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The 51 Best White Elephant Gifts Of 2023

Gifts everyone will fight for, starting at just $7.

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One of the best white elephant gifts, a Ototo Clean Dreams sponge holder, on a green patterned background.

Southern Living / Brian Kopinski

Many holiday parties or get-togethers include a white elephant gift exchange. From festive luncheons with your coworkers to seasonal dinners with friends or extended family, a white elephant exchange is a great way for everyone involved to give and receive a little gift without having to spend too much.

To participate in a white elephant gift exchange (aka Dirty Santa), each member of the group should bring one wrapped gift. It’s best to find something that is fun or quirky but is still useful. “When picking a white elephant gift, consider items that would appeal to the majority of the crowd,” says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert. After all, you’re not buying for a specific person, anyone could end up with it!

To get started on selecting the perfect gift, Isom Johnson suggests items such as throw blankets, coffee mugs, or even a themed gift such as a cocktail shaker with ingredients for mixing a drink. Want even more ideas? Below, find the best white elephant gift ideas under $50 (with plenty of options under $25) that are sure to be the top pick at the party.

A white elephant gift exchange is all about keeping things lighthearted. Wrap up something useful, but have fun with it! This kitchen sponge holder is both adorable and functional. It features a bed frame and fluffed pillows that will hold a sponge in place. It will make doing the dishes more fun, and it’s dishwasher safe to make regular cleaning that much easier.

Vocabulary enthusiasts will be thrilled to see this gift unwrapped at the party! Bring the popularity of the Wordle game off the screen and onto the table with this board game. Meant for two to four players, everyone involved will have a blast guessing the secret Wordle puzzle and trying to beat the clock while they’re at it. The set comes with mini dry-erase boards and markers, shields to hide the boards, and colored tiles to keep track of correct letters.

Give the gift of a delicious breakfast and better mornings with a mini waffle maker. This little appliance won’t take up too much space in the kitchen, but it will certainly make mornings brighter. It plugs in easily and heats up quickly to make mini waffles on a 4-inch surface. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used for hash browns, cookies, and even eggs. Once the waffle maker has cooled, it’s easy to clean thanks to its nonstick surface.

Give the gift of self-care to anyone in your group who gets to unwrap this gift. This six-piece set comes with a variety of shower steamers each made with essential oils. The set includes aromatic scents such as lavender, chamomile, and citrus. The shower steamers can be used to steam and add scents to a shower, or they can be dissolved in the tub for a relaxing bath. Each of the steamers is individually wrapped and the set is packaged in a convenient tube for easy storage or travel.

This tiny gift is inexpensive but definitely comes in handy. The remote control connects to any phone via Bluetooth and has a reach of 30 feet. They can use the remote to capture photos and videos from a phone at the simple click of a button, no matter where they’re standing. It’s incredibly compact and can be kept in a purse or backpack. Plus it has a long battery life for capturing lots of memories.

Put a spin on an old classic with this travel game set. The three-in-one folding case has two magnetic boards and comes with everything needed to play chess, checkers, and backgammon on the go. It is constructed from plastic, so it’s lightweight enough to throw in any backpack or suitcase for hours of entertainment.

Anyone would be thrilled to unwrap this handy tool for keeping drinks cool. The Yeti Colster fits 12-ounce cans, so it’s versatile to use for sipping on a soda or enjoying a beer. It is designed with a double-walled construction, which provides great insulation and prevents cans from sweating. The kitchen-grade stainless steel is durable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Bonne Maman is known for its flavorful fruit jams and adorable jars. This gift set would be well received by anyone who opens it. It comes with five different mini jars of jam, including flavors such as strawberry, cherry, and orange marmalade, all packaged in a cute little box. Wrap it up on its own, or pair it with a loaf of bread from the local bakery for the ultimate combination.

Let them carry their favorite tunes along anywhere they go! This mini Bluetooth speaker is so handy, whether it’s used at home, in the backyard, or on the go. The speaker is compact enough to fit in any bag and connects to phones wirelessly for easy listening with the touch of a few buttons. It can also be used for hands-free calls and holds its charge for 10 hours. Plus, it’s built from aluminum and has a waterproof exterior to withstand a variety of environments.

