The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20 Everyone Will Be Fighting Over!
Presents that you can give anyone for a bit of good, old-fashioned gift swapping fun.
The white elephant exchange—aka dirty Santa, aka Yankee swap—has many names and many, many rules. (Find them all here.) Guests arrive with a wrapped gift, usually under a certain price point, and aim to leave with the "best" gift in the room. The key to a winning gift — striking the right balance between gag and gadget, funny and functional.
Not sure what to get for this year's gathering? We've got you covered with the best white elephant gifts under $20, whether you need one for the office party, festivities with friends or a merry night in with the fam. For more gift ideas from Parade, check out our latest gift guides:
Don’t forget about mom! Here are 50 best mom gifts for under $50!
50 best Christmas gifts for teens under $50!
35 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20
1. Grass Gauge, $18 at Uncommon Goods
Forget HOA fines and unkempt front yards, this stainless-steel grass gauge tells you when it's time for a trim. This partly tongue-in-cheek gadget isn't just for laughs, it's environmentally friendly and has time-saving benefits too — small clippings are reabsorbed into soil, which eliminates excess raking in the long run! Grass Gauge, $18 at Uncommon Goods
2. Tamagotchi Virtual Pet, $19.99 on Amazon
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Children of the '90s most definitely remember the joy and the stress of the Tamagotchi. This year the original digital pet is back with its 1997 programming — in a world of virtual reality and multiplayer gaming, it's the perfect pocket-sized blast of nostalgia and low-tech fun. Tamagotchi Virtual Pet, $19.99 on Amazon
3. Bad Kitties Desktop Calendar, $15.70 on Amazon
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Gift this goofy desktop calendar at your workplace white elephant exchange for office laughs that will last: the recipient can show off a hilarious cat meme each morning to give co-workers a mood update. Bad Kitties Desktop Calendar, $15.70 on Amazon
4. Santa Face Mask, $13.99 on Amazon
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Santa Claus stays safe, too! A Kris Kringle mask (complete with white beard) is the ho ho ho-liday accessory for 2022. Santa Face Mask, $13.99 on Amazon
5. Bacon & Bourbon Candle, $19.95 on Amazon
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Replicate the intoxicating smells of Sunday morning breakfast with a bacon candle. Caution: this gift may cause extreme hunger! Bacon & Bourbon Candle, $19.95 on Amazon
6. Phone Disco Light (3-Pack), $12.99 on Amazon
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Boogie on the go with this phone disco light! Compatible with Apple Lightning ports, this little disco ball pulses with music and turns any room into an instant party with pop of a plug. Phone Disco Light (3-Pack), $12.99 on Amazon
7. Hand Washing Timer, $14.95 on Amazon
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Whether your gifting colleagues or kids, you can turn good hygiene into a super simple experience. The timer makes proper hand-washing quick and easy. Just start the timer and get scrubbing! Finishing up and making sure you take enough time is kind of like playing a game. Hand Washing Timer, $14.95 on Amazon
8. Kidrobot Garfield Window Clinger Plushie, $16.99 on Amazon
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Feeling hungry? Lazy? Friendly? Everyone's favorite lasagna-loving feline is ultra-relatable and a hilarious add-on to any car window. Kidrobot Garfield Window Clinger Plushie, $16.99 on Amazon
9. Wacky Wavy Inflatable Tube Gal, $11.66 on Amazon
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A miniature decoration with major flare (and flop) — this little motorized tube fits nicely on your desk and waves around to bring non-stop levity to a stressful workday. Wacky Wavy Inflatable Tube Gal, $11.66 on Amazon
10. Feet Sole Scrubber Mat, $11.19 on Amazon
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The recipient of this little sole-saver can put their best foot forward with a refreshed body and mind. This scrubber revives tired feet in the shower as it massages and cleanses. Feet Sole Scrubber Mat, $11.19 on Amazon
11. Workman Publishing Paint by Sticker Series, Dogs, $9.89 on Amazon
