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If you're looking for a fun way to ring in the holiday season with friends and family, you can't go wrong with a white elephant party.
For those not familiar, a white elephant is a gift exchange where everyone brings the most random, quirky, funny gifts they can find. Usually, there's a set price range, while some parties encourage everyone to bring the gifts they've received but never used. Partygoers can swap and steal gifts, making for a fun game and a great gift-getting experience all rolled into one.
Since the goal of a white elephant party is to just have fun, finding gifts for the exchange is an exciting pursuit. That totally random kitchen gadget you really don't need but always kind of wanted? Go for it! The ridiculously punny t-shirt that made you laugh? Why not! A white elephant party makes you forget everything you know about holiday gifting. And funny enough, everyone always leaves with something they love.
Below, we outlined 35 white elephant ideas from clever knick-knacks to quirky decor — all under $50.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
This teeny waffle maker makes mini, heart-shaped waffles. It's a cute gift for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen and is sure to yield a lifetime of delicious and adorable breakfasts to come.
Kanjo Pain Relief Ice Roller
We're not saying this ice roller will fix all of your problems, but you'll probably forgot about them while basking in the cool, refreshing feeling on your skin. It helps relieve aches, pains, migraines, tension, and all-around just feels wonderful.
Mini Pool Table
The ultimate gift for your favorite pool shark. With mini cues and balls included, this portable pool table has everything they need to practice their shots wherever they go.
Genuine Fred Sauced Up Ravioli Spoon Rest
A spoon rest is an essential for keeping countertops clean while whipping up soups, pastas, sauces, and more. This one, shaped like a pillowy-soft ravioli, looks good enough to eat.
Uncommon Goods Adulting Merit Badge Mug
Adulting is hard! This funny mug will remind them of all their small wins while they sip their much-needed morning coffee.
Shrimp Neck Pillow
Comfortable but unabashedly bizarre — the perfect white elephant gift.
Embroidered Thank You Tote
Quirky, nostalgic, and practical — this tote is one of the sweet spot gifts. Inspired by the 2007 plastic bag ban in San Francisco, it's made from recycled taffeta and is machine-washable and reusable.
Tweexy Wearable Nail Polish Bottle Holder
If you've ever painted your nails, you can sympathize with the hassle of finding a safe spot for an open bottle of gooey, brightly colored polish. This $10 nail polish holder looks gimmicky, but it's actually useful.
Wind Down and Relax Kit
Who doesn't love a relaxing night in? This gift set has everything they need for a treat-yourself evening at home including a silk scrunchie, cooling facial towelette, facial roller, lavender shower steamer, bookmark, eye mask, and a zippered pouch to keep all their self-care essentials safe.
Knock Knock Make-A-List Pad
Anyone who dreads creating their to-do list each morning will appreciate this colorful pad that makes the chore a bit more entertaining.
Bluetooth Banana Phone
Give the comedic friend an extra excuse for another dad joke with this humorous banana phone. This Bluetooth phone eases any tension or awkward silence with the help of their phone's voice assistant, too.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks
These plush socks, made of the iconic Barefoot Dreams CozyChic material, will probably be one of the most-wanted items at the swap.
Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses (Set of 4)
These salt glasses give a mezcal or tequila shot a nice, salty kick.
LitFriends Custom Prayer Candle
You tell your friends you love and respect them, but what have you done to prove it lately?
FunSucculents Sitting Planter with Dangling Legs
This sweet little ceramic planter features a smiley face and rope legs that can be crossed or dangled off the table. It's the perfect home for the plants they're sure to receive.
The Voting Game Adult Card Game
This card game basically asks you to anonymously answer "Who's the most likely to..." out of your friends — perfect for the next low-key night or pregame. You may also want to check out "Who in the Room" or the card version of "Never Have I Ever."
Uncommon Goods Golfers BBQ Set
This golf BBQ set is a game-changing gift for the grill master of the friend group. These stainless steel barbecue tools come with soft insulated handles that resemble golf club grips.
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker
This wildly popular breakfast sandwich maker surprisingly works. It speeds up the process and makes a delicious, consistently warm sandwich with meat, cheese, eggs, and bread.
Death Wish Ground Coffee
Death Wish claims to be the world's strongest coffee, with about double the caffeine of your average cup. The added kick is attributed to a unique blend of Arabica and Robusta beans and a slow roasting process. It's Fair Trade, has no additives, and makes a pretty good cup of coffee!
