When it comes to white elephant gift exchanges, there's no way to prepare for what's to come. That being said, if you're going to participate, you might as well pull all the stops by showing up with a creative gift that's guaranteed to lead to an all-out stealing war (that's the name of the game, right?). To put you on the right path, we've rounded up the best white elephant gifts to give this year, all of which perfectly balance humor and practicality without breaking the bank (a.k.a. they're cheap).
Since there are so many different ways to approach it, these gift ideas cover all the bases, everything from hilarious gag gifts that'll turn the mood of the room to office-friendly picks that even your boss (or most particular coworker) would approve of. It's safe to say that the more unique gifts tend to bring the bigger laughs, so we're all for going with something wacky and weird like a hot dog toaster or mini desktop vacuum. Before you settle on a gift, double-check the rules: Since many white elephant gift exchanges have set budgets, we made sure that everything on this list falls under $30, many even coming in under $2o.
While you're in the shopping mode, keep your other festivities top of mind since a lot of these ideas will work well for Secret Santa and Dirty Santa exchanges ... just sayin'.
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Something That's Surprisingly Useful
Pop-Up Hot Dog Toaster
The weather outside is frightful, but nothing will stop them from devouring this summer staple. Luckily, this countertop-friendly appliance toasts a pair of hot dogs and their buns whenever the craving hits.
Uncommon Goods
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Good Way to Guarantee Laughs
Mistaken Lyrics Coasters
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."
RELATED: Funny Gifts That Everyone Will Love
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Cheap, So You Can Double Up
Lightsaber Chopsticks
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?
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Something Kids and Adults Will Both Love
Moon Lamp
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: Cheap Christmas Gifts That Seem Luxe
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A Must-Have for Work
Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
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.
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A Subtle Nod to Your Coworkers ... Just Kidding!
Decision Maker and Paper Weight
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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Make the Party Even More Fun
Off Topic Adult Party Game
It's like Scattergories, but for adults only. Everyone gets the same topic card and letter, then they all try to come up with the most unique (but somewhat convincing) answers.
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Lip Balm Stocking Stuffer
'Tis the season for mistletoe kisses! This four pack of lip balms will make sure they're prepped and ready to go.
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Succulent Candles
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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Toilet Night Light
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.
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Bob Ross Heat Changing Mug
The Unemployed Philosophers Guild
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.
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Portable Campfire
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.
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Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
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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Porn for Women
Okay, this book contains zero nudity — just steamy photos of men completing household chores. That's about as hot as it gets ... just us? We didn't think so.
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Avocado Tree Growing Kit
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.
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Things I Want To Say At Work But Can't!: Adult Coloring Book
Because the struggle is all too real. During particularly stressful times, they can turn to this NSFW coloring book to voice their frustrations, unwind from a hard day's work, or both.
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Passive Aggressive Notepad
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.
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101 So Bad, They're Good Dad Jokes
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
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.
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Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers
This card game relies on everyone's bad humor – you heard that right — to come up pun-derful phrases that combine two random words like "sewing" and "presidents." The general rule? The punnier, the better.
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Sheet Mask Set
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?
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Bread Shape Pillow
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.
Uncommon Goods
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Cold Beer Coats
They like their beer chilled, but that doesn't mean they want their hands to pay the price. The next time they pop open a cold one, they can stick it in this seasonally-appropriate koozie to keep their hands nice and toasty.
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8 in 1 Kitchen Tool Set
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.
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LED Neon Decorative Light
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.
Uncommon Goods
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Whiskey Wedge and Glass
This clever design keeps whiskey perfectly chilled until the very last drop — without any dilution. Well before the clock strikes 5, stick the mold in the glass, fill with water and let it freeze.
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Candle Accessory Set
She already has enough candles to last her through winter, but this kit will ensure that she burns them correctly (yes, there's a right way). Inside, she'll find a wick trimmer, snuffer and candle wick dipper to guarantee a clean, even burn.
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CouchCoaster
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 Best-Ever Cookie Book
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.
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Spicy Margarita Cocktail Kit
Instead of downing the sugary-sweet stuff, they can fill up on the natural flavors of grapefruit, pineapple and jalapeño. Simply, add this packet to a pitcher of tequila to serve 8-10 glasses of fruity, spicy goodness.
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Claw Clips
Claw clips are officially having a moment — and it looks like it's here to stay. Introduce her to the trend with this three-piece set, which Amazon reviewers say are sturdy and don't slip at all throughout the day.
