47 Best Last-Minute White Elephants We Think Are Iconic
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Even if you feel you’re skilled at gift-giving, sourcing the best White Elephant gifts—and with only a few days to spare before Christmas—is a whole other story. The holiday party game (sometimes referred to as a Yankee Swap) goes something like this: Everyone brings an untagged wrapped gift and puts it in a pile. Participants then draw numbers to determine the order in which they’ll choose and open one of the presents. The first person shows the opened gift to the group, and the next person in line can decide whether they want to select a new gift from the pile or steal the opened gift (or any already-opened gift). And so on, until all gifts have been opened. Most hosts keep the spending limit to under $50, but we think White Elephants under $25 are even more fun.
When it comes to picking out the perfect thing, think of your crew. Playing with friends? You can’t go wrong with small gift ideas like funny desk accessories (the mini pickleball set here will be a hoot). And don’t sleep on gag gifts that’ll bring on the nostalgia, like a tiny Bop It! (remember those?) or a Lego coffee mug. While you can’t miss with traditional choices like a crowd-pleasing scented candle or a Starbucks gift card and lottery tickets (they’re great to include), it tends to be the surprising, silly picks that everyone fights for.
Remember: The real goal of a White Elephant exchange is simply to have a blast and to walk away with something unexpected (even if you end up regifting it to your Secret Santa). Oh, and BTW, these all double as excellent stocking stuffers. Pro tip: The game gets really fun when the recipient can’t guess what’s inside the box based on the size or shape, so it pays to be inventive when you do your wrapping.
Our top White Elephant gift picks, at a glance
- Best Overall: Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $10
- Best Last-Minute Pick Under $15: Avocado Huggers, $14
- Best Under $10: Absiya Sunset Lamp, $9
- Best Under $25: Benevolence LA Velvet Travel Jewelry Organizer, $20
- Best Under $50: iLikePar Cereal Bowl Candle, $20
- Funniest Gift Idea: Saucemoto Dip Clip, $10
- Most Unique: Sayso Espresso Martini Instant Cocktail Tea Bags, $15
- Most Thoughtful: Asutra Silk Eye Pillow, $20
- Most Practical: Amazon Gift Card, $25
- Best Gag Gift: Imitation Fried Chicken Leg Key Chain, $8
- Best for Adults: Lemme Chill Stress Relief Gummies, $30
- Best on Amazon: Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails With a Literary Twist, $11
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Dash Mini Waffle Maker
No White Elephant party is complete without at least one semi-useful kitchen gadget in play. This thing is actually way handier than it seems, since it spits out waffles, hashbrowns, and more snacks with ease. (We also love that it takes up virtually zero counter space.)
- 2/47
Jellycat Amuseables Badminton Stuffed Toy
This badminton Jellycat (one of the most asked-for gifts this year) is perfect for a kid-friendly White Elephant exchange—but the adults will want it too.
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Tenghong2021 Imitation Fried Chicken Leg Keychain
This silly key chain will make anyone laugh and comes in a variety of fast foods, from chicken wings to popcorn buckets and even a shrimp cocktail.
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Smilelife Magnetic Holding Hands Socks (2 Pairs)
These silly crew socks have little faces and—when brought close to each other—hands that magnetically snap together. The person who draws these will chuckle and say, “What’s next? Foot-shaped gloves that touch toes?”
- 5/47
Poo-Pourri Holiday On-the-Go Travel Size
Give them the gift of smelling great no matter where they go (pun intended) with this travel size Poo-Pourri set that comes in a handful of festive scents.
- 6/47
“Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist” by Tim Federle
One of the best Christmas gifts on this list, this cool cocktail guide features fifteen recipes with a literary twist, and will make anyone smile during a white-elephant exchange. If you're playing with your book club friends, this'll be a hit.
- 7/47
Food Huggers Avocado Savers
Trust that the millennials at your office party are prepared to fight for this clever and functional silicone tool to keep the glorious fruit fresh for as long as possible—which explains why it’s a holiday gift-guide regular.
- 8/47
Absiya Sunset Lamp
If you haven’t already come across sunset lamps on your TikTok For You Page, let us fill you in: People love using these portable lights to add a golden-hour glow to their homes, and for just $10, it’s a great value.
