It’s that time of year again, and while you’ve spent hours planning what to bring family and friends for the holidays, you’re still not sure what to pack for the white elephant swap you’re invited to. But that’s okay, because to help you out, we’ve put together a list of useful and fun gifts that are sure to be the hottest item in your exchange.
White elephant swaps are a time-honored tradition where you trade and exchange gifts, but most of the time you end up in the back of your closet. Everyone wants to pack funny gag gifts, but if you’re the one who ends up coming home with whooping cushions, you know that fun gifts lose their appeal after the drive home.
To help you find the perfect gift that’s both fun and functional, we’ve rounded up our favorite white elephant gift ideas under $25 and under $50. Need more ideas? Check out our favorite utility gifts, gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women, and Amazon gifts.
This surprisingly functional and efficient egg cooker makes soft-boiled, soft-boiled, and soft-boiled eggs in minutes, saving you time and water when you need a snack.
Someone is sure to have fun with these notepads that have authentic sentiments like “I don’t know what I’m doing” printed on them.
If we go all the way to the practical side, the recipient of this gift might not be super excited at first, but trust us, once they pop it in the tub, they’ll text you that it’s a real thing What a genius gift. It’s even an Underscored editor favorite.
Friends with a sweet tooth will love this electric ice cream maker that whips up the perfect serving for one person in just a few minutes. Check out more of the best ice cream makers here.
If you can’t help but want a fun gift, at least get something the recipient can put on the table as a decoration, like this hilarious Bob Ross Chia Pet.
Another cute kitchen addition, this waffle maker from Dash whips up tiny waffles in a snap. Plus, it comes in fun colors and even a heart-shaped version.
Beauty lovers will pay attention to this beloved ice roller, which helps to reduce facial puffiness and is an excellent migraine (and hangover) reliever.
Small but mighty, this little blade (and an Underscored reader favorite) is an easy way to quickly open all those packages you’ve received. Plus, its ceramic blade is harder and more durable than steel.
Whoever gets this will have the party table now and forever, because this pipe guy will be dancing and waving all day long.
This adjustable clamp attaches directly to your tray table, allowing you to enjoy downloaded movies throughout the flight without holding your phone. Check out more of our favorite comfort flying products.
This Nachosaurus Snack Kit is the perfect centerpiece for their next gathering and is the perfect way to enjoy chips and salsa.
This thrilling game from the makers of Exploding Kittens is a pinball-like game where you bounce balls at each other for hours.
This polyester satin pillowcase has a super smooth finish that helps reduce hair and skin irritation like a silk pillowcase, but at a fraction of the price. Check out our full guide to the best silk pillowcases here.
This small cocktail kit contains all the ingredients you need to make an Old Fashioned (without the alcohol). If whiskey isn’t your thing, there are other options including margaritas, Moscow mules, and more.
Everything you need to prepare avocados, from slicing to pitting, in one compact, dishwasher-safe tool. This is a favorite of Underscored readers.
If anyone old enough to remember floppy disks opened these coasters, they’d be sure to giggle. They’re the perfect way to protect your dining table and your fond memories of the ’90s.
Make sure your adventurer can drink clean water wherever they go with this personal filter. Read our review here.
How cute is this lamp shaped like a little dumpling? Need we say more?
Wine lovers will definitely grab this wine rack, which can be attached to your bathroom wall so you can enjoy a bubble bath with a glass of Pinot.
The great thing about the White Elephant gift exchange is that you don’t just give those sneaker balls away. Your friends might be pissed if you give it to them, but they might actually find them useful if they get it through the game.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with old standards, such as this classic Moleskine notebook, which is available in 22 colors, including basic black.
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If you want to give someone something really nice, try this insulated water bottle from Yeti. Scoring the top spot in our best water bottle test, this sturdy water bottle will quickly become a part of their everyday essentials.
Could there be a more perfect white elephant gift than this? Scented at its best for the holidays, this candle features notes of candied orange, cardamom, gingerbread cookies, cloves, and champagne. Basically, every time you light it up, it smells like a holiday gift exchange.
This gorgeous yet minimal light sculpture will add a pop of style to any room.
For regular coffee drinkers, they’ll love this insulated mug that keeps their drinks hot for longer.
The Exchange will be vying for this breakfast sandwich maker, which helps reduce morning stress.
Coffee gifts are a great option for someone you might not know very well. Blue Bottle Coffee products are a favorite of our employees, and the brand offers a great selection of gift items, like this cold brew coffee set.
Anyone who needs a little help relaxing this holiday season will love this calming diffuser set, which smells like a blend of pomegranate, orange, pine, and cinnamon.
Any latte lover in your trade will love this compact milk frother that helps them add a little froth to their morning brew quickly and easily.