’Tis the season for holiday gift giving. And what’s the best kind of holiday gift giving? White Elephant, of course! (Don’t @ us.) Here, everything you need to know about this fun gift swap concept.
39 White Elephant Gifts for Just About Everyone, from a Boozy Card Game to a Mini Pool Table
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What Is a White Elephant Gift?
In case you’re not familiar with the concept, allow us to give you the gist. Each participant brings a wrapped present and anonymously puts it into a pile, so no one knows who brought what. Everyone draws a number to determine when each partygoer gets to pick a present. The first person chooses a gift, opens it and shows it off for everyone to see. The next person has a choice: They can steal that gift or pick a new one to open. The higher the number you pick, the more gift options you have to snatch away.
Whether you call it a White Elephant, Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa, the objective is the same: to take home the best gift. And with a generally small budget (between $25 and $50 is the sweet spot), that’s not always the easiest feat. This year, be the clear winner by bringing the gift that everyone fights to get their hands on. And if you take home your own present at the end? Well, then you played it right.
Any self-respecting white elephant aficionado knows that the more obscure the gifts, the more fun the game. So with that in mind, behold our good-time-guaranteed picks for your holiday party needs.
How about New Years Fashion Resolutions!
A thick, cozy set of socks is a great gift in general, but these have a low price point that make them a perfect white elephant gift. They have an oversized, slouchy fit, too.
This dainty heart-shaped leaf cutting will be the star of the show among all the plant lovers at your White Elephant exchange.
3. Drunk Elephant Day Dream Vitamin C and Hydration Serum Duo
Stick this sample-sized set of some of Drunk Elephant's best-sellers in your friend's white elephant pool and you’ll definitely make her holiday a little brighter.
4. Ecolution Microwave Popcorn Popper
There’s no kernel left behind with this personal popper.
With a chic 100 percent mulberry silk outer layer, this definitely isn’t your typical face mask. It features adjustable ear straps and an adjustable nose wire so the wearer can customize the fit.
6. Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager
Lather up and shampoo with this massager, or just use it to relax after pulling out your ponytail.
A cute wine bottle opener is always a safe bet for a gift.
8. Mighty Mojo Tiger King Jigsaw Puzzle
Tiger King fans are going to go wild over this saucy Joe Exotic puzzle.
9. Smoko Sunflower Ambient Light
Because there’s always at least one guest who can’t keep a houseplant alive no matter how hard she tries.
10. Urban Outfitters Heart-shaped Mini Waffle Iron
A heart-shaped waffle is bound to make breakfast taste even better.
Regular ice cube trays don’t suffice when it comes to an aesthetically pleasing glass of whiskey.
Staying in for New Years? Try these NYE Movies!
12. Signals Coffee Lovers Coffee Mug
We can all relate to the mood of this cute coffee mug, right?
Planning New Years Dinner?
13. Revlon Oil Absorbing Volcanic Face Roller
This TikTok famous tool gets excess oil off your face without having to replace paper each use.
14. Horime 3-in-1 Charging Station
This stand allows you to charge multiple gadgets without the dreaded cord tangle.
15. Uncommon Goods Essential Oil Shower Steamers
Turn their home into a spa with these relaxing essential oil steamers.
16. Hey! Play! Mini Tabletop Pool
Play alone or with your work BFF if you’re back in the office.
Need NYE Outfit ideas?!
17. Urban Outfitters Buzzed Card Game
A fun, boozy card game for nights in with friends.
18. Hallmark Keepsake “Friends” Ornament
For the Friends fanatic who loves an iconic Monica reference.
19. Bedsure Fleece Throw Blanket
You can never have too many blankets, and this one comes in 26 colors.
Get ready for a fun New Year’s Eve party.
Pen turned putter? Talk about a fun work distraction.
22. Urban Outfitters Karaoke Microphone
You can be sure the lucky recipient will break it in before you break down the party.
23. Urban Outfitters Vintage Shot Glass Set
Word on the street is, if your shot looks cuter it will go down more smoothly (that’s what we hope anyway).
24. “The Complete Guide To Astrology: Understanding Yourself, Your Signs And Your Birth Chart”
Reading your horoscope is so much more fun when you actually understand your signs.
25. Uncommon Goods Debatable Party Game
Bring this one to a family party to get a read on who thinks what through all of the generations.
26. Soap Box Hero Shower Speakers
Because everyone’s shower singing sounds better when it isn’t done a cappella.
27. Nite Ize Slap Lit Led Band
All night runners and dog walkers alike should have one of these arm bands.
Your bananas look adorable while staying fresh a few days longer.
29. Plush Uterus
Come on, this little plushie is crazy cute.
Keep refrigerated and lay these on your peepers in the mornings to reduce puffiness and bring relief to sore, tired eyes.
31. Acme Camera Co. Vintage Imperial Mark XII Flash Camera
Throw the Insta-obsessed friend in your life for a loop with this little vintage number.
Because regular knives can’t get every drop of peanut butter.
33. What To Watch Streaming Decider Dice
These dice make deciding what to watch on date night a whole lot easier.
34. October Elf Bread Slippers
Upgrade your boring slippers with a pair that looks like you’re walking around in loaves of bread.
We’re nuts for these can parkas. Now our hands can stay warm while our White Claws keep cool.
36. Automatic Pan Stirrer with Timer
This clever gadget will continuously stir the sauce while the chef stands back and sips on wine…how cool is that?
Relieve some stress by coloring intricate patterns to create a beautiful image. Yes, it really does feel relaxing.
Here, a whimsical home for holiday candy that’s sure to sweeten any office space long after the festivities come to an end.
39. Chocolate Lover Hot Chocolate Gift Set
When the weather outside is frightful…(you get the idea).