Be the Envy of the Party: 20 White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $50

written by

Jillian Knox Finley

updated Mar 07, 2020

Animated graphics of white elephant gift ideas, — Design by Viviana Duron

What Are White Elephant Gift Exchanges?

White elephant gift exchanges are holiday events in which each person brings a present within a certain price range. Everyone takes turn choosing a present from the pile. After unwrapping, they then gets the option to keep the gift or swap it for someone else's.

White elephant gift exchanges are a traditional part of the holiday season. By the end of the game, there are always a few interesting gifts that keep changing hands. White elephant gifts are meant to be fun, a bit unpractical at times, and never incredibly expensive.

If you're taking part in a white elephant gift exchange, you'll need to think beyond typical gifts—the game calls for items cut from a different cloth. Stylish, practical, and fun goods are sure to be a hit. Ahead, we've rounded up a few of our favorites: Think cheeky key chains, board games, and cool accessories. Trust us—everyone will want these quirky white elephant gifts.

Liz and Sarah Downey Foodie Dice

Uncommon Goods Foodie Dice $24

Toss the die to decide what to cook (or order in) tonight.

Mel Elliot Colour Me Good Benedict Cumberbatch

Mel Elliot Colour Me Good Benedict Cumberbatch $6

This Benedict Cumberbatch coloring book is both unexpected and funny.

Lole I Glow Katherine Water Bottle

Lole Water Bottle $29

Toss out those single-use plastic bottles and replace them with this reusable one.

Modern Citizen Ceramic Circle Mug

Red's Mercantile White Speckled Mug $32

Upgrade their morning cup of coffee with this gorgeous handcrafted ceramic mug.

Studio Lifestyle Rainbow Playing Cards

Fredericks & Mae Rainbow Playing Cards $13 $12

Inexpensive and cheerful, this is one gift that'll be used again and again.

Various Keytags Consciously Uncoupled Keychain

Various Keytags Consciously Uncoupled Keychain $15

A cheeky yet very self-aware white elephant gift.

Cards Against Humanity Cards Against Humanity Set

Cards Against Humanity Board Game $25

This game is the ultimate party pleaser. And if you haven't played by now, just know that things can get a bit... raunchy.

Mako Cork Beverage Coaster Set

Mako Cork Beverage Coaster Set $6

Shopping on a budget? It doesn't get better than this affordable set of colorful coasters.

Axel & Ash Life's a Roadtrip $35 $27

Perfect for the avid traveler.

mermaid bottle opener

Wayfair Cast iron mermaid bottle opener $16

Make popping bottles more fun with a mermaid-shaped opener.

Existential glitter pencils

Newton And The Apple Existential Glitter Pencils set $10

Ponder life's existence with these glittery pencils.

From Crook to Cook cookbook

Snoop Dogg From Crook To Cook cookbook $26 $15

There are bound to be some interesting recipes in Snoop Dogg's cookbook.

Madewell Ribbed Texting Gloves $35

Never miss a texting beat with these convenient gloves.

Ban Do rose gold disco ball tumbler

Ban Do Disco Ball Tumbler $17

Shine bright and sparkly with this eye-catching tumbler.

Uncommon Goods make your own hot sauce kit

Uncommon Goods Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit $35

For the DIY-er who can handle the heat.

Uncommon Goods NanoDry Towel $38

Wring in the holidays with a travel-friendly towel.

Dog Bowl Water Bottle

Uncommon Goods Dog Bowl Water Bottle $15

Even Fido deserves a fun gift, don't you think?

CIty transit socks by Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods City Transit Socks, Men's $18

Now, these are just plain fun.

Larry the Llama door mat by Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Larry the Llama Door Mat $32

Infuse some personality to your home before you even step inside with this quirky doormat.

State cheese board by Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods States cheese boards $48

Let your state pride fly with these state-shaped cheese boards.

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