40 Dirty Santa Gifts That Will Get the Party Started in All the Right Ways

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If your favorite part of the holidays is opening the presents, we have the perfect gift exchange game for you: Dirty Santa. Now, before you go ahead and buy a raunchy gift that's sure to raise a few eyebrows, Dirty Santa gifts aren't what you think they are. In fact, they can be anything from laugh-out-loud funny to highly practical. If you've never played an entertaining round of this particular gift exchange, allow us to explain the rules.

What is Dirty Santa?

To anyone who thought Dirty Santa gifts may involve our favorite jolly white-haired figure in compromising positions, don’t get your hopes up. Dirty Santa is a type of gift exchange that is named for the somewhat cunning rules. Like white elephant exchanges, everyone brings a concealed gift and puts it in the middle of a table. Next, all participants draw a number. Whoever picks the number one gets to select a present from the pile first. The following players can either continue to choose items from the pile or steal someone else’s (though a gift can be stolen no more than three times).

Once the round comes back to the first person, they can either choose to keep their gift thereby ending the game (granted no one stole their item this entire time), or they steal someone else's present since they haven't had the chance to yet. For the latter scenario, the game ends when someone finally decides to keep their gift. Starting to see where the name of the game comes from? You need to play dirty to get what you want!

Here’s the deal: Though there are rarely rules when it comes to such gift exchanges, the one guideline is determining a budget for the group to spend on their item. They’re often set around $25, so all of our top picks are well under that amount.

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Smiley Fridge Magnets, Set of 12

As long as the winner of these adorable magnets has a fridge, they're sure to love these. After all, what's a more charming site than a bright smile? Whether they use them to post notes to their families or keep track of wedding invitations, they're sure to add joy to any kitchen.

Ceramic Coffee Mug

Did you know Amazon sells thousands of products from small businesses around the world? So if you're looking for something charming and hand-made, you may want to consider this hand-painted ceramic mug.

Silicone Matching Phone Cases

Sadly, these matching silicone cases don't come in a set, but even if you buy both, you'd be spending only one dollar over the budget, so snagging the duo isn't a totally crazy idea! Otherwise, pick your favorite of the two and prepare for it to be one of the most coveted picks in the pile. It's suitable for iPhones 11–15 Max.

Silicone Spoon Rest With Lid Holder

Any home chefs who prefer to keep their prep space clean will appreciate this silicone spoon rest, which is complete with a lid holder. The best part? Because it's silicone, it won't grow mildew or mold—no matter how sopping wet the utensils may be.

Adjustable Laptop Stand

The solution to a sore neck? An adjustable laptop stand, which holds your most precious screen at the optimum angle, eliminating any need to crane. There's also an attachable cell phone stand to complete your work station.

Ultra-Wide 35mm Film Camera

Skip the fancy filters and capture the shot with the real thing: an old-school film camera. The original devices tend to be heavy and difficult to maneuver, which is why this brand-new one is ideal. It's lightweight and super slender, so feel free to pop it right in your pocket on the next outing.

This Smells Like Taylor Candle

This is no ordinary candle. After all, it smells like Taylor Swift! If you cant read the fine print on the heavy glass jar, that scent is a combination of guaiacwood, pink pepper, patchouli, amber, cedar, pomegranate, and florals. Sounds right to us.

Prescription Coffee Mug

This may look like an accurately sized pill bottle with a handle, but rest assured that this novelty mug can hold up to 12 ounces of liquid. Though you can drink anything out of it, we suggest coffee.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Have you ever seen a more precious speaker? We think not. This tiny waterproof masterpiece has surprisingly excellent sound quality, so whoever wins it can enjoy it anywhere—from their desk to the shower.

Golden Toilet Mug

Like we said, the beauty of Dirty Santa gifts is that they're meant to be funny. What will invite more laughs than a toilet-shaped mug? Every time the winner takes a sip, they'll smile.

Dog Breeds Sticky Notes

Sticky notes were due for a serious style upgrade, and we'd say that it has finally arrived in the form of this pad. It's adorned with a beautiful illustration of two pups and a lush tree. Worry not, there's still plenty of space to jot down a few notes.

Golf Pen Set

Not only does this mini golf set come with everything you'd need to kill a few minutes while waiting for Zoom to start, but it also doubles as a note-taking device: all of the clubs are pens.

Affirmators! Morning Mantras

Filled with 30 illustrated cards, this morning mantra set is perhaps the best way to wake up. Some may be on the cheesy side, but all of them are sweet, inspiring, and empowering—all elements with which we'd want to start our day.

Luggage-Friendly Cup Holder

Anyone who accidentally dumps their coffee on the airport floor as they dig through their purse looking for their tickets would appreciate this convenient cup holder that slides over a suitcase handle. There are two pouches for two cups: coffee and water, all you need to get you through a long-haul flight.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Since both coffee and donuts are on the sweeter side of the flavor spectrum, these salt and pepper shakers may be a little misleading, but we love them anyway. They're such an easy way to dress up any table.

