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.

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Cody Foster Vintage-Inspired Food Ornaments

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.

Louise Pretzel Santa Spatula

Louise Pretzel Santa Spatula

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 bluetooth handset

Banana Phone

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

Savvy Infusion Flip Top Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Courtesy of 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

Monkey Business Winter Beanie Wine Stopper

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

NREOY White Elephant Mug

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 Holiday Cooling Rack

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

Home Euphoria Cheese Board and Cutlery Set with Slide-out Drawer

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 Butter Taper Candle Holder

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

Cinch! Women's Luxury Wine Socks

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

Just Funky Golden Girls 1.5 Ounce Shot Glasses

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

Progressive Prep Solutions Microwave S'mores Maker

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

Crosley Electronics Rondo Bluetooth Speaker

Wayfair

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

The Original Boyfriend Pillow

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 Novelty Tree Tongs

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 Meta Puzzle

Piecework Puzzles

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

My Pup Socks Custom Face Socks

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
Salbree Original Microwave Popcorn Popper

Amazon

How can you make popcorn with no mess? Put it in this silicone bowl.

Homesick Premium Scented Soy Candle

Homesick Premium Scented Soy Candle

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

SuproBarware Bird Cocktail Glasses

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

A Chalkboard Coloring Book: Southern Sayins' & Sass: Well Bless Your Heart: Day & Night Edition

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

Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again: A Cookbook

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

Suclain Animal Print Reusable Straws

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

silicone-shower-wine-glass-holder

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

WS Game Company Candy Land For The Bookshelf

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

Tweexy Nail Polish Holder Ring

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

HOST Insulated Martini Glasses

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

The Original Drinking Buddies Elf Buddies Glass Markers

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

Lenox Merry Grinchmas Salt & Pepper Set

Dillard's

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

TableTopics Holiday Conversation Pack

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
modern-sprout-garden-jars

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

Soligt Cookbook Stand

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

Southern Living Holiday Classic Frenchie Puppy Dog Accent Plates, Set of 2

Dillard's

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 Cold Beer Coats

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

Midsouth Products Elvis Slippers

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

Lone Star Kitchenwares Good Day Bad Day Do Not Ask Stemless Wine Glass

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 Photo Gallery Glass Ornament

Shutterfly

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

Umbra House-Shaped Tissue Box Cover

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
Standing Stone Farms Ultimate Cheese Making Kit

Amazon

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

Dash Heart Mini Waffle Maker

Amazon

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

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

The Wine Savant Charging Bull Liquor Decanter

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

Kitsch Heatless Curling Set

Amazon

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 Holiday 7-in-1 Silicone Pancake Flipper Mold

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

Freesooth Realistic Tortilla Blanket

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

BioSwiss Santa Clause Bandages

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 Vintage-Inspired Food Ornaments

Cody Foster

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.

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