31 Best White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Fight Over
Updated: Aug. 31, 2023Bring 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. But how do you find those perfect white elephant gifts that others will want to fight over?
It’s hard enough to come up with gift ideas for the people you know and love, never mind mystery recipients. But don’t worry, we’ve found everything from hilarious gag gifts to hidden treasures, all of which are bound to be coveted by someone in your group. If you’re looking for Secret Santa gifts, we’ve got you covered there too.
For your girlfriends: Therapy Dough
This handmade putty offers hours of fun and stress relief just like your friends! Inspired by the same type of dough art therapists use to help manage depression and anxiety, it can be squeezed, squished and shaped. Plus, it’s infused with essential oils so you can choose lavender, eucalyptus, orange or North Woods Pine for their aromatherapy benefits. White elephant gifts like these are just right for self-care.
For cinephiles: 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
There’s nothing more satisfying than checking off a list and this 100-movie poster will inspire movie lovers to watch–and scratch off 100 classic titles. They’ll get to watch some really good movies, including some of the best movie musicals and best cartoon movies, then use a coin to scratch off the corresponding square to reveal a themed illustration. Once they’ve seen every film, they’ll have a beautiful piece of art worth framing.
For the coffee klatch: Stojo Collapsible Silicone Travel Mug
Stojo’s collapsible mug is one of the best gifts for coffee lovers. It holds 16 ounces of a hot or cold beverage and collapses to a two-inch disk that’s perfect for travel so your coffee companions can always get their fix. It comes with a removable straw, and the mouth tab creates a leakproof seal. Plus, reusable coffee cups are so much better for the environment.
Under $10: Ceramic Elephant Succulent Planter
Okay, these ceramic planters are the perfect white elephant gifts. Not only do they check so many boxes—funny, practical and appropriate for anyone—they’re also a bargain. Here are more cheap Christmas gifts.
Under $20: Fred Unicorn Pool Float Tea Infuser
Few items can hold a candle (er, tea light) to this white elephant gift that tea lovers will find surprisingly useful. Shaped like a pool toy, this unicorn tea diffuser easily brews loose tea leaves without any mess. It’s the stuff of legends, and the mythical design makes it an awesome gift for teens too.
For all ages: MaxNova Knit Beanie Hat
Emblazoned with a cheery smiley face, this knit beanie is likely to elicit that same reaction from recipients. You don’t have to worry about sizing since one size fits most, so it’s one of the best white elephant gifts for just about anyone. Because it’s available in more than a dozen colors and bargain-priced at less than $15, you may want to order a few. They would also make great stocking stuffers.
For your book club: Out of Print Library Card Socks
Remember when librarians used to stamp a card with the due date every time you borrowed a book? These adorable library card socks are immediately recognizable to book lovers and are soft and comfortable enough to wear while reading under a cozy throw blanket on the couch.
Out of Print offers a card catalog’s worth of book-themed socks, including classics like 1984, Pride & Prejudice and The Hunger Games. Maybe one of them will be your next book club choice! Check out these other gifts for book lovers.
Under $50: The Comfy Original Wearable Blanket
If you’re splurging, this wearable sherpa blanket will be the white elephant gift to beat. Honestly, it’s like giving someone a hug. Super sized and super soft, its name “The Comfy” says it all.
Double-layered with luxurious fleece microfiber on the outside and premium fluffy sherpa on the inside, it’s so cozy no one will ever want to take it off. The Comfy is also a sweet gift for students so they can keep their heating bills down in their first apartment.
For adults: Maybe Swearing Will Help Adult Coloring Book
Bringing a whole new meaning to the term adult coloring book, just consider this not-safe-for-kids coloring book a form of art therapy. Filled with beautiful designs and lots of cursing, it’s perfect for stressed-out days that warrant a torrent of four-letter words. It’s one of those funny white elephant gift ideas people talk about for years to come—possibly prefaced with an expletive or two.
For kids: Tabletop Bowling Game
Complete with the cutest mini pins and balls, this wooden tabletop game is a great gift for kids that will keep them happily occupied for hours. In fact, it’s so addictive you may want to buy a spare (see what we did there?) or two for the adults who just might try to steal it.
