Skip to main content
Gift Guides

30 best white elephant gifts everyone will try to steal

Unwrap some seriously satisfying surprises.

A gray wearable blanket and Bad People game on a blue and green holiday background Credit: Reviewed / Catalonia / Bad People

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

A little artful tact may be required when buying a white elephant gift—and waiting until the last minute to buy the best Christmas gift can be dangerous.

White elephant rules are simple: bring a wrapped gift to a holiday party, draw numbers to determine order, unwrap gift, keep or steal gift, move on—but finding a present that people actually want to keep can be more difficult.

While some of the best white elephant gifts are usually meant to be funny, maybe a little bit quirky, nobody's going to want to steal a chintzy gag gift. That's actually a lot of boxes to check off for one gift, so we've done the work to find the best white elephant gift ideas, everything from a hilarious card game to a desktop bowling set.

So whether you call it a white elephant gift exchange, “Dirty Santa,” or “Yankee Swap,” we’re confident these gifts under $25 (or nearly under $25) will cause a chuckle or inspire someone to steal it over and over again.

1. Dash Mini Waffle Maker

For anyone who knows the power of a great breakfast

Product image of Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Dash Mini Waffle Maker

This mini waffle maker weighs less than 2 pounds, but it packs a powerful punch, able to make fluffy and evenly cook waffles in minutes.

BUY NOW BUY NOW

This kitchen appliance isn’t just cute. It’s also our favorite mini waffle maker, perfect for a solo breakfast or a quick afternoon snack.

2. Festive Bistro Monogram Tile Mug

For a cup of holiday cheer

Product image of Festive Bistro Tile Monogram Mug
Festive Bistro Tile Monogram Mug

Gift them a cup of holiday cheer

BUY NOW

Bring on the holiday cheer with Anthropologie's Festive Bistro Monogram Tile Mug. The gold-decaled glazed stoneware mug is a merry little gift anyone would love to sip their favorite warm beverage from during the holidays.

3. Iridescent Geo Glass Candlestick

For an elegant touch of home decor

Product image of Iridescent Geo Glass Candlestick
Iridescent Geo Glass Candlestick

These glass candle holders add instant elegance to any space.

BUY NOW

If the viral Delaney Candle Holder is sold out, the Iridescent Geo Glass Candlestick is a just-as-gorgeous alternative. The glass candle holders are elegantly designed and will instantly add interest to any space.

4. Bad People card game

For a side-splitting card game

Product image of Bad People Game
Bad People Game

A hilarious card game that opens the door to funny personal stories, brutal honesty, and perhaps even a few secrets.

BUY NOW BUY NOW

A card game for a white elephant gift? You bet! This Bad People card game has outrageous questions to ask your friends. Find out what your friends really think about you and get to know them better!

5. Kong Classic Dog Toy

For the dog person

Product image of Kong Classic Dog Toy
Kong Classic Dog Toy

This classic dog toy will keep furry friends entertained for hours.

BUY NOW

If they're a dog lover or pet parent, they'll be quick to wanna keep the Kong Classic Dog Toy to bring home to their four-legged bestie. The bestselling chew toy provides play, reduce boredom and can provide relief from separation anxiety while you're mingling at your next holiday party.

6. Nifty Desktop Arcade Bowling

For those who love everything kitschy

Product image of Nifty Desktop Arcade Bowling
Nifty Desktop Arcade Bowling

Throw a strike or two from the comfort of your desk using this fun and addictive tabletop bowling game.

BUY NOW

This mini bowling game set makes a unique and exciting white elephant gift. It’s a great stress-relieving game for anyone looking to blow off some steam during their lunch break.

7. USAGA Head Massager Scalp Massager

For a relaxing scalp massager

Product image of USAGA Head Massager Scalp Massager
USAGA Head Massager Scalp Massager

Sit back and enjoy a relaxing scalp massager with 20 prongs made of high elastic spring.

BUY NOW

Nothing feels quite as soothing as a good scalp massage, and the 20 arms of this lightweight head-scratcher will relax them in the best way. This stress relieving scalp massager may look like a gag gift, but it's sure to be a white elephant gift party guests will want to steal and actually use.

8. Sushi Go Party!

For a fun family game night

Product image of Sushi Go Party!
Sushi Go Party!

It's a party platter of sushi in this fun best-selling card game.

BUY NOW BUY NOW

We named Sushi Go Party! one of the best family board games of 2023, because it's fun, but also super chill and not highly competitive. Use fun, colorful pieces to rack up points and build winning sushi combos in this best-selling card game.

9. Annoyed Prints Emoticon Desktop Vacuum

For a cute desktop cleaner

Product image of Annoyed Prints Emoticon Pattern Battery Operated Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
Annoyed Prints Emoticon Pattern Battery Operated Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

This white elephant gift is great for cleaning crumbs and dust from a table or desktop.

BUY NOW

This quirky white elephant gift will have guests squealing, because it's fun and functional. The battery-operated mini desktop vacuum cleaner comes in adorable emoticon styles like this pink pig that will gobble up all the crumbs and dust from their desk.

