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Lily Alig; James Brains/Business Insider
The White Elephant exchange is a holiday tradition for many, and a great way to avoid awkward workplace gifting. If you’ve yet to do it yourself, here’s how it works: participants contribute a wrapped gift and take turns picking one until everyone has received a present. Regardless of additional stipulations and rules, this list of items is sure to contain a winner for your coming trade.
A tiny camera blind box
Urban Outfitters
Kodak Charmera Keychain
Old digital cameras are so back, and you can gift a taste of the nostalgia with these Kodak keychains . It’s a blind box that gives your giftee the additional excitement of drawing a random color. Young adult audiences will especially enjoy unwrapping this one.
A new creative outlet
Amazon
Tobios Mini Watercolor Kit
Help your coworkers and friends discover their inner artist with this mini watercolor kit . It comes with everything they’ll need to get started, including a brush, palette, and an adorable little sketchbook.
Pocket-sized touch-ups
Amazon
Conair 5-Minute Fix Touch-Up Tool
This rechargeable straightening brush will have people jumping at the chance to steal it in your White Elephant exchange. Its compact footprint makes it easy to tote anywhere, and it’s a quick fix for flyaways, moisture-induced frizz, and more. It’s an excellent gift for frequent travelers, too, especially if their hair is low-maintenance enough to be their sole styling tool.
Famous New Orleans coffee
Sally Kaplan/Business Insider
Café Du Monde Coffee with Chicory
For a smooth cup to pick them up in the morning, this blend comes from the famous Café Du Monde, a New Orleans stop known for its beignets. It’s not the flashiest gift, but coffee fans will be itching to steal this can one when their chance comes — especially if they’ve had a chance to sample it before.
More than your average candle
Amazon
Capri Blue Volcano Scented Candle
If you want a candle that gifts better than the clearance section at Target, Capri Blue is sure to please with its clean look and smell. From decadent fall pumpkins to tropical florals, you can shop from a wide range of renowned scents. Volcano is Anthropologie’s signature scent, and Capri Blue is one of our favorite candle brands .
A viral water bottle they’ll use all the time
Lily Alig/Business Insider
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
Whether they’re a student, coworker, family member, or friend, everyone can afford to drink a bit more water. The Owala FreeSip helps by keeping liquids cold and leakproof, perfect for commutes and storing in a purse. It’s versatile with both a pour spout and a straw, so users can drink however they prefer.
An oversized throw in your favorite print
Kohl’s
The Big One Oversized Plush Throws
The budget pick in our guide to the best throw blankets , this lightweight blanket comes in a ton of designs to choose from, so you can find the most enticing one for your audience. If you have more money to spend, consider our top pick, the L.L.Bean Wicked Plush Throw , instead.
Whiskey for the sober
James Brains/Business Insider
Free Spirits The Spirit of Bourbon
Gifting alcohol in a random gift exchange can be difficult, especially if you have non-drinkers in the group. That’s where Free Spirits comes in: it’s our top non-alcoholic whiskey pick , with citrus, anise, and vanilla-graham notes that make it perfect for sipping neat or mixing into a cocktail.
A super-flat phone grip
Sarah Saril/Business Insider
PopSocket Low-Pro Phone Grip and Stand
Phone grips don’t have to be bulky, and the PopSocket Low-Pro proves it . The super-flat MagSafe or adhesive accessory works with any phone, tablet, or e-reader, making it a crowd-pleasing gift for any recipient. If you want something more flashy, the brand offers plenty of other designs to choose from.
Cheese powder for every occasion
Sally Kaplan/Business Insider
Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder
What wouldn’t benefit from a dusting of cheese powder? Contribute the gift of versatile cheesy goodness this holiday season. We loved this cheese powder on popcorn, but it can be used on snacks and meals alike. The world is your oyster with this tub.
A beginner’s crochet set
Amazon
The Woobles Beginners Crochet Kit
Set them on the path toward a new hobby with these adorable crocheted creatures . Whether they’ve picked up a hook before or it’s their first time, they’ll love completing this craft. The result? A cute plush they’ll be so proud of.
