The 70 Best White Elephant Gifts That Everyone Will Actually Want
White elephant gift exchanges are always a thrill, as you never know what present you're going to walk away with—especially when your friends, family members, or colleagues are battling it out for one or two standout gifts. That said, finding a budget-friendly white elephant gift that appeals to the whole crowd is easier said than done.
While you might be tempted to go with a gag gift, it’s always better to spend money on something fun yet functional. That’s where we come in. To give you some ideas, we spent hours researching and compiling a variety of unique and clever white elephant gift ideas. We also consulted Jodi RR Smith, etiquette expert and president of Mannersmith, for more advice on how to choose the perfect white elephant gift.
Read on for our favorite white elephant gift ideas under $50 to spark some friendly competition at your next gift exchange, whether it’s family focused (we’ve got gifts for brothers, sisters, dads, moms, kids, and teenagers) or celebrated with your best friends.
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The best white elephant gifts are unabashedly kitschy, like this very literal Cold Beer Coat. While you could certainly opt for the traditional koozie, these miniature down jackets that hug your favorite brew are an undoubtedly cooler option.
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They probably already have a vacuum cleaner—but they probably don’t have a desktop vacuum cleaner. This small handheld device is designed to pick up crumbs, dust, and debris from desks, countertops, and any other small tabletop surfaces. It turns on with the push of a button, and can be purchased in either battery-powered or USB-powered models. This is a great gift for college students and anyone who works from home.
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Hand warmers are a cold-weather essential—and these rechargeable hand warmers might just rock someone's world. Small and safe, they can be placed in a pocket for up to 12 hours, and contain three heating levels for ultimate functionality. They're a smart gift for someone who's always cold, and are super convenient for outdoor adventures and city walking alike.
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This karaoke microphone is a fun gift for all ages, making it an ideal choice for a family white elephant exchange. All they have to do is connect the microphone to their phone via Bluetooth or cable, and then download the app to get the karaoke party going. It comes in 15 colors, including fun options like rose gold, bright purple, and blue.
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Create a luxurious, at-home spa with the help of this bamboo bathtub tray. It can extend from 28 to 41 inches in length, so they can tailor the size to suit their tub. It also comes with a book or tablet holder and two removable spa trays. Any recipient will be lucky to add this caddy to their self-care regimen—particularly new moms who need some me time.
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For those who hate nothing more than a lukewarm cup of coffee or tea, turn to the Vobaga Mug Warmer to keep their beverages at the perfect temperature—no reheating required. They can toggle between three temperatures with the tap of a button, and the heating plate will automatically shut off after four hours. Especially useful during blustery winter months, this mug warmer will keep them and their drink of choice cozy and warm.