White Elephant gift exchanges, or as some call them, Yankee Swaps, are about as popular as ugly Christmas sweater parties. Finding the perfect gift can be difficult because there are often a variety of people participating, and you may have to gear the appropriateness around the type of party: office, family, friends, all ages, etc.
Some gifts are just recycled year after year because they are just too wacky to use for anything else, while others are fun and functional.
Check out these ideas if you’re playing Secret Santa, doing a gift-grab bag, or otherwise shopping for novelties.
White-elephant gift exchange ideas
Here is a list of 50 perfect (or not-so-perfect but funny) white elephant gift ideas geared for specific groups. Most of these are available through Amazon, so shipping is quick!
You can also check out this White Elephant Gift Guide at Amazon for more super fun ideas!
Photo: Deposit Photos
Appropriate for most (you be the judge)
Leg Lamp Nightlight It’s fun and fra-gi-lay, and an iconic Christmas memory
- Christmas Classic
- 8 inches tall
- Bulb Included
Latex Unicorn Head Mask So many uses for this!
- Perfect fit for any adult- adjust for improved visibility with scissors and ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
- Made from 100% natural latex, environmental friendly. We offer a range of quality choices with the best price.
- Stand out at any occasion- Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Carnival, costume parties, or even for a night out.
Knock Knock Citation Nifty Note Pad These funny notepads cover a variety of topics from apologies, to pep talk notes, to awesome citations. Just mark the appropriate box for the offender or recipient, and your message will be heard.
- It’s awesome to be awesome; and it’s even more awesome to be told you’re awesome
- Issue this declaration of awesomeness to an awesome person to express feelings of amazement or admiration (it'll be awesome! )
- If we say “awesome” one more time, you’ll never forget the title of these fun notepads
Flingshot Slingshot Flying Screaming Monkey Who doesn’t have use for a slingshot monkey screaming through the air? Reviewers love this.
- Measures 11" from head to toe upstretched
- Real slingshot action
- Makes screaming monkey sound when crashes
Inflatable Unicorn Horn paired with Unicorns Are Jerks: a coloring book exposing the cold, hard, sparkly truth. Because, unicorns.
- 11" long when inflated
- Great for when your Unicorn Mask isn't available
- Unique and flashy
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages - 06/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Sourcebooks (Publisher)
Bacon Air Freshener For the bacon lover.
- Take that great bacon smell everywhere you go
- 4" tall air freshener
- Comes with string for hanging
Bacon Soap in Tin More bacon.
- Comes in classy tin
- Great way to carry that bacon smell with you all day
- Be the envy of your friends
Bacon Lip Balm Even more bacon.
- Heals Dry And Cracked Lips
- Bacon Fresh
- Wonderful Bacon Smell
Bacon Bandages Bacon for your boo-boos.
- Bacon Strips Adhesive Bacon Band Aids
- Each Bandage Measures Approx. 3" L x 1" W
- Tin Container Measures Approx. 3-3/4" H
Homemade white elephant gifts
Food, any sort. From sweet to savory to crazy items (all dill pickle flavored things?), food is always a hit at white elephant parties. 9 quick and easy DIY edible gifts for a crowd
DIY: Make a white elephant. If you want to be literal, make a elephant from a white towel as your gift. You can always add a bottle of wine or some body wash.
DIY: Christmas-themed Tic Tacs with an easy printable. Throw in an ornament or seasonally-scented candle to round it out.
Office white elephant gift ideas
The No Button Says ‘No’ in 10 Different Variations Because sometimes you want to say no when you know you have to say yes.
No products found.
The Official BS Button Call it like it is.
- Flashing Buzzer with x5 different Bullshit sound effects and light which will be audible by the press of this button.
- Dimensions: Diameter: 7.5cm, Height: 5.5cm: Required Batteries: x2AAA (already included): Power supply
- ge recommendation: For ages +3: Content:
Knock Knock Citation Nifty Note Pad The office citation pad variety is perfect for passive aggressive note-passing. Hopefully, none of the notes find their way to your desk!
- It’s awesome to be awesome; and it’s even more awesome to be told you’re awesome
- Issue this declaration of awesomeness to an awesome person to express feelings of amazement or admiration (it'll be awesome! )
- If we say “awesome” one more time, you’ll never forget the title of these fun notepads
Novelty Push Pins – Disguise Help them spruce up their corkboard with miniature mustaches, bowler hats, and sunglasses.
