NEED TO KNOW
- What’s a white elephant gift exchange? A white elephant party is a playful gift swap where guests open, trade, and sometimes steal presents all in good fun.
- What makes a good white elephant gift? Pick something affordable, fun, surprisingly useful, or a little silly — anything that sparks joy or a friendly fight to steal it.
Choosing the right gift for a white elephant party is part strategy, part comedy, and all fun. At the last one I went to, three different families brought the exact same tabletop s’mores maker (yes, I put it on this list), and as someone who ended up with one, I can confirm: It’s a hit with both kids and adults.
This roundup of white elephant gift ideas includes a mix of useful, cozy, clever, and laugh-out-loud gifts that keep the swapping lively and the “steals” coming fast. All picks are under $50 and start at as little as $6.
White Elephant Gifts for $10 and Under
Pulidiki Car Cleaning Slime
Amazon
This oddly satisfying slime grabs crumbs, dust, and debris from cup holders and dashboards. It’s fun to play with and surprisingly useful, making it a total steal-magnet at any exchange.
Usaga 20 Fingers Head Massager
Amazon
This lightweight head massager provides instant stress relief — and maybe a few giggles, too.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Amazon
I adore Dash mini kitchen appliances for making meals more fun. The mini waffle maker is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that whips up a delicious breakfast in minutes.
Grace & Stella Retinol Under Eye Patches
Amazon
These cooling, hydrating eye gels refresh tired eyes fast. It’s a gift people love to steal because it feels like an extravagant self-care treat.
More White Elephant Gifts for $10 and Under
White Elephant Gifts for $20 and Under
Fulllight Tech Bluetooth Beanie
Amazon
This cozy beanie has built-in Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to music while staying warm and hands-free.
Exploding Kittens Horrible Therapist Card Game
Amazon
If you like the original Exploding Kittens card game, then you’ll love this one, too. It’s a fast, funny party game that’s easy to learn and guaranteed to make everyone laugh out loud.
Bedsure Fleece Throw Blanket
Amazon
Cozy gifts always get stolen first — and according to a shopper, this one feels like it’s “woven from clouds.”
Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Scented Candle
Amazon
Sweet, warm, and nostalgic, this holiday candle smells just like homemade cookies baking in the oven.
More White Elephant Gifts for $20 and Under
White Elephant Gifts for $30 and Under
Waitu Wearable Blanket Sweatshirt
Amazon
Part hoodie, part blanket, this oversized wearable sweatshirt delivers comfort and big laughs. It’s silly but undeniably cozy for a guaranteed steal.
Stingray Spot Remover
Amazon
This nontoxic cleaner was the first product Oprah chose for her Favorite Things list this year, calling it “magic” after easily removing melted chocolate from her white pants.
Geekey Multi-Tool
Amazon
This key-shaped gadget doubles as a wrench, screwdriver, bottle opener, and more. Practical gifts get stolen the most, and this one’s pocket-friendly and clever.
TheraIce Headache Relief Cap
Amazon
This soothing cold therapy cap is a favorite of mine for easing headaches and tension. It’s comforting and provides light pressure to help melt the stress away.
More White Elephant Gifts for $30 and Under
White Elephant Gifts for $50 and Under
Le Creuset Mini Baking Dish
Nordstrom
This Le Creuset starter piece is a stoneware dish perfect for baked dips, single-serve desserts, or kitchen décor. It feels fancy, looks expensive, and anyone who cooks will want to snatch it up.
JBL Clip 4
Amazon
This waterproof, portable Bluetooth speaker offers big sound in a small package. Clip it to a backpack or beach bag and you’ve got music anywhere.
Renpho Eye Massager with Heat
Amazon
This heated compression eye mask melts away tension and feels like an at-home spa moment. It’s the kind of luxe-feeling gift everyone secretly hopes to keep.
Lego Icons Tiny Plants Set
Target
This mini build-and-display plant set works as both a creative activity and charming décor. It’s a whimsy gift choice for plant people and Lego builders alike.

4 days ago
11
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(776x430:778x432)/Guy-Fieri-The-Kelly-Clarkson-show-112625-tout-32640a5227774bef8d44f5ebb412b48c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(731x224:733x226)/Mom-gets-emotional-over-completing-sons-book-112625-3cdd31f8140b4ee785f22f272100ceeb.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/woman-celebrating-40th-birthday-091625-cde72f2842324d5ca3c0b9287114a9aa.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/Heidi-Klum-squeezes-into-a-thong-bearing-skirt-112625-a9bff8134bdd4882b481345a00a846fd.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(789x722:791x724)/ChatGPT-071825-02-cc329ac04ebb48e8a9a1571340556784.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/kylie-kelce-donna-kelce-finn-ellie-bennett-wyatt-112525-725af3c4e9244e47b9b497be8d6fedee.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(767x320:769x322)/after-band-111825-2-36031c5a9f1d4950a9d3ee97fe91a652.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(748x303:750x305)/jenna-bush-hager-andy-cohen-today-112525-595712a8e6694859a3122a893320ffad.jpg)
English (US) ·