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From playful pugs to handsome huskies, the Paint by Stickers Dogs book comes with everything needed to create 12 fantastic canine portraits—all from stickers. Card-stock pages can be easily removed for framing and display, a decor upgrade for dog-lovers everywhere. Workman Publishing Paint by Sticker Series, Dogs, $9.89 on Amazon
12. The Golden Girls: Talking Button, $10.39 on Amazon
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Just press play — fans of The Golden Girls will recognize the 20 hilarious phrases built into this talking button, and laugh out loud reading the mini-book filled with classic quotes from our four favorite besties. Thank you, for being a friend who brings the best White Elephant gifts! The Golden Girls: Talking Button, $10.39 on Amazon
13. Global Cocktails Mixers Sampler Set, 10 pk, $9.98 at Walmart
You'll be making spirits bright (and tasty!) with this set of 10 globally inspired cocktail mixer samplers. With flavors from Mai Tais to margaritas, even the pickiest person can find a favorite here. Global Cocktails Mixers Sampler Set, 10 pk, $9.98 at Walmart
14. Medley Hills Farm Cereal Marshmallows 1 lb, $11.60 on Amazon
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Remember the days of picking the marshmallows out of your favorite sugary cereal (and begrudgingly eating the actual cereal when a grown-up took notice!)—no more with this 1 pound bag of cereal marshmallows. The perfect bite-sized snack can be added to a bowl of cereal, baked into cookies, or simply eaten all on their own— Mom will never know! Medley Hills Farm Cereal Marshmallows 1 lb, $11.60 on Amazon
15. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sticky Notes, $7.99 at The Paper Store
Make memo-ries and show your neighbors how much you care with a Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sticky Note Set, a perfectly pleasant reminder of the nicer things in life (and on TV). Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Sticky Notes, $7.99 at The Paper Store
16. Fred Fresh-Picked Muffin Baking Cups, $6.97 on Amazon
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Love to bake? Love plants? You can combine those hobbies with these adorable baking cups that look just like planters! Fred Fresh-Picked Muffin Baking Cups, $6.97 on Amazon
17. Perfect Man Ice Tray, $14.99 on Amazon
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They say the perfect man doesn't exist—but "they" have never seen this ice tray. It's a tiny "perfect man", or a nonstick silicone solution to the dearth of flawless men in the world. The six manly molds can be used for ice, of course, but also to freeze chocolate or bake cookies and cupcakes if you're feeling adventurous. Perfect Man Ice Tray, $14.99 on Amazon
18. Monopoly for Millennials, $19.82 at Walmart
Partygoers may even swap precious pieces of avocado toast for Monopoly for Millennials, a spot-on tribute to the much-maligned generation. No Monopoly money is needed here: The player with the most experience points, not money, wins the game. And, of course: "Forget real estate. You can't afford it anyway." Monopoly for Millennials, $19.82 at Walmart
19. St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tree Wine Bottle Cover, $15.42 on Amazon
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It's the most wine-derful time of the year, and the classic go-to for a grab bag gift exchange is a bottle of vino. Up the present's seasonal spirit with a Christmas Tree Wine Bottle, complete with pom-pom ornaments and glistening garland. St. Nicholas Square Christmas Tree Wine Bottle Cover, $15.42 on Amazon
20. Toilet Piano Mat, $19.99 on Amazon
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Singing in the shower? How about tapping tunes on the toilet? This fully functioning keyboard with built-in speaker fits around the base of a toilet and includes a mini-songbook to make truly memorable music. Toilet Piano Mat, $19.99 on Amazon
21. Hands-Free Neck Holder Phone Mount for Smartphones, $9.98 on Amazon
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Binge your favorite Netflix series or take your next Zoom call in comfort with the hands-free neck holder phone mount. The adjustable angles allow for optimum viewing, and the cushioned wrap won't hurt your head. Hands-Free Neck Holder Phone Mount for Smartphones, $9.98 on Amazon
22. Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $10 on Amazon