- 24 push pins per pack
- Functional and fun
- 3 designs to collect - Nessie, Mr Mole and Disguise pins
Prank Pack: Nap Sack This isn’t an actual product, its a box in which you could put anything (a gift card maybe?), but the box will throw everyone off and is perfect for the person who can always use more sleep. There are a bunch of options suggested on the Amazon page, and they range in appropriateness. Choose based on your office culture. I chuckled at the Pasta Recycler.
- This is an empty prank gift box, and a hilarious prank gift for gag gift wrap this holiday season, white elephant and secret santa. Fool your friends and family with this realistic-looking Prank Gift Box. Just place your real gift inside. Easy to assemble. Arrives flat with instructions.
- High Quality Prank Gift Boxes: made from 100% recyclable cardboard. Our boxes ship flat and are easy to assemble – no glue or extra steps required. At 11.25” x 9” x 3.25” they are the perfect size! Hilarious Fake Gift Box for family and friends - be the life of the party!
- Add the Gift Of Laughter: with this quirky and fun twist on the timeless tradition of fun gag gift giving for boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad or kids. Whether you consider your funny gift giving skills to be amazing or not, wrapping any gift inside a Prank Pack adds an extra layer of fun and enjoyment that will have everyone in the room laughing. Top 10 white elephant gifts!
Donut Holding Coffee Mug This mug does double duty by holding (and warming) a donut, muffin, or cookie.
- The Best Morning Ever Mug is an innovative mug that keeps coffee or tea hotter longer and offers a fun surprise function... doughnut warmer!
- The built-in plate uses the heat from your coffee or tea to provide better insulation than your typical ceramic mug, so your morning beverage stays hotter longer.
- Large opening for easy pouring, stirring, and cleaning; Small opening for both left handed drinkers and all you bearded fellows. Plus, it's a great mustache guard!
Dinosaurs with Jobs: A Coloring Book Throw in some colored pencils and it’s a great gift for break time
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages - 06/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Sourcebooks (Publisher)
Kinetic Sand (various prices in stores). A great stress reliever, even for adults!
- SQUEEZABLE FUN: Kinetic Sand is 98% sand & 2% magic! Pull it, shape it & mold it to create incredible sand art. Kinetic Sand sticks to itself & not to kids so it can be easily cleaned up & stored!
- MESS-FREE SENSORY FUN: A great addition to your child’s collection of sensory toys, Kinetic Sand flows through fingers like real beach sand & leaves them completely dry. When pressed together it sticks to itself & keeps its shape!
- MADE WITH NATURAL SAND: Kinetic Sand is safe for pretend play, arts & crafts, sand art and kids crafts! It’s made from natural sand and magically sticks together for easy clean up!
DIY white elephant gift ideas for the office
DIY: Bottle of Chill Pills. Use this template for a printable label to create a bottle of chill pills. Fill it with M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces, and hope your dramatic office mate gets the hint.
Fun, but functional white elephant presents
Socks: If you can read this, bring me a (blank) Prop your feet up and hope someone brings you your favorite beverage (beer, wine, vodka, coffee, and pizza are options; may have to scroll down on this page).
- Funny Creative: Say it with socks - “IF YOU CAN READ THIS,BRING ME PIZZA”. The design with delicious sliced pizza and colorful colors, Stimulate your taste buds. Come on！Wear them to enjoy delicious food,wear them to play games with friends,wear them to dance funny dances,play interesting characters! Ideal socks provide you endless comfort and fit just right.
- No Need to Worry about Quality:85% Cotton, 10% Polyester, 5% Spandex. High quality cotton provides our socks a more stretchy quality than basic weaves: breathable, absorbent, soft, comfortable and deodorizing. Anti-slip and grip rubber fun words printed on each sock, lets you walk easily on smooth floors.
- The Perfect Gift: These pizza-themed socks for men and women are the perfect gift for anyone with a playful personality.Also great for birthday, Father’s Day,Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, Parties and other special occasions. Whoever receives it will laugh happily.
Microwave S’mores Maker Pair it with some graham crackers, marshmallows, Hershey’s bars, and Reese’s Cups so they can make some right away.
- Contains (1) Progressive Prep Solutions Microwave S'mores Maker – brown/white
- Quick & Easy S'mores: Make delicious, classic S'mores in just 30 seconds using the Prep Solutions Microwave S'mores Maker
- Simple to Use: Fill the water reservoir, place graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows on the tray, and microwave for consistent, delicious results every time.