Disposable cameras are a fun and nostalgic gift to incorporate into a white elephant exchange. The Kodak Fun Saver comes with 27 (plus 12 bonus) single-use exposures. With this gift they’ll get to relive the experience of capturing memories and waiting for them to get developed, which is all part of the fun.

No more lukewarm coffee here! This gadget is sure to be helpful for any hot coffee drinker. This compact piece of technology will keep a ceramic, stoneware, or stainless steel mug warm at a range of temperatures. It’s simple to use and has a long cord so it can be plugged in anywhere. After four hours, the mug warmer will shut off automatically, so there’s no need to worry about leaving the heat on unattended for too long.

Time to get creative! Isom Johnson loves this rainbow candle-making kit because it’s both interactive and pretty. Even if the recipient in the group isn’t a candlemaker or very crafty, the instructions are easy enough to follow along to create something beautiful. The kit includes soy wax to serve as the base for a candle, along with a wick, silicone mold, and multiple bottles of coloring needed to dye the wax.

These wine glasses are sure to come in handy for any wine lover. The set comes with two glasses made from acrylic with a French blue design (it also comes in two other Lilly Pulitzer designs). The design makes them pretty enough for any occasion, but because of the material, they’re much more difficult to break than glass. They can still crack if dropped, but they’re shatterproof, making them perfect for sipping sweet tea on the porch or enjoying a cocktail by the pool.

Crepes are on the brunch menu for the recipient of this gift! This crepe maker is constructed with a nonstick surface to keep crepes from sticking, making them that much easier to cook. It has an automatic temperature control function for precise cooking, so the chances of burning crepes are very slim. Once there’s a stack of warm crepes on the table, it’s easy to clean with the swipe of a damp cloth.

The cat lovers in the group will go crazy for these darling dishes. This set of stoneware snack bowls features six different colors and different kitty faces to make snack time that much more fun. They can be used to hold a handful of nuts or crackers or as prep bowls while cooking dinner. Plus, they’re dishwasher and microwave safe!

A useful, budget-friendly gift just about anyone can use? If they have an Apple watch, they’ll be happy to receive this charging dock. This sleek dock is designed to hold an Apple watch charger, but it is built with a handy shelf so the watch sits easily in place whether it's being charged on a desk or tucked in for the night on the nightstand—no more messy cables.

Hot sauce lovers are sure to fight over this little budget-friendly gift. And even if they’re not familiar with coveted Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, it’s still sure to be a hit. This hot sauce is made in Georgia from spicy ghost peppers and aged in retired Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels, which adds a touch of oak, smoke, and a smooth finish to the sauce.

This Southern Living collection cocoa jar is sure to get plenty of use during the holiday season. The stoneware jar and scoop are finished with a festive red and white glaze and hand painted with Fair Isle design details, including two reindeer and the word "cocoa." The recipient can use it as holiday decor and for hot chocolate nights. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Wine lovers will be thrilled to unwrap this surprise gift. This wine carrier is made from printed cotton canvas, so it’s not only colorful but incredibly sturdy. It has a zipper closure and built-in insulation to maintain temperature, whether they need to chill a bottle of white or keep a bottle of red from getting too hot. It’s designed with gorgeous gold detailing, along with multiple handles for easy carrying to any event or occasion.

A pair of socks might not sound like the most exciting gift, but this option is anything but boring. For the die-hard cocktail lover, this is the perfect set of socks. They’re unisex and made from cotton, nylon, and spandex, so they’re soft and comfortable. Anyone can grab this gift and have fun wearing these socks while sipping a classic Old Fashioned cocktail to match.

Nobody in the group will want to give up this classic gift. This solid knit throw blanket is made from polyester, making it super soft. It’s simple with its double-sided solid color, yet the knit design adds warmth and texture to any room. Plus, it’s machine washable. Talk about the perfect gift for cozying up during the chilly months!

If you’re looking for something to make them go “aww,” then this is the perfect fit. This adorable spoon holder is sure to come in handy in any kitchen. The silicone spoon rest is heat-resistant and can sit on the side of a pot or on the countertop, making it helpful for holding spoons while cooking to keep the kitchen mess free. It also doubles as a steam releaser to keep pots from boiling over.