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What's better than a warm breakfast on a cold day? This adorable appliance makes crispy golden mini waffles and comes in a variety of colors to help you beat those winter blues. Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $10 on Amazon
23. Andy Warhol Magnet Set, $13.53 on Amazon
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You're sure to be a pop-ular one at your White Elephant with this Andy Warhol-inspired magnet set. 18 colorful wooden designs—from cows to Campbell's soup cans—can be proudly displayed on any magnetic surface. Andy Warhol Magnet Set, $13.53 on Amazon
24. Bob Ross By the Numbers Kit, $7.39 on Amazon
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Even the least artistic among us can discover the joy of painting with this mini paint-by-numbers art set! Featuring colorful, classic Bob Ross paintings, the recipient will have their own 'Happy Little Trees' to display in no time. Bob Ross By the Numbers Kit, $7.39 on Amazon
25. I Should Have Known That Trivia Game, $19.96 on Amazon
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This hilarious trivia game is filled with a mix of more than 400 fun facts and useless knowledge that is guaranteed get laughs. And it's all based on things you "should" have known! Plus, you can really call it a group gift — it's ready-made for party-play! I Should Have Known That Trivia Game, $19.96 on Amazon
26. SUPRUS Electric Lighter, $13.99 on Amazon
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Talk about a crowd-pleaser, this electric lighter is a useful tool for just about everyone. The flameless portable pocket-size lighter can be reused again and again—just plug it into a USB port to charge up.
27. Burrito Blanket, $19.99 on Amazon
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Curl up in one of the tastiest blankets ever with this oversized burrito throw. You'll be the envy of everyone at the gift exchange, because this comfy and cozy goodie is going to be perfect for when winter sets in. Burrito Blanket, $19.99 on Amazon
28. Red the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest, $19.95 on Amazon
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When cooking, you're always looking for a place to rest your utensils. Whether it's a spoon to stir pasta or a ladle to dole out tasty soup, use this fun crab to hold everything you need! Red the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest, $19.95 on Amazon
29. Jar Opener, $18.99 on Amazon
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Some jars and bottles can feel impossible to open. If you don't have anyone else around to ask for help, turn to this jar opener. It'll wrest the lid from your jar in a pinch. Talk about a useful gift! Jar Opener, $18.99 on Amazon
30. Stegosaurus Taco Holder, $12.95 on Amazon
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It's taco night! That means it's time to put your completed, delicious taco on the back of a stegosaurus. Everyone will be thrilled to receive this dino-mite gift. Stegosaurus Taco Holder, $12.95 on Amazon
31. Fruit Infuser Water Pitcher, $18.95 on Amazon
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Give the gift of great-tasting water with this fun and easy to use infuser bottle. No matter who ends up with it, they're sure to up their water intake and have a delicious beverage to boot. Fruit Infuser Water Pitcher, $18.95 on Amazon
32. Wooden Cable Organizer, $9.99 on Amazon
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Never deal with tangled cables again with this simple wooden cable organizer. It'll keep cords neat and tidy no matter what you use them for. Wooden Cable Organizer, $9.99 on Amazon
33. Stainless Steel Coffee Mug, $15.59 on Amazon
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Anyone can use a new coffee mug, and this one is especially great-looking. Its iridescent design looks like unicorn skin! Stainless Steel Coffee Mug, $15.59 on Amazon
34. Minimalist Alarm Clock, $10.99 on Amazon
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This minimalist alarm clock looks great in any bedroom. It's slick and modern-looking, and best of all, it can wake anyone up quickly! Minimalist Alarm Clock, $10.99 on Amazon
35. Sunset Projection Lamp, $13.99 on Amazon
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Simulate the light and warmth of the sun with this lamp, which is almost as good as hanging out in a sunny patch in your home! Sunset Projection Lamp, $13.99 on Amazon
Next, check out the best Christmas gifts for teens.
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