Operation Game

Remember this game from the 1960s? Yes, it's still around—and smaller than ever. Give it to a friend with a long commute or who likes to keep themselves busy in waiting rooms.

Cat Night Light, Set of 2

Your friends don't need to be afraid of the dark to appreciate these rainbow nightlights. Not only do they cast a colorful glow on the wall behind them, but they actually provide plenty of light as you make your way to the bathroom in the dark.

Round Ice Cube Trays

Ice balls make any chilled drink look cooler. Pop in any piece of fruit for a sweeter-tasting cold sphere. The best part? You won't break your fingers trying to pop the balls out of the mold because it's slippery, soft silicone.

Gummy Bear Light-Up Keychain

This keychain, which also comes in purple and red, is so cute. It's squishy and lights up, so whoever wins this gummy is never going to lose their keys again. You may even love it so much that you'll pick it yourself.

French Vanilla Cereal Bowl Candle

No, we're not suggesting you gift your friends a bowl of Lucky Charms. This is actually an extremely realistic candle that smells like the cereal. The best part? You don't even need to light it to get a good whiff.

Velvet Scrunchies

Scrunchies—especially velvet ones—are much better for your hair than the thin elastic ones. The super-soft fabric glides over your strands, which prevents breakage. Plus, look how pretty they are.

Fuzzy Socks

A set of fuzzy socks in beautiful pastel shades is never a bad idea. We happen to think that this will be the most envied item at the gift exchange.

Headphone Stand with USB Charger

For anyone who prefers the big headphones to the earbuds, this stand, which comes with a USB charger is a WFH essential. They can hang their headphones from the little ledge, keep their chargers organized, and plug cables right into the port.

Bleach Safe Makeup Towels

If your friends want to take care of their precious pores, they need these washcloths. Here's why: Using the towel you use to dry your hands and body harbors way too much bacteria to use on your face. Because these come in a set, feel free to use one once and toss it in the wash before reaching for another.

3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

Cutting an avocado is no easy feat. One wrong move and you can take off a finger! This three-in-one avocado-specific tool makes slicing into one of the most delicious fruits on the market easy and safe.

Modern Desk Mat

Style your desk, whether in your home or corporate office, with a 1970s-inspired mat that doubles as a mouse pad without damaging the surface beneath.

Small Desk Calendar

"I get this for myself every year and love it," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "It makes my desk look so much more charming and it's so much more convenient than peeping the date in my phone every day."

Wooden Eyeglass Holder

Okay, how adorable is this large-nosed little figure? It has a little slit in the top of its head for the temples and, of course, the bridge goes where it would on this thing's human counterpart.

Relaxing Sinus Mask

Anyone who's napped under a weighted blanket knows how calming they can be. This sinus mask does the same thing, but for your face. If they have a headache or are experiencing any sinus pressure, this will fix the problem almost immediately.

Packing Cubes, Set of 9

Even for the most organized travelers, packing is not fun—especially when you're trying to stuff as many outfits in your bag as possible. Packing cubes make the process so much easier. They also maximize storage in all the right ways.

iPrep Adjustable Stand

The cooks in the friend group will revel over this adjustable meal prep stand, which works with tablets and smart phones. It even comes with a nifty pen so that you don't have to get your screens dirty from fingers covered in sauce.

Reed Diffuser

"I bought this online within minutes of smelling it in a hotel guest room and I have replaced it every time it starts to run low," Cherner admits. "It smells so delicious (I got the jasmine and lily scent) and fills the whole room with its heavenly aroma."

One-Touch Rice Cooker

Rice is one of those delicious dishes that is always welcomed on the table, but is never fun to make. Did we mention it takes a long time? Now, just dump the rice and water into the cooker, turn it on, and carry on with your day.

Cocktail Shaker Set

The best cocktails are the simplest ones. From martinis to gimlets, three-ingredient sips are delicious and pretty easy to make. All you need is a jigger (the measuring tool), a shaker, and a stirrer.

Scented Sachets for Closet

Keep their closets smelling floral and fresh with these scented sachets. Simply drape them on an unoccupied hanger and let them go to work.

Natural Rose Quartz Heart

Rose quartz is one of the most popular healing crystals because it is the stone that represents unconditional love. With this beautiful heart-shaped gem by your side, you'll definitely feel supported in all of your love-related endeavors.

Bubble Candle

Get a set of bubble candles for $12—these are the perfect accessories to add a touch of whimsy to the next dinner party. Sadly, they start to lose their shape shortly after the wick catches fire, but watching them melt is part of the fun.

Glass Butter Dish

Everything tastes better with butter, so stop leaving it in the box. Instead, unwrap it and pop it in this non-slip dish, making it easily accessible at all times.

Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin

Satin doesn't just look fancy, it is much better for your hair and skin than traditional cotton, which can tug and cause quite a bit of damage. This delicate material is ideal for anyone who likes to enjoy a good beauty sleep.

Kitchen Essentials Set

"I bought this household cleaner set because of the scent," Cherner says. "I wasn't surprised to learn how well they work. They also last for months, making this $15 set a good investment."

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