The 53 Best White Elephant Gifts of 2023

The holiday season is all about making memories with your loved ones through old and new traditions. One of our favorite traditions is the White Elephant gift exchange, which is a fun and festive party game for friends and co-workers, as well as a budget-friendly gift-giving solution for large families. But, finding the best white elephant gifts —  a.k.a. the ones that everyone wants to steal — can require a lot of creativity. 

If you don’t have time to plot and plan your gift idea this year, let us do the work for you. We researched dozens of holiday gift ideas across multiple categories and budgets to find the 53 best white elephant gifts to give this season.

Under $15 Gifts

Dash Mini Gingerbread Waffle Maker

Target

Buy on Target
Buy on Boscovs.com
Buy on Shop.com

Dash waffle makers are one of the best budget-friendly gift ideas, as most are under $10. This compact kitchen appliance is designed to create adorable breakfast waffles with a gingerbread imprint in just minutes.

Price at time of publish: $9.99

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Fred & Friends Tea Infuser

Williams Sonoma

Buy on Williams-Sonoma

For a small, under-$15 gift idea, consider this adorable Fred & Friends Tea Infuser. The mitten-shaped tea strainer is made from food-safe, BPA-free silicone, is heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and is microwave and dishwasher-safe, too.

Price at time of publish: $10.95

Ouai Chill Pills Bath Bombs

Sephora

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Target
Buy on Revolve

Bath bombs are another easy and beloved white elephant gift exchange idea. These bath bombs feature jasmine and rose aromas and are designed to inspire relaxation while infusing skin with nourishing ingredients such as jojoba oil, safflower seed oil, and hemp seed oil. 

Price at time of publish: $15 (orig. $30)

30 Watt Silicone Wine Glass Holder

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

This silicone wine glass holder for the bath and shower is one of the best gift ideas for wine lovers, and it makes for a fun under-$15 gift, too. The holder comes in several different colors and is designed to suction to your shower wall for stability. Plus, it’s available on Amazon Prime, so it’s a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer idea. 

Price at time of publish: $14.82

Barbie Uno

Walmart

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Walmart

Games are some of the best white elephant gift ideas, and this Barbie Uno deck is fun for adults and kids alike. The gift features characters from Barbie the movie and comes with a special rule to switch up the classic card game. 

Price at time of publish: $14.88

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Target Beauty Capsule Black-Owned or Founded Beauty Sample Box Gift Set

Target 

Buy on Target

‘Tis the season for gift sets, and Target has some of our favorite beauty options. The Target Beauty Capsule Black-Owned or Founded Beauty Sample Gift Set features seven products from Thank God It’s Natural, SheaMoisture, and Bevel, and costs under $15, making it a great white elephant gift idea. 

Price at time of publish: $14.99

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Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

The Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan is the best gift for concerts, sporting events, and theme parks. Its compact size makes it easy to travel with, and its three-speed features allow you to customize the temperature. Plus, it comes with a stand, so you can sit it on your desktop or bedside table while traveling.

Price at time of publish: $9.96 (orig. $17.99)

Wishing You Wellness Skincare Tool Gift Set

Target

Buy on Target

The Wishing You Wellness Skincare Tool Gift Set is another self-care gift idea not to pass up. This under-$15 gift comes with a jade roller, silicone face scrubber, and terry wristbands to keep arms and clothing dry while giving an at-home facial.

Price at time of publish: $10

Baggu Half-Shell Skunk Baby Baggu

Baggu  

Buy on Baggu.com

Baggu is one of the best places to buy holiday gifts. If you’re looking for an under-$15 gift idea that is actually useful, consider the Baggu Half-Shell Skunk Baby Baggu shopping tote, which is one of our favorite reusable shopping bags for the grocery store, farmer’s market, and beyond.

Price at time of publish: $12

Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

The Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light is one of the best Christmas gifts we’ve ever received — and it also makes for a great white elephant gift idea. This under-$15 gift illuminates your books, making it easier to read by the fireplace, on a plane, or in bed at night. Plus, it’s rechargeable so you never have to worry about batteries. 

Price at time of publish: $13.99 (orig. $23.99)

Prowithlin Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

Courtesy by Amazon

Buy on Amazon

White elephant gift exchanges are the best time to buy gifts people need but don’t necessarily ask for — like a miniature desktop vacuum. The Prowithlin Desktop Vacuum Cleaner comes with everything needed to keep your desk spick and span, and it’s a fun idea for office white elephant exchanges or co-worker gifts. 

Price at time of publish: $12.95 (orig. $18.99)

Johanna Basford Worlds of Wonder

Target

Buy on Target

Give the gift of a mindfulness activity with the Johanna Basford Worlds of Wonder coloring book. This under-$15 gift idea features a collection of fantasy realms and intricate detailing designed to help you focus and relax.

Price at time of publish: $10.67

Retro Magic 8 Ball

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

A Magic 8 Ball is another fun and nostalgic gift idea for a white elephant exchange — and it costs under $10. This classic Magic 8 Ball is also available on Amazon Prime, so it’s a great last-minute gift, too. 

Price at time of publish: $9.99

Sugarfina Martini Olive Almonds

Sugarfina  

Buy on Sugarfina.com

The Sugarfina Martini Olive Almonds are one of the best under-$10 white elephant gifts. These luxe candies are a delicious treat on their own but would also look adorable alongside a drinkware set (like these Oneida True Colors Cocktail Glasses) or paired with a martini kit (such as the Collins Dirty Martini Kit).

Price at time of publish: $8.95

Under $25 Gifts

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Sephora

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Sephora
Buy on Laneige.com

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is one of the most cult-favorite lip products ever, thanks to its deeply nourishing, hydrating, and plumping formula. While it’s technically a mask, we use this daily as a lip balm, especially during the dry winter months.

Price at time of publish: $18 (orig. $24)

Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

Amazon

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Zappos
Buy on Dick’s

Beanies are another tried-and-true holiday gift idea to give this season. The Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie boasts a classic style, is available in a variety of colors, and is highly durable and effective.

Price at time of publish: $19.99

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We’re Not Really Strangers Game

Amazon

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Target
Buy on Walgreens

The We’re Not Really Strangers Game is another fun game to give this holiday season. This game is designed to inspire connection and deepen relationships through 150 thoughtful questions. 

Price at time of publish: $25

Lite-Brite Classic

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Whether you’re shopping for a family gift exchange or want to surprise your friends with some nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with the Lite-Brite Classic. This under-$20 gift idea comes with one screen and 240 color pegs for your most creative creations. For something even more budget-friendly (or a cute stocking stuffer idea), you can also snag a mini Lite-Brite for just $7. 

Price at time of publish: $19.05 (orig. $19.99)

Barbie The Movie Ken Doll

Walmart

Buy on Walmart
Buy on Boscovs.com
Buy on Dsw.com

This doll is not just Ken — it’s Ken from the Barbie movie. Wearing his iconic striped beach outfit and carrying a surfboard, the Ryan Gosling-inspired doll will surely be a hit with kids and adults alike. 

Price at time of publish: $24.97

Barbie The Movie Collectible Doll

Walmart

Buy on Walmart
Buy on Dsw.com

Speaking of Barbie the movie, this collectible doll is another fun white elephant gift idea, especially for gift exchanges with your best girlfriends. 

Price at time of publish: $24.97

Lady Sargeant Say It Do It Truth or Dare Card Game

Etsy

Buy on Etsy

Give the gift of connection (and support a small business) this holiday season with the Lady Sargeant Say It Do It Truth or Dare Card Game to Connect. This card game comes with 52 cards with questions and actions that you can enjoy on your own or with a group.

Price at time of publish: $25

Baby Foot Peel Mask

Amazon

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Ulta
Buy on Babyfoot.com

For a skincare gift under $20, consider the Baby Foot Peel Mask. This viral foot mask features a potent blend of natural extracts that work together to lift and peel away a layer of dead skin on the soles, revealing baby-soft feet underneath. 

Price at time of publish: $19.99 (orig. $25)

Blume Superfood Latte Powder

Target

Buy on Target

The Blume Superfood Latte Powder is another one of those stocking stuffer gift ideas that also works well for a white elephant exchange. Gift this delicious, caffeine-free latte mix on its own or along with a festive Christmas mug (like this snowman mug or this moose mug). 

Price at time of publish: $24.99

Open Story Neck Pillow & Sleep Mask Set

Target

Buy on Target

Give the gift of comfort travel with the Open Story Neck Pillow & Sleep Mask Set. This under-$20 white elephant idea comes with a soft eye mask and a comfortable memory foam neck pillow for support while snoozing on the go.

Price at time of publish: $19.99

A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Night Light

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

For a funny white elephant gift, consider this A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Night Light from The Clapper. This miniature leg lamp is designed to plug into the wall — like a traditional night light — and says quotes from A Christmas Story.

Price at time of publish: $24.99 (orig. $29.99)

Jenny Lemons Pickle Hair Claw Clip

Etsy

Buy on Etsy

Nod to holiday tradition — and humor — with this pickle claw clip from Jenny Lemons. The clip is constructed from durable acrylic and features a fun illustrative pickle that keeps hair in place. 

Price at time of publish: $24

Tamagotchi Original

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

This holiday season, get nostalgic with the Tamagotchi Original keychain. This under-$20 gift idea features a classic Tamagotchi in 20 different colors, prints, and patterns. And, since it’s on Amazon Prime, it’s a great last-minute Christmas gift idea. 

Price at time of publish: $19.99

Crate & Barrel Movie Night Popcorn Kit

Crate & Barrel 

Buy on Crate & Barrel
Buy on Macy’s

The Movie Night Popcorn Kit from Crate & Barrel is another fun gift idea. This kit features three bags of kernels plus five bottles of delicious popcorn toppings, including white cheddar, chili lime, spicy sriracha, kettle corn, and caramel corn. 

Price at time of publish: $24.95

Under $50 Gifts

Stanley Tumbler

Nordstrom

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Nordstrom
Buy on Walmart

This Stanley Tumbler is one of the best holiday gifts to give this season — and it makes for a great white elephant gift idea, too. The tumbler comes in two different sizes, is made from durable stainless steel, and features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep beverages cool. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe so it’s easy to care for. 

Price at time of publish: $50

LEGO Icons Orchid Artificial Plant Building Set

Amazon

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Target
Buy on Lego.com

You’re never too old to make your own LEGO creations, especially when kits like the LEGO Icons Orchid Artificial Plant Building Set exist. This adult LEGO set features everything you need to create an artificial orchid made out of blocks for a unique craft project. 

Price at time of publish: $39.99 (Orig. $49.99)

Paintable Pictures Paint Your Pet

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Oprah’s Favorite Things usually has some of the best white elephant gift ideas and, this year, we’re obsessed with the Paintable Pictures Paint Your Pet gift. The paint-by-numbers portrait is beginner-friendly and would be a great gift for a family and friends exchange. 

Price at time of publish: $39.99

Leonore Greyl Scalp Massager

Amazon

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Leonorgreyl-usa.com
Buy on Lovelyskin.com

The Leonore Greyl Scalp Massager is one of our favorite products we tested this year, and it even won our top pick for the best scalp massagers. This massager feels slightly more elevated compared to cheaper options at Amazon, and it comes in a ready-to-wrap gift box. 

Price at time of publish: $28

Le Creuset Mini Cocotte

Le Creuset

Buy on Lecreuset.com

It’s the best time of year to buy (and gift) Le Creuset, and your fellow white elephant participants will surely fight for this adorable mini cocotte. The small Le Creuset cookware features a festive evergreen print with a glimmering gold star knob for added holiday cheer. 

Price at time of publish: $48 (orig. $60)

Nostalgia Hot Dog and Bun Toaster

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

White elephant gift exchanges are the best time to give funny gifts — and this hot dog toaster is both funny and functional. The Nostalgia Hot Dog and Bun Toaster is designed to cook hot dogs and make the perfect toasted buns. 

Price at time of publish: $35.99

Winning Solutions Clue Nostalgia Tin Game

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Walmart
Buy on L.L.Bean

If your friend group loves playing classic games together, this Clue Nostalgia Tin Game from Winning Solutions is an excellent gift idea. The gift set features the classic game of Clue, only slightly more elevated in a chic tin box. 

Price at time of publish: $29.98 (orig. $34)

Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio

Uncommon Goods

Buy on Lordandtaylor.com
Buy on Macy’s
Buy on Uncommon Goods

White elephant gift exchanges are the best time to buy gifts that are both fun and useful, such as this Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio from Uncommon Goods. This set comes in three different flavors and is a fun gift idea for friends.

Price at time of publish: $30

Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera

Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Disposable cameras are always a hit at white elephant parties, no matter if you’re celebrating with your friends, family, or co-workers. The Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera comes in a two-pack with 27 exposures each for under $35. 

Price at time of publish: $32.98

Barnes & Noble Reading Shawl with Pockets

Barnes & Noble  

Buy on Barnesandnoble.com

If your book club has a white elephant gift exchange, this Barnes & Noble Reading Shawl is the gift to give. The shawl is designed to keep you cozy while you binge-read your latest title and features extra-large pockets for keeping your hands warm (or for holding your book!). 

Price at time of publish: $39.99

Milk Bar Holiday Flavored Milk Kit

Milk Bar Store

Buy on Milkbarstore.com

If you’re shopping for edible gift ideas for a white elephant exchange, consider the Milk Bar Holiday Flavored Milk Kit. The kit comes with everything you need to make your own Milk Bar-flavored milks, plus six packaged cookies as a holiday treat. 

Price at time of publish: $49

LEGO Architecture New York City Skyline Building

Amazon

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Target
Buy on Walmart

The LEGO Architecture New York City Skyline Building is another LEGO adult set worth gifting this holiday season. The set features everything you need to make a miniature NYC skyline, complete with a Statue of Liberty.

Price at time of publish: $47.49 (orig. $49.99)

Truff Mini Hot Sauce Sampler

Truff

Buy on Truff.com

Hot sauce is always a fun white elephant gift idea. This year, up the ante with this luxe hot sauce gift set from Truff, which features four miniature hot sauce bottles in a variety of flavors.

Price at time of publish: $25.99

Emily Taylor for George & Viv Shaped Puzzle

Anthropologie

Buy on Anthropologie

The Emily Taylor for George & Viv Shaped Puzzle is a gorgeous puzzle gift to give this season, and it’s a fun white elephant exchange item, too. Featuring a festive illustration inspired by Après ski, this miniature puzzle comes ready to gift in a gorgeous box.

Price at time of publish: $34

Homesick White Elephant Candle

Homesick 

Buy on Amazon

The Homesick White Elephant Candle is a fun (and very on-theme) gift to give. This candle has a burn time between 60 and 80 hours, is made from natural soy wax, and has the best holiday fragrance with hints of candied orange, cardamom, champagne, clove, gingerbread, and balsam fir.

Price at time of publish: $26.60 (orig. $38)

WTHN Gold Ear Seed Kit

WTHN

Buy on Wthn.com

If your white elephant gift exchange theme is wellness, consider the WTHN Gold Ear Seed Kit. Designed for at-home acupressure, this kit comes with 40 gold ear seeds, tweezers for application, and a how-to guide for beginners. 

Price at time of publish: $45

Boy Smells x Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle

Boy Smells

Buy on Boysmells.com

Boy Smells is one of our favorite candle companies, and they partnered with Magnolia Bakery to make the most iconic holiday candle: a Banana Pudding Candle. This candle is great for a white elephant party or holiday candle exchange and features notes of jasmine petals, cardamom, cedar, patchouli, davana, guaiac, and, of course, banana. 

Price at time of publish: $48

Local Eclectic Peruvian Candy Opal Beaded Necklace

Local Eclectic 

Buy on Localeclectic.com

The Local Eclectic Peruvian Candy Opal Beaded Necklace is one of the brand’s best-selling jewelry items and would make for a fun and chic white elephant gift. Originally $70, you can now snag this string of dyed opals for $35. 

Price at time of publish: $35 (orig. $70)

Jenny Lemons Pink Cherry Fake Cake Craft Kit

Etsy

Buy on Etsy

Fake cakes are one of this year’s biggest home decor and craft trends — and they make for a fun white elephant gift idea, too. The Jenny Lemons Pink Cherry Fake Cake Craft Kit is a beginner-friendly fake cake kit that comes with everything you need to make your own at home.

Price at time of publish: $34.75

Go Home Marble Tic-Tac-Toe

T.J. Maxx

Buy on TJ Maxx

The Go Home Marble Tic-Tac-Toe game is part functional and part decorative, making it an excellent holiday gift idea. This stunning game features a black stone playing board with nine white marble pieces that you can display on a coffee table, side table, or in a game room.

Price at time of publish: $29.99

Uncommon Goods Portable Campfire

Amazon

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Uncommon Goods

The Uncommon Goods Portable Campfire is another useful gift to give. This $30 gift idea is made from recycled materials, has a long (and smell-free) burn time, and is easy to clean up, so it’s great for travel.  

Price at time of publish: $30

Heyday 35MM Camera with Built-In Flash

Target

Buy on Target

For an under-$35 white elephant gift idea, consider the Heyday 35MM Camera with Built-In Flash. This reusable film camera comes in two colors and boasts a sleek yet retro design for point-and-shoot photos. 

Price at time of publish: $34.99

Catbird Sweet Nothing Ring

Catbird  

Buy on Catbirdnyc.com

In most cases, jewelry might be too expensive for a white elephant gift exchange. However, the Catbird Sweet Nothing Ring begs to differ. This adorable chain ring is made from recycled solid 14K gold and costs under $50. 

Price at time of publish: $38.40 (orig. $48)

See’s Candies Build a Box of Your Favorite Lollys

See’s Candies 

Buy on Sees.com

See’s Candies is known for its delicious chocolate lollipops, which make for one of the best edible gifts. For your upcoming gift exchange, consider the See’s Candies Build a Box of Your Favorite Lollys, which costs under $35 and features your choice of 30 Lollys, including both classic and limited-edition flavors.

Price at time of publish: $31.50

Rifle Paper Co. Mini Book Collection

Rifle Paper Co. 

Buy on Riflepaperco.com

The adorable Rifle Paper Co. Mini Book Collection is a great gift idea for your book club exchange. This set features three classic titles — including A Little Princess, Anne of Green Gables, and Heidi — with chic illustrated covers, all wrapped together in a durable box for gifting. 

Price at time of publish: $25.20 (orig. $36)

Take Our Word For It 

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. Gift-giving is Jessie’s love language and something she takes very seriously. When covering the best white elephant gifts, Jessie considered all of the different gift exchange traditions, themes, rules, and budgets and researched dozens of items to curate a list of gift ideas. As a result, she curated this list of the best white elephant gifts.  

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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education