Microwave Bacon CookerInclude a couple of packs of bacon and hope they will cook some up right away. (If they do, you won’t need the bacon air freshener.)
- Cooks bacon perfectly in minutes – above the fat, not in it
- Reduces fat up to 35% compared to skillet-prepared bacon
- Easy clean-up – a paper towel draped over bacon strips controls splatter
Unicorn Head Squirrel Feeder Makes the backyard more entertaining. Perfect for the nature lover. Think of the funny pictures they can post on IG of squirrels with huge heads.
- When squirrels eat out of this playful feeder, they take on new personalities that'll make you laugh out loud. The unicorn head design has is hollow with an opening at the bottom where the squirrel inserts his head to eat
- Just fill it with seeds or nuts and hang it from a branch or shepherd's hook (string not incl)
- Vinyl head is 10"W x 6 1/2"H
USA-shaped (or state-shaped) cutting board Wrap it up with some cheese or snacks. Or red and blue Sharpies.
- Celebrate life in America with this fun bamboo serving and cutting board in the shape of USA
- Perfect for food prep, serving or display; board measures 17-1/2" x 11" x 5/8"
- Show off your American pride, the included hanging hole and tie make this board a wonderful wall art option too; a perfect gift item for anyone who loves the USA
Animal Faces Silicone Egg Mold Wait, this isn’t a gag gift; everyone needs this. 
- FUN & FUNCTIONAL: Start the day with a fried side of fun! Genuine Fred FUNNY SIDE UP is a handy, pup-shaped egg frame that will make those straying kids sit up and beg for breakfast.
- EASY TO USE: Simply place the Funny Side Up dog egg mold in your frying pan, crack two eggs into the circular eye rings and soon you'll have an perfect puppy-inspired breakfast! Instructions for best results are included
- QUALITY, SAFE MATERIALS: All Funny Side Up egg molds are constructed from BPA-free, food-safe silicone
Giant Candy Bars These one-pound candy bars come in several varieties and are available at most stores this time of year. It’s great for a last-minute gift that you know people will fight over.
- Contains one (1) 1-pound SNICKERS Chocolate Christmas Candy Giant Bar
- This giant bar has doesn't skip on the classic SNICKERS flavors you know and love- peanuts, nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate
- Grab your closest friends and family and slice & share this giant, 1-lb. SNICKERS Chocolate Bar
Sriracha 2 Go Keychain Because sometimes you just need spice. Sriracha not included.
- One Mini-S2G is the perfect size to fit on your key ring so that you're always prepared for those meals requiring Sriracha.
- One original Sriracha2Go to get you through an entire day or, if your nice, share with friends.
- Official Huy Fong Licensed Products
Pop-Up Hot Dog Toaster Easiest way to enjoy some franks or brats.
- GREAT TASTING: This hot dog cooker toasts up to 2 of your favorite regular-size or extra-plump hot dogs along with two hotdog buns at the same time.
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS: The adjustable toasting timer and stop toasting button allow you to toast your hot dogs and buns to your preferred level of doneness.
- HOT DOG CAGE & TONGS: Use the included mini tongs and hot dog cages to keep your hands safe when removing hot dogs and buns from the hot dog machine.
Gift cards: yes, it’s boring. But if you forgot to get anything else, grab a gift card and stick it on a bag of candy or cookies or something else you can find in the grocery store. Here are 80+ gift card bonus offers.
DIY: Bottle of Bailey’s (if 21 or older), a bag of cocoa mix or coffee, and a snuggly throw blanket
Body and toilet humor gifts (not for those who are offended easily)
You’ve been warned! Some of these could also be passive aggressive gifts for jerks – it’s up to what you who and how you want to gift them!
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray Everybody goes. You don’t have to smell it. This stuff honestly works.
- Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Simply spray the water in the bowl with Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray before using the toilet to prevent odors before they begin!
- Scent: Lemon, Bergamot and Lemongrass. Freshens bathroom odors before it begins so you can leave the porcelain throne smelling better than you found it!
- How It Works: Shake well. Spritz 3-5 sprays into the toilet bowl on the water’s surface. Proceed to do your thing. Poo-Pourri traps bathroom odor under the water’s surface, so it never enters the air.
