The best White Elephant gifts have one job: make everyone want to steal them. In this classic holiday game—similar to a Yankee Swap but more chaotic—coworkers, big families, and friend groups each bring a untagged, wrapped present. Everyone draws numbers, then decides whether to open something new or steal what’s already been claimed. Most gift exchanges have a spending limit that’s under $50 (and often under $25). While you can’t miss with traditional choices like a scented candle, Starbucks gift card, or lottery tickets, it’s the surprising, silly picks that everyone fights for. Ideas include small gift ideas like funny kitchen and desk gadgets and gag gifts that bring on the nostalgia.
Below, find the best White Elephant gift ideas (most of which work as great Secret Santa gifts and stocking stuffers, too). Pro tip: The game gets even better when no one can guess what’s inside the box, so unique wrapping goes a long way.
