The holidays are here, and invitations to White Elephant parties are starting to roll in. If you’ve never participated in one, you might know it by another name—Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa. The premise is simple but chaotic: everyone brings a wrapped, unmarked gift. Participants draw numbers to determine the order. The first person opens a gift, and subsequent players can either choose to open a new gift or steal an already opened one from someone else.
It sounds like innocent fun, but these exchanges can quickly turn competitive. The goal is to bring the item everyone wants to steal—or at least the one that gets the biggest laugh. The pressure to find something that strikes the perfect balance between funny, cool, and budget-friendly is real.
You don’t want to be the person who brings a gift that gets passed over, or worse, left behind. Whether you’re aiming for hilarity or genuine utility, we’ve curated a list of ideas to ensure your contribution is the highlight of the party.
Humorous Gifts That actually Get a Laugh
The heart of a White Elephant exchange is often comedy. You want something that makes the room erupt in laughter as soon as the wrapping paper comes off. However, the best funny gifts are ones that still have a bit of charm or utility after the joke lands.
- Burrito Blanket: Who hasn’t wanted to wrap themselves up like a human burrito? These realistic tortilla-print blankets are cozy, hilarious, and surprisingly practical for movie nights.
- Toilet Night Light: It sounds ridiculous, but once you have a motion-activated light that makes your toilet bowl glow in neon colors, you wonder how you lived without it. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
- A Book of Dad Jokes: Simple, classic, and groan-inducing. This is perfect for the office party where you need to keep things appropriate but still want to be funny.
- Pet Portraits (of random animals): Frame a regal portrait of a dog dressed as a 19th-century general. It’s absurd art that somehow fits in any home decor.
Practical Gifts Everyone Will Fight Over
Sometimes, the most coveted item in the game isn’t a joke at all. It’s something people actually need but wouldn’t buy for themselves. If you want to watch people ruthlessly steal your gift back and forth, go for utility.
- Portable Phone Chargers: Everyone’s phone dies at the worst time. A sleek, high-capacity power bank is a gift that instantly appeals to every single person in the room.
- High-Quality Travel Mug: Forget the cheap plastic ones. A brand-name, vacuum-insulated tumbler that keeps coffee hot for six hours is gold.
- Gourmet Popcorn Sampler: Food is always a safe bet. A set of artisanal popcorn kernels with fancy seasoning salts feels like a treat and is consumable, so it doesn’t clutter up someone’s house.
- Bluetooth Tracker: A Tile or AirTag is a lifesaver for the forgetful. It’s a small tech gadget that feels high-value without breaking the budget limit.
Unique Gifts for the Creative Soul
If you want to stand out from the sea of candles and gift cards, aim for something interactive or novelty-focused. These gifts offer an experience rather than just an object.
- DIY Hot Sauce Kit: For the foodie in the group, a kit that lets them blend their own spicy concoctions is a fun weekend project.
- Desktop Bowling or Golf: These miniature games are perfect for office desks. They provide a quick distraction during long work calls and look cute sitting on a shelf.
- Scratch-Off Map: Ideal for travelers, these maps let the owner scratch off the gold foil of countries they’ve visited to reveal colorful backgrounds underneath.
- Shower Beer Holder: It’s a niche product, but for the right person, a silicone drink holder that sticks to the shower wall is the ultimate luxury.
Gifts You Should Definitely Avoid
While the point is to have fun, there are a few categories of gifts that tend to flop. You want your gift to be stolen, not awkwardly pitied.
- Clothing: Unless it’s a “one size fits all” item like a scarf or goofy socks, avoid clothes. Guessing sizes is a recipe for disaster, and no one wants to unwrap a shirt that doesn’t fit.
- Overly Personal Hygiene Products: Deodorant, anti-aging cream, or breath mints can send the wrong message. Even if meant as a joke, it can feel like a subtle hint to the recipient.
- Used Items or Junk: Re-gifting is part of the tradition for some, but don’t bring obvious trash. If the box is dusty or the item is clearly half-used, it kills the vibe.
- NSFW Items: Know your audience. If grandmas or the HR department are present, keep the adult humor at home. It’s better to be safe than momentarily funny and permanently embarrassed.
Make Your Gift the Star of the Party
White Elephant exchanges are less about the material value of the items and more about the interaction they create. The best gifts facilitate the game—they encourage stealing, laughing, and trading.
Whether you choose a neon toilet light or a high-end travel mug, the key is to bring something that sparks a reaction. Don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” object. As long as you avoid the dud pile, you’re contributing to the holiday cheer. So wrap up your choice, grab a drink, and get ready to defend your prize.
