Who doesn’t love a white elephant gift exchange? It’s one of the few gift-giving events where the rules are minimal and your choices are only limited by price (which is perhaps the golden rule: Do not go over budget). Otherwise, the only real goal is to incite a small frenzy. To help you get inspired, we rounded up the best white elephant gifts under $30—from the practical to the unique (and everything in between).
There are three simple guidelines to finding the perfect white elephant gift. First, the aforementioned budget. Stick to it—it was selected for a reason. Second: A pure gag gift can be fun, but it typically ends up in the bin. Aiming for something funny and useful, unique or consumable makes for a more well-rounded present. Lastly, tailor your gifts to your audience. A gift exchange among friends will have a much different tone than an office party. With that in mind, go forth and shop the best white elephant gifts under $30 that all the party guests will want.
Strike a balance between whimsical and practical with this adorable trinket dish. The sturdy ceramic tray is perfect for jewelry, makeup or keys, and will add a touch of playfulness to any space.
Potted Plants For Anyone With A Green Thumb
Modern Sprout Tiny Terracotta Kits
Gardens may be winding down, but these little terracotta planters can bring a little green into your space throughout the winter. Each kit comes with everything you need to start growing lavender, daisies, catnip, poppies or clover.
A Retro Puzzle
Le Puzz Lighten Up! Puzzle (500 Pieces)
Puzzles are a winter staple—perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway or a cozy night in. Le Puzz takes puzzling seriously, with uncommon designs and random-cut pieces that will pose a decent challenge to any puzzle lover. Plus, you basically have a work of art when you’re done.
Japanese Meditation Candles
Daiyo Rice Wax Japanese Candles
These thoughtful candles are composed of environmentally friendly rice wax and rush weed wicks. Each candle has a 15 minute burn-time that’s perfect for a little meditation break. The package is equally as gorgeous as the candles, making it a unique gifting experience all around.
A Unique Set Of Playing Cards
Moooi Extinct Animals Playing Cards
Everyone should have a cool set of playing cards. This gorgeous deck was designed in collaboration with the Dutch interior designer Moooi. The custom art is lush and colorful, and made with paper sourced from sustainable forests.
Ah, a Christmas ornament, the most traditional of casual holiday gifts. This caviar bauble steps the sentiment up with a fun, vintage-inspired design. If caviar doesn’t do it for you, there are tons of cute pantry-inspired designs on Food52’s site.
A Tool For Serious Snackers
Chef’n FridgeFork Condiment Fork
This condiment fork solves the snacker’s lament: Should you wiggle your little piggies in the pickle jar or dirty a clean fork? The holster attaches to most jars and holds the FridgeFork in place, so you can quickly snag a pickle (or a couple of olives) without any extra fuss. If you’re more of a cornichon fan, this little grabber tool is great too.
A Calendar Inspired By Our National Parks
Parks Project National Parks 2024 Calendar
A gift fit for any nature lover, this 2024 calendar is full of unique art and donates a portion of proceeds to national conservation efforts. It’s a win-win that will have the giftee looking forward to the new year.
A Beloved Multi-Tool
Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool
If your white elephant crew is made up of outdoorsy folks, this multi-tool might start a riot. The tool folds up into a compact 4.25-inch size, but still houses needle nose pliers, a wire stripper, three flathead drivers, a #2 cross driver, awl, nail file, scissors, tool lock, can opener, bottle opener, partially serrated blade and pocket clip.
A Vintage-Inspired Vase
Ban.do Vintage Rise And Shine Ceramic Vase
A vase can be easily overlooked, but it’s a home essential for anyone that appreciates a pretty bloom. This cute vintage-inspired design will brighten any space and can even stand alone as a fun sculpture when you’re between bouquets.
A Fun (And Functional) Pop-Up Book
This Book Is A Planetarium: And Other Extraordinary Pop-Up Contraptions
Great for science-loving adults and kids alike, this pop-up book can transform into six fully functional tools—including a planetarium, an infinite calendar and a playable instrument.
Girl Dinner Accoutrements
Fishwife Smoked Albacore Tuna
With the rise of tinned fish night and girl dinner this past year, Fishwife has become a foodie staple. These responsibly sourced tins are delicious and adorably packaged. And if the giftee really likes them, they can sign up for a
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