60 White Elephant Gift Ideas 2024

This gift is both fun and practical—particularly for home cooks who love soul food. Snoop fans will find a range of yummy recipes, like Shrimp Po’ Boy, to more sophisticated fare, like Lobster Thermidor. Of course, there are also recipes for munchies like Chewy Starbursts and Frito BBQ Twists for those times you really need them.

This slime isn’t magic, but it comes close. The brightly colored goop can clean every nook in your car, from the air vents to the cup holder; you can even use it on home office gadgets like your keyboard. (Just make sure to tell the giftee not to leave this in a hot car!)

Woman-Owned

The perfect gift for party hosts (or a fail-safe one for your partner’s mom—ahem), these citrus, peach and berry flavor-infused sugar cubes taste best when paired with bubbly beverages, like mimosas or Bellinis.

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Illustrator Michelle Rial’s hilarious book of charts attempts to wryly answer life’s biggest and smallest questions. It’s a coffee table gift that’ll actually be a hit—especially among the overthinkers in the group (we relate).

Beauty buffs rejoice: The cult-favorite Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (our pick for the best overnight lip mask) and Lip Glowy Balm will help them achieve super-soft lips—plus, they now come in holiday flavors and colors. Bonus: This duo is also a perfectly sized stocking stuffer.

This adorable battery-powered light shaped like a bubble tea drink adds a touch of coziness wherever it’s placed. And yes, it comes with “boba” balls, too. Just note that it doesn’t come with AAA batteries, so we suggest also throwing them in the gift bag.

This funny but useful tortilla blanket is backed by a ridiculous amount of stellar reviews saying it’s actually a treat to curl up in. There are options for die-hard fans of other foods like pepperoni pizzas and waffles, too.

Puffin The Space Suit Jacket

With this gift, help one of your loved ones revive a beloved college beverage: the Shower Beer. This plastic holder from SipCaddy can also hold wine glasses, shampoo or conditioner bottles, too.

If you don’t think these ugly Christmas sweater–style slippers will cause some commotion, think again. Not only are they hilarious—these unisex slippers are also made with Dearfoams’ signature memory foam insole and have a plush lining for maximum coziness. 

If there’s a gift that proves humor is a form of therapy, this card deck of affirmations is it. Say “Don’t be ashamed of who you are—that’s your parent’s job” or “I have the unlimited potential to put things off until the last second” in front of the mirror and let us know how your day goes.

I can’t be the only one who still loves stickers, especially when there are googly eyes involved. This sticker book features food items sourced from vintage illustrations—complete with judgy comments like “Go zest yourself” and “I’m starting to feel like a third peel”—to stick on your fridge, credit card bills or anywhere, really.

What embodies “practical” and “hysterical” more than this hand-embroidered roll of toilet paper embroidered with a phrase like “This is the crappiest gift I could find” (or a custom inside joke of your own)? Nothing, that’s what. 

This “sushi” set comes with five pairs of colorful cotton socks that are OEKO-TEX certified and—thanks to the rolled-up fabric versions of soy sauce bottles, wasabi and ginger—look good enough to eat.

Carb lovers will be delighted at this humongous seeded baguette body pillow and its detailed presentation (the seeds! the crust!)—as well as how incredibly plush it is. (There are croissant and doughnut pillows for the other pastry lovers, too.)

Gives Back

A white elephant gift that’s stinkin’ cute, actually useful and gives back to dogs in need? Yes, we found it. Pooping Pooches created this memorable gift of pups answering nature’s call—and will donate $1 from every sale to the Maui Humane Society.

Snacking on piping-hot drive-through fries just got an upgrade with this french fry holder. The tray fits perfectly in a car cup holder, meaning less time digging for fallen fries and more time crunching.

I will never stop sharing the gospel of my literally life-changing toilet stool. Sure, everyone poops—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. The Squatty Potty helps you get into a “squat” position to remove unnecessary strain on your colon (read: less time in the bathroom). 

In this day and age, who doesn’t need a tracking tag to keep tabs on all their stuff? (Or constantly check your Find My app when your luggage gets gate-checked, like I do—anyone else?) Apple’s nifty tracker works with your iPhone’s Bluetooth or GPS, so you’ll never misplace your luggage again.

If you’re going to choose the “practical” over “hilarious” route, this is fail-proof. This slim, half-pound charger comes with a whopping six outputs and three inputs so you can charge up to six devices at once. (If I had a penny for every time someone has asked to borrow mine…)

Editor’s Pick

They’ll now be able to finish their page-turner in the dark while their bedmate sleeps. This neck light comes with two movable arms with light heads, each offering three brightness levels. Fun fact: Of all the gifts I’ve given my partner, this is the one he uses most.

Any music or podcast lover will wonder how they ever lived without this handy little speaker, which is waterproof and offers up to 10 hours of play time. It also has a handy clip-on carabiner—which, by the way, can attach to things like a stroller handle, which my sister appreciates when she has to entertain my young niece on long walks.

Coffee mug warmers make popular, steal-worthy white elephant gifts—particularly when they’re this affordable. The BestInKits warmer will make sure whoever snags this will always have a hot cup of joe or tea in hand.

Outdoor folks and gear collectors might want to add this petite multi-tool to their collection. It folds down to 4.25 inches but still packs a punch: Tools include nose pliers, an awl, a nail file, scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener and a partially serrated blade—among others.

‘Tis the season for hot toddies, mulled wine and Irish coffee, and Yeti’s 14-ounce double-wall insulated mug is just the one for the job. It’ll keep drinks warm (or chilled, if that’s their preference) for extended outdoor gatherings.

