The Best White Elephant Gifts, According to Gifting Experts
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A white elephant gift exchange is a holiday tradition that solves two problems. One, it allows for a large group of people to exchange gifts without everyone having to buy something for everyone else. Two, it’s an entertaining, uncomplicated game that can liven up an office party, extended family gathering, or other larger holiday celebration. White elephants are good! But only if the gifts hit the mark.
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A white elephant gift is only successful if it’s fun to give, receive, and steal — nothing serious or complicated. Frivolity is your friend, which also means that breaking the bank is highly not recommended. Oftentimes, there’s a formal limit established by the organizer, but in general, a super-pricey present can ruin the vibe — even if it might be a “better” present, save it for normal gifting and not the silly process that is white elephant.
What the Experts Say
Experts on gifting and etiquette agree that a white elephant gift exchange is more about the exchange than the gift. For this story, SPY spoke with Nick Leighton, host of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised by Wolves?, and Patrick Kucharson of Better Gift Coach to help sort through the best white elephant gifts for the holiday season.
In general, the best gifts are ones that surprise, delight, and show you’ve been paying attention to the life of the receiver,” says Leighton. “Great white elephant gifts are no exception, so it’s ideal to select a gift that shows you’ve been paying attention to the dynamics and interests of the group you’re swapping with.”
Kucharson agrees. “In any white elephant you participate in, your top goal should be giving a gift that contributes to the group experience without overshadowing the utility of the actual gifts exchanged.”
Leighton adds that getting a good gift is only part of being a good white elephant participant. Namely, it’s important not to get too caught up in the gifts other people bought. “If you don’t get something you like or someone steals a gift you really wanted, this is all just part of the game — it’s important to roll with it.” Grow up, in other words, and focus on having a good time.
BEST OVERALL
Kikkerland Cat (or Dog) Butt Magnets
Stephanie Covart Meyerring, co-owner of Minneapolis record and novelty store Electric Fetus, says carrying these is one reason her store is known locally as a great place to buy a white elephant gift. “People love white elephant gifts because they’re generally something creative, silly, or fun that you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself,” she says. A bunch of magnets that look like animal butts — they’re available and cat and dog iterations — certainly qualifies, but that’s not the reason these magnets are so great as a white elephant gift.
The biggest reason? They do something. Whether it’s takeout menus, instant photos, to-be-paid bills, or something else entirely, the vast majority of people use magnets to store stuff on their fridges. These magnets do that, too, while adding a bit of welcome kitsch to any kitchen. They seem to fall in the middle of a lot of spectra — cheap and pricey, fun and functional, serious and crass — that makes them a great general gift, a non-personal present that’s well-suited to a white elephant gift exchange.
BEST FOR CO-WORKERS
Giant Wooden Pencil
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Hot Take: Leighton says that if one gets stuck shopping for white elephant gifts, “Archie McPhee is a good source for inspiration.” The quintessential novelty store sells gag gifts — think the world’s smallest eight ball or rubber chickens of every variety — like this massive novelty pencil that, for whatever reason, is just fun to hold in your hands.
Made For: It’s a functional pencil, but this 14-inch writing utensil works best as a silly desk ornament, a visible reminder of the good times had by all at the holiday party.
BEST FOR CINEPHILES
Sharknado (or the Like)
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Why It Stands Out: Kucharson says that a DVD copy of Sharknado has earned a semi-permanent spot in his annual white elephant party — it’s regifted each year — because it’s “proudly, shamelessly, and gloriously brainless.” It’s a movie that was made to be a novelty, which is why it’s a great fit for a novelty-based tradition. Snakes on a Plane and Money Plane also fit the bill, and they’re far from the only ones.
Hot Take: The fact that more and more people don’t have a way to play discs at home anymore makes this gift even dumber (and funnier). You could also up the ante by throwing in a DVD player without going over budget.
BEST KITCHEN GADGET
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
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Why It Stands Out: A full-size, full-featured waffle maker would blow by any white elephant price limit, but this mini model doesn’t come close. Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores, says it’s “a great little gift that is budget-friendly and unique.”
Hot Take: Most single-use kitchen items are definitionally frivolous; that melon baller will never justify the drawer space it takes up. The same is true of this waffle maker, but the happy memories of getting it as a present mean it’s worth it.
BEST PARTY STARTER
Bluetooth Wireless Karaoke Microphone
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Made For: Getting the party started. Rex Freiberger, CEO of Gadget Review, says a Bluetooth-equipped karaoke mic is “a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will get the whole party laughing and having a great time.” Karaoke as an activity feels aligned with a white elephant gift exchange: it’s totally and completely about having a good time.
Coolest Feature: This machine can stream music from any app, and there are controls on the side to adjust the mic volume, music volume, and echo effect. The sound won’t be great, but it doesn’t need to be.
BEST FOR HOMEOWNERS
Miniature Frog Lawn Ornament
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Made For: People with yards. As CEO of LawnStarter, Ryan Farley knows lawns. “One of my favorite white elephant or gag gifts to give is ridiculous lawn ornaments,” he says. “I especially love to pull this trick with people who, like I do, take pride in their landscaping.” This frog sitting on a rocking chair sipping a cup of tea fits the bill, and its price is very white elephant-friendly.
Coolest Feature: Because it would be a shame not to enjoy this frog at night, there’s a solar array that charges during the day and lights that automatically turn on at night.
BEST FOR CONSUMING MID-PARTY
A to Z Pinot Noir
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Made For: Gift exchanges where everyone enjoys a glass of wine. If there are any non-drinkers in the mix, a bottle of wine is a bad idea. If there aren’t, it’s an easy way to give something that’s certain to be enjoyed.
Coolest Feature: This pinot noir pairs well with rich meats, full-bodied seafood, pizza, and, we assume, holiday shindigs. Feel free to open it before the party breaks up.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Elephant Gifts
How much should I spend on a white elephant gift?
Whatever you do, don’t go over the limit, which typically falls somewhere in the $20-$40 range.
What kinds of white elephant gifts should I avoid?
Anything too specific to one recipient (no monograms!), anything that’s no fun (no self-help books, even if they’re good), or anything that requires additional investment (no indoor herb gardens that require proprietary pods).
Aren’t all of these gifts kind of lame?
They are, but that’s a benefit in this case.
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