Our list of 25 of the best gift ideas for a white elephant exchange is sure to please this holiday 2022 season.
25 of the best gift ideas for a white elephant exchange this season
White elephant gift exchanges, or Yankee swaps, as they’re known to some, are a classic holiday party livener.
And if you agreed to participate in one this year and are not sure what you have gotten yourself into, here’s a quick overview: Each guest is asked to bring a gift with a certain price range (usually $25-$30). At some point numbers are drawn and each player takes a turn, choosing to either select a gift from the pile or steal a fellow player’s. As you can imagine, hilarious (and at times, competitive) antics ensue, especially if you’re exchanging gifts amongst close friends and family.
The best gift ideas for a white elephant exchange.
Because there are countless types of gifts you could bring to this type of festivity, you might be wondering where to start. Do you go with something functional and nice? Or for something more quirky? Dare we say even a little naughty? That can be tricky, but not impossible.
To help you find the perfect gift for your next holiday party, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite presents under $40. From truffle infused pasta sauces to a playful, but practical polish for their behinds, here are our favorite gifts for your upcoming white elephant exchange. They’re guaranteed to cause a commotion – in a good way, of course!
25 of the best gift ideas for a white elephant exchange this season
1. truff pasta sauce
Is there anything better than the gift of truffles? Gift a set of Truff’s truffle infused Black Truffle Pomodoro and Arrabiata Pasta sauces ($30).
BUY NOW – $30.00.
2. molton brown fruity & floral christmas crackers
Who wouldn’t love receiving some Molton Brown Fruity & Floral Christmas Crackers 4-Piece Set ($25) filled with fresh shower gels?
BUY NOW – $25.00.
3. uncommon goods what do you meme game
There’s a pretty good chance everyone will want to start playing this What Do You Meme Game ($30) from Uncommon Goods immediately after the swap is over.
BUY NOW – $30.00.
4. birdcanfox santa claus mug
Spread some serious holiday cheer with this Santa Claus Mug ($18) from BirdCanFox.
BUY NOW – $18.00.
5. wine condoms
Help them keep their half-finished wine bottles protected from sitting out overnight. These Wine Condoms ($15) are good for a laugh and functional too.
The best gift ideas for a white elephant exchange. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $15.00.
6. miss patisserie shower steamer set
Men and women alike will enjoy this therapeutic Shower Steamer Set ($30) from Miss Patisserie.
BUY NOW – $30.00.
7. corkcicle cigar glass
Part rocks glass part cigar rest, this Corkcicle Cigar Glass ($25) will let them hold both their drink and cigar at the same time.
BUY NOW – $25.00.
8. illuminidol dolly parton prayer candle
Bless them with a fun Dolly Parton Prayer Candle ($15) from Illuminidol. Not a Dolly disciple? Choose from a wide variety of actors, musicians, sports figures and even politicians like AOC, rapper A$AP Rocky and comedian Adam Sandler to name a few.
BUY NOW – $15.00.
9. uncommon goods bathtime essentials wine holder
This Uncommon Goods Bathtime Essentials Wine Holder ($38) may be funny at first glance, but it could actually come in handy when you are relaxing in the tub after a long day enjoying a glass of pinot.
BUY NOW – $38.00.
10. areaware gradient puzzle
Everyone’s gonna want this elegant looking (and challenging!) Gradient Puzzle ($25) from Areaware.
The best gift ideas for a white elephant exchange. Courtesy Photo.
BUY NOW – $25.00.
11. the cocktail box co. old fashion
This tiny tin box from The Cocktail Box Co comes with all the goods to make 6 Old Fashioneds ($23): small-batch aromatic bitters, cane sugar, bar spoon, muddler and even a linen coaster.
BUY NOW – $23.00.
12. truly buns of glowry tighten & glow smoothing butt polish
If you want a gift that’s equal parts practical and playful, this Buns Of Glowry Tighten & Glow Smoothing Butt Polish ($28) by Truly is it.
BUY NOW – $28.00.
13. uncommon goods cold beer coats
These cozy Cold Beer Coats ($13) from Uncommon Goods are ridiculously cute, so don’t be surprised when everyone at the party tries to get their hands on them.
BUY NOW – $13.00.
14. from crook to cook by snoop dog
Offering everything from baked mac & cheese to fried bologna sandwiches and the perfect gin and juice, From Crook to Cook ($13) by Snoop Dog makes for a fun cookbook.
BUY NOW – $13.00.
15. death wish coffee
Who wouldn’t love to try some of the world’s strongest coffee from Death Wish Coffee ($20)?
BUY NOW – $20.00.
16. spark gratitude matches
Everyone could always use another box of matches ($12.95), and especially ones that also comes with gratitude prompts – and also an eye-catching design.
BUY NOW: $12.95.
17. rifle paper co. holiday candle
The best things about the holidays? The restock of Rifle Paper Co’s holiday candle ($34). Give a lucky someone the gift of Christmas in a jar.
BUY NOW: $34.00.
18. cake zine
Turn everyone onto their favorite new publication with the latest issue of Cake Zine ($24), which is full of recipes, poems, and other fun content from the food writers you love.
BUY NOW: $24.00.
19. wine lovers card deck
The Wine Lovers Card Deck ($13.30) is full of handy and interesting facts about wine – such as which foods make the best pairings for each bottle – and it’s bound to be adored by both wine lovers and novices alike.
BUY NOW: $13.30.
20. hot chocolate on a stick
There’s nothing better than hot chocolate in the winter… except maybe hot chocolate on a stick ($22.50). Even easier than regular hot chocolate, all you need to do is stick these in a cup of warm milk, and you’ll have a ready-to-drink cup of cocoa.
BUY NOW: $22.50.
21. bagels dad hat
One of the most meme-able gifts of the year, the Silver Spider Print Shop bagels dad hat ($32) would be loved by both dads and non-dads.
BUY NOW: $32.00.
22. Sherpa lined sock booties
It’s the time of year where all anyone wants to do is put their feet inside a pair of cozy sherpa lined sock booties ($14.97).
BUY NOW: $14.97.
23. KariKari Garlic Chili Crisp
The world is obsessed with chili crisp, and so this jar of KariKari Garlic Chili Crisp ($16.95) would make the perfect surprise for pretty much anyone.
BUY NOW: $16.96.
24. Stalking Your Stocking Ceramic Line
Nothing says “happy holidays” like ModCloth’s adorable stalking your stocking ceramic mug ($16).
BUY NOW: $16.00.
25. Williams Sonoma Candy Cane Poles
And finally, Williams Sonoma Candy Cane Poles ($12.95). Because what could be more perfect?
BUY NOW: $12.95.
25 of the best gift ideas for a white elephant exchange this season
So, what to get? Something funny or something actually useful? Or maybe a bit of both. That’s up to you, but hopefully we’ve inspired you with a few ideas. Have fun!
