52+ White Elephant Gift Ideas Everyone Will Fight For {Under $30!}
These white elephant gift ideas are budget-friendly and so much fun. Discover the white elephant gifts everyone will fight for — choose one of them, and you’ll have the most popular gift at the party!
‘Tis the season for holiday parties, which means you need plenty of white elephant gift ideas in your tool belt. White elephant gift exchanges are popular for a few good reasons.
They are affordable, festive, and oh-so-much FUN!
However, there’s always a little bit of pressure to show up with a truly awesome gift. There’s nothing like that glow of pride when you have the white elephant gift everyone fights over!
Trust me, you don’t want to be the one person whose gift is sadly left in one person’s hand all night (talk about agony!).
Choose one of these, and you are guaranteed to have a white elephant gift everyone will fight over.
Don’t know how to play or want a refresher? Make sure to check out the White Elephant gift exchange rules here!
Looking for a particular kind of gift? Use the table of contents below to jump ahead!
Note: this post contains affiliate links. You pay the same exact price, but I get a small “thank you” from the company for sending you their way. Thanks for supporting my small business!
White Elephant Gifts for Everyone
These white elephant gift ideas will make you the most popular person at the party! Plus, everything on this list is decidedly awesome and under $30.
Watch everyone fight over your gift during your next Christmas party!
1. All Edges Brownie Pan
If you want a white elephant gift people will fight over, this is the winner! This brownie pan has dividers with it so that every single piece has 4 crispy edges with a perfectly gooey inside.
2. Dino Taco Holders
It honestly does not get any cuter than these dino taco holders! Not only will it keep your table looking cute, but this little guy will hold your taco upright so your fillings don’t all fall out.
3. Scratch-Off Movie Poster
If you attend a white elephant party, you’re sure to mingle with some amateur film critics. They’ll go nuts for this awesome scratch-off poster that allows them to ensure they’ve worked through the 100 essential movie list.
4. Wireless Earbuds
No one wants to be tethered to chords these days. For those who haven’t splurged on AirPods, these wireless earbuds are sure to be one of the white elephant gifts people fight over!
5. Microwave Air Popcorn Popper
Popcorn is universally loved, but traditional microwave popcorn is loaded with unhealthy chemicals and oils.
This microwave air popper is definitely a white elephant gift everyone will fight over, especially if you pair it with popcorn kernels and some popcorn seasoning!
6. Portable Power Bank
There are few things worse than being out and about and watching your phone battery slowly drain away. This slim, powerful power bank will keep electronic devices charged wherever you are!
7. Cocktail Shaker Set
It’s hard to find a better white elephant gift idea than a cocktail shaker set! Especially when you pair it with a few mini-bottles of liquor. 😉
9. Watercolor Palette
From beginner painters and hobbyists to amateur artists, this watercolor palette would be a gift worth getting. The included waterbrush is the cherry on top of the cake!
14. Cookbook
A quality cookbook, especially one with a fun theme, like this Yellowstone cookbook, is a great white elephant gift idea!
Or, a Disney Parks-inspired cookbook might be a good option for your crowd!
18. Jigsaw Puzzles
A puzzle truly is a universal gift! Wrap up a Buffalo Games jigsaw puzzle for your next exchange, and throw in some handy puzzle trays too!
Funny White Elephant Gift Ideas
Funny white elephant gifts tend to be the ones most people like to bring. Everyone enjoys a good chuckle! Here are some of the best options to choose from.
19. Wine Condom
This gag gift is both funny and practical! Rather than wrestle with trying to get a cork back in on a wine bottle, just add this hilarious latex wine condom on top.
20. Dwight K Schrute Figure
I mean, can it get any cooler than Dwight K. Schrute? Everyone will want the Hay King for their own!
This is a great white elephant gift idea for a party with co-workers. He even comes dressed in an elf costume if you want it to be extra festive.
21. Book of Useless Information
Want a gag gift with lots of browsing potential? Look no further than the Book of Useless Information.
Recipients will love sharing their useless facts with the party, like the legend of Dracula or the most unusual tourist destination in America!
