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The best white elephant gifts are funny or useful, wrapped well, and under your group’s price limit. Gifts people can use right away tend to get stolen often, so a gag gift that also works is a safe bet. These 103 ideas are sorted by style, so you can jump to funny, practical, budget, homemade, themed or last minute picks.
According to the White Elephant Online 2025 trends report, which covers the 2024 holiday season, about 46,000 players swapped gifts in almost 3,000 gift exchanges on its platform, and the average gift price was $28. White Elephant Online
White elephant rules and price limits at a glance
- Set the price limit first. Many groups land around $20 to $30, and $25 is a popular limit. Some office groups set a lower cap, and some close friend or family groups go higher. The group’s own limit beats any rule of thumb.
- Draw numbers for turn order. The first person opens any wrapped gift.
- Each turn, open a new gift or steal an opened one. Many groups limit each gift to two or three steals, and three is a common cap. Agree on the number before you start.
- No instant steal backs. A gift that was just stolen usually cannot be taken right back on the same turn.
- The first player often gets one last turn to keep their gift or steal, after every gift is open. Some groups skip this rule.
- Wrap it well and keep it kind. Skip anything that could offend someone in the room. Do not reveal what you brought until the end.
If you plan to steal, watch which gifts people keep fighting over. Useful, food and drink and hard-to-find gifts tend to move around the most. A plain box can also hide a good gift, which keeps others from guessing. This is the white elephant gift disguise trick, and it works best with an odd wrapping job.
SaveThe name comes from an old legend about Siam, now Thailand, where a white elephant was sacred. In the story, a king gave one to someone he disliked, because it cost so much to keep. Historians doubt that kings really did this, but the phrase stuck for a costly gift you cannot use. That is why the gifts in this game are often silly or hard to use.
Funny white elephant gifts
These are the gag gifts that get a laugh the second the paper comes off. Keep the joke friendly so nobody at the party feels singled out.
1. Motion-activated toilet bowl night light
Credit: Pinterest
A small light that glows when someone walks into the bathroom. It gets a laugh and then it gets used, so it tends to get stolen.
2. Hourglass toilet timer
Credit: Now I Want This
A tiny sand timer for people who linger in the bathroom. The joke is obvious, and it costs little.
3. Celebrity face sequin pillowcase
Credit: BuzzFeed
The sequins flip to show a different picture when you brush them. I once found a Danny DeVito one, and it was such a hit that it now shows up at our parties every year because people keep flipping the sequins.
4. Celebrity face shower curtain
Credit: Cheapism
A full-size shower curtain printed with a famous face. It is silly, but it also works as a real shower curtain.
5. Wine bottle soap dispenser
Credit: Pinterest
A hand soap pump shaped like a wine bottle. It looks fancy in the box and makes people laugh when it comes out.
6. Toilet paper holder with a phone shelf
Credit: Tools & Toys
A holder with a flat top for a phone. Everyone knows why it exists, and nobody admits it.
7. Microwave steam cleaner with a face
Credit: Ideal Home
A plastic cleaner you fill with water and vinegar and run in the microwave. It looks like a cartoon character and it is meant to loosen splatters.
8. Bacon bowl maker
Credit: The Green Head
A microwave dish that cooks bacon into a bowl shape. It sounds silly, and the people who like bacon will fight for it.
9. Temporary teeth covers
Credit: Gosupps
Novelty teeth that slip over your own. Pick a funny style, since this gift is all about the reaction.
10. Sock slider aid
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A plastic sleeve that helps you pull on socks without bending. It looks odd, and it is useful for anyone with a stiff back.
11. Slipper mop shoes
Credit: Women’s Health
Slippers with mop pads on the bottom. The joke is that you clean while you walk.
12. Fish-shaped flip flops
Credit: Coddies
Sandals shaped like fish, with a mouth opening for your toes. They get a laugh, so wrap them in a box that hides the shape.
13. Hairy belly fanny pack
Credit: Lil’ Luna
A belt bag made to look like a hairy stomach. It gets a laugh, and it holds a phone.
14. Mullet wig with a headband
Credit: Costume Box
A hat or headband with a mullet attached. Whoever wins it will likely wear it for the rest of the party.
15. Celebrity prayer candle
Credit: RePop Gifts
A tall glass candle with a pop star or chef printed on the front. It smells like a normal candle, which makes the joke better.
16. Celebrity coloring book
Credit: Scary Mommy
A coloring book full of one actor’s famous faces. It is cheap, and the whole room will want to color a page.
