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White Elephant Gift Ideas
Gift ideas for a white elephant exchange, from funny to usable, with budget tips.
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Settle the spending limit first. Moms and Crafters says to ask the organizer for a suggested range if there isn't one, then think about who's coming, since games suit families and home items suit independent adults. Keep it in good taste for the mix of people in the room. These ideas lean funny but usable, mostly under $50. They leave out the PG-13 gag gifts that searches tend to turn up.
Why these items are on the list
- Novelty socks. Food-themed pairs get laughs, and Families With Grace lists taco, coffee, doughnut and bacon versions.
- Desktop mini games. Desktop tetherball or basketball take little space and make a good gag gift.
- Nose pencil sharpener. Families With Grace calls it a little gross but working, at under $5.
- Novelty animal scissors. A silly cutting tool that also works for Secret Santa.
- Dad joke book. Families With Grace says it would be a big hit at holiday parties with punny-humored crowds.
- Worst-case scenario handbook. Sounds like a joke, but it could turn out to be practical.
- Fun ice cube trays. Dog-shaped and United States-shaped trays were favourites on Families With Grace.
- Clean/dirty dishwasher magnet. Tells everyone whether the dishes inside are clean or dirty.
- Cactus-shaped dryer balls. Families With Grace calls them something anyone can use, since everyone does laundry.
- Cactus tea light candles. They come in different styles to pick from.
- Unflavored loose-leaf tea. Moms and Crafters suggests unflavored to keep it neutral; bundle a few as a set.
- Coffee-themed coloring book. Moms and Crafters lists it among its $10-and-under ideas and calls it perfect for a grown-up get-together.
- SYZY Tetra Tote bag. Moms and Crafters says it folds to key-fob size and carried heavy groceries.
- OOLY Switch-Eroo markers. Chisel tips on both ends; one end holds pigment, the other changes the color.
- Go Pickle! ornament and game. Old World Christmas's game plays like Go Fish, with the pickle hidden on the tree.
- Hitster music timeline game. Scan the song, then guess where it falls by release date; suits adult parties.
- Philly Fluff pound cake. Moms and Crafters calls the texture soft, almost creamy; a giftable pick under $25.
- Outrageously Soft throw blanket. Moms and Crafters expects a big wrapped gift like this to be grabbed early.
- Staub magnetic wood trivet. Moms and Crafters calls it a useful gag gift under $50 that travels with your pot.
- Bob Ross paint by number kit. Families With Grace says even non-artistic folks can handle it, and that the kit includes everything needed.
Tick ideas off on your phone as you price them against the group's limit. If you're co-organising, compare shortlists so the exchange doesn't end up with duplicates.
When to use it
Useful once the exchange date and spending limit are set, before holiday shopping gets busy.