- 9/47
Burt's Bees Lip Balm Stocking Stuffers
This lip balm set makes for a great white elephant gift for anyone who could use a little moisture during this chilly holiday season, which is to say, everyone. It also packs a lot of value for a gift under $15.
- 10/47
Asutra Silk Eye Pillow
This isn’t your average eye mask—it’s one of Oprah’s Favorite Things this year, because it’s 100% silk, gently weighted, and large enough to block out every last drop of light. A real self-care gift for whoever ends up with this winner.
- 11/47
Amazon Gift Card
When in doubt, go with an Amazon Gift Card. It’s not the most fun option here, but folks will inevitably fight for it (yes, even the kids).
- 12/47
Qanyi Toaster Lamp
Here’s an adorable White Elephant gift idea for your quirky coworker (or a kid): a little desk lamp that looks like a piece of toast (and could easily serve as a night light). Everyone will fight for this one, we promise.
- 13/47
iLikePar Cereal-Bowl Candle
Despite looking exactly like a bowl of Lucky Charms, this thing is actually a vanilla-scented candle. We were also shocked.
- 14/47
Party Pong Drinking Game
Just when you thought a party game of beer pong could never be classy. Give the gift of “cheers” with this prosecco pong set, perfect for a Christmas party or really any special occasion. It comes with 12 plastic glasses and three pink balls. Just add Champagne!
- 15/47
Casofu Burrito Blanket
The friend who’s always cold will love turning themselves into a human burrito in this giant blanket. [Inserts three tortilla emoji.]
- 16/47
ChopSabers Light-Saber Chopsticks
Star Wars foodies of all ages will vie for this lightsaber-inspired set of chopsticks. (Don’t worry, they won’t burn anyone’s fingers.)
- 17/47
Exeric 10-Foot Braided iPhone Charging Cords (3-Pack)
If the majority of your circle owns iPhones, throw this thoughtful gift into the mix. Each charging cord is 10 feet long, resistant to fraying, and angled to extend its longevity. They’re super practical, which makes them something everyone will be happy to take home.
- 18/47
Benevolence LA Velvet Travel Jewelry Organizer
Somehow this gorgeous velvet jewelry organizer will set you back only $20. Don’t question it; just wrap it up and wait for the stealing to begin.
- 19/47
“Cats Rule the Earth Tarot: 78-Card Deck and Guidebook for the Feline-Obsessed”
Bring a little magic to this year’s White Elephant gift exchange with this fun yet somewhat irresistible version of the classic tarot deck.
- 20/47
Truff Hot Sauce Mini Set (4-Pack)
A beloved truffle-infused hot sauce in a packable size? We’d definitely say yes to this set of four bottles. They’ll have two for the office and two for the car…because a condiment this good needs a backup.
- 21/47
We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game
If you’re looking to make a more meaningful connection during your White Elephant exchange, or you want to encourage them to do so within their own circle, bring We’re Not Really Strangers into play. It’s a great interactive card game for parties or even family events that challenges the crowd to talk freely.
- 22/47
HanlinCC Galaxy Projector Star Projector
No one who unwraps this White Elephant gift will want to trade it away. The übercool gadget projects moving galaxies and stars across the ceiling and walls. “I have one of these projectors, and it always gets compliments from visitors when they come over,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs.
- 23/47
Dosmix Retro Bluetooth Speaker
Anyone could use a Bluetooth speaker, especially one this wee. It fits in the palm of your hand and resembles a retro radio, yet delivers sound that rivals much larger options. It’ll look stylish on any desk or bookshelf.
- 24/47
5 Second Rule Uncensored Card Game
This under-$15 card game prompts players to think fast—in under five seconds, they’ll have to name things in categories like erogenous zones and methods for hiding farts. It’s a cheeky adult party game that leads to ridiculous responses (and long-lasting memories). Fair warning: As it’s a little racy, we recommend this as a better dirty Santa gift than as a gift for kids or your boss.
- 25/47
Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan
This portable fan is a godsend on hot days, according to multiple Glamour shopping editors. USG rechargeable, it’s powerful and long-lasting, and it can even act as a backup phone charger. Cool, huh?
- 26/47
Usaga Scalp Massager
Who could resist the soothing benefits of a scalp massager? Certainly not your under-$15 budget. It’s a great self-care present that anyone you’re playing with would never think to buy themselves but will appreciate.
