White elephant gift exchanges are a fun and exciting approach to gift giving during the holidays. The entire event creates light-hearted drama full of revenge and suspense about what everyone’s going to walk home with. There are plot twists and turns where one round you could have the most coveted beauty gift of the season in your hands, and the next you could end up with a dust-collecting regift. In every white elephant gift exchange, there are crowd-pleasing items and the not-so-exciting flop gifts everyone wants to trade. The range makes for a competitive camaraderie turned delightful bonding experience.
Whether you have a white elephant gift exchange with co-workers, your extended family, or with your besties, bringing a highly sought-after and entertaining item is always the goal. The best white elephant gifts touch upon humor, practicality and style. The trick is to find something with a universal appeal that will draw laughs and attention.
How to Find the Best White Elephant Gift
White elephant gift exchanges can have the reputation of a collection of knick-knacks that might get a few laughs, but when all is said and done they end up in the back of your closet holding no true purpose. The best white elephant gifts, however, are funny items that serve a purpose. If you’re stumped on what to get for a white elephant gift exchange, fear not. We have 30 of the best white elephant gift ideas ahead that everyone will want to steal, under-$50 and under-$20. Pro tip: Send this article around to your crew, so you have a higher chance of walking home with one of these highly coveted items.
An Eco-Friendly Fix
BAGGU
Standard Reusable Shopping Bag
A Sweet and Savory Treat
SaucyBitch
Sweet Heat Hot Sauce
A Helpful Planner
Brass Monkey
Professional Procrastinator Pen & Planner Set
A True Luxury
Louis Xiii
THE DROP
An Accessory for the Wine Lover
8 Oak Lane
Wine Bottle Carrying Clutch Bag
An Ironic Candle
Homesick
White Elephant Candle
An Influencer-Approved Wellness Gift
bala
Bangles
A Surprising Sweet Treat
Beekman 1802
Goat Poop Timeless Chocolates
A Sparkling Accessory
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Holiday Spirits Statement Earrings
A Practical Joke
Native
Naughty Deodorant Collection
The Collab You Didn’t Know You Needed
Sugarfina
Truly Hard Seltzer Gummy Bears
A Self-Care White Elephant Gift
Costco
Electric Scalp Head Massager
A Woo Woo Home Accessory
Attune Collective
Aurora Floral Sage Wand
Editor’s Pick
VoChill
Stemless Wine Glass Chiller
A Vintage Indoor Planter
Uncommon Goods
Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden
A Fun Bar Accessory
Urban Outfitters
Bootle Opener
A Useful Selfie Gadget
Auxiwa
Selfie Ring Light
The Remote Worker’s Inside Joke
KellyLovesType
“Sorry, I Was On Mute” Mug
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Dude With Sign
2023 Wall Calendar
Most Useful White Elephant Gift
Apple
Apple AirTag
A Crowd Pleasing Trivia Game
Uncommon Goods
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A Really Strong Bag of Coffee
Death Wish Coffee Co.
Dark Roast Grounds
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LAPCOS
7 Mask Variety Pack 1 + Exfoliating Pad
A Snack Set Everyone Will Love
OPOPOP
Microwave Popcorn
Punny Socks
PJ Salvage
“Lets Get Lit” Holiday Socks
A Handy Bathroom Spray
Poo-Pourri
Poo-Pourri Tropcical Hibiscus
A Stylish Tumbler
Fellow Products
Carter Everywhere Mug
Best for Entertaining
Nostalgia
Electric S’mores Maker
A Seasonal Tea Set
Tea Forte
Warming Joy Infuser Presentation Box
What Is a White Elephant Gift Exchange?
If you’re new to the white elephant gift exchange process, the rules are typically for everyone to buy a gift worth the same amount. Then, everyone draws a number to determine the order they get to pick a random gift out of the group. While it sounds easy like Secret Santa, the twist is that you don’t have to pick a new gift in the pile when it’s your turn. If you have your eye on a present someone else already opened, you can choose to steal their gift instead.
Vanessa Powell
Vanessa is an established editor, stylist and shopping expert covering all things style, gear and wellness. 
