55 Best White Elephant Gifts That’ll Legit Be the Talk of the Party
We've got options from $5 to $50!
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The vibes of White Elephant/Dirty Santa/Secret Santa season are, IMO, totally unmatched. Not only are these get-togethers wildly entertaining, but they’re also the most fun to shop for. White Elephant gifts def require some brain power, though, because you gotta know your audience. Do you want something on the more wholesome side for a family holiday reunion, something that showcases your comedy skills to impress your new partner’s friend group, or something a lil scandalous (depending on your audience, of course)? Before you get overwhelmed, let me assure you that we have high-quality ideas that check all those boxes in this vast list of the best white elephant gifts under $50 on the internet.
For all my first-timers who don't know how exactly the gift exchange works, here’s the gist: Everyone brings a wrapped gift that falls in the same price bracket. Some groups may agree on a $10 limit, or $20, or maybe $50! Then each person draws a number to determine the order in which everyone gets to choose from the pile of wrapped gifts. Sounds easy, right? But there’s a twist! When it's your turn, you don’t have to pick a present from the new gift/unclaimed pile. If you’ve got your eye on a present that someone else has already opened, you can choose to put your friendship to the test and steal their gift instead. Cue the ~drama~!
Exciting, right? Everyone walks away with a gift so there’s no true “winner” or “loser”...but nothing feels better than bringing the gift that everyone is fighting over. Below, you’ll find 55 white elephant gifts that are totally stealable and pretty inexpensive (we’re talking under $50!). From cute candles and useful kitchen accessories to hilarious card games and gag gifts, this list has everything you need to make this year's white elephant the best one yet.
Human burrito mode = activated. This tortilla blanket doubles as both a gag gift and a totally cozy prezzie.
World's Coolest Mini Polaroid Camera
World's Coolest Mini Polaroid Camera
A miniature Polaroid camera keychain that's Barbie-themed?? Be prepared for this one to be stolen multiple times!
Dylan's Candy Bar Deconstructed Gingerbread House Tackle Box
Dylan's Candy Bar Deconstructed Gingerbread House Tackle Box
Candy is always a crowd-pleaser no matter who your audience is! This set is perfect for decorating a gingerbread house…or just eating straight out of the box.
COCORRÍNA Reed Diffuser Set, 6.7 oz
COCORRÍNA Reed Diffuser Set, 6.7 oz
These babies are so good—the scent isn’t overwhelming at all, but they have the power to make any room (even a bathroom) smell heavenly.
Brush Buddies Battery Powered Justin Bieber Singing Toothbrush
Brush Buddies Battery Powered Justin Bieber Singing Toothbrush
I mean, why not get someone an electric toothbrush that'll play "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber while they clean their teeth? This product is practically treasure, if you ask me!
Fairly Odd Novelties Urinal Shot Glasses
Fairly Odd Novelties Urinal Shot Glasses
I just know my little brother would get a HUGE kick out of these urinal shot glasses, lol.
LED Moon Lamp With Stand
“What are people going to steal,” you ask? This. They’re going to steal this.
Slip Pure Silk Scrunchies - Abbey Set
Slip Pure Silk Scrunchies - Abbey Set
Anyone with long hair knows the pain of yanking out strands when undoing a ponytail. These 100% pure mulberry silk hair ties solve that problem in a (very gentle) snap!
West Elm Pierced Constellation Hurricanes and Vases Collection
West Elm Pierced Constellation Hurricanes and Vases Collection
If your friend can’t stop talking about how much they love the night sky, this might be the perfect gift for them. Turn their living room or bedroom into a starry night with these fun constellation vases.
Prank Pack Pet Butler
Prank Pack Pet Butler
If your friend can’t afford a butler, we’re 100 percent sure they’ll appreciate you turning their dog into one. Many laughs will be had here. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit on a fish.
LAGHCAT Mermaid Tail Blanket
LAGHCAT Mermaid Tail Blanket
There’s always one item that everyone steals in these gift exchanges, and you already know that a mermaid-tail throw blanket is totally THAT present.
Chefman Chefman Electric Crepe Maker Griddle
Chefman Chefman Electric Crepe Maker Griddle
They won’t have to spend their coin on buying crepes when they can easily make them at home thanks to this delight!
MEIRUBY Electric Candle Lighter
MEIRUBY Electric Candle Lighter
Need a $10 gift that’s actually useful and cool? This electric candle lighter is way less intimidating to use than a match—and it’s rechargeable, so you can use it over and over and over again.
Worst $5 White Elephant Gift Ever Notebook
Worst $5 White Elephant Gift Ever Notebook
If you truly can’t find anything that feels right, may I suggest leaning into it with this funny lined notebook that self-describes as the worst $5 White Elephant gift ever?
Oster Electric Wine Opener
Oster Electric Wine Opener
A handy gadget they never thought they needed? An electric wine opener. Struggling to open a corked wine bottle will never be a thing again with this easy-to-use device that works with just a push of a button. (Bonus: It even comes with its own foil cutter!)
Ximytec Ximytec iPhone Charger Cable
Ximytec Ximytec iPhone Charger Cable
Something they def can't have enough of? Phone chargers, baby. Stock 'em up with these super long and sturdy ones.
TRUFF Original Black Truffle Hot Sauce
TRUFF Original Black Truffle Hot Sauce
Spice up their kitchen cabinet with this truffle-infused hot sauce that has over 30,000 glowing reviews.
Abercrombie & Fitch Chunky Scarf
The festive vibes of snuggling up into a big plaid scarf on a chilly winter day? 10/10.
Hygge Games Things They Don't Teach You in School Party Game
Hygge Games Things They Don't Teach You in School Party Game
Everyone loves a good game of trivia! This game has tons of useless facts you’ll (hopefully) remember.
Little Worlds Project In My Era
Little Worlds Project In My Era
Go the wholesome route and get them a beaded bracelet with a sweet message on it. If it ends up with a Swiftie (which is a high chance, let's BFFR), it'll fit right in with their stack!
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
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