- 27/47
Maad Raining Men Clear Bubble Dome Umbrella
This whimsical umbrella was one of the top gifts among our readers last year. Printed on its transparent bubble dome are illustrations of little men—it’s literally raining men, LOL. It gets extra fun if you pack it in a giant box. No one will know what’s inside.
- 28/47
BIIB Multitool Pen
This nifty multitool functions like a pen, sure, but also as a ruler, screwdriver, bottle opener, level, LED flashlight, and even a phone holder.
- 29/47
Toilet Golf
This quirky putting mat is designed to fit around the base of a toilet and comes complete with a little club, balls, a cup, and even a “Do Not Disturb” sign. How’s that fore a cute White Elephant gift?
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Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Round Cocotte
Here’s a Le Creuset Dutch oven on a stocking-stuffer budget. The adorable ramekin is oven-safe and just the right size to melt some butter or act as a salt cellar.
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Enno Vatti Top 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster
Movie buffs can set goals with this poster, which lists the top 100 movies to watch—and lets them scratch off what they’ve watched as they go.
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Bittermilk No.6 Oaxacan Old Fashioned Mix
Choose from a wide selection of interesting bitters that they can use to create a variety of cocktails they’ve probably never tried before—like a spicy, chocolaty Oaxacan old-fashioned, or a smoky honey whiskey sour.
- 33/47
Micro Gray Cat Building Set
The task in constructing this little building block set isn’t so much in the stacking as it is in how teeny-tiny they are—but when your giftee’s done, they’ll have a palm-size kitty cat to brighten up their desk.
- 34/47
Fancy Sprinkles Edible Glitter Packets
Looking for an under-$10 gift idea? We’re partial to the glamour that an edible glitter packet can provide. Empty its contents into your drink to dramatically change its contents into a sparkly, festive showstopper.
- 35/47
Vacation Whip SPF 30 Sunscreen + Air Freshener Bundle
Whoever they are, they’ll appreciate this summery scented air freshener and sunscreen set that will keep their car smelling like a trip to the tropics, even in the doldrums of winter.
- 36/47
Sayso Espresso Martini Instant Cocktail Tea Bags
Whether they love an espresso martini or prefer to make it a mocktail, these cocktail tea bags make it easy to whip one up. Simply add water for a nonalcoholic version or mix it with your favorite spirit.
- 37/47
Saucemoto Dip Clips
This dip clip makes for a silly White Elephant gift: It can hold their favorite condiments in the car when they’re hitting the drive-through.
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Westminster Inc. World's Smallest Vacuum
Another great gift is this mini vacuum cleaner that’s actually quite practical for very tiny messes.
- 39/47
Lemme Chill Stress Relief Gummies
These gummies are a great White Elephant gift for an adult exchange thanks to calming ashwagandha, passionflower, and lemon balm.
- 40/47
Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal by Kara Cutruzzula
Everyone can benefit from this motivational journal, especially if they’re planning a reset in the new year.
- 41/47
J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Glamour editors are huge fans of this affordable silk pillowcase that helps prevent hair breakage. It’s a practical pick they’ll all fight for.
- 42/47
Perixx Wireless Mini Keyboard
This mini keyboard is one of our bestsellers for good reason: It’s super stylish, easy to travel with, and basically doubles as desk decor.
- 43/47
Monet Beauty Ice Globes for Face
All the adults will fight for these Tiktok viral ice globes that calm and depuff the skin. They’re one of our favorite under-$30 options.
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Twine Ceramic Brie Baker & Acacia Wood Spreader
Give the gift of gooey cheese (because…who doesn’t love gooey cheese?) with this Oprah-approved ceramic Brie baker and wood spreader.
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JoyJolt Fluted Ribbed Glasses
These ribbed coupe glasses look luxe and sophisticated, and the best part is that they’re wallet-friendly at under $20.
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Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Sprays
A hand-sanitizer set is a great White Elephant gift for anyone at any age. This three-spray pack is perfect for bringing to the office or school for sweet-smelling hygiene.
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Ztomine Spa Headbands (Set of 2)
This trending spa headband set will keep the recipient’s hair in place during their skin-care and makeup routines.