Participating in a white elephant gift exchange this year? You’re in for a treat! This beloved holiday tradition offers a fantastic way to swap presents with colleagues, friends, or family without the stress of individual gift-giving. The real fun of a white elephant exchange lies in finding that perfect gift that’s so desirable, it becomes the one everyone wants to steal – those White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Fight For.
The most sought-after white elephant gifts strike a balance between practicality and humor, or sometimes lean heavily into one of these aspects. When searching for a present that will be the highlight of the gift swap, there are numerous avenues to explore. Ultimately, the ideal white elephant gift should be entertaining, easy to procure, and reasonably priced. Many excellent options are available for under $25, and even under $10!
Feeling overwhelmed? Whether you’re a white elephant newbie or a seasoned veteran, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of gift ideas guaranteed to make yours the most coveted present at the exchange – the white elephant gift everyone will fight for.
If you’re unsure about the rules of the white elephant gift game, or need guidance on choosing a gift that will spark a frenzy, keep reading!
How to Play the White Elephant Gift Game
While variations exist, the standard white elephant game unfolds as follows:
- Each participant brings one wrapped gift, generally within a pre-agreed price range.
- Players draw numbers to determine their turn order.
- The first player selects and unwraps a gift from the pile.
- Subsequent players can either choose a new, wrapped gift or steal an already opened gift from another player.
- If a player’s gift is stolen, they can select a new wrapped gift or steal from someone else (excluding the person who just stole their gift).
- Typically, a gift can only be stolen a maximum of two or three times per round to keep the game moving.
- After everyone has had a turn, the first player gets a final option: they can swap their gift for any other opened gift.
- The game concludes once everyone has a gift and the swapping is complete.
What Makes a White Elephant Gift “Fight-Worthy”?
The key to selecting white elephant gifts everyone will fight for is understanding the spirit of the game. While traditional exchanges leaned towards quirky, impractical joke gifts, modern white elephant parties often see a mix of humor and genuine utility. A truly fight-worthy gift will tap into this blend, offering something that is both amusing and desirable enough to be stolen multiple times.
Consider these elements when aiming for a gift that will cause a stir:
- Universal Appeal: Gifts that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people are more likely to be fought over. Think items that are generally useful or entertaining regardless of personal hobbies.
- Humor Value: A funny or novelty gift is always a hit, but for it to be truly fight-worthy, the humor should land well with most of the group.
- Practicality with a Twist: Useful items become steal-worthy when they have an added element of fun, uniqueness, or luxury that elevates them beyond the ordinary.
- Intrigue Factor: A well-wrapped gift can pique curiosity and drive up its desirability. Consider creative wrapping that hints at something exciting inside.
To inspire your search for white elephant gifts everyone will fight for, here are some categories and specific ideas:
Gag Gifts That Guarantee a Steal
These gag gifts are designed for laughs, but their sheer absurdity might make them surprisingly popular – exactly the kind of white elephant gifts everyone will fight for a chuckle over, and maybe even to keep!
MarysBazaar Dime in Ring
Don’t mistake it for a diamond ring! This “dime in ring” gag gift is pure comedic gold for a white elephant exchange. This Etsy bestseller, available in six colors and adjustable sizes, is guaranteed to get a reaction.
Prank Pack Prank Gift Box
Image of a Prank Pack Gift Box, designed to mislead recipients with humorous false product descriptions for white elephant gift exchanges.This Amazon bestseller is a masterclass in deception. The box itself advertises ridiculous “Calf Mule Cargo Socks,” promising confusion and laughter before the real (and hopefully less bizarre) gift inside is revealed. It’s a fantastic way to amplify the white elephant fun.
Velvet Jewelry Bag Filled With Coal
A velvet bag containing coal, a playful and ironic white elephant gift, blending luxury presentation with a humorous, unexpected contents.Luxury meets levity with this velvet jewelry bag. The surprise? It’s filled with coal! The reusable bag adds a touch of practicality to the joke, making it a white elephant gift that’s memorable and amusing.
Shanker Golf Exploding Balls
Shanker Golf Exploding Balls, novelty golf balls designed to burst into smoke upon impact, bringing a humorous twist to the game of golf.These aren’t your typical golf balls. These exploding golf balls erupt into white smoke on impact, guaranteeing laughs on the green and at the white elephant exchange. The set of three is perfect for golfers with a sense of humor.
