The 53 Best White Elephant Gifts of 2023
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Get in the holiday spirit and find the best white elephant gifts for your upcoming exchange
People / Kristin Kempa
The holiday season is all about making memories with your loved ones through old and new traditions. One of our favorite traditions is the white elephant gift exchange, which is a fun and festive party game for friends and co-workers, as well as a budget-friendly gift-giving solution for large families. But finding the best white elephant gifts — a.k.a. the ones that everyone wants to steal — can require a lot of creativity.
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Homesick White Elephant Candle is 30% off at Amazon
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Clue Nostalgia Tin Game is 12% off at Amazon
If you don’t have time to plot and plan your gift idea this year, let us do the work for you. We researched dozens of holiday gift ideas across multiple categories and budgets to find the 53 best white elephant gifts to give this season.
Under $15 Gifts
Dash Mini Gingerbread Waffle Maker
Target
Dash waffle makers are one of the best budget-friendly gift ideas, as most are under $10. This compact kitchen appliance is designed to create adorable breakfast waffles with a gingerbread imprint in just minutes.
30 Watt Silicone Wine Glass Holder
Amazon
This silicone wine glass holder for the bath and shower is one of the best gift ideas for wine lovers, and it makes for a fun under-$15 gift, too. The holder comes in several different colors and is designed to suction to your shower wall for stability. Plus, it’s available on Amazon Prime, so it’s a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer idea.
Barbie Uno
Walmart
Games are some of the best white elephant gift ideas, and this Barbie Uno deck is fun for adults and kids alike. The gift features characters from Barbie The Movie and comes with a special rule to switch up the classic card game.
Related: The 53 Best Gifts for Kids They'll Actually Like
Target Beauty Capsule Black-Owned or Founded Beauty Sample Box Gift Set
Target
‘Tis the season for gift sets, and Target has some of our favorite beauty options. The Target Beauty Capsule Black-Owned or Founded Beauty Sample Gift Set features seven products from Thank God It’s Natural, SheaMoisture, and Bevel, and costs under $15, making it a great white elephant gift idea.
Related: The 66 Best Beauty and Fashion Gifts of 2023
Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan
Amazon
The Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan is the best gift for concerts, sporting events, and theme parks. Its compact size makes it easy to travel with, and its three-speed features allow you to customize the temperature. Plus, it comes with a stand, so you can sit it on your desktop or bedside table while traveling.
Wishing You Wellness Skincare Tool Gift Set
Target
The Wishing You Wellness Skincare Tool Gift Set is another self-care gift idea not to pass up. This under-$15 gift comes with a jade roller, silicone face scrubber, and terry wristbands to keep arms and clothing dry while giving an at-home facial.
Baggu Baby Baggu
Baggu
Baggu is one of the best places to buy holiday gifts. If you’re looking for an under-$15 gift idea that is actually useful, consider the Baby Baggu shopping tote, which is one of our favorite reusable shopping bags for the grocery store, farmer’s market, and beyond.
Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light
Amazon
The Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light is one of the best Christmas gifts we’ve ever received — and it also makes for a great white elephant gift idea. This under-$15 gift illuminates your books, making it easier to read by the fireplace, on a plane, or in bed at night. Plus, it’s rechargeable so you never have to worry about batteries.
E Ecsem Desktop Dust Vacuum Cleaner
Amazon
White elephant gift exchanges are the best time to buy gifts people need but don’t necessarily ask for — like a miniature desktop vacuum. This cute desktop vacuum cleaner keeps your desk area spick and span, is an easy way to pick up hard-to-clean messes like glitter and sugar, and is a fun idea for office white elephant exchanges or co-worker gifts.
Johanna Basford Worlds of Wonder
Target
Give the gift of a mindfulness activity with the Johanna Basford Worlds of Wonder coloring book. This under-$15 gift idea features a collection of fantasy realms and intricate detailing designed to help you focus and relax.
Squishmallow Original 14-Inch Forina Green-Spotted Jellyfish
Amazon
Squishmallows are the most popular plushes of 2023, and we understand why kids love them. They're super soft and squishy, making them the perfect companion for naps, bedtime, and lounging. Plus, they're collectable, and this jellyfish is currently discounted 33 percent.
