Holidays & Occasions Christmas Christmas Gifts 50 White Elephant Gift Ideas You'll Want To Steal For Yourself By Southern Living Editors Updated on December 7, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Food52 Of all the holiday parties, the annual white elephant gift exchange might be our favorite. There's no better place for a funny gag gift, and since they're distributed at random, there's no telling what light-hearted present will end up in your gift bag—especially when the game involves scheming and stealing others’ picks. Although the actual gift exchange is a blast, picking a gift—especially within the assigned price range—can be hard. It's really tricky to find the perfect gift that works for anyone in the room. We came up with some clever and unique gifts that are all Southern-approved. Trust us, Mama would be so proud. From a "boyfriend pillow," to a super southern coloring book, and festive picks suited for the holiday season, these gifts are anything but practical, but definitely necessary. Show up to the holiday exchange with one of these memorable gifts in tow, and you'll be the life of the party. Santa Spatula Anthropologie Buy on Anthropologie Price at time of publish: $8 Mix in some holiday spirit with a festive gift like this Santa-speckled utensil. It'll do wonders when it comes time for holiday baking. Banana Phone Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $40 This gift will illicit a round of laughter and then a stealing war to be the one who takes home the banana phone. While functional, it's not actually a phone, though; It's a bluetooth handset that will connect to your phone for many jokes to come. Infusion Water Bottle Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $20 Get your daily serving of fruit with this water bottle fruit infuser. With this gift, sipping water can taste like a spa. Winter Hat Wine Stopper Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $16 Keep the holiday wine fresh and dressed for the season with these adorable wine stoppers. They come in sets of two, either in blue and grey, or red and grey. White Elephant Mug Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $22 Out-trick the tricksters by taking this white elephant gift exchange quite literally. This white elephant mug is cute as a button and perfect for the occasion. Holiday Cooling Rack Anthropologie Buy on Anthropologie Price at time of publish: $18 Choose from a Christmas tree-, a snowman-, or a gingerbread man-shaped cooling rack to gift at your next white elephant. Whoever lands with this gift will have an extra special Christmas cookie baking session this season. Cheese Board and Cutlery Set with Slide-out Drawer Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $50 Cheese boards have become the go-to appetizer item. Why not showcase your spread on this slide out board? Butter Taper Candle Holder Urban Outfitters Buy on Urban Outfitters Price at time of publish: $16 We're seeing elegant taper candles everywhere this season so this gift is the perfect spoof. Throw in candles to complete the look if your white elephant price range affords more than this eccentric gift. Wine Socks Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $14 These comfy socks are perfect to wear when the weather turns cold or when you're in need of a glass of wine. They're all business on the top but party on the bottom. Golden Girls Shot Glasses Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $20 Calling all Golden Girls enthusiasts! Channel your inner Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia with these shot classes that are oh-so funny. S'mores Maker Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $18 This heating gadget is the ultimate trick to making s'mores indoors. Throw your favorite hot cocoa mix in there and you've got the best gift of the party. Bluetooth Speaker Altar'd State Buy on Altardstate.com Price at time of publish: $24 A gift that keeps on giving, bluetooth speakers can be used time and time again for parties and gatherings. The retro design of this one makes it an effortlessly useful and playful present. Snowman Milk Frother Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $7 Whoever ends up with this gift will love it a latte. This festive frother comes in handy for fluffy morning coffee or hot cocoa in the winter months. Boyfriend Pillow Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $35 It's not your typical body pillow. When you need a shoulder to lean on, this boyfriend pillow will certainly be there for you. Novelty Tree Tongs Williams Sonoma Buy on Williams-Sonoma Price at time of publish: $15 This gift will be a hit come Christmas for serving up the holiday meal in seasonal style. Christmas tree tongs are whimsical and useful, making them the ideal white elephant present. Meta Puzzle Piecework Buy on Pieceworkpuzzles.com Price at time of publish: $38 A puzzle of a puzzle tip toes the line perfectly between function and funny. This is a gift that will earn a laugh at the event but prove to be a hit after the fact as an at-home activity for its lucky recipient. Custom Face Socks Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $14 Your friends will surely get a kick out of custom socks with your face on it. And if not? They're a great excuse to walk all over you. Microwave Popcorn Popper Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $16 How can you make popcorn with no mess? Put it in this silicone bowl. Homesick Candle Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $38 The most thoughtful of the bunch will certainly enjoy this gift of a home state candle. Choose your state and the scent that goes with it. Bird Cocktail Glasses Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $22 These artful cocktail glasses come in a set of two and will be an amusing addition to the recipient's stemware collection. Use these fun glasses at your next girls' night to really impress your gal pals. Southern Sayings Coloring Book Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $6 A therapeutic coloring book that outlines all the common southern sayings is just what your Southern gift exchange needs. Thanks to these classic sayings, this relaxing activity is all the more amusing. Ina Garten Cookbook Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $17 Cookbooks are warmly welcomed at all gift exchanges, especially a cookbook by the legendary Ina Garten. This gift is perfect ahead of the holiday cooking craze. Reusable Straws Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $14 Flexible and easy to wash, these straws are the perfect everyday item. Gifting them in a fun pattern like these cow print straws adds a cheeky twist to a practical gift. Shower Wine Glass Holder Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $15 