For women: Bath Bombs Gift Set
Show your gal pals you’ve got their back (and the rest of them!) with this set of 10 pretty bath bombs that will have them making a beeline for the tub. Made of all-natural, organic essential oils and designed to fizz, these beauties will fill the water with both color and fragrance for a relaxing experience to delight all the senses.
These white elephant gifts would also make thoughtful gifts for nurses or others who stand on their feet all day. Consider adding a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
For men: Nostalgia Hot Dog and Bun Toaster
Hot diggity dog! This red-hot retro toaster made specifically for dogs and buns is among the white elephant gifts guys will be fighting over so they can cook up their faves when it’s too cold out to grill. It’s the kind of gift you buy as a joke but that ends up becoming something the recipient can’t live without. It just may be the perfect gift for people who are impossible to shop for.
For coworkers: Essential Oil Diffuser
This soothing essential oil diffuser adds an instant touch of zen to any environment, making it ideal for the office. It also doubles as a piece of cute desk decor thanks to the realistic faux succulents nestled into the pot—a thoughtful gift for coworkers.
For friends: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz
The bible of both world and armchair travelers, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die is a source of inspiration and aspiration. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of wanderlust while thumbing through its pages. Filled with gorgeous photos, fun facts and helpful hints, it doubles as a solid gift for a sister-in-law with big travel dreams and too little vacation time.
For wine aficionados: Rabbit Wine Aerator and Pourer
This wine aerator is a thoughtful gift for wine lovers who raise a glass to the fact that it improves both the bouquet and flavor of wine with each pour. It has a silicone base to avoid spills, so no drop goes to waste and they can breathe easily—just like their wine.
For family: One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book
Every family needs someone to document milestones and moments, and this is a great starter journal for those who want to keep a diary but don’t want to commit to writing pages and pages each day. The easy daily prompt? “Write one line about your day.” That’s it.
There’s plenty of space to write a single sentence every day for five years. What a treat it will be to look back on years from now, and what a practical gift for writers.
For the Barbies: Pink Brew Glitter Edible Glitter
Hi Barbies! You’ve laughed and cried through the Barbie movie together. Now treat one of your gal pals to a jar of edible glitter in Barbie pink, of course! She can sprinkle it on any drink and, to quote the Bejeweled lyrics of another doll (Taylor Swift), “make the whole place shimmer.”
She can even use it to create latte art. It has no taste, just lots of sparkling color. Using it will ensure she has the best day ever!
For foodies: Brightland Pizza Oil
Members of your cooking group will go wild for this custom-blended pizza oil made with three types of California-grown olives. Not only will it upgrade any type of pizza (including frozen pizza!) but it also takes pasta, eggs and even toast to a whole new level of deliciousness. Your recipient will appreciate your good taste in choosing Brightland but they’ll appreciate the great taste of this unexpected gift even more.
For your Facebook friends: Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer
For those who are always plugged in, the struggle of tangled wires is real. This brilliant little outlet concealer invention tidies up the unsightly mess and makes everything look neat and organized so you can stay connected. Simple to attach, it’s available for a variety of different outlets in both longer and shorter length cords and makes a great tech gift.
For your walking partners: Pedi in a Box
You’ve donned your best walking shoes and hit the streets, the trails or the mall together. After putting in all those miles, the winner of this white elephant gift will consider it a real treat for their feet. This Pedi in a Box includes everything they need for a salon-worthy pedicure, from a salt soak and sugar soak to a mud masque and massage butter. Available in a variety of scents designed to relax or rejuvenate, it’s like a mini spa treatment.
For your office mates: Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag
It’s okay to have an ulterior motive for this gift. Paying tribute to the iconic zippered plastic bag, this handblown glass sculpture acts as a snack dish, holding jelly beans, chocolate kisses or nuts. Fill it with your favorite candy and get your steps in each time you head over to your office mate’s desk to grab a handful. As far as white elephant gifts go, this one’s a win-win.
For year-round pride: Bombas Pride Flag Ankle Socks
Show your support for your LGBTQIA+ friends with these anklets from Bombas, a company beloved for their philanthropy as well as their super soft and comfy socks. Available in seven rainbow colors, each pair shows off a specific Pride flag and benefits the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit.
