55 White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Fight Over
Updated: Dec. 04, 2021Bring one of these white elephant gifts to the party, and guests will be fighting to take it home.
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White elephant gift ideas
It’s hard enough finding the perfect gift ideas for the people you know and love, never mind mystery recipients. That’s why we spent hours shopping for the best white elephant gifts. (It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.) Whether you’re looking for gifts for her, gifts for him, best friend gifts, or a secret Santa gift, you’ll find something with wide appeal. So whoever gets (or steals) your gift will be satisfied.
What is a white elephant gift?
White elephant gift exchanges are a time-honored tradition for families, friend groups, and companies that want to bring humor—and maybe even a little irreverence—to their celebrations. Also called a Yankee swap, the celebration follows some simple instructions. When they arrive at the party, guests put their wrapped white elephant gift in a pile with everyone else’s. Everyone draws a number, then one by one they select a gift from the pile and open it. From there, they can choose to keep the present or steal one of the already opened white elephant gifts. At the end, Person #1 gets to choose from any of the gifts! Costs are kept low for this swap-and-steal game, so funny gag gifts are game. But white elephant gifts for $20 or less can be high-quality and a ton of fun.
Standard Baggu Bag
Best for: Environmentally friendly toting
Whether they haul groceries or work-related gear in this standard-sized Baggu bag, they’ll love how easy it is to carry and how many single-use plastics they skip because of it. It comes in dozens of fun colors, prints, and designs and holds up to 50 pounds of weight comfortably. Plus, it handles more than double the amount a typical plastic bag from the supermarket does.
GOOPGENES Clean Nourishing Lip Balm Trio
Best for: Any female friend or coworker
If you’re exchanging gifts among gals, this GOOPGENES lip balm trio is just the ticket. Everyone can appreciate soft lips that leave chapping at the door, and this set certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s a vegan-friendly, ultra-hydrated bundle that gives them enough lip-softening action to leave one on their vanity, one in the car, and one in their go-to purse.
Starla Wine Collection
Best for: Clean, alcohol-free sips
No guilt to be had over this alcohol-free collection of smooth-sipping wines. Since these wines are less than half a percent alcohol by volume, they’re classified as virgin vino even though they pair just as well with all your favorite meals and snacks. The Collection includes a variety of best sellers and not-to-be-missed varietals anyone is sure to love.
OH.SO Hand Sanitizer Set
Best for: High five–worthy safety in a pandemic era
Kiss germs goodbye with this OH.SO hand sanitizer set in a perky grapefruit scent that is universally appealing. This colloidal silver hand sanitizer is formulated with alcohol to kill 99.99% of germs and leave hands smelling fresher than ever.
Hush Puppies Knit Beanie
Best for: Cold climate gift exchanges
If you live in a cold climate and aren’t sure what to get for the white elephant exchange in your group, a high-quality knit beanie like this one from Hush Puppies is a genius place to start. It’s something everyone can use, and with over a dozen colors available for less than $15 each you may end up ordering a few.
Sunday Scaries CBD Bath Bombs
Best for: Staycationers
Take chilling out to another level with adorable CBD-infused bath bombs that are shaped like gummy bears. Put them in a bath under running water, then prepare to be lulled into lush relaxation by the scents of orange, lavender, or lemon. Each tub cub has 100 milligrams of CBD and no THC (the component of cannabis that causes a high). They make fun gifts for kids as well.
100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
Best for: Movie buffs
An enjoyment of movies is nearly universal, so you won’t be surprised when guests start fighting for this gift. This well-designed poster is printed on wood-free, glossy paper. It’s interactive, allowing the owner to have the satisfaction of scratching off a movie after viewing. The poster has everyone’s faves, including Pulp Fiction, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Halloween. While you’re at it, buy a second—they’re fantastic gifts for boyfriends, girlfriends, and your go-to movie date.
Galison Cocktail Map of the USA
Best for: Cocktail lovers
Ditch the drinking games of your college days for this gorgeous puzzle. Anne Bentley’s painting shows signature cocktails for each of the 50 states. It has a cheerful design and is an excellent conversation starter for a group game night. It consists of 1,054 ribbon-cut pieces for hours of entertainment. Another option: Give them something that’ll really challenge their brain by buying one of the hardest puzzles on Amazon.