Don't let a shower keep you from drinking your wine. This wine glass holder is the perfect companion for your wine glass. Candy Land For The Bookshelf Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $40 Board games are all the rage until it's time to put them away. With this gift, storage is simple and elegant thanks to a vintage book design. Nail Polish Holder Ring Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $10 This innovative, no-spill gift keeps nail polish in place. It's an unexpected gift that is sure to come in handy. Insulated Martini Glasses Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $22 Trust us, no one will be able to turn down these temperature-regulated martini glasses. These are sure to be stolen at least a few times throughout the game. Elf Buddies Glass Markers World Market Buy on World Market Price at time of publish: $13 These hunky elf figurines hang off the side of a glass to help you know which cup is yours. They're festive, funny, and helpful. What more could you want out of a white elephant gift? Lenox Merry Grinchmas Salt & Pepper Set Dillard's Buy on Dillards.com Price at time of publish: $40 Instantly add a bit of holiday cheer to your dinner table with these adorable salt and pepper shakers. This grinch gift will steal the Christmas party show. Table Topics Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $20 Never sit through an awkward silence again with these fun conversation prompts and questions catered to your group. This holiday set is just right for the occasion. Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden Uncommon Goods Buy on Uncommon Goods Price at time of publish: $24 If your friends have been cooking more at home this year, they're probably sick of buying fresh herbs on each trip to the grocery store. These Mason jar planters look adorable and serve a useful purpose. Cookbook Stand Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $25 This beautiful, cutting board-style holder is perfect for your cookbooks or iPad. It looks great on the counter, too. Packed Party Mini Holiday Light Cup Set Dillard's Buy on Dillards.com Price at time of publish: $24 How cute are these? You'll want to end up with your own gift when you bring these fun frenchie plates. Cold Beer Coats Uncommon Goods Buy on Uncommon Goods Price at time of publish: $13-18 Get your friends a couple of local craft beers and these cheeky koozies for a fun gift. The sleeves even act as cute handles to slip your fingers through! Elvis Slippers Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $23 The lucky person to finish the white elephant with this gift is sure to say "thank you. Thank you very much." Cozy slippers with the added bonus of The King are a rocking gift. Ugly Holiday Sweater Puzzle Uncommon Goods Buy on Uncommon Goods Price at time of publish: $10 This year was probably the first time your friends did a puzzle in a while, but now they're all hooked. An ugly sweater puzzle is cute and festive for the occasion. Stemless Wine Glass Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $16 Cause wine-not? If you're in need of an accurate wine pour, this glass is the perfect measuring glass. Group Photo Ornament Shutterfly Buy on Shutterfly.com Price at time of publish: $15 If you have a group photo of everyone at the party, this ornament will be a delightful surprise. Whoever lands with this gift will have a sentimental new addition to their Christmas tree to commemorate the exchange. House-Shaped Tissue Box Cover Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $8 Though Santa is the usual suspect for hogging the chimney this season, this adorable gift uses the chimney for tissues. This will be an unexpected but appreciated addition to the white elephant. Dolly Tea Towel Altar'd State Buy on Altardstate.com Price at time of publish: $14 Every one loves Dolly, so a gift toting her likeness is sure to be one that's highly sought after at the white elephant. Be sure to set a steal limit so that this tea towel doesn't get passed around too many times. Cheese Making Kit Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $50 Give the gift of a good time and (if they do it right) even better cheese. This kit can be used to hand-make an assortment of fresh cheeses including mozzarella, burrata, feta, and more. Mini Heart Waffle Maker Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $10 The best gift at the white elephant will be one that's equal parts playful and useful, This cutesy appliance that turns out delicious, heart-shaped waffles is the best of both worlds. Bacon and Dill Pickle Flavored Candy Cane Walmart Buy on Walmart Price at time of publish: $22 Sure, you could be boring and gift some of the usual holiday candies—peppermints, gumdrops, and the like. Or, you can be bold and buy these wacky candy canes that will garner steals out of curiosity and intrigue. Laneige Sweet Dream Trio Sephora Buy on Sephora Price at time of publish: $32 This desirable gift will be the envy of the bash. Who would have thought that a gift so good could fit within the white elephant budget? Charging Bull Liquor Decanter Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $35 A fun gift that pairs great with a bottle of liquor, this bull decanter will be the life of the party. It's a present worthy of a matador—or the liquor lovers at the white elephant. Heatless Hair Curling Set Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $16 Heatless curls are just a sleep away with this gift set. This is the gift of looking like Cindy Lou Who at night and having healthy, bouncy hair in the morning. Holiday Pancake Flipper Mold Williams Sonoma Buy on Williams-Sonoma Price at time of publish: $18 Thanks to this gift, the recipient will be turning out festive flap jacks by the pan. It makes seven merry pancakes shaped like snowflakes and gingerbread men in one go. Tortilla Blanket Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $22 After unwrapping this white elephant present, the recipient will be cozy and delicious. This funky blanket that looks like a tortilla is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Santa Clause Bandages Amazon Buy on Amazon Price at time of publish: $10 If you're on the hunt for a small but festive gift for your low-budget white elephant, look no further. These bandages are shaped like Santa and cute as can be. Cody Foster Vintage-Inspired Food Ornament Food52 Buy on Food52 Price at time of publish: $16-63 Available in crafty food motifs ranging from fruits and veggies to butter, desserts, and even sushi, pick your favorite to gift this season. One of these adorable ornaments would be the perfect gift paired with a handwritten recipe. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit