Saturday, Sep 21, 2024

39 quirky white elephant gifts under $50

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more


A side by side image of Uncommon Good cosmetics on the left and a Dash mini waffle maker open to show a heart-shaped waffle inside on the right.

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.

A waffle maker that's as practical as it is cute

Dash mini waffle maker open to show a heart-shaped waffle inside set on a counter with plates filled with waffles and fruit.

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.

A cooling ice roller

Person using a Kanjo Pain Relief Ice Roller on their face.

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.

A portable pool table

A green and brown mini pool table with pool sticks and billiard balls.

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.

A ravioli-shaped spoon rest

wooden spoon resting on the Genuine Fred Sauced Up ravioli-shaped spoon rest set on a kitchen counter by a stovetop.

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.

A mug that just gets it

Adulting Merit Badge coffee mug with assorted badge-shaped illustrations of small wins of adulthood printed on it.

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.

A weird but comfortable prawn neck pillow

Shrimp shaped neck pillow

Shrimp Neck Pillow

Comfortable but unabashedly bizarre — the perfect white elephant gift.

A reusable tote that looks like an iconic plastic bag

tote bag embroidered with repeated "Thank You" text to look like a takeout bag holding flowers and a bottle of wine.

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.

A quirky present they'll actually wind up using

Person's painting their nails while wearing a ring nail polish bottle holder to hold their polish.

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.

A set of cozy essentials for relaxing at home

Contents of the Uncommon Goods Wind Down and Relax Kit, including a silk scrunchie, cooling facial towelette, facial roller, lavender shower steamer, bookmark, eye mask, and a zippered pouch

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.

A pad that makes scheduling fun

Person's hand writing on a Knock Knock Make-A-List Pad with a pen.

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.

A whimsical banana phone

bluetooth banana phone next to a connected smartphone

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.

A plush pair of socks

a pair of rose Barefoot  Dreams CozyChic Ankle Socks (2-Pack) on mannequin feet

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.

Tequila shot glasses made out of salt

set of four shot glasses made from Himalayan pink salt set on a counter next to a bottle of tequila and limes

Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses (Set of 4)

These salt glasses give a mezcal or tequila shot a nice, salty kick.

A saint candle with your friend's face on it (or their pet's)

custom prayer candle with an illustration of Shiba Inu dressed to look like a saint on it.

LitFriends Custom Prayer Candle

You tell your friends you love and respect them, but what have you done to prove it lately?

A funny and cute planter

Sitting Planter with Dangling Legs holding a plant.

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.

A card game built around chaos

Deck box and cards from The Voting Game adult card game set out on a table.

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."

A set of golf-like barbecue tools

Person using the golf club shaped spatula in the Golfers BBQ Set to flip vegetables on a grill.

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.

A device that makes a whole breakfast sandwich in one go

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker with an english muffin, egg, and ham inside.

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.

What's been called the world's strongest coffee

bag of the world's strongest coffee grounds, Death Wish Coffee, with a skull and crossbones logo on the bag

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!

Mini tabletop cornhole

Tabletop Cornhole game with mini beanbags set on a table next to beers and a bowl of nuts.

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.

A to-go sriracha sauce keychain

Two keychains shaped like sriracha sauce bottles

Sriracha Sauce Keychain

Perfect for the friend who asks for hot sauce before even tasting the food.

A punny and entirely functional umbrella

Punny clear umbrella with a design of "raining men."

Raining Men Clear Bubble Dome Umbrella

The perfect accessory for days when it's "raining men."

A bucket of the best sea salt from England

Two buckets of Maldon sea salt flakes set on a kitchen counter.

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.

A Bob Ross Chia Pet

Bob Ross chia pet next to its box.

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.

A plug that lets them control the TV and lights without getting up

Alexa enabled smart plug in a wall outlet.

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.

An adult coloring book full of swear words

Cover of "Maybe Swearing Will Help: Adult Coloring Book" by Nyx Spectrum and Sam McAdams

"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?

An aesthetically pleasing wine holder

Glass of white wine set in a suction cup wine holder for a bath

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.

A funny choose-your-own-adventure cookbook

Book cover of "What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner?: The Answers to Life's Everyday Question" by Zach Golden

"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.

A survival kit for the deep Netflix rabbit holes

Contents of a Netflix binge survival kit including coasters, emergency socks, snack clip, face cleansing towelettes, and a sofa yoga guide.

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.

A device that stirs ingredients for them

automatic pan stirrer stirring a sauce that's simmering in a pan on a stovetop.

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.

All the moods of Nicolas Cage on a t-shirt

Person wearing a t-shirt with a screen print of assorted illustrations of Nicholas Cage to represent different moods.

Nicholas Cage Mood T-Shirt

A national treasure in its own right.

A cocktail recipe book that pairs good music with drinks

Book cover of "Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks" by André Darlington and Tenaya Darlington, featuring a side view of a stack of vinyl records with a golden cocktail glass on top.

"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.

A Tile Mate to find their keys or phone

Person holding a Tile Mate bluetooth tracker next to a set of keys with a tracker attached to the keyring.

Tile Mate

For the friend who has invested far too much money in key duplicates.

A crowd-pleasing gag gift mug

toilet shaped mug with coffee inside

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.

A Slothmas sweatshirt

Ugly Christmas sweater with a Sloth wearing a Santa hat and holding a present printed on a background pattern of green circular ornaments.

RAISEVERN Unisex Funny Print Ugly Christmas Sweater

Merry Slothmas to all and to all a 20-hour sleep cycle, goodnight.

FAQs about white elephant gift exchanges:

white elephant christmas gift exchange

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.

A tortilla blanket

A mother and daughter wrapped up with a tortilla blanket.

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.

The viral Ostrichpillow's younger brother

A woman sitting at a breakfast table holding a mini Ostritchpillow over her shoulder.

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.

A tabletop vacuum cleaner

A hand holding a black and white cordless tabletop mini vacuum.

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.

An Echo Dot smart speaker

A hand touching the black Amazon Echo Dot 5th Generation on a wooden surface.

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.

Read the original article on Business Insider
------------
Read More
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

Did you miss our previous article...
https://trendinginbusiness.business/politcal/watch-live-president-trump-speaks-to-massive-crowd-in-waterloo-iowa-after-leftist-colorado-supreme-court-disqualifies-him-from-2024-ballot-7-pm-et