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45 best white elephant gifts worth fighting for in 2022
You'll score major points with these fun picks under $30
White elephant gift exchanges can get chaotic and competitive — but mostly they’re a hilarious way to break the ice.
Opt for a fun present that will fill the room with laughter, a cool gift your coworker will love (like a desk accessory) or a sentimental gift that can be treasured.
Whether you're looking for something hilarious, nerdy or practical, we've rounded up white elephant gifts that run the gamut — from charming office decor to hilarious party games.
If you’ve never played the white elephant game, the rules are pretty simple. Every participant brings a single wrapped gift, which are anonymously placed in a pile. The first participant will then choose a random gift to unwrap, giving each player afterward the option to choose an unwrapped gift or steal an already-unwrapped gift from a playmate. As you shop, it's important to consider whether you're in need of something gender neutral — so, you can be sure your present is appreciated no matter who ends up with it.
Before you settle on your favorite picks, don't forget to double-check whether your white elephant gift exchange has a set budget. If you’re looking for cheap options, we’ve included a number of ideas under $30, creative picks under $20 and funny finds for less than $10 (don't forget those stocking stuffers). For all of the procrastinators, we were sure to include a number of choices that make great last-minute gifts (they'll be at your door in two days or less, thanks to Amazon).
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'Fries on the Fly'
amazon.com
$5.00
$4.38
If they insist on eating in the car, at least they can do it a little safer with the universal french fry holder that will help keep their fries in arm's reach and their eyes on the road.
Best White Elephant Gift for Anyone
Rambler 12 oz Bottle
amazon.com
$41.60
Anyone who is anyone will be thrilled to receive the top-rated Rambler. It's 100% leakproof and can keep all of their drinks at the perfect temp.
OVer 20,000 Reviews on Amazon
Password Book
amazon.com
$18.99
$16.99
You know your co-workers are always forgetting their passwords. Give them peace of mind with this clever book, which will securely keep their usernames and passwords nice and organized.
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100 Movies Bucket List Poster
amazon.com
$24.19
Every time they watch one of the iconic movies lists on the poster — Pulp Fiction, Ghost Busters, Psycho, etc. — they can scratch off the square to reveal a cool design.
Hand Cream Trio Tin
amazon.com
$29.00
Amazon users are obsessed with these hand creams. Many note that they don't just smell good, they actually work wonders. Once even said they ar the "best hand cream I have ever used."
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Rechargeable Hand Warmer
amazon.com
$29.99
$23.99
They'll never realize how bad they needed this nifty gadget until they use it. Once it's fully charged, it can keep their hands nice and toasty for 3-4 hours. It's super lightweight, so they can carry it with them wherever they go.
Uncommon Goods
Mistaken Lyrics Coasters
SHOP NOW
uncommongoods.com
$25.00
$32.00
These coasters will force them to do a double take. Each one is stamped with questionable song lyrics to popular karaoke songs. An example: "Hold me closer, Tony Danza."
DIY Slushie Maker Cup
amazon.com
$15.99
Available in so many fun colors, they can enjoy their favorite childhood treat anytime they want with this cup. Once it's been frozen for six hours, all they have to do is pour their favorite drink — juice, soda, you name it — over the ice, and they'll have an instant slushie!
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Bob Ross Heat Changing Mug
amazon.com
$19.95
They can start each day with some much-needed inspiration by their childhood hero. Once they pour hot coffee in this color-changing mug, the blank canvas transforms into one of Bob's colorful landscapes.
LED Baseball Cap
amazon.com
$27.00
How cool is this hat? It features LED lights so whoever is wearing it can be easily seen. Sure it's ideal for runners, but we think anyone would appreciate this extra layer of protection when they are out and about.
Screen Cleaner
amazon.com
$14.99
$8.99
They can carry it anywhere they go or leave it at their desk. Either way, all they have to do is spray the cleaner, and they'll be able to wipe away any dirt or grime.
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As Seen on 'Shark Tank'
Portable Campfire
amazon.com
$35.99
Just light this portable campfire and watch it glow for up to five hours. It's big enough to keep everyone on the campsite nice and toasty, but still small enough to pack away between uses.
