White Elephant Gifts That Everyone Will Be Fighting Over

By Laura Reilly
Updated: Dec 13, 2018 @ 2:15 pm
Courtesy

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.

People can be hard to buy gifts for, and a whole crowd can be even tougher. We’ve rounded up the best White Elephant gifts in 2018 with plenty of options under $25, from retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, Kate Spade, Walmart, and more.

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. Trust us, they’re definitely worth stealing.

VIDEO: Watching These Kids Open Holiday Gifts Will Make You Smile

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

MAC Shiny Pretty Things Nude Mini Lip Gloss Kit

Nordstrom
$23 ($40 value)
Shop It Opens a new window

This limited-edition MAC kit is the golden ticket to completely winning your White Elephant gift exchange. (Sure, it’s not a competition, but we all know the real joy is in bringing the one thing everyone fights over). With four shades, including a shimmery champagne gold and a metallic rosey copper, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Advertisement

2 of 18

  "I Was Told There'd Be Wine" Wine Glasses

Courtesy
$24
Shop It Opens a new window

These fun wine glasses from Ban.do are likely to be the most sought after gift at your White Elephant. Seriously, expect people to fight over them.

3 of 18

Sugarfina Candy

Courtesy
$10
Shop It Opens a new window

Rosé All Day Chocolate Bars and Champagne Gummy Bears will make your pals will think you are the sweetest gift giver ever.

Advertisement

4 of 18

Le Labo Discovery Set

Courtesy
$30
Shop It Opens a new window

We already lust after Le Labo’s iconic Santal 33, and feel strongly some of its lesser-known scents — Rose 31 and Thé Noir 29 come to mind — but it’s the perfumer’s Discovery Set that’s the real White Elephant exchange-winning gift here.

Friends, coworkers, or family members can play tug-of-war over the artfully unpolished packaging of this 5-piece sampler, and vie for the chance to determine which Le Labo camp they’ll undoubtedly belong to for years (or decades) to come.

5 of 18

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Amazon
$20
Shop It Opens a new window

The book of the season by former First Lady, Michelle Obama, is not only a guaranteed page turner, it’s also a welcome respite during these tumultuous times. Odds are, just about everyone in your White Elephant group will want to get their hands on a copy — if they haven’t two day-shipped it to themselves already.

6 of 18

Kate Spade Silver Glitter Tumbler

Kate Spade
$30
Shop It Opens a new window
This is technically a water bottle and, as far as water bottles go, this one is excellent and then some. But the really fun thing about this bottle is that it could just as stealthily be used as part of a home bar. Just add the ingredients and shake it up — it’ll keep your drink hot or cold. If your group includes a gym fanatic or an amateur mixologist (or anything in between), prepare for your friends to fight tooth-and-nail over this sparkly piece.
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Bar Plus+ Cocktail Party Game

Courtesy
$15
Shop It Opens a new window

Get the party started with Moscow Mule, Mai Tai, Caribbean Punch, and Mojito cocktail mixes and this shot spinner game.

8 of 18

OstrichPillow Light Travel Pillow

Courtesy
$45
Shop It Opens a new window

If you’ve ever wished flying sucked less, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are some great tools available these days to help get you through those cross-country hauls, so often peppered with noisy children and fidgety seatmates.

This funny-looking (though not quite as startling as the OstrichPillow Original) travel pillow will let whoever gets the final steal cancel out the discomfort around them entirely with light- and sound-blocking features.

9 of 18

ban.do Compliment Pencil Set

Courtesy
$10
Shop It Opens a new window

Sometimes we need a little reminder that we're doing OK—and this pencil set embellished with phrases like "yes you totally can" and "you are so smart" will do just that.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Custom Digital Photo Printed Pillow

Walmart
$18 – 21
Shop It Opens a new window
Upload your own design to create a pillow that’s totally unique (and will make a great gift). Take this opportunity to share a group shot of your White Elephant crew, or an inside joke.

11 of 18

Kate Spade New York Lunch Tote

Bloomingdale's
$30
Shop It Opens a new window

It’s the year of the chic lunchbox, and if your group isn’t carrying them, it’s time to catch up. This deco dot version by Kate Spade is almost cute enough to use as a purse, but the insulated lining makes it the perfect place for your leftovers.

12 of 18

Topshop Chevron Knit Beanie Hat

Nordstrom
$26
Shop It Opens a new window
Everybody loves a good beanie, but there’s no beating one that’s as on-trend as this neon-bobbled knit hat by Topshop.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Secret Treasures Women's and Women's Plus Superminky Robe

Walmart
$20
Shop It Opens a new window
When it comes to holiday gifting, you can’t beat cozy. This plush bathrobe is the quickest shortcut to total relaxation, and a total steal at less than $20.

14 of 18

Godiva Assorted Chocolate Gold Gift Box

Courtesy
$16-$175
Shop It Opens a new window

Whether you’re going to a last minute gift swap or a holiday exchange where you’re aiming to impress, chocolate is always a good idea. An 8-piece set of Godiva sweets is a great, low-investment way to show your appreciation, and the 140-piece option is truly an exercise in luxury.

15 of 18

AdirChef Grab N' Go Personal Coffee Maker

Amazon
$23
Shop It Opens a new window
Make caffeine-as-a-lifestyle even easier with this hassle-free coffeemaker, which eliminates the extra step of pouring your morning brew from pot to thermos. Busy moms and early morning grinders alike can appreciate that.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

PopSocket Sparkle Snow White

PopSocket
$15
Shop It Opens a new window

Your White Elephant crew knows perfectly well that feeling — like you can barely hang on to your own phone (seriously, how many times have you dropped your iPhone on your face mid-scroll?) Far from just the utilitarian yet cute Popsockets you’re familiar with, spring for this glitter-encrusted edition that looks as good as a diamond ring perched between your fingers as you text.

17 of 18

Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Drizly
$19 – 44
Shop It Opens a new window
There are three things certain in this world: death, taxes, and that no one turns down free booze. This elegant bottle comes from Kim Crawford, which rarely releases new varieties. Its rich, fruity flavor profile makes it a conversation piece perfect for sharing with friends.
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Popular in Holidays & Occasions

All Topics in Holidays & Occasions

Advertisement