JustJoAndCo The Golden Girls Pot Holders
Best for: Classic television fans
The Golden Girls was a hit sitcom in the 1980s and has become an integral part of pop culture. It’s even more popular now than it was in its heyday. Even your youngest coworkers are sure to recognize the faces of Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia on the fabric of these pot holders. It makes the perfect gift for Grandma too!
1,000 Places to See Before You Die Engagement Calendar 2022
Best for: Armchair travelers
Adapted from Patricia Schultz’s 1,000 Places to See Before You Die series, this planner was created to inspire. The vivid photographs and fun facts make scheduling weekly engagements enjoyable. It doubles as a solid gift for a sister-in-law with big travel dreams and too little vacation time.
Genuine Fred Unicorn Pool Float Tea Infuser
Best for: Tea lovers
Few white elephant gifts can hold a candle (er, tea light) to this bold, amusing present. The tea diffuser is shaped like a unicorn pool toy, and it easily brews loose tea leaves without any mess. The trendy, adorable design makes this an awesome gift for teens too.
Pure Enrichment PureGlow USB Salt Lamp
Best for: Overworked colleagues
This aesthetically pleasing salt lamp adds an instant touch of zen to any environment. It looks expensive but is very affordable. The clear basin shows off the beauty of the pink Himalayan salt rocks that fill it. It plugs into any USB outlet, and it has five different brightness levels, making it easy to set the mood. You might want to pair it with one of these cool tech gifts for an extra-special someone.
PILOT FriXion Erasable Gel Ink Pens
Best for: Planner enthusiasts
Keeping a bullet journal or planner gets a lot easier with these erasable gel ink pens. The person who wins this gift can jot down plans with confidence, then easily erase them without making a mess. Available in a ten-pack of bold colors and reusable (with refills), this is a gift that keeps giving. They’re an Amazon Prime gift, which means shipping is quick for last-minute shoppers.
Levenger Copper Page Nibs
Best for: Book lovers
Levenger’s copper page nibs offer a great way to bookmark beautiful lines or passages in a book, making them one of the most clever gifts for book lovers. The small, attractive gold markers click into place and never damage pages. With 50 in each package, book lovers can enjoy these as they plow through their to-be-read list.
Stojo Collapsible Silicone Travel Mug
Best for: Coffee lovers
Stojo’s collapsible mug is one of the year’s best gifts for coffee lovers. It provides a handy way to tote java on all their journeys. The mug holds 16 ounces of a hot or cold beverage and collapses to a two-inch-high disk that’s perfect for travel. Just toss it in a purse and go. It comes with a removable straw, and the mouth tab creates a leakproof seal.
One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book
Best for: Sentimental types
This is a great starter journal for those who want to keep a daily diary but don’t want to commit to writing pages each day. It prompts with an easy request: Write one line about your day. Blank space gives you room to write a single short sentence every day for five years, taking the guesswork out of being mindful of your emotions and memorializing important moments.
It’Sugar Sour Patch Kids Tin
Best for: That coworker with an insatiable sweet tooth
With an image of an iconic Sour Patch Kid on the top, this tin instantly induces smiles. (Spoiler alert: There’s an image of a different Sour Patch Kid on the bottom.) It comes with a bag of the tangy, chewy candy, too, so you get the whole sensory experience. If you’re hunting for gifts for tween boys, look no further.
Mealivos Polyjuice Potion Flask
Best for: Potterheads
Harry Potter fans who prefer hard alcohol to butterbeer will fight over this stainless steel flask. It’ll hold 5.5 ounces of your liquor of choice—and convince everyone you’re chugging Polyjuice Potion in the process. Check out these other fun Harry Potter gifts that’ll delight wizards and Muggles alike.
Xyron X150 Sticker Maker
Best for: Scrapbookers
This affordable device can turn any small image into a sticker. Simply put the cut-out image into the machine, and voilà! You have a sticker ready for a scrapbook, a planner, handmade greeting cards, and more. The adhesive fits the exact shape of the image. It’s also the perfect gift for moms who are crafty.
Patet Ice Facial Roller
Best for: Spa regulars
If your friend group loves spending time at the spa, they’ll have a ball with beauty-based white elephant gifts. This facial roller brings an upscale, effective spa treatment into the home. It was designed to cool and soothe sensitive skin, leaving you looking refreshed. Who wouldn’t love that?