Fanny Bank Funny Farting Coin Drop Bank
- HILARIOUS PIGGY BANK: Drop some loot to hear it toot! BigMouth Inc.’s Fanny Bank is a hilarious way to save some money. Just plop a coin into the slot to hear a hilarious (and pretty loud) fart.
- EASY TO USE: This silly fanny shaped bank is 6” x 6” and no assembly is required! Simply insert 3 AA batteries (not included) to hear 6 different fart noises. Once you’ve filled up your fanny, count your change by removing the easy-to-remove top.
- FUNNY ADULT GIFTS: Finally, the perfect funny gifts for adults for the practical jokester in your life! This fanny bank makes an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, and other fun-filled occasions.
Toilet Mug Oh! This is too gross. Don’t get this.
- HUMOROUS TOILET MUG WITH POOP INSIDE! Potty Mouth just got a whole new meaning! This funny coffee mug is perfect for those mornings when you need an extra chuckle, or to lighten the mood when your day is going down the crapper.
- PERFECT GIFT IDEA. A perfect funny gift for any potty-humour and coffee lover in your life, for your quirky co-worker, or for your own novelty collection. Opening this present on a party could be a highlight for itself, and you get to serve your guests with a very unique coffee experience.
- IDEAL FOR HOME AND OFFICE. Coffee is never really coffee unless it’s in your favourite mug. Get a coffee mug funny for your mornings and tea breaks, at home or at work. In case it’s not your cup of tea, you can use it for candy, nuts, as a flower planter or even your holiday gravy!
Weener Kleener Soap It’s a solution they didn’t know they needed. (I can’t even.)
Funny Money Toilet Paper More appropriate than they knew when they came up with this idea. Pair it with some Poo Spray.
- WIPE LIKE A MILLIONAIRE: If you are looking for a fun way to wipe when duty calls, this durable roll of $100 USD Dollar Bill Toilet paper is the way to go! Simply pull down the roll and start wiping with money look alike tissue toilet paper.
- THROW THE MONEY IN THE BATHROOM: What better way to entertain guests and family members when in the throne, than with a roll of $100 USD Dollar Bill themed toilet paper in the place where they are sure to see it — the bathroom. Whether you’re a jokester or just love everything money related, this entertaining toilet paper roll is just the thing you need.
- FUNNY GIFT FOR WALL STREET PEOPLE: Our $100 USD Dollar Bill -themed toilet paper roll makes the perfect practical joke or white elephant gift for any office gift exchange. Everyone will enjoy this hilarious gift from the time they first unwrap it to the time they use it. Get this for your dad, brother, mom, or work colleague and there are sure to be laughs all around.
Squatty Potty It was on “Shark Tank,” so you know it’s legit. People swear by it.
- The Original Squatty Potty - Made in U.S.A. As seen on Shark Tank and The Howard Stern Show
- The Squatty Potty Original has 2 sizes that work perfectly with ANY standard (14"-15.5”) or comfort height (16"-18”) toilet. If you are a new squatter, the 7” is a great place to start and if you are limber or consider yourself an advanced squatter, a 9" Squatty Potty will work best
- The Squatty Potty may feel different at first, but the body quickly adjusts and the new healthy way of eliminating quickly becomes second nature. For most people, the difference is immediate while for some it takes about a week to adjust, relax and get things moving.
DIY: Homemade Poo spray. Call it Poo Gone. It’s simple: 1 teaspoon rubbing alcohol, 30 to 40 drops of essential oil(s), and water in a small spray bottle.
Adults only
Pictures left out for good reason LOL.
Coloring for Grown-Ups: The Adult Activity Book Kids shouldn’t have all the fun.
3-Pack Sir Perky Corkscrew/Bottle Stopper/Bottle Opener Throw in a bottle of wine.
Accoutrements Emergency Underpants If you’re in a pinch…
Ultimate Wine Bottle Glass “I only had one glass!”
Cards Against Humanity This game will get the party started!
Ho & Me Mug. If you’re feeling sassy. But be warned: this might cost you more than what the seller is asking for it.
Homemade white elephant gift ideas
Love the idea of making your own white elephant gifts? I get it – it’s fun to create! Here are some great options and ideas!
Mason Jar Cookie Mix: Layer the dry ingredients for your favorite cookie recipe in a mason jar for a charming, rustic gift. Attach a festive tag with baking instructions. It’s a delicious way to share homemade goodness and a surefire hit for those with a sweet tooth.
