Whether it’s a Christmas party, office party, or just a huge family gathering, many people prefer doing white elephant gift exchanges to make each celebration more fun and exciting. But how did this tradition start? What are white elephant gifts in the first place?
A white elephant gifts exchange aka Secret Santa/Yankee Swap is a game where participants are required to bring and wrap a gift (NOTE: not just any ordinary gift). White elephant gifts need to be funny, weird, unusual, thoughtful, irresistible, and most of all, interesting, to the extent that the other participants of the game will fight to have them.
Participants are supposed to leave these gifts in an anonymous pile. Then, they have to pick a number and take turns in choosing a gift. Participants need to unwrap their gifts in front of everyone to reveal what they’ve got. The next player can steal the gift if they want or unwrap a new gift, and that’s where the competitive side of the game begins.
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What are White Elephant Gifts that You Can Buy and Where You’ll Find Them?
Since these elephant gifts are not dedicated to someone specific, you might find yourself more confused about what gift to choose. And thus, I’ve made it a point to prepare some of the best choices for you here.
Whether you want to be thoughtful, funny, or totally exceptional for this year’s white elephant gift exchange, I’ve got your back.
Here are some of the most interesting things I’ve found on Amazon that anyone will 100% appreciate receiving. CAUTION: you might not be able to keep yourself from buying a few of these items to keep!
Thoughtful and Nice White Elephant Gifts
Surely, your gift will receive so much love and attention if they are useful as well as cute. Plus, I've also made sure that these gifts aren't just advantageous and practical — they have their own charm too.
Who can say no to S'mores? This indoor electric S'mores maker is perfect during winter or rainy days. Who wouldn’t want to have S’mores all year round!?
These indoor slippers are not just cute and funny, they will warm your feet nicely during cold nights too! It's useful and charming at the same time. Many would love to have them for sure!
Bath bombs make bath time extra-relaxing and amazing. No one will regret getting this on a white elephant exchange gift! However, just in case you want these bath bombs to be extra special, here's a list of bath bombs with rings inside you might want to check out.
This cute elephant is not just a desk decoration and a pencil holder, it's a phone stand as well! Everyone will love to get this gift!
Why not prepare a sushi box, I mean, a sushi SOCKS box for your white elephant gift exchange? These socks are designed and packed like real maki, nigiri, and other types of sushi inside a Japanese sushi box. The participants of the game might actually think they're real!
This sandwich maker is a must-have. It's perfect for busy mornings, quick lunch, or late dinners. Expect that all participants of your white elephant gift exchange will surely fight to get this item.
Who wants pizza!? Err- I mean, a blanket pizza!? This item is not just cute and funny, but it's super comfy too! Anyone would love to wrap themselves in this!
This cinema lightbox can bring movie theater vibes even at home. This package comes with 185 emojis and 167 black letters and numbers. Plus, it can be powered by batteries or by a USB plug.
This neck pillow looks like a real shrimp, anyone will find this gift hilarious! It's advantageous, handy, and funny, who wouldn't want this?
Make pizza time even more fun with this bicycle pizza cutter wheel! It looks unique, eye-catching, and cool! It's perfect for pizza lovers and cyclists...but seriously, who's going to say no to this fun white elephant gift?
This adorable penguin egg holder is multifunctional. It's heat resistant, so it can be used in cooking soft and hard-boiled eggs. At the same time, it can be a stylish decoration in the kitchen. This will be an egg-cellent gift!
Who doesn't like hotdogs? This toaster will not disappoint anyone who'll receive it. It can toast two hotdogs and two buns at the same time! Plus, it also comes with adjustable settings, a hotdog cage, and a set of tongs.
Another cute item to have in the kitchen! This spaghetti monster colander helps in making pasta dishes, draining fruits and veggies, and bringing fun and laughter while cooking!
Plant lover or not, many will certainly fall in love with these cute animal succulent pots! This set comes with four pots with different dog designs. It's perfect for succulents and flowers, but it can also be used as penholders.
Delight your giftee with the taste of holiday flavors with this Mini Hot Chocolate Gift Set. It comes with six different flavors including caramel, peppermint, salted caramel, toasted marshmallow, French vanilla, and double chocolate.
Weird and Funny White Elephant Gifts
Of course, to make the party livelier, I also prepared some exceptionally funny and weird gifts that will surely make the entire audience laugh their hearts out.
If you want to do the honor of making them tear up out of happiness, these items are some of the best you can find on Amazon.
This poop plush toy is not just cute, it has a special feature too! It farts when squeezed! This toy is not just great for kids and adults, but even for dogs. Anyone can play with it and have lots of fun!
This face mask will not just protect you from dust, sand, or wind, but it can also help you earn some laughs. This washable face mask comes in two different funny designs for you to choose from.
Well, this gift might not look interesting at first, but your receiver will surely be shocked once he/she uses this heat-sensitive color-changing mug! Why? Because it got zombies imprinted on them!
This set of tiny hands are cute and funny. It might not cause a competition during the game, but the one who'll end up with this gift will surely have fun playing with this toy.
These animal paw socks are not to miss! It has 10 different animal patterns you can choose from, and it all looks realistic and funny!
This toilet timer will surely make the whole crowd laugh! Some might even compete to have it!
Instead of saying thank you, this money bank farts every time you put coins in it! This will be a fun gift for anyone...especially those who are young at heart!
This guest book is full of humor; it would be really fun to have this at home! Imagine your guests' reaction when they saw this in your restrooms!
This tape dispenser is perfect for a white elephant gift exchange in the office. It will stand out among other office items, and it's a head-turner! But aside from being hilarious, this item is also very useful and it comes with a lot of accessories!
Kids will love this Wacky Waving inflatable tube guy, but adults will surely be glad to have them in the office too! It's adorable and fun to watch as it dances like there's no tomorrow. Plus, this package also comes with a mini-book about the origin of this toy.
This warning sign is on another level. Anyone who'll receive this gift will have a good laugh with his/her family when they take this home! But it can be quite handy too!
Anybody who will hear this yodeling pickle will be in high spirits and will not be able to help themselves, they'll laugh their hearts out! (You will 100% want it for yourself too, for sure!)
This is an unusual item that you didn't know you'll love to have for the rest of your life. This toilet night light comes in 16 colors, has a motion and light sensor, and 5 brightness levels. It's an ideal white elephant gift and a present for yourself as well!
If you're having a white elephant gift exchange at the office, this is one of the most highly recommended gifts. This flip-over message board is humorous and funny; it will be a wonderful desk accessory. This package includes 30 different message boards, two erasable blank boards, and one dry erase marker.
So far, this set of urinal shot glasses is one of the most in-demand white elephant gifts. It's comical, witty, and super odd. No doubt everybody wants to get this gem!
Done with Your Gift Shopping List?
Finally decided which gifts to buy? What are white elephant gifts you would want to receive? We would love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Happy Shopping!