Sugarfina Martini Olive Almonds
Sugarfina
The Sugarfina Martini Olive Almonds are one of the best under-$10 white elephant gifts. These luxe candies are a delicious treat on their own but would also look adorable alongside a drinkware set (like these Oneida True Colors Cocktail Glasses) or paired with a martini kit (such as the Collins Dirty Martini Kit).
Under $25 Gifts
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Sephora
The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is one of the most cult-favorite lip products ever, thanks to its deeply nourishing, hydrating, and plumping formula. While it’s technically a mask, we use this daily as a lip balm, especially during the dry winter months.
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
Amazon
Beanies are another tried-and-true holiday gift idea to give this season. The Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie boasts a classic style, is available in a variety of colors, and is highly durable and effective.
Related: The 68 Best Gifts for Men of 2023
We're Not Really Strangers Game
Amazon
The We’re Not Really Strangers Game is another fun game to give this holiday season. This game is designed to inspire connection and deepen relationships through 150 thoughtful questions.
Lite-Brite Classic
Amazon
Whether you’re shopping for a family gift exchange or want to surprise your friends with some nostalgia, you can’t go wrong with the Lite-Brite Classic. This under-$20 gift idea comes with one screen and 240 color pegs for your most creative creations. For something even more budget-friendly (or a cute stocking stuffer idea), you can also snag a mini Lite-Brite for just $7.
Barbie The Movie Ken Doll
Walmart
This doll is not just Ken — it’s Ken from the Barbie movie. Wearing his iconic striped beach outfit and carrying a surfboard, the Ryan Gosling-inspired doll will surely be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Barbie The Movie Collectible Doll
Walmart
Speaking of Barbie, this collectible doll is another fun white elephant gift idea, especially for gift exchanges with your best girlfriends.
Lady Sargeant Say It Do It Truth or Dare Card Game
Etsy
Give the gift of connection (and support a small business) this holiday season with the Lady Sargeant Say It Do It Truth or Dare Card Game to Connect. This card game comes with 52 cards with questions and actions that you can enjoy on your own or with a group.
Baby Foot Peel Mask
Amazon
For a skincare gift under $20, consider the Baby Foot Peel Mask. This viral foot mask features a potent blend of natural extracts that work together to lift and peel away a layer of dead skin on the soles, revealing baby-soft feet underneath.
Blume Superfood Latte Powder
Target
The Blume Superfood Latte Powder is another one of those stocking stuffer gift ideas that also works well for a white elephant exchange. Gift this delicious, caffeine-free latte mix on its own or along with a festive Christmas mug (like this snowman mug or this moose mug).
Open Story Neck Pillow & Sleep Mask Set
Target
Give the gift of comfort travel with the Open Story Neck Pillow & Sleep Mask Set. This under-$20 white elephant idea comes with a soft eye mask and a comfortable memory foam neck pillow for support while snoozing on the go.
A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Night Light
Amazon
For a funny white elephant gift, consider this A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Night Light from The Clapper. This miniature leg lamp is designed to plug into the wall — like a traditional night light — and says quotes from A Christmas Story.
Jenny Lemons Pickle Hair Claw Clip
Etsy
Nod to holiday tradition — and humor — with this pickle claw clip from Jenny Lemons. The clip is constructed from durable acrylic and features a fun illustrative pickle that keeps hair in place.
Tamagotchi Original
Amazon
This holiday season, get nostalgic with the Tamagotchi Original keychain. This under-$20 gift idea features a classic Tamagotchi in 20 different colors, prints, and patterns. And, since it’s on Amazon Prime, it’s a great last-minute Christmas gift idea.
Crate & Barrel Movie Night Popcorn Kit
Crate & Barrel
The Movie Night Popcorn Kit from Crate & Barrel is another fun gift idea. This kit features three bags of kernels plus five bottles of delicious popcorn toppings, including white cheddar, chili lime, spicy sriracha, kettle corn, and caramel corn.