10. Mrs. Meyer's Soy Aromatherapy Candle

For people who appreciate a good candle

Product image of Mrs. Meyer's Soy Aromatherapy Candle
Mrs. Meyer's Soy Aromatherapy Candle

A clean-smelling candle made from all-natural ingredients, with an unfathomable 35 hour burn time.

BUY NOW BUY NOW

Unwrapping a candle at a white elephant party doesn’t have to summon groans. These Mrs. Meyers aromatherapy candles are lead-free, come in reusable jars, and pack seriously relaxing scents, including lavender, lemon verbena, basil, and more.

11. Jorbest Tortilla Blanket

For a cozy and delicious looking accessory

Product image of Tortilla blanket
Tortilla blanket

Pretend you’re a burrito while wrapped up in this soft and lightweight tortilla blanket.

$20 at Amazon

This charming blanket is non-fading, lint-free, and ultra-soft. Wrap yourself in it and pretend you’re a burrito in your bed, on your sofa, or even on a camping trip.

12. Royal Craft Wood Charcuterie Board

For fans of picnics and parties

Product image of Royal Craft Bamboo Charcuterie Board
Royal Craft Bamboo Charcuterie Board

A versatile and affordable bamboo charcuterie board made with three handy compartments.

BUY NOW

Every home entertainer needs a charcuterie board. This particular one is made for versatile use. The tray is water and odor-resistant, making it the perfect kitchen piece for food preparation and serving guests. It’s one of our favorite boards because it’s sturdy and easy to clean.

13. ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser

For a great self-care gift

Product image of Asakuki 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser
Asakuki 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser

Fill any room with relaxing, but not overwhelming scents with this budget-friendly oil diffuser.

BUY NOW

While the price of this serene essential oil diffuser might go over a $25 spending limit, it’s worth every extra penny. We loved this diffuser for its simple design and even diffusing.

14. LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs

For treating yourself

Product image of LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs
LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs

Our favorite bath bombs have a pleasant scent and will leave skin feeling moisturized.

BUY NOW

People will want to steal this assortment of colorful bath bombs so they can take a bath and relax. LifeAround2Angels topped our list of best bath bombs for how they smell good, didn't stain our tub, and left skin feeling soft and moisturized.

15. Shutterfly Floating Sweaters Mug

For coffee lovers

Product image of Shutterly Floating Sweater Mug
Shutterly Floating Sweater Mug

Your face on a floating sweaters mug is a fun and personalized white elephant gift.

BUY NOW

Create a unique, personalized, and funny mug for someone with this Floating Sweater Mug. Party guests will get a kick out of this gift, especially if you order it with photos of yourself making funny faces.

16. DYMO Embossing Label Maker

For a surprisingly useful gift

Product image of DYMO Embossing Label Maker
DYMO Embossing Label Maker

A lightweight, portable, affordable, and incredibly user friendly way to slap a label on anything and everything.

BUY NOW

Great white elephant gifts are things people would love to have but never think to buy for themselves…like an excellent label maker. The DYMO Embossing Label Maker is a handy analog device which works perfectly every time you need to prop a label on something.

17. Tamagotchi Hello Kitty

For a new spin on an a classic ’90s toy

Product image of Tamagotchi Hello Kitty
Tamagotchi Hello Kitty

Raise an adorable monster baby with the help of Hello Kitty in this inspired version of the popular ’90s LCD game.

BUY NOW

The 1990s was the era of the pocket monster, with mons both Poke, Digi and of course, Tamagotchi. With this modern Tamagotchi device, players can raise one of seven different monsters, feed them apples and milk, and play mini-games with the help of Hello Kitty herself.

18. Rockdoodles 2024 Pun Calendar

For a hilarious calendar

Product image of Pun Calendar
Pun Calendar

A charming and funny day-to-day calendar with unique puns and drawings on every page.

BUY NOW

Gift someone punny day-to-day pages with this Pun Calendar. Each page has a punny drawing paired with heartfelt inspirations. The charming calendar has sweet and sassy twists on modern life, pop culture, relationships, and motivation.

19. Upcycled Record Coasters

For music lovers

Product image of Record Coasters
Record Coasters

A set of six coasters made from upcycled vinyl records are perfect for music fans of all kinds.

BUY NOW

Music lovers will want to snatch these Record Coasters. They're cut from the center of actual vinyl records. A set comes with six assorted labels and a variety of music genres.

20. Chalier painting socks

For art lovers

Product image of Painting Socks
Painting Socks

These colorful socks feature famous paintings including Munch’s “The Scream” and da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

BUY NOW

These famous painting socks will put a fun finish to any outfit. They're great for daily or festive wear. Art lovers at the white elephant party will want to snag all five of the socks in this gift set.

21. Ello Syndicate Glass Water Bottle

For those who love staying hydrated

Product image of Ello Syndicate Glass Water Bottle
Ello Syndicate Glass Water Bottle

This is the best glass water bottle and the stylish silicone sleeve is available in five colors.