Natalie Mills Jolie Glamband
Best for: Accessories collectors
Natalie Mills makes headbands that are simply fun to wear, and this cheery option also adds a touch of sparkling elegance to any look. it can be worn to dress up a casual outfit or to complement a dressy ensemble. It’s lightweight but designed to stay in place all day long. Pick up a second as a gift for your sister. She’ll thank you.
Genuine Fred Life Experience Mug
Best for: Wannabe world travelers
You have to love dishware with a sense of humor. This white porcelain mug jokingly proclaims to be a “genuine souvenir” from “somewhere fun that I never visited.” It’s as lovely as any real souvenir, with its vibrant blue lettering and design.
Gentlemen’s Hardware Crooner Soap On a Rope
Best for: Shower singers
Here’s a soap that provides the validation shower singers need to keep belting out their favorite tunes. The intricate detail of the cute, vintage microphone design will bring an amusing authenticity to the shower-singing experience, and the oak moss scent adds a freshness. Live with a shower singer? It’s a great gift for husbands, roomies, and other wannabe rock stars.
Puffin Beverage Flannel
Best for: Your drinking buds
Hold your beer! This flannel jacket for canned or bottled beverages is both adorable and hilarious. With two layers of thermal insulation, it also puts the fun in functional, keeping your drink cold and your hand dry.
SPRI Exercise Dice
Best for: Fitness buffs
Talk about white elephant gifts with wide appeal! Fitness fanatics looking for exercise ideas and couch potatoes on a mission to get fit will all scramble to win these dice, which add new sparks of joy to a workout. The six-sided dice will remove the dilemma of decision-making from your workout. With each roll, they reveal your next exercise, including lunges, jumping jacks, crunches, and squats. For more white elephant gift ideas, browse these Disney gifts.
Rabbit Wine Aerator and Pourer
Best for: Wine enthusiasts
When white elephant gifts instantly inspire thoughts of future good times, you know you’re doing something right. This excellent tool aerates wine as it’s poured from the bottle, which has been shown to improve both the flavor and the quality of red wine. Its silicone base will help the wine flow without spills, so no drop is wasted.
Buttonsmith Starry Night Lanyard
Best for: Art lovers
When you bring art to necessities that you’ll use anyway, you can liven up any workday. Lanyards are a must for conferences and many other work events, and this one—featuring Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night”—stands out in the best way. It’s made from soft fabric and includes a detachable buckle. Don’t have an office white elephant party? Buy these lanyards as gifts for coworkers who hit the conference circuit with you.
Chef’n FridgeFork Condiment Fork
Best for: Sandwich lovers
Here’s a gift you don’t know you need until you use it. This stainless steel condiment spoon conveniently attaches to a jar of pickles, peppers, olives, and more. When it’s time to make a sandwiches, the three-pronged fork is there to easily reach in the jar.
Petite ’n Pretty 10K Shine Lip Gloss
Best for: Beauty buffs
This is a sweet, simple gift for those who love makeup. It’s cruelty-free and vegan, and the lightweight, non-sticky lip gloss provides a fresh, youthful look. Here’s a bonus: It has a sweet, natural flavor. While the gloss will appeal to many adults at your white elephant party, it’s made especially for girls. So it doubles as a fantastic stocking stuffer for teens.
Maybe Swearing Will Help Adult Coloring Book
Best for: Dirty talkers
This brings new meaning to the term “adult coloring book.” It blends beautiful designs with your most-used expletives—perfect for stressed-out days when your speech is littered with four-letter words. It’s one of those funny white elephant gifts people talk about for years to come.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
Best for: Folks who devoured The Vow and similar documentaries
Amanda Montell’s Cultish is an eye-opening, hair-raising book that takes a deep dive into the world of cults. It will be educational and life-changing for many who don’t realize the insidious way cults can become a part of one’s life. Don’t be surprised if this is one of those white elephant gifts that change hands throughout the party. And no, we don’t consider the Star Wars fandom a cult, so if you’re friends with a whole lot of Jedis, check out these
Bob Ross Bobblehead
Best for: Artists
Bob Ross has become an iconic TV personality as people fondly remember his show The Joy of Painting and the passion he had for encouraging other artists. This adorable bobblehead is detailed in its design and comes with a small easel. The figure even speaks, utilizing actual voice recordings from the show.