Help them connect to nature with a beautiful puzzle. This budget-friendly, 500-piece puzzle will be the ideal surprise for a puzzle lover. It comes in a handy box to keep on the coffee table and will display a stunning natural scene once all the pieces are put together—choose from glaciers, rocks, trees, waves, bees, and more. The puzzle is 20 inches by 15 inches once assembled, so it’s large enough to double as a framed piece of art for those puzzle builders who love to keep their work on display.

The best way to chill a glass of bourbon or scotch? A large wedge ice cube. The bigger the cube, the slower the melting, which prevents spirits from becoming too diluted while they’re sipped. This set comes with an Old Fashioned glass and is paired with a silicone insert to be kept in the freezer. Once water is frozen in the ice form within the glass, it can be removed to produce the ideal wedge ice cube for sipping on the rocks.

Anyone who loves to add plenty of garlic to a recipe knows that it can be a pain to peel and prep this root vegetable. This handy tool will be such a pleasant surprise to leave the holiday party with. The little tool makes it easy to press and crush raw garlic in no time by applying pressure from the top piece onto the bottom. Plus, it’s fun to use thanks to its adorable Dracula design.

Isom Johnson says that this clever gift is an instant crowd-pleaser. These Foodie Dice are designed to help make dinner choices a bit simpler. Handmade from wood, the set of dice includes options for proteins, grains, herbs, and veggies printed on each side. They’re all packaged in a drawstring bag that can easily be tucked away in a kitchen drawer. But no matter when they’re used, the recipient will have fun rolling the dice to discover endless combinations and ideas for a delicious meal!

Anyone who ends up with this gift will love a bit of pampering. This set of French hand creams from La Chatelaine is packaged in an attractive travel tin and includes three different scents. They’re made with a mixture of organic shea butter, argan oil, and calendula for a rich, creamy lotion with great moisture. There are nine scent options to choose from to find the ideal fit.

Every kitchen needs a set of spatulas, and this is sure to be a helpful gift for anyone who ends up with it. This four-piece set comes with silicone, heat-safe spatulas in a variety of shapes and sizes to tackle any task, such as scraping peanut butter from the jar or transferring cake batter to a baking pan. Once the cooking or baking is done, they’re dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.

Karaoke night is made that much easier with this gadget! This microphone connects to any phone through Bluetooth to allow them to find their favorite songs and sing karaoke through a karaoke app. It can be operated either wired or wirelessly and has buttons to adjust the microphone’s echo and volume. Choose from over a dozen color options, including rose gold, Champagne, and more.

Book lovers will be thrilled to unwrap this gift. This is a simple yet clever gadget that will appeal to anyone. The little light clips onto any book and has an adjustable arm to move in place. The LED light will make reading that much easier, with a dimming function to find the ideal brightness setting for any time of day. Plus, it’s only 5 inches long, so it’s compact enough to pack in a purse or suitcase.  

There will be no more mess in the kitchen thanks to this handy device. Not only is this honey and syrup dispenser adorable with a honeycomb design, but it’s also functional. Made from glass and plastic, it has a thumb handle and pour spout to drizzle honey or maple syrup with ease. The little glass cup for the base can be used as a rest to keep the dispenser on the kitchen table, and it can be filled with hot water to keep the honey or syrup warm and pourable.

Need a budget-friendly option that’s guaranteed to be useful for anyone in the group? It’s easy to keep hands free in the car with this handy mount. This phone holder can clip into an air vent in any vehicle to keep it in place without falling off or forward. It’s adjustable to hold a variety of phone types and sizes, and makes it easier to see navigation or control music on a phone while still keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

This multi-tool is sure to come in handy in a variety of ways. It’s shaped like a key, so it can easily hang on a keychain, or it’s small enough to be tucked in a wallet or pocket while on the go. The multi-tool has 16 functions in one little gadget, including a bottle opener, can opener, bit driver, mini measuring tape, and more. Made from stainless steel, it’s sleek and compact yet strong enough to last.