A year’s worth of trivia, and a mug
Uncommon goods
Trivia Every Day Interactive QR Mug
Every morning, alongside their caffeine fix, they can start with a new trivia question. Simply scan the mug’s QR code, and they’ll get to test their knowledge on topics spanning sports, entertainment, history, art, and more.
A personal ice cream maker
Amazon
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker
The pint-sized Ninja Creami dupe from Dash has been going viral on TikTok lately as an affordable way to customize ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. It’s a crowd pleaser with the potential to unlock a new home hobby for a lucky recipient.
An emotional support desk pet
Uncommon Goods
Emotional Support Desk Pets
Stressful days at the office call for a little distraction, like these whimsical wooden animals ready to watch over you while you work. Choose from cats, chickens, tortoises, or rabbits. Each set comes with a little home base to establish on a desk.
A fresh-smelling toilet spray
Amazon
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Address the elephant in the room and keep things fresh with this toilet spray they use before they go, masking any odors that arise afterward with a clean citrus scent. The 2-ounce size is discreet enough to carry on the go, too.
A cute card game for a sushi lover
Amazon/Business Insider
Gamewright Sushi Go!
The sushi-themed gameplay focuses on strategy and probability, making it a great game to try over and over again with up to five players. Even if your audience isn’t full of board game aficionados, Sushi Go! is beginner-friendly and perfect for casual playthroughs.
A joyful miniature inflatable
Amazon
Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy
Bring the excitement of a trip to a car dealership with this desk-sized inflatable tube guy that wiggles, dances, and shakes. It also includes a mini book that explores the history and origins of this fun, flailing man.
A gourmet hot chocolate set
Amazon
BomBombs Hot Chocolate Mix Gift Set
This is not your ordinary Swiss Miss — BomBomb’s Hot Chocolate is velvety and rich with enticing flavors like Rocky Road, Pistachio Macaron, and Cherry Chocolate. Each portion is individually wrapped in a mini to-go cup. The 12-pack could easily be split up into multiple gifts, too.
Packing cubes to stay organized when traveling
Amazon
Bagail Compression Packing Cubes
This six-pack of compression packing cubes makes packing way easier and will change the way they travel from this point forward. This set also compresses down to maximize space in luggage while keeping them organized.
Very practical but trendy hand sanitizer
Amazon
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray Set
Combine germ season with the trendiest hand sanitizer of the moment , and suddenly this silly white elephant gift may just be the most sought-after among the group. The three-pack includes three scents: Pure Lavender, Vanilla Blossom, and Rainwater. It’s also moisturizing and won’t leave hands feeling dry.
An ear tool they never knew they needed
Amazon
Kolrry Ear Cleaner with Camera
We don’t necessarily recommend sticking things in your ears, but sometimes curiosity gets the best of us. We know your friends are morbidly curious about what’s in their (and each other’s) ears, too. For under $20, this tool can help them find out.
A caviar tasting flight
World Market
Plaza Flight Infused Caviar Tasting Trio
Expand their horizons with this caviar sampler pack , which includes one-ounce tins of Truffle Whitefish Caviar, Tobiko Black Caviar, and Smoked Trout Caviar with a tasting spoon. Despite its low price, this set feels premium and is exciting for picky and adaptive eaters alike.
A good gift that looks like a bad gift
Amazon
Prank-O Roto Wipe Prank Gift Box
Disguise a classic white elephant gift like a bottle of booze or lottery cards in this prank gift box , which is sure to get laughs. Just be ready for the inevitable disappointment when they realize the Roto Wipe isn’t real.
A duck that looks like how we all feel
Amazon
Muid Benson Lying Flat Duck Night Light
This silly goose duck is cute and functional. Just give it a squeeze, and it’ll light up. It’s an especially good pick for white elephants with kids involved, since its adorable shape can please recipients of all ages.
A press dedicated to breakfast sandwiches
Hamilton Beach
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker
This wildly popular breakfast sandwich maker surprisingly works. It speeds up the process and makes a delicious, consistently warm sandwich with meat, cheese, eggs, and bread. Coworkers may find it especially useful for making better pre-work breakfasts.
