Bring one of these white elephant gifts to the party, and guests will fight for the best present to take home.
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Let’s talk about the white elephant in the room: there’s nothing more fun than a white elephant gift exchange, where a group chooses, swaps and steals a collection of gifts. You might also know it as a Yankee Swap, Dirty Santa or Nasty Christmas. But how do you find those perfect white elephant gifts that others will want to fight over? That’s where we come in.
It’s hard enough to come up with gift ideas for the people you know and love—never mind mystery recipients. Don’t worry, though, because we’ve found everything from hilarious gag gifts to hidden treasures, which are bound to be coveted by someone in your group.
for the one who is hooked on crochet
The Woobles Crochet Kit
Everyone from experienced crocheters to newbies who have never picked up a hook will love the Woobles crochet kits. These adorable kits come with everything you need to create your Wooble, including a crochet hook, sewing needle, yarn, stuffing and what the brand calls “Woobly bits” like safety eyes and stitch markers.
We’ve tested several Woobles kits, and they are a favorite of our editors and testers. “The Woobles offers the best instructional videos I’ve ever come across. Even for lefties like me,” says staff writer Marisa Hillman. “In fact, they’re so easy to follow that my seven- and 11-year-olds were able to make Woobles of their own.”
for the one who is always prepared
Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool
This handy Leatherman multi-tool is both practical and stylish. Spring action scissors are perfect for snipping pesky tags or loose threads, and tweezers can help with splinters. They’ll also find a knife, three different-sized screwdrivers, a nail file, nail cleaner, ruler and bottle opener. At just 2.5 inches long, it can easily fit in their pocket, purse or glove compartment.
“I keep this little tool in my car and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to reach for it,” says Marisa. “And for something so small, it’s incredibly well made. I never worry about snapping or breaking a tool. Better still, I haven’t noticed the colors chipping or fading either.”
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for the coffee drinker
Atlas Mushroom Coffee
Atlas mushroom coffee blend is one of the best gifts for coffee lovers. Deputy editor Katie Bandurski tried it and couldn’t believe how much it perked her up. “I was shocked to learn there’s only 45 milligrams of caffeine in each serving,” Katie explains in our mushroom coffee review.
“I noticed an immediate difference in clarity and energy that picked me out of my afternoon slump.” She also goes on to say that while the taste is reminiscent of her grandma’s instant coffee, it’s considerably better than other mushroom coffees she’s tried. Your recipient will even get a bonus gift! Your first order comes as a kit featuring a coffee scoop, milk frother and recipe booklet. Sweet!
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for the home chef
OTOTO Croc Chop
They’ll never cry when chopping onions again thanks to this adorable crocodile-shaped vegetable chopper. As a matter of fact, this BPA-free kitchen gadget makes it fun! It features a huge catch-all tray and four interchangeable stainless steel blades. Cleaning and storage are a breeze thanks to the included cleaning scrapers, cleaning brush and blade organizer. Better yet, it’s dishwasher safe.
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for the silly goose
Porch Goose
This porch goose will make them think of you every time they walk out the door. At 23 inches tall, this viral sensation will make everyone who sees it honk with delight. Especially if the lucky recipient opts to dress it up. Yep. You read that correctly. From a bright red strawberry to a Thanksgiving turkey, they’ll find all sorts of adorable getups for their new porch goose.
for the collector
Jellycat Plush
These plush creations are sure to delight your party guests, young and old. They’re oh-so-soft with whimsical features that make you instantly fall in love. No matter which plush you select, you can’t go wrong. For White Elephant, we especially love this year’s Jellycat Christmas collection!
for the puzzle master
Jiggy Puzzle
Jiggy puzzles are so pretty to look at that they won’t want to take them apart. Luckily, they don’t have to since each puzzle comes with a tube of puzzle glue. We especially love that each Jiggy puzzle features art by an emerging female artist from around the world. A percentage of every sale goes directly to the artist, making Jiggy puzzles one of the most beautiful gifts that give back.
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for the crafter
Adults & Crafts Crate
Crafters will jump at the chance to get their hands on one of these Adults & Crafts crafting kits. Each box comes with all of the tools, materials and instructions needed to complete a project that is functional and beautiful. You can order the project of the month or request one of their 50+ kits. Kit options include wood burning and engraving, epoxy resin trays, candle making and more.
for the snacker
Japan Kit Kat Variety Pack
This delicious chocolate gift comes with 120 pieces of uniquely flavored Kit Kats, all the way from Japan. According to our tester, Emily Way, the flavors are true to life. “The tea options were particularly delicious. Plus, the packaging gives you a taste of another culture, just like some of our favorite snack subscriptions,” she raves.
for the fruit lover
Maui Gold Pineapple
It doesn’t get any fresher than a Maui Gold pineapple. That’s because they’re harvested at peak ripeness in Hawai’i, packaged and shipped to your door, all in one day! Once picked, pineapples won’t ripen any further, so they can enjoy their gift right away. “If you’re looking for pineapple, there’s simply no other place to go,” says Emily Way, who tested one of these golden beauties. “The fruit from Maui Gold is perfectly sweet, ships with care and arrives ripe and ready to enjoy. I recommend all their produce, but especially their extra-sweet varietals.”
for the sweetest friend
Savannah Bee Company Whipped Honey Sampler
“This whipped honey sampler is a buzz-worthy gift for those who enjoy the sweeter things in life. Not only are the little jars adorable, but the variety of flavors brings delightful variety to toast, tea or buttered scones,” gushes Emily Way. The sampler includes three three-ounce jars of spreadable whipped honey in original, chocolate and cinnamon flavors. Yum!