BUY NOW

For people who work out, staying hydrated is essential, regardless of whether they’re into weightlifting or cardio. The Ello Syndicate Glass Water Bottle is our favorite glass water bottle. The protective silicone sleeve is available in five colors, and reviewers love that it's easy to drink from.

22. Pizza Socks Box

For the pizza-obsessed

Product image of Rainbow Socks Pizza Socks Box
Rainbow Socks Pizza Socks Box

A pair of cozy socks that look as delicious as a fresh-from-the-oven slice of pie.

BUY NOW

Socks don't have to be a gift to be feared, especially when they pack a little personality. These pizza socks look almost good enough to eat and come in their own box, just like a to-go slice of pizza.

23. Dark Humor Misfortune Cookies

For a darkly funny treat

Product image of Dark Humor Misfortune Cookies
Dark Humor Misfortune Cookies

Crack open some seriously dark (but hilarious) fortunes with these cookies that also turn (temporarily) turn your teeth black.

BUY NOW

Laugh with these Dark Humor Misfortune Cookies that taste great but have sinister fortunes. In addition to the messages being dark, these cookies will also temporarily stain your teeth black!

24. Beneno Wine Opener

Product image of Beneno Wine Opener
Beneno Wine Opener

This corrosion-resistant wine bottle opener works equally well at popping corks as cracking open beer bottles.

BUY NOW

This Beneno Wine Opener is durable and corrosion-resistant, which is why it’s one of our favorite wine bottle openers. The multifunctional wing corkscrew also has a bottle opener to deal with wine, beer, and any other bottles with caps or corks.

25. Watch Ya’ Mouth Ultimate Edition

For a hilarious board game

Product image of Watch Ya' Mouth game
Watch Ya' Mouth game

Players must wear a mouth guard while playing this chaotic card game that’s impossible to play without laughing out loud.

BUY NOW

This best-selling Watch Ya' Mouth card game will make a hilarious gift. Players wear cheek retractors, one at a time, and have to speak out phrases. It's a fun game to have on hand at any game night.

26. Demotivational Pens

For office supplies with a side of sarcasm

Product image of Demotivational Pens
Demotivational Pens

A gag gift for nihilists or anyone with a dark sense of humor.

BUY NOW

These hilarious Demotivational Pens are sarcastic and useful. The set comes with five pens and a whole lot of hilarious discouraging energy. It'll make the perfect white elephant gift that no one will forget.

27. ChopSabers Lightsaber LED Light Up Chopsticks

For diners who are strong with the Force

Product image of ChopSabers LightSaber ChopSticks
ChopSabers LightSaber ChopSticks

These chopsticks are perfect for eating sushi, rice, and yakisoba, or for quick Jedi bouts at the dinner table.

BUY NOW

The Force is strong with anyone who uses these light up chopsticks to pick up everything from stir-fried broccoli to spicy tuna rolls. Not only does this white elephant gift light up when used, but they come in sets of two pairs for dinnertime lightsaber bouts.

28. Catalonia Wearable Blanket

For cozy couch potatoes

Product image of Catalonia Wearable Blanket
Catalonia Wearable Blanket

Wrap yourself in comfort with this ultra-soft wearable fleece blanket available in more than 20 different colors and patterns.

BUY NOW

Everyone will want to steal this cozy wearable blanket. Choose from an assortment of colors like purple, blue, and pink. It's ultra-thermal so you can stay warm from head to toe while you are reading or watching TV on the couch.

29. Zoku Original Slush and Shake Maker

For people who love frosty treats

Product image of Zoku Original Slush and Shake Maker
Zoku Original Slush and Shake Maker

Make refreshing slushies, milkshakes, smoothies, and even frozen cocktails in as little as five minutes with this handy cup.

BUY NOW

This inspired piece of frozen dessert tech packs the power of a Slurpee machine in a small and totally analog cup. Freeze the maker overnight, add a sugary beverage, and in minutes it will become thick, icy and totally delicious.

30. Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Coloring Book

For the person who colors outside the lines

Product image of Calm the F*ck Down coloring book
Calm the F*ck Down coloring book

This paperback coloring book for adults includes images like animals, people, fairies, and more that are moderate to complex in detail.

BUY NOW

Sasha O'Hara's "Calm the F*ck Down: An Irreverent Adult Coloring Book" has 21 single-sided adult color pages with sayings like "Home is where the vodka is'' and "Suck it up, buttercup." This coloring book is definitely for kids at heart, not kids.

Related content

  • A selection of the best graduation gifts including a Moccamaster, Dell laptop, and custom tumbler.

    feature

    The 30 best college graduation gifts of 2024
  • Rare Beauty lipgloss, Kendra Scott monogram necklace, Starface pimple patches, and a purple Stanley tumbler on a pink and orange background

    feature

    45 glow up gifts teenage girls actually want in 2024

Up next