BigMouth Inc. Toilet Shot Glass Set
BigMouth Inc. Toilet Shot Glass Set, a humorous set of toilet-shaped shot glasses, designed as a novelty drinking accessory.Score a royal flush of laughter with these toilet-shaped shot glasses. This two-piece set is a conversation starter and a hilariously unexpected addition to any home or office décor.
Controlled Fart Machine
T.J. Wisemen Remote Controlled Fart Machine, a gag gift device that produces fart sounds, designed for humorous pranks and entertainment.Fart jokes are timeless, and this remote-controlled fart machine is proof. With 15 different sounds, it’s a gift that keeps on giving (or rather, tooting) laughter. Perfect for pranksters of all ages.
Funny “Sad Tiny Violin” Surprise Gift
A miniature "Sad Tiny Violin" gag gift, designed to humorously express mock sympathy and sarcasm.
For the drama queen or king in your life (or at your white elephant party), the tiny violin is the perfect comedic gesture. It even comes in a miniature violin case for extra flair!
Steal-Worthy White Elephant Gifts Under $10
Proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to find white elephant gifts everyone will fight for, these budget-friendly options are both practical and appealing.
GiftoBi Sunflower Keychains
GiftoBi Sunflower Keychains, inspirational keychains featuring sunflower designs, marketed as affordable and cheerful gifts.Affordable and cheerful, these sunflower keychains offer a touch of positivity. A small but thoughtful gift, perfect for anyone to brighten their day.
Festive Forest PocketBac Hand Sanitizers, 5-Pack
Bath & Body Works Festive Forest PocketBac Hand Sanitizers, a set of small, scented hand sanitizers, presented as practical and budget-friendly gifts.In a world of germs, hand sanitizer is always appreciated. This 5-pack of festive-scented mini sanitizers is a practical and universally useful white elephant gift that’s sure to be grabbed quickly.
CraftHub Galaxy Butterfly Jigsaw Puzzle
CraftHub Galaxy Butterfly Jigsaw Puzzle, a colorful butterfly-themed puzzle presented as an engaging and affordable gift option.A jigsaw puzzle is a classic for a reason. This galaxy butterfly design is visually appealing and offers a relaxing activity for anyone, making it a surprisingly steal-worthy gift at this price point.
White Elephant Gifts Under $25 That Will Be Highly Contested
Stepping up the budget slightly opens the door to even more desirable white elephant gifts everyone will fight for. These options blend usefulness, fun, and a touch of novelty.
OTOTO Red the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest
OTOTO Red Crab Silicone Utensil Rest, a whimsical crab-shaped kitchen utensil holder, highlighted as a cute and functional gift.Add a dash of whimsy to any kitchen with this adorable crab utensil rest. Functional and fun, it’s a gift that will bring a smile to any cook’s face and will likely be stolen for its charm and utility.
Paladone Playstation Stress Ball
Paladone Playstation Stress Ball, a stress-relief toy shaped like a Playstation controller, aimed at gamers as a fun and practical gift.Gamers will instantly recognize and appreciate this Playstation controller stress ball. A fun and practical gift for relieving stress, it’s perfect for the gamer in the group and appeals to a broad audience.
White Elephant Mug Gift
White Elephant Mug Gift, a humorous mug featuring a playful white elephant design, marketed as a funny and usable gift.A mug is always useful, but this one comes with a white elephant twist! This funny mug is both practical for daily coffee and guaranteed to bring a smile, making it a white elephant gift that’s both functional and fun.
Nicholas Plaid Unisex Slippers
Nicholas Plaid Unisex Slippers, comfortable plaid slippers suitable for both men and women, suggested as a cozy and universally appealing gift.Cozy and festive, these unisex plaid slippers are perfect for the holiday season. Their universal appeal and comfort factor make them white elephant gifts everyone will fight for to keep their feet warm.
Benefeet Pearl Socks, 3 Pack
Benefeet Pearl Socks, a pack of three fashionable socks adorned with pearl embellishments, presented as a stylish and trendy gift.Elevate the humble sock gift with these fashionable pearl-embellished socks. This 3-pack is a trendy upgrade to standard socks, making them a surprisingly stylish and sought-after white elephant gift.
Senbowe Upgraded Makeup Brush Cleaner
Senbowe Makeup Brush Cleaner, an electric cosmetic brush cleaner, highlighted as a highly desirable and practical beauty gift.This electric makeup brush cleaner is not just practical, it’s a time-saver! As recommended by experts, it’s the kind of gift people will genuinely fight for – making it a top contender for white elephant gift exchanges.
