White Elephant Gifts That Everyone Will Be Fighting Over

By Laura Reilly and Tessa Petak
Updated Nov 17, 2020 @ 3:45 pm
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Sure, White Elephant gift exchanges are sort of about swapping presents, but really, they’re about being the person who comes with the most-wanted, hottest item.

Also known as Yankee Swap, Dirty Santa, and Pollyanna, White Elephant gift rules are pretty simple. The game begins with everyone bringing a small, wrapped gift to the exchange. The first player starts by picking a gift from the pile, and then follow-up players either steal the opened present or choose an unopened one until everyone has a gift.

RELATED: 14 Holiday Party Hostess Gifts That Go Above and Beyond

Some of these White Elephant gifts are useful (it shows you care), others are funny (let’s bring levity back to the holidays!). What they all have in common, though, is that everyone in your group is guaranteed to fight over them at your annual (socially-distant) holiday party. Trust us, they’re definitely worth stealing. So impress your friends and family with these good gifts ahead at a variety of price points.

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Google Nest Mini

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$29
( $$49 )
SHOP IT
target.com

The gift that keeps on giving. Sync the Nest up to your lights, thermostat, and even your Spotify account to play music at the sound of your voice.

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2 of 11

A Set of Glass Mugs

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$44
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nordstrom.com

For the friend group that loves coffee and Instagram-able pictures of coffee. These sophisticated glass mugs are very trendy and the perfect way for your friends to show off their latte making skills.

3 of 11

"Cravings" Cookbook

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$17
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amazon.com

Everyone could use a trusty cookbook, so why not bring the social media queen Chrissy Teigen's book? Her coolness will score you bonus points.

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4 of 11

A Retro Toaster

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$60
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amazon.com

Ok, we get that a toaster is a bit random, but hear us out. Nobody is ever happy with their existing toaster, so this will be the gift they didn't know they needed. Plus this retro teal one would look so cute in any kitchen.

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A Chic Office Calendar

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$40
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target.com

Most of your friends and family are probably learning or working from home, so their bedroom or living room has probably been turned into an office. So gift them with this chic, glass dry erase calendar that will keep them organized without being an eyesore.

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An Adult Board Game

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$22
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target.com

Disclaimer: This gift would not be suitable for a White Elephant group that includes children. Telestrations After Dark is like Pictionary for dirty-minded individuals – perfect for your next game night.

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Funny "2021" Candle

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$26
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This hand-poured Anecdote candle's scent is called "2021" with notes of "Can't Come Soon Enough" (aka cedarwood and oud). And ain't that the truth. Plus, the candle is only $26, so it's the perfect gift for your under $30 group.

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Fuzzy Pom-Pom Socks

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$9
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If you're on the hunt for a white elephant gift for under $10, these cozy and cute socks are perfect — plus everyone loves fuzzy socks.

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A Sparkly PopSocket

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$15
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The perfect utilitarian-yet-cute White Elephant gift. Yes, this Popsocket will save you from dropping your own phone onto your face mid-scroll (we've all been there), but it's also glitter-encrusted.

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Insulated Frank Green Tumbler

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$40
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nordstrom.com

This insulated tumbler comes in a variety of colors, so it's the perfect unisex gift. Help your friends and family stay eco-friendly with this reusable water bottle (straw included!).

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Stylish Face Masks

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$25
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Let's be honest, we could all use more masks. This stylish four-pack of masks is perfect for the $25 White Elephant — and is sure to be stolen multiple times.

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