22. Umbrella Flask
Heading to a concert can bring up the age-old dilemma: how do you avoid paying $20+ for booze?
This clever flask disguised as an umbrella makes it easy to sneak in your drink of choice, making it one of the best white elephant ideas.
23. Burrito Blanket
Just about anyone will get a kick out of wrapping themselves up like a cozy little burrito – and this giant tortilla throw blanket makes that possible!
24. People of Walmart Coloring Book
This coloring book is sure to elicit a chuckle (and probably a few groans). It’s no secret that Walmart certainly has its share of interesting customers.
You can pair this gift with a set of inexpensive colored pencils if your budget allows.
25. Squatty Potty
Bring some laughter to your holiday gathering by wrapping up the viral Squatty Potty, now offered in a more aesthetic bamboo option 😉
26. Lightsaber Chopsticks
Asian cuisine is widely enjoyed by many people, and so is Star Wars… so bringing these lightsaber chopsticks to your next white elephant gift exchange just makes sense!
27. Pair of Tiny Hands
This pair of tiny hands is sure to make the whole room laugh! They’re one of those white elephant gift exchange ideas that just keep giving.
Get ready for an entire night of silliness and laughter with this highly prized gift idea!
28. Dogs Pooping Calendar
Let’s face it: it doesn’t get much cuter than a bunch of pups. That is, of course, unless they are pooping. This hilarious gift pairs cute dogs, scenic views, and…poop.
You get a different photo each month in this 2023 calendar, so the fun will last all year!
29. Poo Pouri Toilet Spray
Speaking of poop, everybody does it. So, by simple logic, everybody will absolutely be able to use this spray-before-you-go toilet spray.
30. Dino Nugget Pillow
I can’t think of many things more joyful than opening a gift that contains a fluffy pillow in the shape of a dinosaur chicken nugget. And I’m sure all party guests will agree!
31. Dip Clips
Since we’re on the subject of nuggets, how about these dipping sauce holders for the car? I’m not sure if they’re more of a funny or practical white elephant gift – because they feel equally both!
32. Lego Mug
If your friends are constantly stealing their kid’s legos, this is the perfect mug to watch them fight over.
Useful White Elephant Gifts
As fun as gag gifts are, most guests will appreciate going home with a gift that they can actually use! Try these useful white elephant gift ideas for practical (and popular!) options.
33. Disco Diffuser
These disco ball diffusers are so trendy right now – so this gift will be something to fight over during your next white elephant gift exchange!
Want to level up this gift? Add on a set of essential oils too!
34. Night Light
This agate night light is super pretty! I think anyone would be excited to open up their white elephant gift and see this beautiful agate looking back at them.
Beyond decoration, this stone acts as a nightlight that is suitable for kids and adults alike!
35. Waffle Maker
I am beyond obsessed with these mini waffle makers! It is so festive (and functional).
This white elephant gift makes for delicious holiday waffles and tons of breakfast fun, all in a compact form. This would definitely be my pick at a gift exchange!
36. Electronic Foot File
Let’s be real…we all could use a little help softening the calloused, tough skin on the bottom of our feet. This handy gadget will make your feet feel silky and smooth.
37. Cozy Knit Socks
In the cold winter months, there are few things cozier than wool socks like these! Everyone will love these super cute and unisex socks.
38. Coconut Body Scrub
The lack of humidity in the winter months makes skin dry and flakey. A sugar scrub will smell amazing and keep skin hydrated and smooth.
39. Reusable Straws
Eco-friendly items are thankfully more in than ever! Straws are wreaking havoc on our oceans, and these stainless steel straws are an easy way to enjoy drinks of any shape or size, guilt-free!
40. Tea Mug with Infuser
This tea mug with infuser and lid is equal parts practical and pretty. Don’t forget to toss in some delicious tea in the package, too, to make it an extra useful white elephant gift.
41. Beanie
You can’t go wrong with a quality knit beanie! Friends and family can keep their heads warm and in style this winter with this white elephant gift idea!
42. Apple Airtag
These handy little tracking devices are useful for just about anyone. Grab an Apple Airtag for under $30 for your next exchange, and get ready for the gift stealing to begin!
