It’s that time of year again, and while you’ve spent hours planning what to bring family and friends for the holidays, you’re still not sure what to pack for the white elephant swap you’re invited to. But that’s okay, because to help you out, we’ve put together a list of useful and fun gifts that are sure to be the hottest item in your exchange.
White elephant swaps are a time-honored tradition where you trade and exchange gifts, but most of the time you end up in the back of your closet. Everyone wants to pack funny gag gifts, but if you’re the one who ends up coming home with whooping cushions, you know that fun gifts lose their appeal after the drive home.
To help you find the perfect gift that’s both fun and functional, we’ve rounded up our favorite white elephant gift ideas under $25 and under $50. Need more ideas? Check out our favorite utility gifts, gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, Amazon gifts, and more under $25.
This surprisingly functional and efficient egg cooker makes soft-boiled, soft-boiled, and soft-boiled eggs in minutes, saving you time and water when you need a snack.
Someone is sure to have fun with these notepads that have authentic sentiments like “I don’t know what I’m doing” printed on them.
If you can’t help but want a fun gift, at least get something the recipient can put on the table as a decoration, like this hilarious Bob Ross Chia Pet.
Whoever gets this will have the party table now and forever, because this pipe guy will be dancing and waving all day long.
This Nachosaurus Snack Kit is the perfect centerpiece for their next gathering and is the perfect way to enjoy chips and salsa.
This thrilling game from the makers of Exploding Kittens is a pinball-like game where you bounce balls at each other for hours.
If anyone old enough to remember floppy disks opened these coasters, they’d be sure to giggle. They’re the perfect way to protect your dining table and your fond memories of the ’90s.
How cute is this lamp shaped like a little dumpling? Need we say more?
Wine lovers will definitely grab this wine rack, which can be attached to your bathroom wall so you can enjoy a bubble bath with a glass of Pinot.
The great thing about the White Elephant gift exchange is that you don’t just give those sneaker balls away. Your friends might be pissed if you give it to them, but they might actually find them useful if they get it through the game.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with old standards, such as this classic Moleskine notebook, which is available in 22 colors, including basic black.
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Could there be a more perfect white elephant gift than this? Scented at its best for the holidays, this candle features notes of candied orange, cardamom, gingerbread cookies, cloves, and champagne. Basically, every time you light it up, it smells like a holiday gift exchange.
This gorgeous yet minimal light sculpture will add a pop of style to any room.
For regular coffee drinkers, they’ll love this insulated mug that keeps their drinks hot for longer.
The Exchange will be vying for this breakfast sandwich maker, which helps reduce morning stress.
Anyone who needs a little help relaxing this holiday season will love this calming diffuser set, which smells like a blend of pomegranate, orange, pine, and cinnamon.
Any latte lover in your trade will love this compact milk frother that helps them add a little froth to their morning brew quickly and easily.