It’s that time of year again, and while you’ve spent hours planning what to get your family and friends for the holidays, you’re still not sure what to get for that white elephant exchange you’re invited to. But that’s okay, because to help you out we’ve put together a list of useful and hilarious gifts that are sure to be the hottest commodity at your exchange.
The white elephant exchange is a time-honored tradition where you trade and swap presents that most of the time end up sitting in the back of your closet anyway. Everyone wants to bring funny gag gifts, but if you’ve been the person who ends up going home with a whoopee cushion, you’ll know that those funny gifts lose their appeal after the drive home.
To help you find the perfect gift that strikes that balance of funny and useful, we’ve rounded up our favorite white elephant gift ideas under $25 and under $50. Need more ideas? Check out our favorite practical gifts, gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, Amazon gifts and more gifts under $25.
This surprisingly useful and efficient egg cooker can make soft-, medium- and hard-boiled eggs in minutes, saving you time and water when you need a snack.
Someone is bound to get a kick out of these memo pads, which are printed with all-too-real sentiments like “I have no idea what I’m doing.”
If you can’t help yourself and want to get a funny gift, at least get something the recipient can put on their desk as decoration, like this hilarious Bob Ross Chia Pet.
Whoever gets this will now and forever have the party desk, since this tube guy will be dancing and waving all day long.
The perfect centerpiece for their next get-together, this Nachosaurus snack set is the best way to enjoy chips and salsa.
This hectic game from the makers of Exploding Kittens is a pinball-esque competition that will have you catapulting balls at each other for hours.
If someone that’s old enough to remember floppy disks opens up these coasters, they’re sure to let out a chuckle. They’re the perfect way to protect your table and your fond memories of the ‘90’s.
How cute is this light that’s shaped like a little dumpling? Do we need to say anything else?
Wine lovers are definitely going to grab for this wine holder, which sticks to your bathroom wall so you can enjoy that bubble bath with a glass of pinot.
The benefit of a white elephant gift exchange is you’re not giving someone these sneaker balls directly. If you handed it to your friend they might take offense, but if they get it through a game they might actually find them useful.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with an old standard, like this classic Moleskine notebook that’s available in 22 colors, including basic black.
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Is there a more perfect white elephant gift than this? This candle carries all the best scents of the holidays, with notes like candied orange, cardamom, gingerbread cookie, clove and Champagne. Basically, it’ll smell like a holiday gift exchange every time they light it.
This gorgeous and simple light sculpture will add a pop of style to any room.
For the person always drinking coffee, they’ll love this insulated mug that keeps their drink hotter for longer.
The exchange will be fighting over this breakfast sandwich maker, which helps make the morning a little less stressful.
The person who needs some help relaxing this holiday season will love this calming diffuser set, which smells like a blend of pomegranate, orange, pine and cinnamon.
Any latté enthusiasts at your exchange will love this little milk foamer, which helps them quickly and easily add a little frothy luxury to their morning brew.