Perfect Stocking Stuffer
Tabletop Mini Bowling Game Set
amazon.com
$12.99
Easy to store and transport, this mini arcade game is fun for all ages. They can break up the work day with a quick solo game, or take it home and get the whole family involved. It's a great option for a last-minute gift or stocking stuffer.
RELATED: 35 Best Gifts for 12-Year-Olds, According to Tweens and Parenting Experts
Anyone Can Be a Star
Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
amazon.com
$18.99
Turn every commute into a carpool karaoke session with this microphone that also works as a Bluetooth speaker, loudspeaker, and recorder. Connect the microphone to any Bluetooth-enabled device to belt out songs straight from Spotify, iTunes, YouTube or another streaming service.
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Toilet Night Light
amazon.com
$9.99
You may think this gift is a complete joke, but anyone who's tried going to the bathroom in the dark knows it's anything but. This LED motion night light activates as soon as they approach the toilet and changes colors at the flip of a switch.
Avocado Tree Growing Kit
amazon.com
$9.96
Once they grow their own avocados — FYI: It takes about five months for one to sprout — their avocado toast game will be so strong. Until then, they'll feel cool watching their favorite fruit (yes, fruit!) come to life.
Fruit Infusion Water Bottle
amazon.com
$19.99
$14.98
Staying hydrated has never been easier — or tastier! Create delicious fruit-infused water, whether with strawberries, kiwi, lemon slices or a custom combination. Plus, this gift is perfect for those who want to track their water intake.
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Cheap, So You Can Double Up
Lightsaber Chopsticks
amazon.com
$11.97
$10.97
If you have a $20 budget, wrap up two pairs of chopsticks, so they can have a duel with the person they're dining with. That's the Star Wars spirit, isn't it?
RELATED: Most Out-of-This-World 'Star Wars' Gifts for Kids and Adults
Something Kids and Adults Will Both Love
Moon Lamp
amazon.com
$19.99
$16.99
This dimmable moon light casts a soft glow, setting the mood for watching movies, reading or after-hours hangouts. Pick between four moon sizes — 3.5" to 7.1" — depending on how much money you have to spend.
RELATED: Thoughtful Yet Inexpensive Christmas Gifts That Don't Look Cheap
Urban Outfitters
Good Way to Guarantee Laughs
Wacky Wavy Mini Tube Guy
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urbanoutfitters.com
$12.95
Here's a hilarious white elephant gift that won't go unnoticed. This mini motorized tube guy is built to dance, wiggle and shake just as your favorite car dealership decoration — only this one fits right on a desk.
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101 So Bad, They're Good Dad Jokes
amazon.com
$7.99
$5.99
As if anyone in your friend group needed more material. Packed with 101 jokes that any dad would approve of, this Amazon best-seller will make anyone with a decent sense of humor cringe.
Your Coworkers Will Thank You
Head & Scalp Massager
amazon.com
$14.90
$9.99
A scalp massager is an easy way to reduce stress and anxiety after a long day. It's small and lightweight, so they can take it anywhere!
Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers
amazon.com
$20.00
$17.28
This card game relies on everyone's bad humor – you heard that right — to come up with pun-derful phrases that combine two random words like "sewing" and "presidents." The general rule? The punnier, the better.
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Amazon Reviewers Are Loving These
Sheet Mask Set
amazon.com
$16.00
$10.99
With nearly 26,000 rave reviews on Amazon, this pack of 16 facial sheet masks will encourage them to add more R&R into their daily routine. Perfect for your stressed-out colleague, don't ya think?
A Must-Have for Work
Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
amazon.com
$17.99
$14.99
At first, they'll laugh ... then they'll realize just how amazing it is. Charge this mini vacuum by plugging it in with a USB, then bust it out when the crumbs take over your keyboard.
Bread Shape Pillow
amazon.com
$39.99
$29.99
Everyone loves bread — but only one lucky recipient will be able to put their carb obsession on display with this baguette-shaped pillow. Choose between three sizes —24", 32" or 40" — depending on how much you're willing to splurge.