17. Singing bass fish plaque
Credit: Pinterest
A wall plaque with a fish that sings when you press the button. It is a classic gag that gets a laugh.
18. Giant sticky notes
Sticky notes the size of a poster. They are funny at first, and then they turn out to be handy.
19. Rubber chicken
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A classic prop that still works. Pair it with a card that asks the winner to use it at work on Monday.
20. Silly mustache kit
Credit: Pinterest
A set of stick-on mustaches in different styles. It works as a gift and as a photo booth for the rest of the night.
Practical white elephant gifts that get stolen
Useful gifts have the best chance of being stolen over and over. Pick something people already wish they owned.
21. Mini waffle maker
A small waffle iron that makes one waffle at a time. My mini waffle maker was fought over at a past exchange.
22. Breakfast sandwich maker
A small appliance that cooks egg, cheese and bread in one go. It suits anyone who rushes out the door in the morning.
23. Microwave pasta boat
A plastic dish that cooks noodles in the microwave. It is handy for dorm rooms and office kitchens.
24. Three-in-one avocado tool
Credit: Home Gadget
A gadget that slices, pits and mashes. Cooks like it, and it is cheap and small.
25. Magnetic wristband
Credit: iPromotionPro
A wrist strap with magnets for holding screws and nails. It suits anyone who does repairs or builds things.
26. Phone stand with a speaker horn
Credit: Pretty Good Woodturning
A stand that boosts the sound from a phone. It works with no battery and no setup.
27. Multi-tool pen
Credit: Pinterest
A pen that also holds a small screwdriver and a ruler. It is a good fit for an office exchange.
28. Collapsible water bottle
Credit: Pinterest
A bottle that folds flat when it is empty. Hikers and commuters will want it.
29. Car seat gap filler
Credit: Tinybeans
A soft strip that fills the space between a car seat and the console. It stops phones and keys from dropping into the gap.
30. Vent clip car diffuser
Credit: The Green Head
A small diffuser that clips onto the air vent. Pick a scent that most people like.
31. USB car vacuum
Credit: Mic
A small vacuum that charges by USB. It cleans crumbs from the car in a few minutes.
32. Back seat organizer with a tablet holder
Credit: Mic
A hanging organizer for kids’ snacks and a tablet. Parents will want this one.
33. Headrest trash bag holder
Credit: Tinybeans
A holder that straps to a car seat and holds a small trash bag. Road trippers like it.
34. Rotating makeup organizer
Credit: Pinterest
A spinning tray with compartments. It holds pens and tape on a desk just as well as makeup.
35. Expandable drawer dividers
Credit: Artofit
Adjustable bars that split a drawer into sections. They fit kitchens, desks and junk drawers.
36. Mouse pad with wireless phone charging
Credit: Pinterest
A desk pad that charges a phone placed on it. It only suits phones that support wireless charging, so say so on the tag.
37. Desktop mini vacuum
Credit: Pinterest
A tiny vacuum for keyboard crumbs and desk dust. Some come shaped like animals, which adds a laugh.
38. Rechargeable hand warmers
Credit: Pinterest
Pocket warmers that charge by USB. They are a good pick for a cold winter party.
39. LED motion sensor light strip
Credit: Pinterest
A stick-on light strip that turns on when it senses movement. It works in closets, under cabinets and on stairs.
40. Storage bag sealer
Credit: Epicurious
A small sealer that closes chip bags and other open bags. Everyone has a bag of something stale.
White elephant gift ideas for adults on a budget
You can find each of these at a dollar store, discount store or online. Check the price against your group’s limit before you buy. Small wrapped gifts also work well, so our stocking stuffer ideas are a good second place to look.
41. Emergency nap kit
Put a sleep mask, earplugs and a door hanger in a small box. It is a good fit for an office party.
42. Desk decision wheel
Credit: Glowforge
A small spinner that picks where to eat lunch. It is a fun desk toy.
43. Meeting survival kit
Credit: Craftionary
Fill a box with chocolate, a stress ball and a small desk fan. You can build it yourself from items you already own.
44. Taco holder set
A set of stands that keep tacos upright while you fill them. It suits any taco lover.
45. Color-changing shower head
Credit: Pinterest
A shower head with built-in lights. Some models change color with the water temperature. It is a gift people try right away.
46. Cloud soap dispenser
Credit: Artofit
A foaming soap pump that pushes out soap in a fun shape, like a flower or a cloud. It looks odd, and it is fun to use.
47. LED photo clip string
Credit: Pinterest
A string of lights with clips for photos. People hang them in bedrooms and offices.