Library Card Socks
Best for: Avid readers
These adorable socks hearken back to a simpler time when libraries gave kids coupons for pizza in exchange for spending time reading books they love. Nobody is bribing adults to read, but the avid book lovers in your group may fight to the bitter end for this cute white elephant gift. With the image of an empty library card, these socks are soft and comfortable to wear while lounging around with a good book. Shopping for someone in particular? Check out these personalized gifts.
Erin Condren Wonder Woman Sticker Pack
Best for: Sticker collectors
Men and women alike can identify with Wonder Woman, and anyone can appreciate this adorable sticker pack, which celebrates the world’s favorite empowered superhero. The high-quality, richly colored stickers can go on notebooks, in planners, and anywhere else that needs a touch of superhero energy.
Análú Therapy Dough
Best for: Overachievers and workaholics
The best white elephant gifts address a need that most party guests share. Considering everyone is stressed out, therapy dough is a safe (and smart) bet. It soothes on multiple levels. Similar to clay that’s used by art therapists to help their clients, this dough smells amazing because it’s infused with essential oils chosen for their de-stressing properties. Therapy Dough is a good stocking stuffer idea for kids with anxiety.
Swiftwick National Parks Socks
Best for: Nature lovers
Footwear can add an extra bit of pizzazz to an ordinary outfit, and these national park socks are as fun as they are eye-catching. They come in colorful designs of the Rocky Mountains, Denali, Arches National Park, Joshua Tree, Grand Teton, the Great Smoky Mountains, and other parks. They’re designed for comfort, too, and will keep your feet cool and dry.
SallyeAnder Tote Bag
Best for: Fans of Sex and the City
Sarah Jessica Parker has been spotted carrying this lovely SallyeAnder tote on the set of the new series And Just Like That…, which is a sequel to the enduringly popular show Sex and the City. Carrie Bradshaw, Parker’s character, became a style icon, and fans will love carrying a tote bag that’s just like hers. It’s a must-order gift for your wife or fashion-forward significant other.
Yes To Cucumbers Depuffing Under Eye Masks
Best for: Self-care practitioners
With parabens and other scary-sounding chemicals all too common in beauty products, what a relief it will be for the recipient to get a set of eye masks that are made with 95 percent natural ingredients. They’re formulated to reduce under-eye puffiness, and they’re all vegan too.
Ayate Agave Washcloth
Best for: Skin-care enthusiasts
Your hunt for white elephant gift ideas that will appeal to a skin-care savvy crew is finally over. The hand-woven cloth looks simple at first, but it’s a useful beauty tool. Made of 100 percent natural agave fibers, the cloth expands, and the weave tightens, once soaked in water. It helps soften skin and stimulate circulation. Toss this in with your gifts for your brother—he could use a reminder to wash his face.
Mindfulness Cards
Best for: Those seeking self-improvement
Staying in the moment and living well are things that most of us aspire to do. Increasing how mindful we are each day can help us achieve those goals. These cards offer practical, simple ways to cultivate mindful moments each day, no matter what you are going through. For white elephant gifts under $20, you can’t go wrong with this.
The Pioneer Woman Willow 12-Inch Revolving Food Server
Best for: Home chefs
Why settle for boring wooden appliances when you can go with something gorgeous? The Pioneer Woman’s revolving food server features a floral pattern in a rustic style. It helps organize any kitchen, empowering home chefs to have condiments and spices within easy reach. Useful and stylish? That’s an ideal hostess gift.
It’Sugar Candy Favorites Hand Sanitizers
Best for: Neat freaks with a sense of humor
Who says safety protocol needs to be boring? This set of four hand sanitizers brings some of the joy of childhood to staying clean and safe. These candy-scented sanitizers contain 65 percent alcohol and smell like either Smarties, Icee, Dippin’ Dots, and Mike and Ike.
TinselHouse Typewriter Ornament
Best for: Writers and decorators
This typewriter ornament captures the glamour and nostalgia of a bygone era. It can be used for far more than decorating a Christmas tree. The gift recipient may hang it in a window or place it at a desk as a nod to the days when the click-clack of typewriters filled offices instead of the quiet hum of computers. Get it as a gift for your swap, but get extras as gifts for tween boys and girls who aspire to write the great American novel one day.