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for the bibliophile
Used Books Monthly Subscription
True book lovers will rejoice in knowing that they’re a part of giving used books new life with this Used Books Monthly subscription. Since it offers a wide array of genres for a low price, it’s easily one of the best book subscriptions out there. “Each of the books I received fell directly into my genre picks and introduced me to titles and authors I never would have otherwise heard of! For someone like me who appreciates a little surprise each month, this is a great option that’s also sustainable,” writes Emily in her detailed review.
for the nut butter lover
Big Spoon Roasters Winter Mix
Their boring old PB&J sandwiches just got a glow-up thanks to this gourmet nut butter gift set. It comes with four 3-ounce jars of handcrafted nut butters that are free from GMOs, gluten, soy, palm oil and refined sugars. In other words, you’re only getting the good stuff.
This winter mix includes four flavors: carrot cake almond and walnut butter, chai spice peanut and almond butter, chocolate sea salt almond butter and vanilla caramel almond and cashew butter. “Yum! Each of these wintery blends is such a treat,” raves Emily. “For a nut lover, this is a total winner. I’ll be buying a full-sized jar of the carrot cake flavor!”
for the young at heart
Googly and Bright Advent Calendar
We’ve tested our fair share of Advent calendars, but this quirky Advent calendar from Brass Monkey takes the cake. It features 12 wooden ornaments with vibrant colors and playful phrases. And if that’s not enough to get you into the holiday spirit, each ornament is adorned with a set of googly eyes for extra playfulness.
for the brunch lover
Rise and Shine Orange Juice Vase
This porcelain vase is the best way to brighten up any brunch spread. They can fill it with fresh flowers from their backyard or their favorite flower delivery service. Either way, it’s a surefire way to add an extra shot of cheer to their next gathering.
for the minimalist
Earlywood Thin Wooden Spatula Set
Home chefs will fight over these multipurpose wooden spatulas. They’re made of high-quality hardwood and have a thin profile. This set includes a small, medium and large sauté utensil that can be used for cooking or serving. “These are so different from what I was used to that I was on the fence when I first saw them,” says Marisa Hillman. “But after having them for a year, I can say they hold up beautifully and are so versatile. Now I use them for just about everything.”
for the cocktail enthusiast
Infuse & Booze Infusion Kit
Cocktail lovers will get 8-10 cocktails out of this festive, Yule Mule infusion kit. All they have to do is add their favorite spirit to the jar and put it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, they can fill the jar with boiling water for a delicious mocktail. Once strained, they can store their infusion in the fridge for up to 30 days.
for the decorator
Candle Lamp Warmer
Not only does this candle warmer lamp serve as a beautiful accent piece for the home, but it’s also a safer and longer-lasting way to enjoy their favorite scented candles. There’s no open flame, smoke or soot—the lamp uses a heating bulb to slowly melt wax from the top down while casting an inviting glow. As the candle warms, the scent is released throughout the room. It features a gorgeous, hammered glass lamp shade, a wooden candle holder and an adjustable light dimmer for creating a warm ambiance. It even includes a 50W halogen bulb so they can use it right away.
for the super organized
Passionate Penny Pincher Home Planner
The Passionate Penny Pincher’s home planner is an organizer’s dream. This premium planner boasts spacious weekly layouts and monthly calendars so they can expertly map out their busy schedule. It even has budgeting worksheets, personal goal pages, and pre-made daily, weekly and seasonal checklists. It arrives in a pretty box that’s ready for gifting.
for the candle lover
Homesick White Elephant Candle
This Homesick candle speaks for itself! It’s a playful nod to the game that will fill their home with sweet notes of candied orange, champagne and gingerbread cookies for up to 80 hours. They’ll be sure to think of you all season long.
FAQ
What kind of gifts do you get for white elephants?
White elephant parties are all about the fun and unexpected nature of the gifts. This is your opportunity to pick something quirky, playful, or totally unexpected—items you might not normally buy for a specific person. Popular choices include candles, chocolates, lottery tickets, small bottles of alcohol, and more. Just make sure you’re keeping the crowd in mind; avoid gifts that might be inappropriate for the occasion, like alcohol, if children are participating.
Is it OK to give a gift card as a white elephant gift?
Yes, getting a gift card as a white elephant gift is absolutely acceptable. Just ensure you’re staying within the price range the host sets. Otherwise, it might be considered rude.
How much should I spend on a white elephant gift?
Most white elephant gift exchanges have a set budget—typically in the range of $10 to $25. Ask the host what the price limit is if you’re unsure, and never go beyond the price limit, as this can be frowned upon.
Is it OK to pick your own gift in a white elephant?
As white elephant gift exchanges are typically done anonymously, you could theoretically pick your gift and nobody would be wise to your sneaky grab. That being said, the other guests and even the host might consider it rude if you do. Plus, part of the fun is receiving one of the other surprise gifts!
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m an award-winning journalist covering lifestyle, travel and shopping. As a contributing writer for Reader’s Digest, I’ve researched and tested top products for home and the holidays. And I’m just one piece of the puzzle: The greater Reader’s Digest shopping team consists of dozens of writers, editors and shopping experts with collective decades of experience. Our job is to connect you with the best products, and it’s one we don’t take lightly.
