There are some things that, no matter who you're gifting with, make for the best white elephant gifts: a good gag gift (we love to laugh), something that’s practical (function > everything) and anything people generally want but don’t want to shell their own cash out for. And doesn't it feel so dang good to show when you see people fighting over the present you brought to the game? Ah, the holidays!
That said, we’re well aware that all of our budgets are different. some games have a spending limit of $15. Others, like family events or swaps with close friends, allow for some splurges. To that end, we put together this list of the best white elephant gifts money can buy and separated it into four sections. Here, you’ll find gifts under $15, $25, $45, and $100, meaning there's truly something for everyone. Keep reading for 26 enviable gifts that’ll have your friends stealing from each other over and over again (but only twice—that's the rules!).
Bedsure Standard Satin Pillowcases (2-Pack), $13
Farmacy Lip Smoothie Honey Vanilla Peptide Balm, $22
Oral-B Vitality FlossAction Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush, $20
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, $38
Alo Unisex Half-Crew Throwback Sock, $28
White elephant gifts under $15
This elegant spruce-scented candle brings an instant cozy vibe to any space, perfect for creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The glass jar with its scalloped design feels like a holiday classic, but it works well all winter long. Ideal for unwinding with a warm drink or a little self-care moment by the fire.
A perfect morning pick-me-up gift, these stackable mugs add a splash of joy to any kitchen. With their modern ceramic design, they’re great for your morning mindfulness routine, whether it’s coffee, matcha, or a soothing herbal tea. Plus, they stack easily to save space—so you’re gifting good vibes and organization.
This 120-page book might seem like it’d get overlooked at a holiday function. However, considering it’s widely regarded as one of the best self-help books of all time, we think your friends will be intrigued by it.
One of the most frustrating things about getting satin pillowcases is they usually come in singles. This super-affordable set on Amazon fixes that problem. The skin- and hair-obsessed will undoubtedly battle for these luxe covers.
Ashley Tisdale’s cashmere vanilla-scented bath bombs make for a soothing and spa-worthy soak at home. Packed with essential oils, they’re designed to leave your skin hydrated while helping you unwind after a long day. Give the gift of ultimate relaxation—just drop one in and let the stress melt away.
Gifts under $25
When people get white elephant gifts, it’s helpful to think: What do I need that I hate spending my money on? More often than not, it’ll be things like socks, undies, or toiletries. And considering that an electric toothbrush removes more plaque than its traditional counterpart, this is a gift anyone could benefit from.
Beauty aficionados know that Sunday Riley is a splurge brand. However, this 0.5-ounce option is a steal at $22—the paragon of small but mighty. It’s sure to change hands several times at pretty much any white elephant party.
Because of the combination of humectants and peptides, these Farmacy lip smoothies will keep dry, cracked lips at bay. Combined with Farmacy’s amazing flavors like apple and honey vanilla, your friends will all want to get their hands (er, lips?) on these babies.
Frequent travelers will scramble to steal these packing cubes, which offer an organized and stress-free way to pack. The compression feature means more room for essentials, keeping everything tidy and in place.
This body and hair mist went viral on TikTok and was completely sold out for several weeks at a time. Its warm vanilla notes are reminiscent of winter but smells good all season long. Be prepared for multiple steals with this one.
Gifts under $45
This is hands-down one of the best lengthening and volumnizing mascaras on the market. It’s water-proof and tubing, meaning that it creates a layer over your lash instead of attaching straight to it. If your friends wear makeup, they will for sure nab this.
Wrap yourself in warmth with this luxe chenille throw from Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful line—perfect for self-care nights or lazy weekends. Soft, cozy, and chic, it’s the ultimate couch companion for those days when you just need to recharge. A must-have for the chilly days ahead.
Another affordable Beautiful by Drew Barrymore pick, this sleek gooseneck kettle heats water in a flash, ideal for your daily teas or a calming brew before bed. Its precision spout makes it easy to pour mindfully, turning a simple cup of tea into a soothing, meditative moment. Your friends won’t believe it was $30.
Tech-friends are sure to battle each other for this innovative charging station. It’s small enough not to take up tons of room on a nightstand and its functionality truly speaks for itself.
When you drink coffee or tea from a mug, you expect it to be toasty—so it’s a bummer when you take a sip and it’s cold or lukewarm. This mug warmer makes a wonderful white elephant gift since it solves that problem and keeps beverages (safely!) warm for hours on end.
It’s undeniable that Alo half-crew socks are somewhat of a status symbol these days. The good news is that these are actually worth the hype. They’re super-comfy and good for any type of athletic activities, making them an excellent choice to gift in a swap.
Nopalera is a Mexican-owned brand founded by entrepreneur Sandra Velasquez. In addition to feeling good about supporting a POC-founded business, you can smile as your friends steal this scrub from each other to get ultra-smooth skin.
Belt bags are convenient, helpful, and a great accessory for any closet. This pick from Lululemon carries a similar status to the Alo socks. It’s also available in almost 20 colors, so you can choose one that you know people will fight over (we suggest the light blue or dark green).
“Glass skin” is one of the buzziest phrases in skincare—this set from Peach & Lily uses that to its advantage and delivers on that promise. Trust us, this is one gift we’d steal if we could.
The Stanley tumbler is so chic it helped move the needle on how seriously we take our hydration. Get the rose quartz or white one to ensure that everyone will want this white elephant gift.
Gifts under $100
Take your smoothies and wellness drinks on the go with this powerful portable blender. It’s compact yet mighty, making it easy to whip up nutrient-packed drinks whether you’re at home or at the gym. Rechargeable, convenient, and only $50, it’s a great choice for more expensive white elephant swaps where you want to “wow” your friends and family.
We’re familiar with this silk sleep mask and have used it ourselves several times. Its contoured shape ensures a perfect fit, offering comfort without pressure, so you can drift off into a deep, restorative sleep. Whether it’s for better sleep hygiene or post-meditation relaxation, this mask is essential for anyone who needs a moment of peace (aka, everyone).
Kits make one of the best white elephant gifts because of their innate variety. This option from Charlotte Tilbury comes with four of the brand’s flagship products: finish powder, the mini Pillow Talk lip kit, setting spray, and a primer-highlighter combo.
We’d be willing to bet our bottom dollar that your favorite chef wears Hedley & Bennett aprons. And if it’s good enough for the pros, it’d make a thoughtful white elephant gift.
Another great set to include in your swap lineup is this fragrance sampler from Sephora. With favorites like YSL’s Libre, Gucci’s Flora, and Prada’s Paradox, people will definitely have their eyes on this one.
Perfect for the outdoor adventurer, this CamelBak hydration pack ensures you stay hydrated whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply enjoying nature. With a 100-ounce reservoir and ergonomic design, it’s made for comfort and efficiency, keeping your hands free while you move. Your giftees will be “thirsty” for this bad boy (heh).
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