A smiling planter
Amazon
Original Earthlings Standing Planter
This sweet little ceramic planter features a smiley face and little legs that make it look like it’s standing. It’s a fun play on the classic greenery gift that isn’t limited only to the resident plant specialist on your team — even casual growers can have fun with it.
A card game built around chaos
Amazon
The Voting Game Adult Card Game
This card game basically asks you to anonymously answer “Who’s the most likely to…” out of your friends — perfect for the next low-key night or pregame. You may also want to check out ” Who in the Room ” or the card version of ” Never Have I Ever .”
What’s been called the world’s strongest coffee
Amazon
Death Wish Ground Coffee
Death Wish just might be the world’s strongest coffee, with about 30% more caffeine than your average cup. The added kick is attributed to a unique blend of Arabica and Robusta beans and a slow roasting process. It’s Fair Trade, has no additives, and makes a pretty good cup of coffee!
A fidget toy that won’t pop or get sticky
Amazon
Morf Fidget Worm Toy
This 3D fidget toy in the shape of a slug flexes, collapses, and twists to keep hands busy and promote a calm mindset. Perfect for meetings, phone calls, or twitchy hands, it’s a gift that can satisfy a recipient of any age.
A tabletop vacuum cleaner
Amazon
Odistar Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
If you’re participating in an office White Elephant, what better gift to contribute than a tool for cleaning your coworkers’ desks ? Affordable and compact, it’s a fun contribution that offers a surprising amount of utility.
An adult coloring book full of swear words
Amazon
“Maybe Swearing Will Help: Adult Coloring Book” by Nyx Spectrum and Sam McAdams
Adult coloring has had a resurgence in recent years as a great de-stressor ( Kate Middleton was one notable fan ). But before then, humans used swearing as the next best thing. Why not pair the two together for a truly balanced catharsis?
A punny and entirely functional umbrella
Amazon
Galleria Enterprises Raining Cats and Dogs Umbrella
The perfect accessory for days when it’s “raining cats and dogs,” this gift hits the sweet spot between funny and useful. Especially if you live in a rainy place, you might be lucky enough to see your giftee use this umbrella regularly.
A to-go sriracha sauce keychain
Urban Outfitters
Sriracha Sauce Keychain
Having hot sauce handy is never a mistake — help your giftee be prepared on the go with this keychain Sriracha bottle . The sauce isn’t included, but it’s small enough you can throw a few takeout packets in the gift bag and call it a day.
A plug that lets them control the TV and lights without getting up
Amazon
Amazon Alexa-Enabled Smart Plug
Give couch potatoes what they want: The ability to control the lights, TV, stereo, and other appliances without needing to get up from the comfortable spot they fell into. Installing an Amazon Smart Plug is blissfully easy, so you can even offer setup assistance to your giftee if needed.
A pair of cozy socks
Barefoot Dreams
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks
These buttery-soft plush socks , made of the iconic Barefoot Dreams CozyChic material, will likely be one of the most sought-after and luxurious items at the swap. Contributing them will keep you in your recipient’s thoughts every time they slip into the pair.
A portable pool table
Amazon
Mini Pool Table
The ultimate gift for your favorite pool shark. With mini cues and balls included, this portable pool table has everything they need to practice their shots wherever they go. You can even crack it open and challenge them to a game after the exchange ends.
FAQs about white elephant gift exchanges:
How do you distribute white elephant gifts?
Everyone puts their wrapped gifts in a pile, draws a number from a hat, and takes turns choosing gifts. As the game progresses, players can swap or steal opened gifts.
Do you wrap white elephant gifts?
Yes. The fun of the game is not knowing which gift you’re choosing when it’s your turn.
Do you write your name on a white elephant gift?
No. While people often reveal who bought what gift at the end of the game, writing your name can provide hints as to what the gift is.
How much do you spend on a white elephant gift?
Usually, the group sets a price range, but since these are meant to be chosen at random, they tend to be on the lower end, often capping out at around $25.
Are white elephant gifts supposed to be funny?
They don’t have to be, but it doesn’t hurt! Since players can steal gifts from other players, what makes the game exciting is picking presents that most people would want, whether that’s a goofy gag gift, a genuinely useful kitchen gadget, or an eccentric piece of decor.
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