48. Cheap fuzzy socks
Credit: Pinterest
Thick socks in a bold pattern. Everyone has cold feet in winter.
49. Mini bluetooth speaker
Credit: Lil’ Luna
A small speaker for a desk or shower. Pick a model with a built-in battery.
50. Scented candle with a funny label
Credit: Sparks and More
A decent candle with a joke on the jar. The label gets the laugh and the scent does the rest.
51. Funny mug
Credit: Ranker
A big mug with a joke about work or coffee. Fill it with candy so it looks like more.
52. Magic 8 ball
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A toy that answers yes or no questions. Everyone wants to shake it.
53. Desk putting green
Credit: Unsplash
A small mat and cup for putting at your desk. Golf fans will want it.
54. Pop-it fidget toy
Credit: Unsplash
A silicone toy with bubbles to push. Adults use these at their desks, too.
55. Small plush heated neck wrap
SaveA neck wrap you warm in the microwave. People use it all winter, so tell the winner to follow the heating directions on the label.
Creative and quirky white elephant gifts
These gifts take a little thought, which makes them stand out in a pile of wrapped boxes.
56. Mystery tin of snacks
Credit: Unsplash
Fill a tin with candy from several countries and cover the label. People like trying something new.
57. Mini cactus or succulent in a funny pot
Credit: Unsplash
A hardy plant in a silly planter. It also works for people who live in small apartments.
58. Cocktail or mocktail bitters sampler
Credit: Unsplash
A set of small flavor bottles for drinks. It suits anyone who makes drinks at home. Most bitters contain alcohol, so pick a glycerin based set for anyone who does not drink.
59. Jar of spicy pickles
Credit: Unsplash
A jar of pickles with a kick. Anyone who likes snacks with heat will grab it.
60. Puzzle with a twist
Credit: Unsplash
A jigsaw puzzle with a hard design, like a solid color. Puzzle fans will take it and regret it.
61. Pocket card game
Credit: Unsplash
A small card game that plays in five minutes. People can play it at the party.
62. Desk bonsai kit
Credit: Unsplash
A grow kit for a tiny tree. It makes a good desk project.
63. Lava lamp
Credit: Unsplash
A retro lamp that people watch for no good reason. It feels like a throwback to old bedrooms.
64. Disguised gift in a mismatched box
Credit: Unsplash
Wrap a nice item in a plain or odd box, like a cereal box. The surprise is half the fun, and it helps your gift get picked.
65. Gift card in nested boxes
Credit: Unsplash
Put a gift card inside a series of increasingly larger boxes. I once did this with a $10 gift card, and it was a party hit.
66. Chocolate coin treasure jar
Credit: Unsplash
Fill a jar with chocolate coins and one gold wrapped surprise. Add a card that calls it a treasure.
67. Mini projector for phones
Credit: Unsplash
A cardboard or plastic projector that shows a phone screen on the wall. Kids and adults both like it.
Homemade white elephant gifts
A homemade gift can win a room because nobody else has anything like it. Keep the cost low and the packaging neat, and see our list of 20 best holiday treats for more food gift ideas.
68. Hot cocoa kit in a jar
Credit: Unsplash
Layer cocoa mix and marshmallows in a mason jar. Tie a spoon to the lid.
69. Homemade vanilla extract
Credit: Unsplash
Steep vanilla beans in vodka for several weeks, and longer for a stronger flavor, so start well before the party. Label the jar so everyone knows it contains alcohol. Bakers will be glad to steal this.
70. Coffee lover kit
Credit: Unsplash
Pack a mug, creamer and cookies in a basket. It suits any coffee fan.
71. Spa kit
Credit: Unsplash
Gather face masks, a scrub and a candle in a box. It works for anyone who needs a break.
72. Pancake breakfast basket
Credit: Unsplash
Combine pancake mix, syrup and a fun spatula. It is a gift people open on Saturday morning.
73. Hand-poured candle
Credit: Unsplash
Pour soy wax into a jar with a scent you like. Add a handwritten tag with the burn tips.
74. Homemade spice rub
Credit: Unsplash
Mix a rub for chicken or pork and pack it in a small jar. Add a recipe card.
75. Hand-knit or crocheted dish cloth set
Credit: Unsplash
A set of cotton cloths in bright colors. They are useful, and nobody can buy them in a store.
Food and drink white elephant gifts
Food gifts disappear fast, which is why they are popular. Pick something people cannot find in the usual grocery aisle.
76. Hot sauce gift set
Credit: Unsplash
A small box of sauces with different heat levels. Add a note about the hottest one.
77. Exotic candy box
Credit: Unsplash
A box of candy from other countries. People like the odd flavors.