No more searching for missing measuring spoons in the kitchen drawers—any baker or home cook will be thrilled to unwrap this budget-friendly gift. This set of measuring spoons comes with eight spoons with two different spoon shapes for dry goods and liquids and measurements on each side. The spoons are made from stainless steel and are magnetic, so they all fit neatly together in one place.

Take a page out of country music star Trisha Yearwood’s book. Her cookbook, Trisha’s Kitchen, is filled with comfort food recipes that she makes for her family and friends. This will be such a fun gift for whoever opens it to try out new recipes or spins on a favorite classic. Everything from Million Dollar Cupcakes to Teriyaki Bowls (Garth Brooks’ favorite!) is included in this book filled with breakfasts, dinners, and desserts. The beautiful hardback book is sure to be a helpful staple on anyone’s shelf.

This is a gift that will certainly be used in anybody’s kitchen. Plus, it’s ideal if your budget is under $15! This biscuit cutter set comes with five different cutters in a variety of sizes. Each biscuit cutter is made from stainless steel and features a handle, along with measurements printed right on the side. They’re perfect for fluffy buttermilk biscuits, doughnuts, and even round sandwiches for tea time, and once a cutter has been used it can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Everyone in the group will be fighting over this top-rated travel tumbler from Hydro Flask. The tumbler is constructed from sturdy stainless steel and is designed with a double-walled insulation to keep drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. The closable lid is ideal for sipping coffee on the go, or it can be used with a straw for cold drinks. After use, it can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher so it’s ready for next time.

Give them the ultimate tool for hosting a show-stopping charcuterie spread for a party, or simply putting together a pretty plate of snacks for the family or a group of friends. The Cheese Board Deck is made up of 50 cards all packaged together in a hardcover box so it can sit on a shelf with their favorite cookbooks. Each card is designed with an idea for putting together different charcuterie boards, whether it’s an appetizer, snack, breakfast, or dinner, with an ingredient list and tips for styling.

Planning a gift exchange with a group of college friends? This is a great twist on a classic candle. This collection from Homesick features a dozen different college towns, including Athens, Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge, and more. Each candle is made from natural soy wax and a combination of scents inspired by its corresponding school and location. You’re sure to make the recipient feel like they’re right back on campus!

Making Bloody Mary cocktails is perfect for a Sunday brunch or game day, but this fun gift will make it even better. These cocktail branches are constructed from stainless steel and are shaped just like little tree branches. The picks sit in a glass and can hold all of the best garnishes such as pickles, green beans, asparagus, and peppers to craft the ultimate drink in style.

Calling all holiday lovers! Lean into the holiday season with this gift idea. Cookie bakers will be thrilled to unwrap this set of cookie cutters with 11 different designs. Everything from a shamrock to a pumpkin and a back-to-school pencil is included. Each cookie cutter in the set is made from steel so they’re food safe, durable, and won’t stick to dough as easily as plastic cutters do.

Isom Johnson says she loves to theme a gift package around cocktails to find the best fit for an exchange. If you’re short on time, or working within a budget under $35, this cocktail kit is a great alternative. The set includes five different mini bottles filled with mixers such as tonic, ginger ale, or specialty syrup for a refreshing spritz. The well-designed packaging includes ideas for mixing up the perfect drink. All that’s left to do is choose a pretty glass and a garnish! 

A candle is a useful gift that anybody will love, and it’s sure to brighten up any room of the house. This candle is made from a soy wax blend, and because of its large size, it can burn and be enjoyed for up to 85 hours. It blends tropical fruits and citrus to bring an energetic fragrance to the room that is reminiscent of summertime, no matter the season it’s being lit. Plus, it’s displayed in a chic glass vessel to make a statement.

This gifting option is a bit more of a splurge, but it’s sure to come in handy in any household. It’s definitely not your ordinary popcorn bowl. The bowl is crafted from glazed stoneware, so it’s not only beautiful but also durable. The wide mouth makes it easy to grab handfuls of popcorn during a movie night. But the best feature? Inside, there’s a small colander that allows kernels to sink through and gather at the bottom. No more handfuls of popcorn with unwanted kernels ever again!