DIY Hot Chocolate Kit: Assemble a cozy treat with a mug, packets of cocoa, mini marshmallows, and candy canes wrapped together. This comforting gift is perfect for warming up during the chilly winter months and adds a touch of homemade comfort to the party.
Personalized Coasters: Craft coasters using cork or tile, and personalize them with fun quotes or festive designs using paint or decoupage. These quirky coasters are practical and perfect for adding a personal touch to any coffee table.
Quirky Plant Pot: Paint or decorate a small pot with funny faces or puns and include a low-maintenance plant like a succulent. It’s a playful way to bring a bit of greenery into someone’s life with a humorous twist.
Homemade Sugar Scrub: Combine sugar, coconut oil, and your choice of essential oils for a luxurious homemade scrub. Package it in a cute jar with a cheeky label like “For Extra Sweetness.” It’s a pampering gift that’s both practical and personal.
Customizable Apron: Buy a plain apron and use fabric markers or paint to add a witty slogan or funny design. Perfect for the foodie or grilling enthusiast, this gift adds a splash of humor to any kitchen ensemble.
Funny Fridge Magnets: Create magnets with silly sayings or quirky images using printable magnet sheets or by gluing designs onto store-bought magnets. These are great for adding a bit of fun to anyone’s fridge.
Memory Jar: Craft a jar filled with blank slips of paper for writing down memories or funny moments throughout the year. It’s a thoughtful gift that encourages reflection and laughter, making it a meaningful yet lighthearted present.
Silly Socks: Knit or buy plain socks and use fabric paint or iron-on transfers to create funny patterns or messages. They’re a cozy, unique gift that adds a dose of humor to anyone’s wardrobe.
Joke Book Compilation: Gather a collection of the best jokes or puns you can find, print them out, and bind them into a small book. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone laughing long after the party ends.
These homemade White Elephant gift ideas are perfect for spreading cheer and laughter, making any holiday exchange memorable and fun!
White elephant alternatives
Whether you’re looking to enhance your festive celebrations with creativity and inclusivity or simply want to try something new, these alternative gift exchange ideas promise to bring fun and excitement to your gatherings.
Secret Santa Surprise: Each participant draws a name and buys a personalized gift for that person, keeping their identity a secret until the gift is opened. This classic game is great for building anticipation and encourages thoughtful gift-giving.
Themed Gift Exchange: Decide on a fun theme for all the gifts, such as “cozy nights,” “travel essentials,” or “gourmet treats.” Participants buy gifts that fit the theme, adding a twist to the typical gift exchange and sparking creativity.
Gift Auction: Everyone brings a wrapped gift, and participants receive fake currency to bid on the presents. This interactive game adds excitement as guests use their “money” strategically to win their favorite gifts.
Pass the Present: Use a large wrapped gift with multiple layers and pass it around a circle while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the gift removes one layer of wrapping. This continues until the final layer is unwrapped to reveal the prize, creating suspense and laughter.
Santa’s Helper Swap: Everyone brings a suitable gift for either gender, which is placed in a pile. Participants take turns choosing a gift, or they can “steal” a gift that someone else has already opened. This game adds a strategic element to gift swapping.
Reverse Gift Exchange: Instead of giving, participants receive a list of needs from a local charity and purchase gifts to donate. This exchange emphasizes the joy of giving back and can be a heartwarming addition to a holiday gathering.
Musical Gifts: Similar to musical chairs, guests pass around a gift while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the gift keeps it, and another wrapped gift starts circulating. This continues until all gifts are distributed, offering a lively twist on traditional exchanges.
Mystery Gift Box: Each guest brings a small, wrapped gift and places it in a mystery box. Throughout the party, guests draw numbers and pick gifts from the box without looking. The surprise element keeps everyone excited to see what they’ve chosen.
Crafty Gift Exchange: Encourage guests to create homemade gifts or crafts to exchange. This adds a personal touch to the exchange and can be a fun way to showcase creative talents.
Story Swap: Each participant writes a short story or shares a memorable holiday experience with their gift. The stories are read aloud before opening the gifts, adding a unique narrative element that enhances the festive atmosphere.
These alternative gift exchange ideas provide fresh ways to celebrate and connect during the holidays, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience filled with joy and laughter.
Don’t miss this Living on the Cheap’s gift guide, everything from stocking stuffers to electronics to DIY presents and edible gifts!