Under $50 Gifts
Stanley Tumbler
Nordstrom
This Stanley Tumbler is one of the best holiday gifts to give this season — and it makes for a great white elephant gift idea, too. The tumbler comes in two different sizes, is made from durable stainless steel, and features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep beverages cool. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe so it’s easy to care for.
Lego Icons Orchid Artificial Plant Building Set
Amazon
You’re never too old to make your own Lego creations, especially when kits like the LEGO Icons Orchid Artificial Plant Building Set exist. This adult Lego set features everything you need to create an artificial orchid made out of blocks for a unique craft project.
Kansas City Chiefs Pegasus 60 x 80 Inches Sherpa Throw Blanket
NFL Shop
Any Chiefs fan (or Taylor Swift fan, for that matter) will be vying for this throw blanket so they can show off their fandom. The soft blanket is 60 x 80 inches and double-sided, perfect for cozying up and watching Sunday Night Football.
Paintable Pictures Paint Your Pet
Amazon
Oprah’s Favorite Things usually has some of the best white elephant gift ideas and, this year, we’re obsessed with the Paintable Pictures Paint Your Pet gift. The paint-by-numbers portrait is beginner-friendly and would be a great gift for a family and friends exchange.
Leonore Greyl Scalp Massager
Amazon
The Leonore Greyl Scalp Massager is one of our favorite products we tested this year, and it even won our top pick for the best scalp massagers. This massager feels slightly more elevated compared to cheaper options at Amazon, and it comes in a ready-to-wrap gift box.
Le Creuset Mini Cocotte
Le Creuset
It’s the best time of year to buy (and gift) Le Creuset, and your fellow white elephant participants will surely fight for this adorable mini cocotte. The small Le Creuset cookware features a festive evergreen print with a glimmering gold star knob for added holiday cheer.
Nostalgia Hot Dog and Bun Toaster
Amazon
White elephant gift exchanges are the best time to give funny gifts — and this hot dog toaster is both funny and functional. The Nostalgia Hot Dog and Bun Toaster is designed to cook hot dogs and make the perfect toasted buns.
Winning Solutions Clue Nostalgia Tin Game
Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond
If your friend group loves playing classic games together, this Clue Nostalgia Tin Game from Winning Solutions is an excellent gift idea. The gift set features the classic game of Clue, only slightly more elevated in a chic tin box.
Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
Uncommon Goods
White elephant gift exchanges are the best time to buy gifts that are both fun and useful, such as this Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio from Uncommon Goods. This set comes in three different flavors and is a fun gift idea for friends.
Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera
Amazon
Disposable cameras are always a hit at white elephant parties, no matter if you’re celebrating with your friends, family, or co-workers. The Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera comes in a two-pack with 27 exposures each for under $35.
GiftCraft Reading Shawl with Pockets
Barnes & Noble
If your book club has a white elephant gift exchange, this reading shawl is the gift to give. The shawl is designed to keep you cozy while you binge-read your latest title and features extra-large pockets for keeping your hands warm (or for holding your book!).
Milk Bar Holiday Flavored Milk Kit
Milk Bar Store
If you’re shopping for edible gift ideas for a white elephant exchange, consider the Milk Bar Holiday Flavored Milk Kit. The kit comes with everything you need to make your own Milk Bar-flavored milks, plus six packaged cookies as a holiday treat.
Lego Architecture Paris Skyline Building
Amazon
The Lego Architecture Paris Skyline Building is another Lego adult set worth gifting this holiday season. The set features everything you need to make a miniature Paris skyline, complete with the Eiffel Tower.
Truff Mini Truffle Hot Sauce Variety Gift Set 3-Pack
Truff
Hot sauce is always a fun white elephant gift idea. This year, up the ante with this luxe hot sauce gift set from Truff, which features four miniature white hot sauce bottles infused with white and black truffle.
Emily Taylor for George & Viv Shaped Puzzle
Anthropologie
The Emily Taylor for George & Viv Shaped Puzzle is a gorgeous puzzle gift to give this season, and it’s a fun white elephant exchange item, too. Featuring a festive illustration inspired by Après ski, this miniature puzzle comes ready to gift in a gorgeous box.