78. Popcorn seasoning kit
Credit: Unsplash
A set of flavors to shake over popcorn. It suits movie nights.
79. International snack box
Credit: Unsplash
A box of chips and treats from around the world. It is a fun thing to share.
80. Gourmet salt or pepper set
Credit: Unsplash
A set of finishing salts or whole peppercorns. Home cooks will want it.
81. Flavored honey sampler
Credit: Unsplash
Small jars of honey with different flavors. It works on toast and in tea.
82. Chili crisp or flavored oil
Credit: Unsplash
A small jar of crunchy chili oil or an infused cooking oil. Cooks use it on everything.
83. Specialty tea sampler
Credit: Unsplash
A box of tea bags in different blends. It is a gentle gift for people who skip coffee.
Themed and nostalgic white elephant gifts
Pick a theme that most of the group knows. If you doubt it, add a short note so nobody feels left out.
84. Sitcom-themed doormat
Credit: Unsplash
A doormat with a famous catchphrase from a long-running show. Fans love it.
85. Office comedy paper ream wrapper
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A wrapper that makes a ream of printer paper look like a famous fake paper company. It works as a real ream of paper.
86. Fantasy show ice cube molds
Credit: Unsplash
Molds that make big ice cubes with a show logo. They make a plain drink look special.
87. Desk plate that says the meeting could have been an email
Credit: Unsplash
A small sign for a desk. Office workers will get it right away.
88. Retro console controller coasters
Credit: Unsplash
Coasters shaped like old game controllers. They suit gamers and anyone who grew up in the eighties and nineties.
89. Retro candy variety pack
Credit: Unsplash
A box of candy from past decades. Make sure it includes the classics people remember.
90. Colorful retro school supplies
Credit: Unsplash
Folders and pens in bright rainbow styles from the nineties. They work well at work.
91. Local inside joke gift
Credit: Unsplash
A mug, shirt or card that references a local landmark or an office joke. Only your group will understand it, which is the point. A mug with a joke about the one road in your county that floods every spring would do it.
Last minute white elephant gifts
If you wait until the day of the party, you can still find these at a drugstore, grocery store or big box store. Add good wrapping and nobody will know.
92. Coffee gift card in a bag of coffee beans
Credit: Unsplash
Tuck a gift card inside a bag of beans. It looks planned and it tastes good.
93. Streaming gift card in a popcorn tub
Credit: Unsplash
Hide the card in a tub of popcorn with some candy. Movie fans will be happy.
94. Gift card with silly tasks
Credit: Unsplash
Print a few dares the winner must complete to earn the card. It turns a plain gift into a game.
95. Shopping spree survival kit
Credit: Unsplash
Put a store gift card in a box with snacks and a tote bag. It gives a plain card some personality.
96. Candle and matches set
Credit: Unsplash
A candle with a box of fancy matches. It is a warm gift that needs no explanation.
97. Warm blanket or throw
Credit: Unsplash
A cozy throw from a big box store. It suits cold-weather parties.
98. Deck of cards and snack
Credit: Unsplash
A deck of cards and a bag of treats. It is a reliable, no-risk gift.
99. Wine or sparkling cider bottle
Credit: Unsplash
A bottle of something festive. Check that the group allows alcohol before you bring wine.
100. Cookie baking kit
Credit: Unsplash
A bag of dry cookie ingredients in a jar. It takes a few minutes to put together.
101. Digital photo album of funny memes
Credit: Unsplash
Make a shared album and send the link on a card. It costs nothing, and it gets a laugh.
102. Printable coupon book
Credit: Unsplash
Print a booklet of silly favors, like one free dance lesson. Staple it and wrap it.
103. Digital art print with a funny quote
Credit: Unsplash
Print a quote on nice paper and slip it into a cheap frame. It looks planned even if it was not.
White elephant gift FAQ
What is a good white elephant gift?
A good white elephant gift is wrapped, fits the price limit and makes people want it. Funny, useful and tasty gifts tend to get stolen.
What are good cheap white elephant gifts?
Small kitchen tools, candles, snack sets and funny mugs are common picks. See the budget section and compare prices with your group’s limit.
What is a good last minute white elephant gift?
A gift card in a clever package, a candle with matches or a cozy throw all work. Good wrapping makes a quick buy look planned.
Why is it called a white elephant?
An old legend from Siam, now Thailand, says a king gave a sacred white elephant to someone he disliked, because the cost of caring for it was a burden. Historians doubt the story is literally true, but it explains why the name means a costly gift you cannot use.
