Holidays & Occasions Christmas Christmas Gifts 46 White Elephant Gift Ideas You'll Want To Steal For Yourself They'll be a hoot at your gift swap—no matter the price. By Southern Living Editors Updated on December 7, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. 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. Our Top Picks Louise Pretzel Santa Spatula at Anthropologie Jump to Review Banana Phone Bluetooth Handset and Speaker at Amazon Jump to Review Savvy Infusion Flip Top Fruit Infuser Water Bottle at Amazon Jump to Review Monkey Business Winter Beanie Wine Stopper at Amazon Jump to Review NREOY White Elephant Mug at Amazon Jump to Review Anthropologie Holiday Cooling Rack at Anthropologie Jump to Review Home Euphoria Cheese Board and Cutlery Set with Slide-out Drawer at Amazon Jump to Review Urban Outfitters Butter Taper Candle Holder at Urban Outfitters Jump to Review Cinch! Women's Luxury Wine Socks at Amazon Jump to Review Just Funky Golden Girls 1.5 Ounce Shot Glasses at Amazon Jump to Review Louise Pretzel Santa Spatula Anthropologie View On Anthropologie 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 Bluetooth Handset and Speaker Banana Phone View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bananaphone.io 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. Savvy Infusion Flip Top Fruit Infuser Water Bottle Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Get your daily serving of fruit with this water bottle fruit infuser. With this gift, sipping water can taste like a spa. Monkey Business Winter Beanie Wine Stopper Amazon View On Amazon 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. NREOY White Elephant Mug Amazon View On Amazon 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. Anthropologie Holiday Cooling Rack Anthropologie View On Anthropologie 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. Home Euphoria Cheese Board and Cutlery Set with Slide-out Drawer Amazon View On Amazon Cheese boards have become the go-to appetizer item. Why not showcase your spread on this slide out board? Urban Outfitters Butter Taper Candle Holder Urban Outfitters View On Urban Outfitters 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. Cinch! Women's Luxury Wine Socks Amazon View On Amazon 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. Just Funky Golden Girls 1.5 Ounce Shot Glasses Amazon View On Amazon Calling all Golden Girls enthusiasts! Channel your inner Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia with these shot classes that are oh-so funny. Progressive Prep Solutions Microwave S'mores Maker Amazon View On Amazon 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. Crosley Electronics Rondo Bluetooth Speaker Wayfair View On Wayfair View On Overstock 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. The Original Boyfriend Pillow Amazon View On Amazon It's not your typical body pillow. When you need a shoulder to lean on, this boyfriend pillow will certainly be there for you. Williams Sonoma Novelty Tree Tongs Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma 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. Piecework Puzzles Meta Puzzle Piecework Puzzles View On Pieceworkpuzzles.com 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. My Pup Socks Custom Face Socks Amazon View On Amazon 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. Salbree Original Microwave Popcorn Popper 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon How can you make popcorn with no mess? Put it in this silicone bowl. Homesick Premium Scented Soy Candle Amazon View On Amazon 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. SuproBarware Bird Cocktail Glasses Amazon View On Amazon 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. A Chalkboard Coloring Book: Southern Sayins' & Sass: Well Bless Your Heart: Day & Night Edition Amazon View On Amazon 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 Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again: A Cookbook Amazon View On Amazon 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. Suclain Animal Print Reusable Straws Amazon View On Amazon 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. 30 Watt Silicone Shower Wine Glass Holder Amazon View On Amazon Don't let a shower keep you from drinking your wine. This wine glass holder is the perfect companion for your wine glass. WS Game Company Candy Land For The Bookshelf Amazon View On Amazon 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. Tweexy Nail Polish Holder Ring Amazon View On Amazon This innovative, no-spill gift keeps nail polish in place. It's an unexpected gift that is sure to come in handy. HOST Insulated Martini Glasses Amazon View On Amazon 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. The Original Drinking Buddies Elf Buddies Glass Markers World Market View On World Market 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 View On Dillards.com 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. TableTopics Holiday Conversation Pack Amazon View On Amazon 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. Modern Sprout Hydroponic Mason Jar Indoor Grow Kit 5 Uncommon Goods View On Maisonette.com View On Modernsprout.com View On Uncommon Goods 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. Soligt Cookbook Stand Amazon View On Amazon This beautiful, cutting board-style holder is perfect for your cookbooks or iPad. It looks great on the counter, too. Southern Living Holiday Classic Frenchie Puppy Dog Accent Plates, Set of 2 Dillard's View On Dillards.com How cute are these? You'll want to end up with your own gift when you bring these fun frenchie plates. Uncommon Goods Cold Beer Coats Uncommon Goods View On Publiclands.com View On Sunandski.com View On Uncommon Goods 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! Midsouth Products Elvis Slippers Amazon View On Amazon 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. Lone Star Kitchenwares Good Day Bad Day Do Not Ask Stemless Wine Glass Amazon View On Amazon Cause wine-not? If you're in need of an accurate wine pour, this glass is the perfect measuring glass. Shutterfly Photo Gallery Glass Ornament Shutterfly View On Shutterfly.com 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. Umbra House-Shaped Tissue Box Cover Amazon View On Amazon 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. Standing Stone Farms Ultimate Cheese Making Kit 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Etsy View On Standingstonefarms.com 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. Dash Heart Mini Waffle Maker Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Williams-Sonoma 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. Archie McPhee Bacon and Dill Pickle Flavored Candy Cane Walmart View On Walmart 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. The Wine Savant Charging Bull Liquor Decanter Amazon View On Amazon 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. Kitsch Heatless Curling Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Beautybay.com 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. Williams Sonoma Holiday 7-in-1 Silicone Pancake Flipper Mold Williams Sonoma View On Williams-Sonoma 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. Freesooth Realistic Tortilla Blanket Amazon View On Amazon 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. BioSwiss Santa Clause Bandages Amazon View On Amazon 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 Ornaments Cody Foster View On Food52 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