White Elephant gift exchanges, or as some call them, Yankee Swaps or Greed, are about as popular as ugly Christmas sweater parties.
Gifts for these exchanges can be hard to choose because there are often a variety of people participating and you may have to gear the appropriateness around the type of party: office, family, friends, all ages, etc.
Some gifts are just recycled over and over, year after year because they are just too wacky to use for anything else, while others are fun and functional. Some of these are great for Secret Santa gifts too!
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The Best White Elephant Gifts for all parties
Check out our Amazon storefront with great white elephant gifts.
For the Christmas movie fan…
Officially Licensed National Lampoons Christmas Vacation Moose Mug Who wouldn’t want to drink their favorite beverage out of this moose mug from the iconic movie?
Leg Lamp Nightlight It’s fun and fra-gi-lay, and an iconic Christmas memory
Talking Buddy the Elf “I just like to smile, smiling is my favorite”
Oh Fudge Funny Glass Christmas Ornament
Ornament from A Christmas Story
For the homebody…
Mermaid Pillow These are kind of mesmerizing. It (should) be the most petted thing at the party. Must purchase the pillow insert separately. You can also find these at most dollar stores and big box stores.
Socks: If you can read this, bring me a (blank) Prop your feet up and hope someone brings you your favorite beverage (beer, wine, vodka, coffee, and pizza are options; may have to scroll down on this page) Check reviews and shipping time before you purchase – there are lots of options.
For the Unicorns in your life…
Inflatable Unicorn Horn Paired with Unicorns Are Jerks: a coloring book exposing the cold, hard, sparkly truth. Because, unicorns.
Funny party masks: So many uses for this, or hardly any at all. I couldn’t choose just one.
For the Good natured group…
Roto Wipe Toilet paper shortage? No problem! This is actually just the empty box for a fake funny product – you can put whatever you want in the box and tell them they can’t open it until the game is over. Plenty of other funny options such as plant urinal, cargo socks, nap sack sleep hood, toilet tunes, and more.
Knock Knock Citation Nifty Note Pad These funny notepads cover a variety of topics from apologies, to pep talk notes, to awesome citations. If you have a roommate, party pals, snarky teen (or spouse), or office friends, you’ll have so much fun with these.
Dashboard Jesus paired with Dancing with Jesus: Featuring a Host of Miraculous Moves. Have the man upstairs watch over the recipient while they drive AND teach them dance moves. (but not dancing while driving)
Bob Ross Plush and Bob Ross Soap for the true art connoisseur
DIY options…
DIY: Make a white elephant. If you want to be literal, make a elephant from a white towel as your gift. You can always add a bottle of wine or some body wash.
DIY: Christmas-themed tic tacs with an easy printable. Throw in an ornament or seasonally-scented candle to round it out.
White Elephant Gifts For the Office
World’s Okayest Employee Coffee Mug Who doesn’t qualify to use this mug sometimes…like on Mondays or Wednesdays.
Kinetic Sand (various prices in stores). A great stress reliever, even for adults! This would be awesome to have at your desk.
The No Button Says ‘No’ in 10 Different Variations Because sometimes you want to say no when you know you have to say yes.
The Official BS Button Call it like it is – that is, if this would be okay in your workplace.
Dinosaurs with Jobs: A Coloring Book Throw in some colored pencils and it’s a great gift for break time
Succulent Vase Flower Pots These are adorable!
Fun, but Functional White Elephant Gifts
These song-based kitchen towels crack me up!
Microwave Bacon Cooker Include a couple of packs of bacon and hope they will cook some up right then!
Big Head Squirrel Feeder Perfect for the nature lover. Think of the funny pictures they can post on IG of squirrels with huge heads! Unicorn option available too!
State-shaped (or USA-shaped) cutting board Wrap it up with some cheese or snacks
Skull Egg Mold Mornings aren’t for everyone.
Giant Candy Bars These 1 lb candy bars come in several varieties and are also available at most stores this time of year. It’s great for a last minute gift that you know people will fight over! You can also buy these in most stores during the holidays.
Sriracha 2 Go Keychain Because sometimes you just need spice.
DIY: Bottle of Bailey’s, a bag of cocoa mix or coffee, and a snuggly throw blanket. No one will complain.
Body & Toilet Humor White Elephant Gifts (not for those who are offended easily)
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray Everybody goes. You don’t have to smell it. This stuff honestly works.
Pooping Dogs Funny Gift Calendar SO awkward.
I Pooped Bathroom Guest Book Sign in before you go…but wash firs
Fanny Bank Funny Farting Coin Drop Bank Funny way to save money.
Squatty Potty It was on Shark Tank, so you know it’s legit! People swear by it!
DIY: Homemade Poo-free spray. Call it Poo Gone. It’s simple: 1 tsp rubbing alcohol 30-40 drops essential oil(s), and water in a small spray bottle.
Adults only White Elephant Gifts
Bracelet Flask This also falls in the “fun by functional” category!
Coloring for Grown-Ups: The Adult Activity Book Kids shouldn’t have all the fun.
3-Pack Sir Perky Corkscrew/Bottle Stopper/Bottle Opener
Stainless Steel Beer Bottle Cooler Keep your beer bottle cold and spill proof with this portable bottle holder.
Accoutrements Emergency Underpants If you’re in a pinch…
Ultimate Wine Bottle Glass “I only had one glass!”
Party Games Gifts
Cards Against Humanity This game will get the party started! Or one of the expansion packs if most people already own the game.
The Voting Game Adult Card Game Group card game that uncovers the sometimes disturbing, sometime risqué, but always hilarious truths behind your friendships.
Pick Your Poison Adult Card Game The Would You Rather…? Adult Party Game. There’s a family/all ages (not dirty) version as well.
Movie Quotes Drinking Game With 54 movies cards with three quotes from each film.
KinderPerfect – The Hilarious Parents Party Card Game New adult party card game for awesome parents inspired by Cards Against Humanity and too much wine.
I Should Have Known That! Trivia Game An addictively entertaining trivia game with over 400 questions about things that you should know. Ages 14+.
What has been your favorite white elephant gift to give or receive?
When all else fails, know your audience.
Do the majority of people like beer, wine, or liquor? A gift of (or including) booze will definitely be sought after.
Are all ages included? Go for a more appropriate board game like Apples to Apples or Catchphrase, or something funny but appropriate from above.
Unsure of the group’s interests or beliefs? Fun food and beverage are a good option, like Ice Cream Sundae basket, Movie snacks basket, or other fun or gourmet food options.
TJ Maxx and Marshalls are great places to look for ideas, including gadgets or gourmet food.
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Need to shop? Our gift guides are here to help!
- Holiday Gift Card Bonus Offers
- Buy Local: Columbus Gift Guide
- Kitchen Gift Guide
- White Elephant Gift ideas
- Stocking Stuffer ideas
- Gifts for mail carrier and delivery drivers
- Teacher Gift and Hostess Gift Ideas
Looking for something more personal? Check out our Columbus Gift Guide: Hostess Gift Ideas with additional local gift options that are perfect for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, friend gifts, co-worker gifts, and Secret Santa gifts.
Holiday gift card bonus offers: something for them, and a bonus for you!
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