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Passive Aggressive Notepad
amazon.com
$8.87
It's always best to just come right out and say whatever's on your mind, but when all else fails, there's this notepad. Here, they can fill out exactly how they're feeling about everyone else's cleaning habits, lifestyle choices and whatever else gets under their skin.
8 in 1 Kitchen Tool Set
amazon.com
$11.99
Give them eight gifts in one: With just one tool, they can juice fruit, grate cheese, crack eggs, shred chocolate, open cans, measure liquids and so much more.
A Subtle Nod to Your Coworkers ... Just Kidding!
Decision Maker and Paper Weight
amazon.com
$20.50
If they're the type to call the shots, they may not see the point of this paperweight. But if they can't ever make up their mind? Well, they can give it a spin to figure out where to go to dinner, their next Netflix watch and so on.
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LED Neon Decorative Light
amazon.com
$9.99
You have no clue who will walk away with your gift, but one thing's for sure: They're bound to love it. Just be sure to give them 3 AAA batteries, so they can light up this sign as soon as they get home.
The Best-Ever Cookie Book
amazon.com
$30.00
$16.59
We may be biased, but nobody bakes cookies quite like Good Housekeeping. Using these recipes as their guide, any skill level can whip up a perfect batch of salted chocolate caramel cookies (seen here), blueberry crumb bars and other tried-and-tested favorites.
RELATED: Super Thoughtful Gifts for the Foodies in Your Life
Succulent Candles
amazon.com
$13.99
$9.99
There's no way to know if the recipient will have a green thumb, so these terrarium candled are probably the safer way to go. Each set comes with 12.
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Breakfast Sandwich Maker
amazon.com
$29.99
The proud owner of this gift can build their breakfast within minutes, from anywhere — even from their desk.
Zen Garden Litter Box
amazon.com
$10.95
$8.89
This tiny desk accessory will earn a big laugh whenever they put it to use. It's not just about the giggles: Raking the sand in this 3" litter box brings a sense of calm, too.
Pizza Socks
amazon.com
$25.99
$21.99
Upon first glance, they'll probably think that you bought them a fresh pie. Once they open the box, they'll realize that it's way more practical: six brand-new pairs of socks, all decorated to look like pizza.
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Heart Waffle Machine
amazon.com
$9.99
$7.79
Here's the best way to guarantee a breakfast that's made with love. Pour batter into this countertop-friendly appliance and reveal heart-shaped waffles, paninis or hashbrowns.
Sustainable and Stylish
Collapsible Travel Cup
amazon.com
$19.89
Help them stay hydrated — or more likely, caffeinated — with this portable cup that's ideal for hot or cold beverages. It's eco-friendly and it collapses down to just two inches!
RELATED: Eco-Friendly Gifts That Everyone (and the Planet) Will Love
Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper
amazon.com
$17.99
$13.99
Turn their weekend Netflix movie marathon into a theater-level experience with this at-home popcorn popper. Just before cozying up on the couch, pour popcorn kernels into the bowl, add flavoring and let the microwave work it's popping magic.
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Mischievous Cat Garden Gnome Statue
amazon.com
$37.95
If they take pride in their garden, then this statue will be the perfect addition. Say they live in an apartment with limited (or no) outdoor space, this little guy also makes a great, easy-to-care-for pet.
Banana Phone Stand
amazon.com
$16.99
This banana peel is the ultimate desk companion: Slip it under most smartphones to read texts, watch movies or scroll through Instagram without any neck strain.
The Ultimate Drink Holder
amazon.com
$25.00
Keep their coffee where they want it — in the mug! — with this anti-slip coaster that attaches to the side of most sofas. They can also adjust the silicone holder to better fit soda cans, water bottles, beer bottles and other cups.
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The Mug With A Hoop
amazon.com
$29.95
Adults won't be able to resist playing with their food once they unbox this basketball mug. It lets them shoot, score, and sip on their coffee, hot chocolate, or cereal milk.
Satya + Sage
For Your Eco-Conscious Pals
Satya and Sage Blessed Candle
SHOP NOW
madewell.com
$56.00
$24.00
Crafted with self-care in mind, this chic line of eco-friendly candles is easy to love. This one smells like peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary, along with rich hints of thyme and light cedar wood.
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