Homesick White Elephant Candle
Homesick
The Homesick White Elephant Candle is a fun (and very on-theme) gift to give. This candle has a burn time between 60 and 80 hours, is made from natural soy wax, and has the best holiday fragrance with hints of candied orange, cardamom, champagne, clove, gingerbread, and balsam fir.
WTHN Gold Ear Seed Kit
WTHN
If your white elephant gift exchange theme is wellness, consider the WTHN Gold Ear Seed Kit. Designed for at-home acupressure, this kit comes with 40 gold ear seeds, tweezers for application, and a how-to guide for beginners.
Boy Smells x Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle
Boy Smells
Boy Smells is one of our favorite candle companies, and they partnered with Magnolia Bakery to make the most iconic holiday candle: a Banana Pudding Candle. This candle is great for a white elephant party or holiday candle exchange and features notes of jasmine petals, cardamom, cedar, patchouli, davana, guaiac, and, of course, banana.
Local Eclectic Peruvian Candy Opal Beaded Necklace
Local Eclectic
The Local Eclectic Peruvian Candy Opal Beaded Necklace is one of the brand’s best-selling jewelry items and would make for a fun and chic white elephant gift. Originally $70, you can now snag this string of dyed opals for $35.
Jenny Lemons Pink Cherry Fake Cake Craft Kit
Etsy
Fake cakes are one of this year’s biggest home decor and craft trends — and they make for a fun white elephant gift idea, too. The Jenny Lemons Pink Cherry Fake Cake Craft Kit is a beginner-friendly fake cake kit that comes with everything you need to make your own at home.
Go Home Marble Tic-Tac-Toe
T.J. Maxx
The Go Home Marble Tic-Tac-Toe game is part functional and part decorative, making it an excellent holiday gift idea. This stunning game features a black stone playing board with nine white marble pieces that you can display on a coffee table, side table, or in a game room.
Uncommon Goods Portable Campfire
Amazon
The Uncommon Goods Portable Campfire is another useful gift to give. This $30 gift idea is made from recycled materials, has a long (and smell-free) burn time, and is easy to clean up, so it’s great for travel.
Heyday 35MM Camera with Built-In Flash
Target
The Heyday 35MM Camera with Built-In Flash is a reusable film camera that comes in two colors and boasts a sleek yet retro design for point-and-shoot photos — the perfect nostalgia gift.
Catbird Sweet Nothing Ring
Catbird
In most cases, jewelry might be too expensive for a white elephant gift exchange. However, the Catbird Sweet Nothing Ring begs to differ. This adorable chain ring is made from recycled solid 14K gold and is the perfect gift under $50.
Chef Morimoto DIY Mochi Donut Kit
Williams Sonoma
Encourage someone to bake something new this season by grabbing this mini mochi donut kit as a white elephant gift. It includes everything you need to successfully create fresh mochi donuts and comes with enough ingredients to make three batches (18 total).
Related: The 7 Best Baking Sheets of 2023 for Baking Cookies, Roasting Veggies, and More
See’s Candies Build a Box of Your Favorite Lollys
Seeâs Candies
See’s Candies is known for its delicious chocolate lollipops, which make for one of the best edible gifts. For your upcoming gift exchange, consider the See’s Candies Build a Box of Your Favorite Lollys, which costs under $35 and features your choice of 30 Lollys, including both classic and limited-edition flavors.
Rifle Paper Co. Mini Book Collection
Rifle Paper Co.
The adorable Rifle Paper Co. Mini Book Collection is a great gift idea for your book club exchange. This set features three classic titles — including A Little Princess, Anne of Green Gables, and Heidi — with chic illustrated covers, all wrapped together in a durable box for gifting.
Related: The 18 Best Places to Buy Custom Christmas Cards of 2023 — Including Last-Minute Options
Take Our Word For It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. Gift-giving is Jessie’s love language and something she takes very seriously. When covering the best white elephant gifts, Jessie considered all of the different gift exchange traditions, themes, rules, and budgets and researched dozens of items to curate a list of gift ideas. As a result, she curated this list of the best white elephant gifts.
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