Carla Hall Sweet Heritage Stoneware Mixing Bowls
Carla Hall Sweet Heritage Mixing Bowls, a set of colorful stoneware mixing bowls, promoted as a practical and stylish kitchen gift.A quality set of mixing bowls is a kitchen essential. This 3-piece set by Carla Hall is stylish, practical, and oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe – a truly versatile and fight-worthy white elephant gift.
Hot Cocoa & Cream 3-Wick Candle
Bath & Body Works Hot Cocoa & Cream 3-Wick Candle, a scented candle with a hot chocolate fragrance, presented as a cozy and universally appealing gift.Candles are always a popular choice, and this hot cocoa and cream scented 3-wick candle is particularly inviting. Its comforting scent and decorative lid make it a universally appealing and highly stealable white elephant gift.
Primark Gift Card
Primark Gift Card, a gift card for the fashion retailer Primark, suggested as a versatile and desirable gift for fashion enthusiasts.For the fashion-forward crowd, a Primark gift card is a ticket to trendy and affordable style. Gift cards are always practical and in demand, making this a white elephant gift that will definitely be fought over by the style-conscious.
Hot Seat Card Game by Dyce Game
Game night enthusiasts will be thrilled to snatch this Hot Seat card game. With 200 thought-provoking question cards, it’s perfect for sparking conversations and laughter at any gathering, making it a steal-worthy white elephant gift for social butterflies.
Jellycat Ricky Rain Frog Stuffed Animal
Jellycat Ricky Rain Frog Stuffed Animal, a plush frog toy, suggested as a comforting and humorous gift appealing to adults.Don’t underestimate the appeal of a plush toy, especially one as charming as this Jellycat frog. With a 4.9-star rating, this comforting and relatable frog is a surprisingly popular white elephant gift, even among adults.
Uncommon Goods Automatic Pan Stirrer
Uncommon Goods Automatic Pan Stirrer, a device that automatically stirs food in a pan, presented as a helpful kitchen gadget for busy cooks.For the busy cook, an automatic pan stirrer is a game-changer. This practical kitchen gadget is a thoughtful and genuinely useful white elephant gift that’s sure to be appreciated and possibly fought over for its convenience.
Premium White Elephant Gifts Under $50 That Will Cause a Frenzy
For a slightly higher budget, you can find truly exceptional white elephant gifts everyone will fight for. These options offer a blend of unique appeal, higher perceived value, and genuine desirability.
Ban.do Strawberry Field Vase
Ban.do Strawberry Field Vase, a vibrant strawberry-shaped ceramic vase, highlighted as a cheerful and decorative home accessory gift.This vibrant strawberry vase is a burst of cheerfulness in ceramic form. Unique and eye-catching, it’s a decorative piece that will brighten any home and is sure to be a standout white elephant gift.
Hunt A Killer Body On The Boardwalk Murder Mystery Game
Hunt A Killer Murder Mystery Game, an immersive murder mystery box set, presented as an engaging and entertaining game for groups.Game nights just got a whole lot more thrilling with this immersive murder mystery game. Perfect for “whodunnit” fans, it offers hours of engaging entertainment for up to five players and is a white elephant gift that promises intrigue and fun.
Outivity Waffle Blanket
Outivity Waffle Blanket, a novelty blanket designed to look like a giant waffle, marketed as a funny and cozy comfort item.Comfort meets novelty with this waffle blanket. Warm, cozy, and hilariously designed to look like a giant waffle, it’s a unique and memorable white elephant gift that’s perfect for snuggling up on cold days.
Star Wars Lightsaber Pizza Cutter With Sound
Star Wars Lightsaber Pizza Cutter, a pizza cutter shaped like a lightsaber with sound effects, aimed at Star Wars fans as a fun and themed kitchen gadget.“May the force be with you,” and with your pizza cutting! This Star Wars lightsaber pizza cutter is a fun and functional gift for any fan, complete with lightsaber sounds and lights for added novelty.
McDonald’s Happy Meal Crossbody Bag
McDonald's Happy Meal Crossbody Bag, a novelty bag shaped like a McDonald's Happy Meal box, designed as a playful and unique fashion accessory.“I’m lovin’ it!” will be the reaction to this McDonald’s Happy Meal crossbody bag. Fun, quirky, and surprisingly practical, it’s a unique fashion accessory that’s sure to be a conversation starter and a highly stolen white elephant gift.