43. Massage Gun
Give the gift of massage with this affordable handheld electric back massager. Complete with attachments for targeting muscle groups and even deep tissue massage – all for just $30!
44. Portable Neck Fan
A portable neck fan is one of my all-time favorite purchases! It’s a strong fan (a must-have for summers here in Texas), but it can also charge your phone. It fits really nicely in a purse, so I pretty much always have this with me!
45. Oil and Vinegar Cruet
Fitting for any dining table from relaxed to formal – why not surprise your friends with this beautiful high-quality stoneware oil and vinegar set at your next exchange?
Bonus: Best White Elephant Gifts for $50
Here are some extra ideas that, although over the $30 price mark, are totally worth it if you need a quality white elephant gift.
46. Stanley Quencher
You really can’t go wrong with a Stanley stainless steel tumbler – they’re trendy, practical for everyone, and high quality!
47. Frameo Digital Frame
Frameo’s wifi digital picture frame makes photo sharing super accessible – and fun! It would definitely be one of those white elephant gifts everyone will fight for.
48. Charcuterie Board Set
Bring this ultimate charcuterie board set for an exchange-worthy gift. Add some elements for creating the perfect snack board as an extra gift-stealing incentive!
49. Stemless Martini Glasses
I have these stemless martini glasses, and let me tell you – they are GORGEOUS. They’re great for drinks or even serving dessert!
50. Pura 3 Fragrance Diffuser
Combining home fragrance and smart technology, gift-receivers of the Pura fragrance diffuser can personalize the scent of their home – from their phone!
51. Picnic Backpack
Now this is one of those white elephant gifts everyone will fight over! Complete with a blanket, detachable wine cooler, and cutlery, enjoy a picnic for 2 with this awesome picnic backpack.
52. Portable Puzzle Board
Many people love puzzles but don’t always have the table space to commit to a big design. Enter: The Bits and Pieces puzzle board. Genius gift idea!
White Elephant Rules
If you haven’t been to a white elephant gift exchange before, you will want to familiarize yourself with the rules before you go. While each party may be slightly different, the general rules of a white elephant gift exchange are:
- Everyone brings a wrapped, unmarked gift to the party. Typically the host will let you know what the price range is. Around $15 – $20 is average from my experience. The host may also give you a theme to follow, but this is most of the time, you are free to choose what to bring.
- Draw numbers to decide what order to go in. This is truly luck of the draw. Usually, this is done by literally pulling numbers out of a hat (or basket/bowl/whatever), but there are also some handy apps that can help assign numbers too.
- Player one picks a gift from the pile and unwraps it. Everyone should have a chance to see what the gift is—this is where it pays to pay attention!
- Player number two can decide to steal player one’s gift or open a new one.
- If a player has his or her gift stolen, they can then decide whether to open a brand new gift or steal from someone else. This continues until everyone has had a chance to choose a gift.
- Once a gift has been stolen by two people, it can no longer be stolen. For example, if person one opens a gift, then person two steals it, person three can steal it, and then it is officially theirs.
- Player one ends the game by getting to select a gift to swap if they want. If they opt not to, the game is over. If they decide to take a gift, the person that is stolen from then gets to go. The game continues until the person declines to swap out their gift.
There are also several variations to this game and alternate rules you can adopt. Take a look at the official white elephant rules for more info.
Other Names for White Elephant
Also, it’s important to note that this game can go by other names. If you’ve never heard of a white elephant game, you may have experienced one of their pseudonyms! A few of these include:
- Yankee Swap
- Dirty Santa
- The Grinch Game
- Thieving Elves
- Machiavellian Christmas
- Cutthroat Christmas
Whatever it’s called, the general white elephant rules apply (with, perhaps, a couple of exciting variations!).
Have fun!
More Christmas Gift Ideas
- Awesome Stocking Stuffer Ideas
- How to Throw a Gift-Wrapping Party
- DIY Dog Toy + Pet Holiday Basket Ideas
- Free Printable Christmas Cards
- Best Last-Minute Christmas Gifts
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
