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White Elephant Gifts That Everyone Will Be Fighting Over

White Elephant Gifts That Everyone Will Be Fighting Over

By Laura Reilly and Tessa Petak

Updated Dec 22, 2020 @ 1:00 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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Credit: 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.

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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Portable Speaker

Credit: Courtesy

$70

amazon.com

Give the gift of taking music everywhere — quite literally. This Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 speaker is waterproof and even has an outdoor setting so that loud outdoor noises won't interrupt your listening!

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Bite Champagne Flavored Toothpaste Bits

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$12

bitetoothpastebits.com

For the friend who is always obsessively staying minty fresh on the go. Plus the festive champagne flavor is perfect for the holidays. (But consider stealing for yourself — TBH, mask breath is real.)

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Jambys Shorts

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$35

These unisex "house shorts" with pockets have a serious cult following. Why may you ask? They're cozy and breathable like boxers, but designed to be worn on their own and around other people.

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Kindness Mug

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$10

( $$14 )

anthropologie.com

We could all use a little more kindness this year — and a lot more coffee. This Jen B. Peters mug is on sale for $10 and perfect for that real cheery morning-person in your group.

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Tech Survival Kit

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$27

revolve.com

This Pinch Provisions emergency tech kit is for that friend who's always at 1%. It includes a phone camera lens, earbuds, an earbud wrapper, a password hint list, a cord organizer, a screen cloth, a mini stylus, a 3-in-1 charging cable, a USB wall charger, and a phone/tablet stand. And it all fits into this cute pouch!

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Urban Outfitters Beanie

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$9

( $$12 )

urbanoutfitters

Warmth and fashion all wrapped up into one. Your crew won't be able to resist stealing the hottest accessory of winter.

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Inspirational Coffee Table Book

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$17

amazon.com

From historical times up to the present day, this beautiful coffee table book celebrates influential women with a diverse combination of memorable quotes, alongside bold and beautiful illustrations.

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Practical Joke Kit

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$30

amazon.com

The best gag gift for the group's prankster — we all have one. Just don't let them open it until the party is over so you don't find yourself as prank prey.

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Holiday Jumper

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$40

amazon.com

Give the gift of coziness with this very festive holiday onesie, which is also perfect for any virtual 'ugly Christmas sweater' parties you may have.

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PopSockets Nails Confetti Party

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$20

Celebrate the holiday season with a fun DIY manicure that matches your mood, your outfit and your PopGrip. This easy to apply set comes with 30 ready-to-wear nails in varying sizes and a matching PopGrip.

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Portable FinalSpork

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$30

final.co

If you’re ready to quit plastic cutlery, this reusable, collapsible spork makes the perfect sustainable replacement. Enjoy everything from pasta to ice cream without stressing over single-use waste.

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Do or Drink Party Game

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$30

amazon.com

Your friends will love Do or Drink, essentially a boozy version of truth or dare, without the truth. (You either perform the dares or drink.) It's perfect for playing right after the White Elephant festivities wrap up.

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Google Nest Mini

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$29

( $$49 )

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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A Set of Glass Mugs

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$44

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.

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"Cravings" Cookbook

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$17

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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A Retro Toaster

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$60

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

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

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

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

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

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A Sparkly PopSocket PopGrip

Credit: PopSocket

$15

The perfect utilitarian-yet-cute White Elephant gift. Yes, this PopGrip 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

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

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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