coffee or tea.
Mini Multi-Tool
Image: Gerber Gear Dime Mini Multi-Tool, a compact multi-tool with various functions.
Gerber Gear Dime Mini Multi-Tool
Outdoor enthusiasts and gadget collectors will appreciate this petite multi-tool. Despite its small size (4.25 inches when folded), it includes pliers, an awl, a file, scissors, can and bottle openers, a serrated blade, and more.
Office White Elephant Gift Ideas
Yeti Rambler Mug
Image: Yeti Rambler Mug, a popular insulated mug.
Yeti Rambler Mug (14 Ounces)
Perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold, the Yeti 14-ounce double-wall insulated mug is ideal for office use and beyond. It’s great for keeping beverages at the perfect temperature during long meetings or commutes.
Christmas Toilet Spray
Image: Poo-Pourri Spritzmas Tree Before-You-Go Toilet Spray, a festive scented toilet spray.
Poo-Pourri Spritzmas Tree Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Ensure the office bathroom always smells festive with Poo-Pourri’s Christmas-scented toilet spray. A few sprays trap odors and fill the air with scents of cypress, cedar, and vanilla.
Christmas Tree Candle
Image: Moonlight Makers “Fresh Cut Christmas Tree” Candle, a soy candle in a jar.
Moonlight Makers “Fresh Cut Christmas Tree” Candle
Help create a jolly office ambiance with this holiday-scented soy candle. Hand-poured in North Carolina, this non-toxic candle features notes of pine, patchouli, cedar, and spearmint.
Milk Frother with Stand
Image: Zulay Executive Milk Frother With Stand, a handheld milk frother with a stand.
Zulay Executive Milk Frother With Stand
The Zulay Executive Milk Frother, featured on Forbes’ list of best milk frothers, is a truly useful office gift. It quickly creates foam for lattes, hot chocolate, matcha, and more.
Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit
Image: The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit, a tin containing ingredients for cocktails.
The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit
For impromptu office happy hours, The Cocktail Box Co.’s Old Fashioned kit is perfect. Each tin includes ingredients for six cocktails: bitters, sugar cubes, a muddler spoon, and cocktail picks—just add bourbon.
Men’s Soap Variety Pack
Image: Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap Variety Pack (3-Pack), a set of natural soap bars.
Dr. Squatch Men’s Soap Variety Pack (3-Pack)
Dr. Squatch soaps are both practical and humorous, formulated for men but enjoyable for everyone. Made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, they come in refreshing scents like Cedar Citrus and Cool Fresh Aloe.
Unique White Elephant Gift Ideas
Wine Bottle Brain Teaser
Image: Bsiri Wooden Wine Bottle Brain Teaser Puzzle, a wooden puzzle that locks around a wine bottle.
Bsiri Wooden Wine Bottle Brain Teaser Puzzle
This wooden brain teaser puzzle is perfect for wine and puzzle enthusiasts. It locks around a wine bottle and can only be opened by solving the puzzle—a fun challenge before enjoying the wine.
Nachosaurus Snack Set
Image: Funwares Original Nachosaurus Snack And Dip Set, a dinosaur-shaped chip and dip set.
Funwares Original Nachosaurus Snack And Dip Set
Dinosaur lovers will enjoy this playful Nachosaurus snack and dip set. Perfect for movie nights or themed parties, this dino-shaped server holds tortilla chips in its “spikes” and dip in a volcano-shaped bowl.
Karaoke Microphone
Image: Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone, a handheld wireless microphone speaker.
Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
Karaoke fans will love this wireless microphone speaker. It connects to phones via Bluetooth for instant karaoke anywhere—just add a karaoke track from YouTube or an mp3.
Zen Garden Litter Box
Image: RP Minis Zen Garden Litter Box, a mini zen garden in a litter box shape.
RP Minis Zen Garden Litter Box
This mini meditation garden in a “litter box” tray includes sand, rocks, a rake, and two tiny cats—a humorous and calming gift for cat lovers.
Pen Diffuser
Image: Lifelines Crisp Mountain Air Pen Diffuser, a pen that also diffuses essential oils.
Lifelines Crisp Mountain Air Pen Diffuser
For writers or anyone needing a bit of zen, this pen writes and diffuses essential oils. Scent options include Crisp Mountain Air, Glowing Embers, and Citrus Grove.