Hogwarts Castle Wand
Hogwarts Castle Wand, a replica wand inspired by Hogwarts Castle, aimed at Harry Potter fans as a collectible and decorative gift.For Harry Potter fans, this Hogwarts Castle wand is pure magic. A beautifully detailed, 18-inch collectible, it’s a white elephant gift that will enchant any recipient and likely spark a magical battle for ownership.
Geo Silk Scarf
Geo Silk Scarf, a stylish silk scarf with a geometric print, suggested as a fashionable and versatile accessory gift.A silk scarf is a touch of luxury that anyone can appreciate. This geo print scarf is universally flattering and versatile, making it a sophisticated and highly desirable white elephant gift that transcends personal tastes.
Georgetown Cupcake Gift Card
Georgetown Cupcake Gift Card, a gift card for Georgetown Cupcake bakery, highlighted as a delicious and universally appealing food gift.Who can resist cupcakes? A Georgetown Cupcake gift card offers the gift of delicious treats shipped nationwide. It’s a sweet and universally appealing white elephant gift that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Goldbelly Gift Card
Goldbelly Gift Card, a gift card for the Goldbelly food delivery service, suggested as a premium food gift for food lovers.For the ultimate foodie, a Goldbelly gift card unlocks a world of gourmet delights. Goldbelly ships incredible food items from across the country, offering a vast selection of savory and sweet treats, making it a truly luxurious and fight-worthy white elephant gift.
Funny White Elephant Gifts That Will Get Stolen for the Laughs
Sometimes, the best white elephant gifts everyone will fight for aren’t about practicality, but pure, unadulterated humor. These funny gifts are designed to elicit laughs and become legendary at your gift exchange.
Roll My Eyes Funny Coaster
Roll My Eyes Funny Coaster, a coaster with a humorous sarcastic quote, designed as a funny and relatable gift.“I’m sorry, did I roll my eyes out loud?” This coaster perfectly captures those moments of unspoken sarcasm. It’s a funny and relatable white elephant gift for anyone whose facial expressions speak volumes.
Pad of Butter Notepad
Pad of Butter Notepad, a notepad shaped like a pat of butter, presented as a quirky and humorous desk accessory.Is it butter? Is it a notepad? It’s both! This pad of butter notepad is a quirky and comedic desk accessory that’s sure to get a chuckle and be stolen for its sheer novelty.
Gas Can Money Holiday Ornament
Gas Can Money Ornament, a Christmas ornament shaped like a gas can, designed to hold cash as a humorous and practical gift.This gas can ornament is funny on its own, but the real humor comes when you stuff it with cash! A practical joke gift that’s actually useful, it’s a clever and steal-worthy white elephant option.
Offensive Funny Snarky Pens
Offensive Funny Pens, a set of pens with sarcastic and humorous office-related phrases, designed for workplace humor.For workplace humor, these offensive (but funny) pens are perfect. Featuring phrases like “That’s not my job” and “Per my last email,” they capture office life’s daily frustrations with a comedic twist.
Genuine Fred Not Today Mug
Genuine Fred Not Today Mug, a mug with the phrase "Not Today" and a dog illustration, designed for humorous and relatable morning moods.“Not today” – a sentiment many can relate to, especially in the mornings. This mug humorously expresses that feeling and features an adorable dog, making it a funny and relatable white elephant gift.
Talkie Toys Products That’s Bullshit Button
Talkie Toys Bullshit Button, a novelty button that plays humorous "bullshit" phrases, designed for comedic reactions and office humor.Call it like it is with this “That’s Bullshit” button. With sound effects and eight hilarious phrases, it’s a comedic way to react to everyday absurdities, making it a funny and interactive white elephant gift.
In my defense, I was left unsupervised. Cap
In My Defense Unsupervised Cap, a baseball cap embroidered with a humorous phrase about being unsupervised, designed for playful self-deprecation.For the resident troublemaker, this cap says it all: “In my defense, I was left unsupervised.” It’s a humorous and self-aware white elephant gift for those who embrace their mischievous side.
Booze-Infused Hot Sauce Trio
Booze-Infused Hot Sauce Trio, a set of three hot sauces infused with different types of alcohol, marketed towards spice and alcohol enthusiasts.Spice up the white elephant exchange with this booze-infused hot sauce trio. Featuring chili and alcohol pairings like chipotle bourbon and jalapeño tequila, it’s a unique and flavorful gift for hot sauce aficionados with a taste for spirits.
With these ideas, you’re well on your way to finding white elephant gifts everyone will fight for. Remember to consider your audience, aim for a blend of humor and desirability, and most importantly, have fun with it!