Paperblanks Juniper Journal
Best for: Journal keepers and crafters
This just may stun the journal lover at your party into silence! Paperblanks makes journals that are as beautiful as classic books from centuries ago. In fact, this Juniper journal features a reproduction of the design on a 1736 scripture book. It will add elegance to everyday note-taking at work.
Sofa Stud Couch Cup Holder
Best for: Homebodies
Don’t be surprised if the name Sofa Stud makes white elephant revelers laugh, but the joke certainly won’t be on the gift recipient. The Sofa Stud fits snugly between couch cushions, and it’s smaller and more convenient than a couch caddy. It holds a drink, remote control, smartphone, or snack, keeping them within easy reach while you lounge on the sofa. This has “gift for father-in-law” written all over it.
Vistaprint Personalized Mug
Best for: Anyone who’s sentimental
Let your creativity soar when preparing white elephant gifts. Vistaprint’s personalized mug can be anything you want it to be. Perhaps take the humorous route and plaster your mug on this mug. Alternately, decorate it with a gorgeous scenic photo or even a picture of an adorable animal.
Bawdy Beauty Shake It
Best for: Rump shakers
It’s hardly a white elephant celebration if someone doesn’t come with a bawdy gift, and this one is made to spark laughter. Bawdy Beauty’s butt mask does serve a practical purpose, though. It provides high-quality skin care to the derriere. The Shake It masks are caffeine-infused to retexturize and clarify the skin. As far as cheap Christmas gifts go, this one’s a winner.
Gentlemen’s Hardware Travel-Size Sneaker-Cleaning Kit
Best for: Sneaker collectors
You’ve heard of shoe shining, but how about cleaning sneakers? Makes sense. After all, they get the most wear during vigorous activities. This practical kit has everything you need to clean your tennis shoes: cleaning fluid, a brush, and a cloth. To top that off, it comes in an adorable tin that has a vintage vibe.
Patet Raffia Rattan Wicker Woven Straw Hand Fan
Best for: Decorators and drama queens
Sure, air conditioning and electric fans exist. But the drama queen in your group will fight to win this old-fashioned, wicker-woven fan. It’s so beautiful that it’s a cool addition to natural home decor. Keep shopping with the best subscription boxes.
Hipdot Spongebob Sheet Mask
Best for: The young at heart
There won’t be a straight face at the party when this one is opened. The Spongebob Squarepants sheet mask may have a smile-inducing look, but that’s not all. It serves as an effective, refreshing skin treatment. It’s vegan friendly and soothes the skin with marine protein, red algae, and hyaluronic acid.
Cocomels Sea Salt Coconut Milk Caramels
Best for: The ones with the sweet tooth
These creamy caramels were made without dairy; as the brand name suggests, they’re made with coconut milk instead. Cocomels are ecstasy-inducing candy for anybody, including those who can’t eat dairy, gluten, or soy—or anyone following a plant-based diet. They make great white elephant gifts, but they’re smart stocking stuffer ideas too.
Lavley Live Vegan Socks
Best for: Vegan
These colorful statement socks are great for those who love a hippie aesthetic. The cheerful design features heart-shaped fruits and earthy peace signs. There’s also a clear statement: “Love All, Be Kind, Live Vegan.” Who can’t get behind love and kindness? On a practical level, these socks are soft, comfortable, and made to last for years.
Lucky Feather Zodiac Ring Dish
Best for: The horoscope obsessed
In a gift exchange among astrology-loving pals, this zodiac ring dish will stand out. The small ceramic dish, sized perfectly for rings and other tiny trinkets, has gold detailing that shows one of the star signs. It’s available in all zodiac signs; buy your own with hopes of stealing it for yourself. For more zodiac gift ideas, browse our comprehensive guide.
Tree Hut Cotton Candy Shea Sugar Scrub
Best for: Spa aficionados
The sweet scents of spun sugar and sweet cream burst from this scrub while it’s applied to the skin. The exfoliating scrub was formulated to remove dry, dull skin, and it also nourishes and balances the skin’s hydration.
Erin Condren Gemstones Square Push Pin Set
Best for: Managers and supervisors
Who says the office bulletin board can’t be gorgeous? Add some glitz and eye-popping color to a professional bulletin board with these push pins that showcase a variety of colorful gemstones. This set comes with 50 pins in shades of teal, lagoon, and blush. Get it as a gift for the boss.
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