Solar ‘Candle’ Lantern
Image: Biolite Luci Candle, a rechargeable collapsible solar lantern.
Biolite Luci Candle
More than just a candle, this solar-powered lantern uses a flame-free LED light that flickers like a real candle. It’s rechargeable, collapsible, and has an 18-hour runtime, perfect for outdoor use or relaxing baths.
Adult White Elephant Gift Ideas
Wine Condoms
Image: The Original Wine Condoms, wine bottle stoppers that resemble condoms.
The Original Wine Condoms
These wine stoppers look like gold-wrapped condoms but are actually food-grade latex and leak-proof. Reusable and humorous, they are “protection for wine lovers.”
Massage Candle
Image: Maude Burn Massage Candle, a massage candle in minimal packaging.
Maude Burn Massage Candle
Elevate the gift of massage oil with Maude’s jojoba oil-based massage candle. Available unscented or with essential oil fragrances like No. 3 (eucalyptus, sandalwood, vetiver), it creates a relaxing atmosphere and provides moisturizing massage oil.
Ransom Notes Word Game
Image: Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game, a word magnet game for creating funny sentences.
Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Word Magnet Party Game
This game blends Cards Against Humanity with Magnetic Poetry. Players use word magnets to answer ridiculous prompts, like “Tell someone you’ve clogged their toilet at a party,” guaranteeing laughter.
Pheromone Oil
Image: Bravado Labs Premium Unisex Pheromone Oil, a roll-on pheromone oil.
Bravado Labs Premium Unisex Pheromone Oil
For singles, this pheromone oil is an intriguing gift. Infused with pheromones for both men and women, it’s designed to be applied to pulse points and has a subtle scent that can be layered with other fragrances.
Furry Handcuffs
Image: Lovehoney Red Furry Handcuffs, playful red furry handcuffs.
Lovehoney Red Furry Handcuffs
These playful and slightly naughty furry handcuffs are sure to get a reaction. They’re metal with faux fur sleeves, lockable but come with keys and a quick-release lever for safety.
Self-Care White Elephant Gift Ideas
Foot Peel
Image: Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel, a chemical foot peel mask.
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
This popular chemical foot peel promises baby-soft feet by shedding dead skin. Recipients need to be prepared for the skin-shedding process.
Shower Steamers
Image: Cleverfy Shower Steamers (6-Pack), bath bombs designed for showers.
Cleverfy Shower Steamers (6-Pack)
Bring the spa home with these shower steamers. Scented with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint, they dissolve in the shower to create a relaxing aromatherapy experience.
Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Image: Gaiatop Rechargeable Hand Warmers, penguin-shaped rechargeable hand warmers.
Gaiatop Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Hand warmers are a welcome gift in cold climates. These penguin-shaped rechargeable hand warmers are cute, offer three heat settings, and are magnetic to help keep the pair together.
Heated Foot Massager
Image: Nekteck Heated Foot Massager, a foot massager with heat function.
Nekteck Heated Foot Massager
For those on their feet all day, a heated foot massager is a luxurious gift. This foot-operated device has six massage heads with rotating nodes and a heat setting to relieve tension and fatigue.
Foodie White Elephant Gift Ideas
Electric S’mores Maker
Image: Nostalgia Tabletop Indoor Electric S’mores Maker, an indoor s’mores maker.
Nostalgia Tabletop Indoor Electric S’mores Maker
Bring campfire s’mores indoors with this electric s’mores maker. It features a stainless steel grate, roasting forks, and removable trays for easy cleanup.
Foodie Dice
Image: Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice, dice with food ingredients for meal planning.
Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice
Foodie Dice helps solve the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. Each die offers different ingredients to inspire creative cooking.
Sichuan Sauce Set
Image: Fly By Jing Mini Sampler Set, a set of Sichuan sauces.
Fly By Jing Mini Sampler Set
Spice lovers will appreciate this limited-edition set from Fly By Jing. It includes the brand’s popular Sichuan Chili Crisp and Sweet & Spicy Zhong sauces.
Wine and Cheese Pairing Deck
Image: The Wine and Cheese Board Deck: 50 Pairings To Sip And Savor, a deck of cards for wine and cheese pairings.