Uncommon Goods Tabletop Cornhole
If they have a hankering for games that fit inside their home these cold days, this tabletop cornhole game is easy to store and not at all weather-dependent.
Sriracha Sauce Keychain
Perfect for the friend who asks for hot sauce before even tasting the food.
Raining Men Clear Bubble Dome Umbrella
The perfect accessory for days when it's "raining men."
Maldon Salt
This isn't just any random bucket of salt. Malton's is revered by cooks as their preferred sea salt — and it's been harvested along the coastal town of Malton, England since the mid-1800s.
Chia Pet Bob Ross with Seed Pack
Just because they've never asked for a live plant in the shape of an angelic cultural giant doesn't mean they won't love growing one.
Amazon Alexa-Enabled Smart Plug
Give couch potatoes what they want: The ability to control the lights, TV, stereo, and other appliances without needing to get up from the comfortable spot they fell into.
"Maybe Swearing Will Help: Adult Coloring Book" by Nyx Spectrum and Sam McAdams
Adult coloring has had a resurgence in recent years as a great de-stressor (Kate Middleton was one notable fan). But before then, humans used swearing as the next best thing. Why not pair the two together for a truly balanced catharsis?
Bathtime Essentials Wine Holder
Despite being a simple vehicle for enjoying wine in a bathtub, they can feel proud to display this holder: It's accented with hand-picked beach stones, and the ash wood looks nicer than transparent plastic. It also comes with a BPA-free plastic wine glass for safety.
"What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner?: The Answers to Life's Everyday Question" by Zach Golden
This popular cookbook was derived from the website of the same name, and it's a choose-your-own-adventure book of 50 solid meal ideas for the nights when they have no clue what to make.
Pinch Provisions Binge-Watching Survival Kit
This TV marathon survival kit is especially perfect for the friend who's always complaining about the thinly-veiled disapproval in Netflix's "Are you still watching?" notification.
Automatic Pan Stirrer with Timer
Like the wearable nail polish holder, this is another product they didn't know they needed. It's a great way to make sure everything is perfectly cooked, without hovering over the pan and stirring continually.
Nicholas Cage Mood T-Shirt
A national treasure in its own right.
"Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks" by André Darlington and Tenaya Darlington
Combine two great pastimes into one with a guide of 70 albums from the '50s through the '00s, paired with an A-side and B-side cocktail for each one. They're organized by mood, so they'll know just what pairing to use.
Tile Mate
For the friend who has invested far too much money in key duplicates.
BigMouth Inc Toilet Mug
This ceramic gag gift mug has become a bit of a mainstay in the genre, and it holds up to 12 ounces of their favorite drink.
RAISEVERN Unisex Funny Print Ugly Christmas Sweater
Merry Slothmas to all and to all a 20-hour sleep cycle, goodnight.
How do you distribute white elephant gifts?
Everyone puts their gifts in a pile, draws a number from a hat, and takes turns choosing gifts. As the game progresses, players can swap or steal opened gifts.
Do you wrap white elephant gifts?
Yes. The fun of the game is not knowing which gift you're choosing when it's your turn.
Do you write your name on a white elephant gift?
No. While people often reveal who bought what gift at the end of the game, writing your name can provide hints as to what the gift is.
How much do you spend on a white elephant gift?
Usually, the group decides on a price range, but since these are meant to be chosen at random, they tend to be on the lower-cost side, often capping off at around $25.
Are white elephant gifts supposed to be funny?
They don't have to be, but it doesn't hurt! Since players can steal gifts from other players, what makes the game exciting is picking presents that most people would want, whether that's a goofy gag gift, a genuinely useful kitchen gadget, or an eccentric piece of decor.
OEAGO Tortilla Blankets
Wrapping up in a cozy blanket is always nice, but wrapping yourself like a burrito in a tortilla blanket is a completely different experience — especially for foodies.
Ostrichpillow Mini Travel Pillow
While not as crazy looking as the viral original Ostrichpillow, the smaller, more compact version is useful for getting a quality nap in while flying or even on your lunch break at work.
FineInno Mini Crumb Vacuum Cleaner
The perfect addition to any office or gaming desk, this mini tabletop vacuum will keep their space clean and clear of dust.
Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation
Amazon's smart assistant, Alexa, can keep you entertained for hours on end with jokes, games, songs, and fun facts.
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By: [email protected] (Amir Ismael,Mara Leighton,Remi Rosmarin)
Title: 39 quirky white elephant gifts under $50
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/guides/gifts/white-elephant-gift-ideas
Published Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:45:40 +0000
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