So your friends or the office manager at work decided to throw a White Elephant gift exchange. It’s also known as a Yankee swap or Dirty Santa, but either way, if you need some present ideas, we’ve got them.
What Is a White Elephant?
Basically, it’s a gift exchange… with stealing. Here’s the rules:
- Everyone buys a gift that fits into an agreed upon budget (usually $25 and under unless you really really like your coworkers).
- When it’s your turn, you can either pick a wrapped gift from the pile, or steal someone else’s opened present if you really like it.
- That person then gets to unwrap a new gift.
- Going last has huge advantages in this game because you can see all the unwrapped presents and take what you want.
Your goal is to pick White Elephant gift ideas that everyone at the party is reaching for. No one really wants a keychain when something awesome like a mini waffle maker is an option.
17 White Elephant Gift Ideas
1. Baby Yoda Mini Waffle Maker
We told you there would be an awesome mini waffle maker. These waffles are almost too cute to eat. Thankfully, syrup exists.
Available on Amazon.
2. Hot Chocolate Gift Set, $24.95
You can’t go wrong with a box of hot cocoa gear. Also a great one to re-gift if you don’t use it. Aw shucks, you shouldn’t have!
Available on Etsy.
3. Oh Sh!t Funny White Elephant T-Shirt
Too on the nose? Everyone can use a new sleep shirt. Or dish rag.
Available on Amazon.
4. Wooded Cat Planters, $18
These planters are a great way to weed out any cat haters in the group. Another way is to bring your cat to the party. Don’t forget the Zyrtec.
Available on Etsy.
5. Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs Tote Bag, $29.99
Definitely do not fill this tote bag with oregano in little plastic baggies. That would be a terrible idea. Fill it with edibles instead!
Available on LookHuman.
6. Funny Taylor Swift Coffee Mug, $16.20
A mug? Kind of lame. A mug referencing one of TSwift’s most iconic breakup songs? Yup, we’ll fight you for it.
Available on Etsy.
7. Cold Beer Coats, $13
You know you love beer when you dress yours up in a mini Patagonia. Just try not to think too hard about the fact that you’re drinking his guts. Welp, down the hatch!
Available on Uncommon Goods.
8. Gone with the Gin Cocktail Book
Frankly, Scarlett, we’ll take another. That’s where this book of 50 gin cocktails should do it. If not, try this tequila one.
Available at Amazon.
9. Game of Phones, $25
It’s like a new-age game of telephone. Don’t worry, it doesn’t ring.
Available on Uncommon Goods.
10. It’s Nap O’Clock Clock, $31.06
Reportedly, naps improve productivity. This clock is a hint you should start taking them.
Available on RedBubble.
11. S’mores Group Hug Throw Pillow, $22.19
Give this pillow a hug and join in on the fun. We’re not sure we want to know what a you-flavored s’more tastes like, though.
Available on RedBubble.
12. RBG Pop Art Socks, $14.99
With these Ruth Bader Ginsburg socks, anytime you need a little inspiration, all you have to do is take off your shoes. Maybe not on the plane.
Available on LookHuman.
13. The Swear Word Coloring Book, $11.99
There’s something therapeutic about coloring, and it’s especially so when you’re coloring everything you wanted to scream at the person who cut you off in traffic today.
Available at Amazon.
14. Foiled Again! Chocolate Bitcoins
It’ll hurt a little less to lose these chocolate coins to the person who goes next than real Bitcoin. If only you had listened to your Aunt all those years ago.
Available on Amazon.
15. S’mores Griller, $28
Who says you need a campfire to make s’mores? When you’re not using it, it’ll double as a mini panini press.
Available on Uncommon Goods.
16. CouchCoaster Weighted Drink Holder, $19.95
We’re sure there are ways this drink holder could go disastrously wrong, but it’s a better bet than perching your drink precariously on your knee. RIP MacBook 2016.
Available on The Grommet.
17. Make it Rain Money Maker, $15
Practicality aside, this gift is pure fun. And just weird enough that we’re sure everyone will want it. Who cares if it ends up collecting dust under their bed? Their old socks need company.
Available at Target.
When she's not typing away on her laptop, you can find Laura working on her MBA at Boston College, listening to Taylor Swift, or sweating it out at an OrangeTheory class. Follow her on Instagram @LauraKristine21 and LinkedIn.
Leave a Comment