The Wine and Cheese Board Deck: 50 Pairings To Sip And Savor
Foodies will enjoy this card deck that guides them through wine and cheese pairings, offering recommendations for various tastes and budgets.
Mini Jam Set
Image: Bonne Maman Assorted Mini Jams, a set of mini jam jars.
Bonne Maman Assorted Mini Jams
This set of mini jam jars from Bonne Maman is as cute as it is tasty. It includes eight 1-ounce jars in flavors like Apricot and Orange Marmalade.
Burger Press
Image: Williams Sonoma Adjustable Nonstick Burger Press, a burger patty press.
Williams Sonoma Adjustable Nonstick Burger Press
Whether useful or slightly over-the-top, this cast-aluminum burger press from Williams Sonoma ensures perfectly shaped patties with a nonstick finish.
White Elephant Gift Ideas for Game Lovers
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game
Image: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, a fast-paced card game.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This matching card game is simple, fast-paced, and addictive. It’s described as “the most silly, insane, fast-paced game” that leaves players “breathless with laughter,” enjoyable for all ages.
Bananagrams Word Game
Image: Bananagrams Word Game, a tile-based word game in a banana-shaped pouch.
Bananagrams Word Game
Bananagrams is a tile game similar to Scrabble but without a board or scoring. This banana-shaped pouch contains 144 letter tiles for wordplay fun.
Where On The Scale Party Game
Image: Spin Master’s Where On The Scale Party Game, a party game about guessing numbers on a scale.
Spin Master’s Where On The Scale Party Game
This game is a fun way to get to know each other better, with plenty of laughter. Players guess a hidden number on a scale based on prompts, with some extreme and adult-themed cards included.
Hella Awkward Card Game
Image: Hella Awkward Card Game, a conversation starter card game.
Hella Awkward Card Game
Go beyond small talk with the Hella Awkward conversation game. Its 140 questions span categories like Dating and Real Talk, customizable for different groups.
Splurge-Worthy White Elephant Gift Ideas
Headache Relief Cap
Image: OG HungOvr Cap, a blackout gel cap for headache relief.
OG HungOvr Cap
For headache relief, migraines, or just relaxation, the HungOvr blackout gel cap is a unique gift. It can be cooled or heated, blocks light and sound, and is comfortable to wear.
BrüMate Era Tumbler
Image: BrüMate Era (30-Ounce), an insulated tumbler with a unique lid.
BrüMate Era (30-Ounce)
A stylish alternative to Stanley tumblers, the BrüMate Era is an innovative insulated cup. Its lid swivels three ways for spill-proof locking, sipping, and easy cleaning, plus it has a stainless steel straw.
Elephant Socks
Image: Socks That Protect Elephants, socks with an elephant design that support elephant conservation.
Socks That Protect Elephants
High-quality, cozy socks are always a good white elephant gift. Conscious Step’s elephant socks are Fairtrade, GOTS, and Vegan Certified, and support elephant conservation efforts.
Electric Heated Blanket
Image: Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket, a plush electric blanket.
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece Heated Electric Blanket
For a splurge-worthy cozy gift, Sunbeam’s electric blanket is perfect for winter. It features a digital controller with 12 heat settings and a plush fleece material.
Portable Espresso Maker
Image: OXO Rapid Brewer, a portable espresso maker.
OXO Rapid Brewer
Coffee lovers will be excited to steal the OXO Rapid Brewer. This portable device makes single-serve 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 their turn order. On their turn, they can choose to unwrap a new gift or steal a previously opened gift from someone else. The first player typically unwraps a gift initially, and later players have the option to steal. Rules often limit how many times a gift can be stolen and how many steals per person are allowed. 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?
White elephant and Yankee swap (also known as “dirty Santa”) are essentially the same type of gift exchange, according to gifting expert Graham. In these exchanges, gifts can change hands multiple times as participants unwrap and steal gifts. This is different from Secret Santa, where gifts are bought for a specific person who is unknown to the gift-giver beforehand, and budgets for Secret Santa gifts can sometimes be higher.
What Is Appropriate For A White Elephant Gift?
It’s perfectly acceptable to regift unused items for a white elephant exchange, says Graham. Consider regifting 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, such as candles, holiday treats, cozy blankets, or gag gifts like funny snacks or stuffed animals.