Like all Bombas socks, they feature a seamless toe, Honeycomb arch support and a cushioned tab to help prevent blisters so you can march for hours during the next Pride parade. In fact, they make every month Pride Month.
For college kids: Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls
Kids going off to college will learn how to do laundry now and these cute-as-can-be wool dryer balls will make it so much easier and so much more fun. Eco-friendly and way better for their clothes than dryer sheets, these little penguins are reusable, organic and a great start toward sustainable living.
Handmade in Nepal from 100% pure New Zealand wool, they leave clothes soft and help prevent wrinkles and static cling. You may want to buy a pack for yourself while you’re at it.
For teachers: Anthropologie Faye Mug
These lovely Faye mugs will add a relaxing touch to any teacher’s desk. The hand-painted stoneware is abloom with a garden motif to bring a little nature indoors. They’re both dishwasher- and microwave-safe (because teachers don’t need any more chores to do). The mugs come in three colors and can be filled with coffee, tea, water or something a little stronger.
For keeping things clean: Apotheke Charcoal Liquid Soap
Blended with essential oils and natural botanicals, this luxe liquid soap smells heavenly, thanks to rich notes of cedarwood, sandalwood and smokey amber. Its simple, black bottle also adds a sophisticated touch to any bathroom. But what makes this a perfect white elephant gift is the fact that the soap itself is black, which adds a surprise element and will make everyone want to wash their hands.
For anyone at all: Compartés Gourmet Chocolate Bars
The lucky person who picks white elephant gifts like this is unlikely to trade it because 1) it’s chocolate and 2) it’s made by Compartés, one of the most prestigious chocolatiers in the world. Handcrafted in Los Angeles, each chocolate bar is a work of art from its exceptional taste to its stunning packaging.
Choose from dozens of jaw-dropping flavors including Blueberry Muffin, Donuts & Coffee and Nightcap Whisky. There are even vegan and gluten-free options like Strawberry Champagne and California Berries. And, if your recipient (or you!) gets carried away, here’s how to remove chocolate stains from pretty much anything.
For your mom group: Jade Roller & Gua Sha
Let’s face it: you and your fellow moms could use some pampering. Because it’s almost impossible to get a few minutes alone in the bathroom, never mind an hour for a spa treatment, give one of them the chance to indulge with this at-home jade roller and gua sha set. The face massage tools are useful anywhere, even while waiting in the car for after-school pickup. Just a few minutes a day helps relieve muscle tension, reduce puffiness and firm skin, creating a fresh, dewy look and a more relaxed mom.
For puzzlers: 101 Pooping Puppies Puzzle
This is one of the best white elephant gifts for your fellow puzzlers because it’s infamous in the puzzle world–and it’s hilarious. The 1,000-piece jigsaw features 101 adorable dogs getting ready to do their business in the park. Surprisingly challenging, it may be one of the hardest puzzles you can get on Amazon but also one of the most fun. It’s impossible not to smile while piecing together these canine cuties caught in the act.
For music lovers: Wireless Sleep Headphones
These sleep headphones are one of the best gifts for music lovers because they’re so comfortable that you can actually fall asleep while wearing them. In fact, they’re designed to help you do just that. The Bluetooth speakers are discreetly tucked inside a soft, breathable headband so you can listen to your favorite songs, books, podcasts or meditation apps while lying down. You’ll be off to dreamland in no time.
For the afternoon tea ladies: Tea Forte Cold Brew Sachets
Looking for interesting gifts for tea lovers? Designed specifically for iced tea, these cold brew sachets make the most refreshing drinks. Simply place one sachet in a 12-ounce glass of cold water and infuse for seven to 10 minutes. Add ice or enjoy it as is.
Tea Forte uses organic ingredients to create a taste that’s just the right amount of sweet and tart so you’ll feel like you’re biting into a perfectly ripe pomegranate. It’s a delight for your tastebuds and a delicious way to stay hydrated.
For your karaoke group: Wireless Karaoke Microphone
You cheer each other on every weekend as you take on love songs, stadium anthems and the latest chart toppers at your local karaoke bar. This handheld, portable Bluetooth mic lets the recipient practice at home just by connecting it to their phone. Available in more than a dozen gorgeous colors, it will boost their confidence, make them feel like a headliner and help them sing as though no one’s watching.
With additional reporting by Robin Raven.
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