White Elephant Gift Ideas: Fun & Useful Picks
Updated by Shannon Ratliff
Planning a white elephant gift exchange? Finding that perfect mix of funny and functional just got easier. We've curated subscription boxes and gifts that spark laughter, start conversations, and actually get used long after the party ends. Browse by price, shop the Holiday Gift Shop, and show up ready to win the swap.
Whether you need something under $25 for Secret Santa or want to be the MVP of your office party, these picks make gifting easy and memorable.
Note: This game may also be called Dirty Santa or Yankee Swap.
What Makes a Great White Elephant Gift
The best white elephant gifts walk the line between hilarious and genuinely useful. Think items that make people laugh when opened but that they'll actually want to steal. Look for quirky but practical finds like unique snack boxes, conversation starters from our game night collection, or unexpected treasures like witch and spiritual gifts that stand out from the crowd.
VINYL POST Record Club
Shipping: Orders made before the 15th of each month will ship by the 22nd of that same month. Please order by the 15th to get the current box. For existing subscribers, we ship by the 22nd of every month. Each release is packaged in envelopes / plastic sleeves & sent via USPS first class letter.
Customer Review
COFFEE & BOOK CLUB
Shipping: Your first parcel will ship right away and then your next one will enter our subscription cycle as normal. We use Royal Mail 48 in the UK and Standard International Airmail for the rest of the world. We're so sorry we can't ship to the EU or Northern Ireland at the moment.
The Lucerna Box | Monthly Candle Subscription
Shipping: We ship our monthly subscriptions around the second week of each month.
Hot Sauce of the Month Club - Monthly
Shipping: Orders placed now will ship January 1st. You can use our printable gift notes or send a gift email to notify the recipient. If you'd like to have your box shipped early, let us know by replying to the confirmation email.
Customer Review
the oddball club
Shipping: Orders placed today ship by Nov. 17th. All boxes ship on the 17th of each month. Subscriptions renew monthly.
Customer Review
Succulents Box
Shipping: Your first box ships 3 business days after purchase. Your next box will ship between the 18th-20th each month. Your plant will be meticulously wrapped in bubble wrap and tissue papers and shipped in a sturdy box. Most 2" plants are shipped in their original plastic pot with soil. *** All of our packages are sterilized before leaving the door.
Customer Review
Spice Madam Monthly Subscription 🌏✈️
Shipping: The 1st box of your subscription ships during the 3rd week of the month following your order. For example, if you order on May 25th, your 1st box will ship around June 18th. Perfect for date night, dinner clubs, family meals or home-schooling.
Customer Review
Plum Deluxe Organic Tea Membership
Shipping: Your box will ship on the 10th of every month. Please order by the 6th to get the current box. Need a shipment sooner? Just let us know after you order - we're flexible to meet your needs and happy to ship a first box ASAP.
Customer Review
TEA - Cup of the Month Club
Shipping: First box is shipped within 7 days of order, subsequent boxes will be shipped between the 10th and 20th of the next month.
GELRY Jewelry Gift Box
Shipping: Boxes will ship between the 16th - 30th of each month. Order by the 20th to receive the current box.
BabyFaceDiary | Mystery Fun
Shipping: Subscribe by the last day of the month for the upcoming month's box. Free US shipping with tracking info!
Customer Review
Top White Elephant Gifts by Price
Best White Elephant Gifts Under $25
Perfect for most white elephant exchanges, these gifts under $25 hit the sweet spot of fun and affordable. From international snack discoveries to mini craft kits, these picks always get stolen first.
Top picks in this range:
- Monthly sticker subscriptions for planners and notebooks
- Specialty hot sauce or coffee samplers
- Mini mystery boxes from gaming or pop culture themes
- DIY candle making or bath bomb kits from our self care collection
- Quirky book club subscriptions or reading accessories
White Elephant Gifts Under $50
For exchanges with a higher budget, our gifts under $50 collection features premium options that feel extra special. These are the gifts people talk about weeks later.
Crowd favorites include:
- Gourmet food and drink boxes with artisan treats
- Cooking kits for aspiring chefs
- Themed entertainment boxes for movie or game nights
- Plant subscription boxes for green thumbs
- Luxe bath and body sets
Gifts Everyone Will Fight Over
These standout options from our Holiday Gift Shop are steal worthy guaranteed. Perfect for anyone who wants to bring the most talked about gift.
- For foodies: International snack boxes or craft beverage samplers
- For gamers: Mystery boxes from our gamer collection
- For the cozy crew: Self care bundles with candles and bath essentials
- For party hosts: Game night boxes or entertaining essentials
- For the quirky: Witch and spiritual boxes or unique advent calendars
How to Play White Elephant Exchange
There are a few variations of white elephant parties, but the official rules are simple. Here's how to host a memorable gift swap:
1. One Gift Per Player
Set a price limit (most exchanges use $20 to $30) and decide whether gifts should be new or gently used items from home. Share clear instructions so everyone knows what to bring.
2. Pick a Number
Write numbers on slips of paper equal to the number of players. Each person draws a random number to determine their turn order.
3. Start the Game
Player 1 selects and unwraps any gift from the pile. Make sure everyone can see what was opened.
4. Let the Swap Begin
Each following player can either choose a new wrapped gift or steal an already opened gift. If your gift gets stolen, you can pick a new gift from the center or steal from someone else (who hasn't been stolen from yet).
Note: Each gift can only be stolen once per turn.
5. The Game Ends When
After everyone has had a turn, Player 1 gets one final chance to steal any gift. If they steal, that person can steal from someone else. The game ends when someone chooses not to steal or when there's no one left to steal from.
White Elephant Party Tips
Make your white elephant exchange even better with these pro tips:
- Set a clear theme: Try categories like food and drink, self care, or entertainment to help guests shop
- Include a gift card option: Some guests prefer instant gratification over surprise items
- Create a steal limit: Cap how many times one gift can be stolen (usually 3 times) to keep the game moving
- Display gifts attractively: Arrange wrapped presents in the center where everyone can see
- Have fun with wrapping: Creative wrapping adds to the excitement and suspense
Shop White Elephant Gifts by Recipient
Not sure what to bring? Browse our curated collections to find the perfect match:
- Gifts for her
- Gifts for him
- Gifts for couples
- Gifts for teens
- Gifts for kids
- Gifts for parents
- Gifts for pets
More Gift Ideas for Every Budget
Looking for gifts beyond white elephant? Explore our complete holiday collection:
- Gifts under $25
- Gifts under $50
- Gifts under $100
- Gifts over $100
- Secret Santa gifts
- Advent calendars
Ready to find your perfect white elephant gift?
Shop the Holiday Gift Shop | Browse gifts under $25 | See Secret Santa picks



