No one will want to give up these cute and funny gift exchange ideas—all under $30!
Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
White elephant gift exchanges are a welcomed part of the holiday season. Whether you play with coworkers or family members, it’s sure to be a good time. Also known as a Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa gift exchange, white elephant parties allow participants to vie for their favorite gifts. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune, because the best white elephant gift ideas tend to be the most affordable gifts.
To participate in a white elephant gift exchange, everyone is simply asked to bring a wrapped gift — oftentimes at a specific price point, whether that's a gift under $30, under $25, or under $20. The key to a great white elephant gift is hitting the sweet spot: purchasing something everyone will actually want, but still keeping in theme with the light-hearted, silly feeling of the event. Whether you lean into funny Christmas gifts or prefer more practical white elephant gift ideas for adults, our list of the best white elephant gifts will surely help your search. Here's hoping your selection ends up being the most coveted gift of the night!
For more inexpensive holiday gift ideas, check out our lists of the best stocking stuffer ideas, stocking stuffers for women, and last-minute gift ideas.
Find your zen with this mini Buddha Board set. The mindfulness-inspired art kit only requires water for you to paint, draw, or write whatever your heart desires. As the water evaporates, the image will slowly disappear — helping you practice the art of letting go.
For Pun Lovers
Literary Lovers Plant Pun Bookmarks
For Pun Lovers
Literary Lovers Plant Pun Bookmarks
Whether there are participants at the gift swap that are into gardening, reading, or ideally both, these punny plant markers are sure to be a top pick.
Cute Kitchen Gift
SOHO Kitchen Bicycle Pizza Cutter
Cute and handy, this bicycle pizza cutter will look adorable sitting on their counter until it's time to use.
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With over 7,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this bonsai starter kit is a winning white elephant gift idea for anyone who loves a project.
OTOTO Bjorn Viking Spoon Holder
This little viking will help you conquer the kitchen — it works as a spoon rest and a steam releaser.
Monikers is a crowd-pleasing party game that's kind of like a combination of Taboo and charades. Just hope that whoever goes away with this gift invites you to game night.
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If you haven't gotten a bidet attachment yet, know that you're missing out on a life-changing bathroom experience. In the meantime, this collapsible travel bidet from TUSHY helps you keep clean when you need to go on-the-go. Trust us: Don't knock it until you've tried it.
Never feel the need to flip to the cool side of the pillow again with this satin pillowcase from Kitsch. It's cooling, soft, and better for skin and hair.
Great for Couples
It's a Date! Scratch Off Date Ideas
Great for Couples
It's a Date! Scratch Off Date Ideas
Bring the excitement back to date night with this set of 40 scratch-off date idea cards.
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Watching TV on your phone just got better. This gadget works with any smartphone to magnify photos and video for a better viewing experience.
Forget single-use wipes — this screen cleaner mist doubles as a wipe for sanitizing and drying your phone, tablet, or computer screen.
A Must-Have Desk Accessory
Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
Desk crumbs quiver before this surprisingly powerful (and super adorable) desktop vacuum cleaner.
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You can make much more than waffles with this DASH electric griddle. Try cookies, eggs, pancakes, and more.
White Elephant Gift for Adults
Shot Glass Roulette
Bring the party with this shot glass roulette drinking game. It's a top seller!
Make 'em work for their wine with this brain teaser that doubles as a conversation-starting bottle holder.
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White Elephant Gift for Kids or Adults
Lumsburry Build-on Brick Coffee Mug
White Elephant Gift for Kids or Adults
Lumsburry Build-on Brick Coffee Mug
Now 19% Off
Make working from the office again a little more bearable with this unique mug — or use it to keep your kids entertained while you try to work from home. It's also BPA-free.
Regular coasters are so 2023. Ring in the new year with a pack of super hip, vinyl record coasters.
BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers
Always wanted a tattoo but can't deal with the permanence? These body art markers from BIC wash off easily for a temporary look.
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It might be cold now, but when picnic weather makes an appearance again come spring, this extra-large blanket is perfect for eating al fresco.
TONYMOLY I'm Coffee Gel To Cream Smoothing Scrub Mask
TONYMOLY I'm Coffee Gel To Cream Smoothing Scrub Mask
If you love coffee, you'll love this face scrub that turns from gel to cream to wake up your senses.
Jamie Kravitz
Digital Editor
Jamie Kravitz (she/her) is the digital editor at Woman's Day, where she oversees the brand's digital platforms and covers holidays, food, and more. Before joining WD in 2021, she was a digital editor at the Rachael Ray Show. Jamie has over five years of experience writing relationship, entertainment, home, and gifting content for publications including The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, and Elite Daily. She graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing and lives in Brooklyn with her cats, Lumos and Linus.
Christina Montoya Fiedler
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based freelancer with over 15 years of experience writing for online publications. Her work can be seen in Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day, where she covers everything from gift guides to personal essays. She holds a B.A. in English from Chapman University and is working toward her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials.