The coffee lovers in the room will be fighting for this gift. This crewneck sweatshirt has the most adorable design on the front for those who love to say, “Coffee, coffee, coffee!” The letter “O” is swapped out for a smiley face to make it extra cute. The unisex sweatshirt is made from a cotton and poly blend so it’s super soft, and it comes in four different colors.

A cozy hat is a welcome gift in the winter months. This knit beanie from Huckberry has rave reviews and comes in 11 different colors, including green, cobalt blue, and rust. It's made from acrylic and wool, making it thick and warm yet still soft and comfortable. Its ribbed knit design is entirely classic, meaning it will never go out of style for anyone in your group who ends up with it.

A gorgeous lunch bag is the best way to take a meal on the go in style, and leave it to Vera Bradley to make the most beautiful design. This lunch bag is made with a recycled cotton exterior and a lined, insulated interior to keep food cool. An interior pocket insert comes in handy for ice packs as well. With more than 30 colors and designs to choose from, it’s easy to find the ideal pick. 

Goodbye to flavorless coffee! This stainless steel canister is the perfect storage solution for keeping coffee beans or ground coffee fresh and flavorful. It has a special plunger-like seal that keeps air and moisture out of the canister. A whole bag of coffee can be dumped in the canister to keep it fresh, or it can be used to store other bulk items such as cookies, nuts, and tea. Consider adding a bag of coffee for a well-rounded white elephant gift.

Anyone in search of travel inspiration for the year ahead will love to receive this impressive travel guide that’s under $20. In celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary, Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel list has been expanded to include 50 must-see destinations around the globe, voted on by the brand’s writers, staff, and community. Each destination features a full profile with expertly curated itineraries and travel advice. And the stunning photography makes this an excellent coffee table addition, too. 

You could wrap up a box of chocolates to surprise a member of your gift exchange, or you could opt for this twist instead. This set of four soaps comes uniquely wrapped in a pretty box to fit the chocolate theme. Each of the soaps is made with cocoa butter and shea butter and is infused with cocoa powder and essential oils for scents such as raspberry drizzle and fudge brownie. Talk about the ultimate treat for the skin!

This extra-large spatula is helpful for cooking any meal, whether it’s outside on the smoker or grill, or even inside in the kitchen. It has a sturdy, durable teak wood handle for comfortable holding. The stainless steel spatula surface is 6 by 10 inches with a beveled edge, making it easier to move everything from burgers to chicken legs. When it’s not in use, there’s a hook on the end of the handle to hang it back up on the smoker for easy access.

Questions and Answers

What are the rules for a white elephant gift exchange?

White elephant gift exchanges can have many variations, but the basic game starts with everyone in the group bringing a wrapped gift within the determined budget. The first player chooses a gift to unwrap. The second player can choose to either steal the previous player’s unwrapped gift, or they can unwrap a new gift. This sequence continues until everyone has a gift. Many groups will put a limit on the number of times a gift can be stolen so the game doesn’t go on for too long. 

How much should you spend on a white elephant gift? 

White elephant gift exchanges are usually set up ahead of time with an agreed upon budget. Isom Johnson notes that setting a budget with family and friends will ensure everyone is on the same page with spending and that gifts are all comparable. Many groups will choose to stick to under $25, while other groups, such as family members, may consider sticking to gifts under $50.

Should you wrap a white elephant gift?

Isom Johnson notes that wrapping your white elephant gift is all part of the fun! The goal is for people to actually want to grab (and maybe fight for) your gift, and that begins with the wrapping. “To make your gift even more enticing, spruce up your gift wrapping with unique wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows,” she advises.

What should you not buy as a white elephant gift?

The ideal white elephant gift is something that’s useful and fun. It’s best not to package up household items you’re trying to get rid of. After all, you’re most likely playing with co-workers or friends. Find a budget-friendly option that anyone in the group could actually use.

Why Trust Southern Living? 

This article was written by Molly Allen, a food, lifestyle, and commerce writer. Molly has written product reviews and gifting roundups for a number of publishers. To find the best white elephant gift ideas, Molly researched clever products under $50, including a number of products she has tested first-hand. She also received expert input and gift suggestions from Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert.

 

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