$10 and Under
Remote-controlled fart machine
Yes it’s ridiculous. Yes it will be the most used gift of the night.
This remote-controlled fart machine is your ticket to instant laughter and unforgettable reactions. It’s absurd, it’s hilarious—and it will definitely steal the show.
With 15 different fart sounds and a wireless remote that works up to 100 feet away, you can unleash chaos from across the room. Just hide the compact, battery-powered speaker near an unsuspecting guest and press the button. Boom—instant embarrassment, maximum fun.
Perfect for prank lovers or older kids with disabilities (when paired with a switch-adapted remote), this gag gift is equal parts silly and surprisingly versatile. At any White Elephant party, this is the gift everyone will want—but no one will admit to bringing.
Jar of pickled something
If you’re aiming for funny, unexpected, and weirdly popular, you can’t go wrong with a jar of pickled something. Think beyond just cucumbers—pickled beets, brussels sprouts, okra, quail eggs, or even pickled watermelon rinds. The more unusual, the better.
For bonus laughs, go all in with a “Pickled Mystery Bag”: bundle 2–3 strange pickled items together in a gift bag with a handwritten note like “For your gourmet emergencies” or “Open at your own risk.” You’ll instantly become the legend of the White Elephant exchange.
This gift works on two levels:
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It’s budget-friendly and oddly classy.
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It toes the line between gag gift and foodie’s delight.
You’ll be surprised how many people actually want it—and who start sharing stories about their grandma’s pickled recipes. Strange, salty, and oddly shareable, this gift proves that sometimes, the best White Elephant presents come in a jar.
Teas, puzzle, new notebook and pen
Perfect for introverts, bookworms, or literally anyone who thinks “wild night” means finishing a 500-piece puzzle with chamomile tea in hand. Include a calming herbal tea sampler, a mini puzzle or crossword book, and a nice-looking notebook with a smooth pen. It says, “I see you, cozy queen.” Ideal for people who romanticize rainy evenings and handwritten lists.
Postage Stamps
You’d think it’s boring—until someone gasps, “Oh my god, I needed these!” Toss in a sheet of quirky or seasonal USPS stamps (think winter birds or vintage trucks). They’ll thank you when they skip the line at the post office next month. Bonus points if you wrap them like they’re a luxury item.
Lotto Scratch Tickets
Possibly the only gift that can turn $5 into $5,000—or at least five minutes of wild hope. Toss in a few colorful scratch-offs with a note: “Good luck, future millionaire.” People fight over these more than you’d think. Great for gamblers, optimists, or the perpetually broke (i.e. all of us during the holidays).
Box of Decent Chocolate
Skip the dollar store chocolate and go for something with a shiny wrapper and foreign-sounding name: Ritter Sport, Lindt, Ghirardelli, or that mysterious brand from the “fancy” section at Trader Joe’s. It’s safe, sweet, and almost always stolen during gift swaps. Tip: dark chocolate with sea salt = elite choice.
$15 and Under
Battery Daddy
It’s not just a battery organizer—it’s a power move. Holds dozens of AA, AAA, D, and 9V batteries and even comes with a tester. It sounds boring… until the room starts fighting over it. A surprisingly brilliant white elephant gift idea for dads, DIYers, and disaster-prep enthusiasts.
Garlic Press – “For Vampires Only” Edition
A kitchen gadget that gets laughs? Yes please. Slap a label on it that says “Emergency Vampire Kit” and suddenly it’s a funny white elephant gift people will love to unwrap (and actually use).
Desk-size Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Man
Tiny, totally pointless, and absolutely iconic. This desk toy is ridiculous in the best way—perfect for coworkers or office party swaps. One of the best white elephant gift ideas under $10 if you want guaranteed giggles.
Perfume Sample Box
Mini perfumes feel fancy, especially when wrapped in tissue paper. Buy a sampler set or DIY one using travel-size scents. Great for coworkers, friends, or that person who always smells like vanilla and confidence.
Movie Night Kit (Microwave Popcorn + Theater Candy)
Throw popcorn, Milk Duds, and Sour Patch Kids into a cute paper bag, and voilà: instant nostalgia. Add a tag that says “For Emergency Rom-Com Nights” and you’ve got one of the coziest white elephant gift ideas for under $15.
$20 and Under
Coffee shop gift card
Not every white elephant gift needs to be silly. A $20 coffee gift card = two lattes, good vibes, and the chance to avoid Monday with dignity. Simple, but always appreciated.
Duracell batteries
Seriously—don’t underestimate this one. Nobody ever has enough batteries, and this gift always gets “stolen” during swaps. Practical white elephant gift idea that sneaks in as a sleeper hit.
Hot sauce sampler
A spicy twist! Grab a hot sauce variety pack and relabel it “Caution: Regret Inside” or “Tears in a Bottle.” Ideal for the friend who says Taco Bell isn’t hot enough. Hilarious white elephant gift idea for spicy personalities.
A new notebook + nice pen
Choose a cute or themed notebook (plants, cats, space) and pair it with a nice gel pen. A stylish, minimalistic gift under $20 that everyone can use—students, planners, or chronic list-makers.
Lunch-size Crockpot
Once brought to a party as a joke… now it’s the most-wanted item. Great for meal preppers or office warriors. One of those white elephant gifts you didn’t know you needed until you fight for it.
$25 and Under
Quiet Night In Kit
Include cocoa bombs, a candle, cozy socks, and some dollar store candy in a gift bag with a handwritten tag: “For When People Are Too Much.” A thoughtful white elephant gift for introverts and homebodies.
Succulent in a Handmade Pot
Way better than an Amazon fake plant. Find a local ceramic pot or paint your own. Add a tiny punny tag like “I’m rooting for you.” This funny-yet-sweet white elephant gift brings a little life to any desk or windowsill.
Local Chocolates or Handmade Soaps
Think: farmer’s market finds or Etsy shop delights. These gifts smell great, look boutique-level expensive, and scream “I didn’t buy this at Target 15 minutes ago.”
Pickleball Paddle Set
Pickleball is exploding in popularity, and most people don’t even realize they want to try it. A paddle set is the perfect surprise white elephant gift—fun, sporty, and conversation-starting.
Squatty Potty
It’s a bathroom stool that promotes…better digestion. Hilarious, unforgettable, and oddly life-changing. Always the most-stolen gift at any white elephant exchange. 10/10 would squat again.
$35 and Up
Electric Blanket
Big, cozy energy. Wrap it with a tag that says “For Your Seasonal Depression” and watch the crowd scramble. Easily one of the best white elephant gifts over $35.
Bird Feeder + Bag of Seed
You think no one wants this—until they get home and start naming the sparrows. A great nature-themed white elephant gift, especially for older adults or suburban birdwatchers-in-denial.
Locally Made Bookends or Mini Art
This gift screams “I support small artists.” Handmade bookends, pottery, or decor always stand out as thoughtful, quality white elephant gift ideas that feel personal.
THC or CBD Beverages (Where Legal)
Trendy, unexpected, and perfect for chill holiday vibes. These are next-level white elephant gifts for adults—pair with a pun like “Sip Happens” for bonus points.
Final Thoughts
The best White Elephant gifts aren’t always expensive—they’re the ones that feel a little personal, or a little absurd, or a little too practical. Add a funny label, a local touch, or just bring something weird enough to start a conversation. Worst case? Someone ends up with pickled brussels sprouts. Best case? You become the stuff of legend.
