60 Incredible White Elephant Gift Ideas You’ll Want to Steal

White elephant gift exchanges are always filled with excitement—you never know what unexpected treasure you'll take home, especially when your friends, family, or coworkers are competing for the most coveted gifts. But finding a gift that's both affordable and universally loved can be more challenging than you think.

The best white elephant gifts should inspire some friendly rivalry at your next exchange, whether it’s a family gathering (with gifts for brothers, sisters, dads, moms, kids, and teenagers), an office party with colleagues, or a fun event with close friends. Explore our top budget-friendly white elephant gift ideas below.

At the Top of the List

Gifts Priced $10 and Under

Food enthusiasts will love swapping their plain wooden chopsticks for this illuminated set that resembles mini lightsabers. Perfect for Star Wars fans and sushi aficionados, this gift will definitely be a hit in any gift exchange.

Nothing beats the relaxing sensation of a scalp massage, and the Heeta Scalp Massager allows you to enjoy this spa-like experience every day. Its ergonomic design works well on wet or dry hair, and it's gentle enough for use on pets. Whether you're easing scalp discomfort or shampooing without damaging your manicure, this handy tool will elevate your hair care routine.

This French fry cup holder may seem like a novelty, but it's actually a practical gift. It fits snugly into a standard car cup holder, making it easy to enjoy fries with ketchup or sauce without making a mess. Ideal for road trips or snacking after a quick drive-thru stop, this fun gift will be appreciated by any French fry lover.

Every day can be a rejuvenating self-care day with this jade roller and gua sha set. The soothing face roller helps reduce tension and puffiness, while the gua sha tool sculpts and lifts your skin. For an added refreshing experience, store the roller in the fridge overnight for a cool morning pick-me-up.

Teaching the rules of a new card game can often take longer than playing the game itself, which is why we love Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and most importantly, a lot of fun. Players go around the circle saying one of the five words—taco, cat, goat, cheese, or pizza—and laying down cards. When there’s a match, everyone scrambles to slap the pile, but beware—don’t be the last one! We also recommend trying the holiday edition of this game, Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman.

More Picks $10 and Under – Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas

$15 and Under – Affordable Gift Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Why choose between hand cream and lip balm when you can have both? True to its name, the Burt’s Bees Everyday Essentials Set has everything you need for daily skincare: chamomile deep cleansing cream, hand salve, milk and honey body lotion, coconut foot cream, and beeswax lip balm. Plus, each product is conveniently travel-sized, perfect for keeping your skin nourished while on the move.

While you may already have a vacuum cleaner, this compact desktop version is designed for those quick clean-ups. This small, portable device effortlessly picks up crumbs, dust, and debris from your desk, countertops, and any tabletop surface. Just press a button to turn it on, and choose between a battery-powered or USB-powered model. Ideal for college students and remote workers alike.

Popcorn is a must-have for any movie night, and your foodie friends will appreciate this microwave popcorn popper that ensures perfectly popped kernels every time. Just measure your popcorn, pour it into the Micro-Pop, and microwave for up to three minutes. Made from durable borosilicate glass, it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

These cheerful smiley face slippers are perfect for lounging around the house. With a soft fleece lining to keep your feet warm and non-slip soles to prevent sliding on slick floors, they combine comfort and safety. Available in five vibrant colors, these retro-inspired slippers make a great white elephant gift. Just remember, they tend to run small, so it’s best to size up.

Winter is the perfect season for cozying up with a cup of tea and a captivating book, and now you can enjoy both simultaneously with this set of tea bags inspired by beloved literary classics. Each bag features a tag with a thoughtful literary quote, and all 25 bags offer the same soothing English Breakfast flavor.

Tired of digging through your bag for your credit cards? This trendy phone wallet offers a practical and stylish solution. The spandex sleeve stretches to securely hold your cash and cards, while its lightweight design ensures your phone remains easy to carry.

Finding subtle yet elegant jewelry can be tricky, but these chic teardrop hoop earrings are a perfect choice. The minimalist design makes them versatile, easily complementing any outfit for any occasion. With 14-karat gold plating, these earrings look luxurious but are priced under $15.

Separating egg yolks from whites can be a messy task, but this basketball hoop-inspired tool makes it fun and easy. Simply attach the backboard to any bowl, and "slam dunk" your egg for a quick, clean separation without the fuss.

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Items Priced at $20 and Below

Effortlessly scrape every last bit of peanut butter from your jar with the Splatypus, a uniquely designed scraper spatula that reaches every corner. While other jar scrapers are available, none are as fun as this one with its platypus shape. Made of silicone, it’s simple to use and clean, and the quirky design is guaranteed to bring a smile.

Turn your shower into a tranquil retreat with these calming steamers that release the benefits of aromatherapy essential oils as they dissolve. The set comes with six travel-sized steamers, perfect for bringing relaxation wherever you go.

This portable LED mirror ensures makeup artists can perfect their look even when traveling. It features three lighting options—white light, warm light, and cool light—to help achieve flawless results, no matter the surrounding lighting. The dimmable touchscreen offers multiple brightness levels, ideal for quick touch-ups while a roommate sleeps.

Treat yourself to restful beauty sleep with this satin pillowcase, designed to keep your hair smooth, shiny, and frizz-free. Its soft material glides across the skin without tugging, and stays cool to the touch, making it perfect for even the warmest sleepers.

This portable water filter provides quick and easy access to clean drinking water by filtering out harmful microplastics and bacteria. Small enough to fit in your backpack, it’s an essential item for camping and outdoor activities, ensuring you always have safe water on hand.

These color-changing fire packets are perfect for adding some magic to your evening, whether you’re camping with friends or enjoying a cozy fire at home. Simply toss in up to three packets for an hour of vibrant, colorful flames.

This stunning gift will be cherished by any design enthusiast. With your purchase, you’ll receive a pair of beautifully crafted chopsticks and a colorful fused glass rest. Choose from 12 vibrant colors, or request custom colors and special orders tailored to your recipient.

More Picks $20 and Under

Items Under $25

The best white elephant gifts embrace their kitsch factor, like this ultra-literal Cold Beer Coat. Sure, you could go for the classic koozie, but this miniature down jacket for your beer is a far cooler choice.

Dash's Mini Donut Maker is the ultimate gadget for lazy chefs. This compact powerhouse can bake seven mini doughnuts at once, delivering a quick and simple treat in just minutes. Its space-saving design occupies little counter space, and the nonstick surface ensures an easy cleanup.

While most planners are used for tracking deadlines, appointments, and birthdays, the Clever Fox Planner goes above and beyond. It not only helps with organizing to-do lists and habits but also provides space to set life goals. Its weekly and monthly layouts encourage you to reflect on short-term goals, accomplishments, and plans for growth.

We’re Not Really Strangers is unlike your typical card game. It features three levels—Perceptions, Connections, and Reflections—that encourage participants to delve into deep conversations on topics such as love, friendship, and self-image. It's an excellent way to spark meaningful dialogue, whether you're with new acquaintances or longtime friends (you’re guaranteed to form a deeper bond).

Fed up with bananas ripening too fast? These adorable beanies will help keep them fresher for longer. The silicone cap reduces their exposure to ethylene gas, preserving their bright yellow hue, while the cozy knit hat adds a fun touch.

A quirky puzzle is always a win. Featuring vibrant, original artwork by an independent artist, this 1,000-piece set celebrates the iconic New York City bodega cats.

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Starting at $35

Fans of adventure games will find this interactive experience from Uncommon Goods irresistible. Begin your journey by opening a mysterious envelope packed with clues, letters, and hidden puzzles as you embark on a quest across the Caribbean Sea to uncover a hidden treasure.

Whether your friends and family are avid Lego builders or haven't picked up a brick in years, they'll love the relaxing and creative experience. This poinsettia set is perfect for the holiday season and makes a beautiful decoration once complete, perfect for any shelf or windowsill.

This amazing device creates smooth, frozen desserts like sorbet and gelato, using just frozen fruit from your freezer. No added sugar or artificial ingredients are needed, offering a wholesome, homemade treat. The package includes a recipe book and is available in five vibrant colors.

A mini movie projector is the perfect way to elevate movie nights. Simply connect it to any media device with a screen, like a TV, laptop, or desktop computer, and it will bring the cinematic experience to your home. It also features a built-in Bluetooth speaker, eliminating the need for additional audio equipment.

Enhance their workspace with this versatile bamboo laptop desk, designed with an integrated ventilation system featuring dual USB-powered fans to keep both the user and their laptop cool. It also has a convenient side drawer for small items like pens and paperclips, and a designated spot for a coffee mug. This desk accommodates laptops ranging from 11 to 16 inches.

Give the gift of tranquility with this adorable micro essential oil diffuser, which also works as a desk humidifier to combat dry winter air. Featuring a soothing cloud and rain effect, it creates a peaceful atmosphere to unwind after a busy day. The diffuser offers seven different light colors and can run for up to two days.

The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag is a timeless favorite for a reason. It's a practical, budget-friendly gift that's handcrafted in Maine and available in 12 colors, four sizes, and two handle lengths.

More Options Starting at $35

Common Questions

What Are the Guidelines for a White Elephant Gift Exchange?

In a white elephant gift exchange, here's what you can generally expect. Everyone gathers together, each bringing a wrapped gift to contribute to the gift pool. The event kicks off with each participant drawing a number from a hat, determining the order in which gifts will be chosen.

The person who draws number “1” gets the privilege of selecting the first gift and unwrapping it for all to see. As the turns progress, each individual can either choose a wrapped gift from the pile or 'steal' an already unwrapped gift from someone else. To maintain the pace, each gift can only be stolen three times.

After all gifts have been chosen, the first person in line has the chance to take a gift from another player. If they opt to keep their original gift, the game ends. However, if they choose to steal, the game continues until another participant refuses to steal.

It’s important to note that the rules of a white elephant exchange can vary depending on the group. For example, some groups hold their gift exchanges in January after the holiday season to repurpose unwanted gifts. In such cases, etiquette expert Jodi RR Smith explains that participants might bring gifts they’ve received that don’t suit their tastes, hoping someone else might enjoy them.

Other variations include bringing only homemade items or gifts priced under $10. Since there are countless ways to play, Smith advises confirming the details with the host ahead of time.

Does a White Elephant Gift Have To Be Funny?

Not necessarily. It's important to consider the preferences of the people attending the exchange. If you're exchanging gifts with close friends, inside jokes or funny references may be the way to go. For groups you're not as familiar with, something practical could be a safer choice (there’s likely a baker in the group).

If you're unsure, think about the common interests you share. “You know the people that are going to be at the party, and you can play to the crowd,” Smith advises. Ultimately, a thoughtful gift that reflects your relationship with the attendees is sure to be appreciated.

If you're still at a loss for ideas, Smith suggests there are a few items that are almost always a hit, such as beeswax candle sticks, beautiful stationery, a box of chocolates, lottery tickets, or even a small bottle of rum—provided the crowd is open to receiving alcohol.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Mytour. She dedicated extensive time researching white elephant gift ideas to offer the best recommendations possible.

Additional reporting was contributed by Jen Woo, who interviewed Jodi RR Smith, etiquette expert and president of Mannersmith, to gain professional insights on selecting the perfect white elephant gift.