Guarantee the bathroom won’t smell like anything but Christmas with this Poo-Pourri toilet spray. Just spritz a few sprays into the toilet bowl, and it’ll trap odors below the surface while emitting the nostalgic scents of cypress, cedar and smoke vanilla.

USA-Made

It’s never too early to help your recipient start setting a jolly ambiance for the holidays. Like its name implies, the fragrance of this nontoxic soy candle—which is hand-poured in Asheville, North Carolina—features notes of pine, patchouli, cedar and spearmint.

Equipped with a handy stand and a quick-working stainless steel whisk, it’s no wonder Zulay’s Executive frother made our list of the best milk frothers. It can be used to create a thick layer of foam on all sorts of beverages, including lattes, hot chocolate, matcha and more. 

These cocktail kits have come in handy when my partner or I have last-minute cravings for Old Fashioneds. One tin has everything a mixologist needs to make six servings of their favorite cocktail: three kinds of bitters, raw cane sugar cubes, a fancy-schmancy muddler’s spoon and three stainless steel cocktail picks. All you need is the bourbon.

Totally useful with a touch of humor, Dr. Squatch handmade soaps are especially formulated for men (though women will enjoy lathering up with them, too—I do!). Made from natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, the soaps come in fresh scents like Cedar Citrus and Cool Fresh Aloe. 

This wooden brain teaser locks around a bottle and won’t release until the puzzle is solved. The result is equal parts fun and frustration—depending on how badly they need a drink.

Whether it’s for a “Jurassic Park” viewing party or Taco Tuesday, this set of dinosaur chip-and-dip holders will probably become the recipient’s go-to serveware. Fill the dino with tortilla chips (the “spikes”) and the dip holder with salsa to make a tiny “volcano.”

As a karaoke lover who belts out Fleetwood Mac every chance I can, this is one of the best white elephant gifts I’ve ever received. This wireless “microphone” speaker, which comes in several fun colors, can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth; simply open an mp3 or YouTube video, and you’ve got a karaoke bar in your living room.

Who knew you could meditate using a litter box? This mini meditation garden includes a “litter box” tray, a bag of sand, decorative rocks, a wooden rake and—arguably the most important part—two tiny cats to help you achieve your zen.

Writer’s block? This pen might be the key. It writes and diffuses essential oils, and you can use the scent you think will be the biggest hit with the group; the selection includes Crisp Mountain Air, Glowing Embers and Citrus Grove.

Sustainable

No mere candle, this 2.8-ounce solar-powered lantern uses a flame-free LED light (that actually flickers), collapses down to 1 inch and has an 18-hour runtime. They’ll be able to use it by the pool, camping—and even in the bath.

It looks like a gold-wrapped condom, but don’t be fooled—they’re actually food-grade latex stoppers that are leak-proof and will keep your wine fresh. And unlike their human counterpart, they’re reusable, too.

Cruelty-Free

Instead of buying a bottle of lube and being done with it, go for a spicy gift that’s also a little more thoughtful. I recommend Maude’s hand-poured, jojoba oil–based massage candle, which comes either unscented or in fragrances made with essential oils. No. 3, with its notes of eucalyptus, sandalwood and vetiver, is my favorite; I can simply light it up to evoke a cozy atmosphere before bed or blow it out and use the warm, moisturizing oil to soothe my (or my partner’s) sore muscles.

This game is like if Cards Against Humanity and Magnetic Poetry had a baby. Everyone gets a limited number of magnets, with which they have to create an answer to truly ridiculous prompts like, “Tell someone you’ve clogged their toilet at a party.” Even poets will have a hard time, and I guarantee everyone will be laughing.

Single folks who’ve almost given up on the dating scene will perk up when they unwrap this gift. Infused with pure pheromones that work for both men and women, the oil is meant to be applied to pulse points like your wrist or neck and has a scent subtle enough to be layered under your favorite cologne or perfume. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll turn more heads out there.

These cute and slightly naughty cuffs are bound to get a chuckle at your white elephant gift exchange. They’re metal, covered with faux fur sleeves, and yes, they lock. But don’t worry: They come with two keys and a backup quick-release lever for peace of mind. 

This cult-favorite chemical foot peel sloughs off all the dead skin on your feet to leave you with skin as supple as a baby. Just make sure whoever steals this is OK with their feet shedding like a snake.

When in doubt, anything that brings the spa to mind makes for a fool-proof gift. These shower steamers, scented with essential oils to create soothing fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint, melt in the shower. 

If you live in cold climes, bringing hand warmers to the party will no doubt be welcome. Add a touch of extra cuteness to the surprise by choosing this penguin-inspired pair. In addition to being endearing, they’re rechargeable, come with three heat settings and are magnetic, so you’re less likely to lose one.

Those on their feet all day or who just need a little more self-pampering in their lives will want to steal this foot massager. The foot-operated device comes with six massage heads with rotating nodes to ease all manner of tension—and the heat setting is nice for tackling that extra fatigue.

Bring the campfire indoors with this electric s’mores maker. It has a stainless steel grate over which you can control the roast of your marshmallows and includes two roasting forks. Plus, the four trays included are removable for easy cleanup. 

Foodie Dice is the dinner decision-maker indecisives never knew they needed. Each side of the dice offers different ingredients to get their creative juices flowing in the kitchen.

Editor’s Pick

Spicy food fiends, Sichuan food aficionados and travelers who can’t live without sauce alike will get a literal kick out of this limited-edition set from Fly By Jing. The four-piece collection includes the brand’s popular Sichuan Chili Crisp and (my current favorite) Sweet & Spicy Zhong, which is sweet, spicy and umami all at once.

The foodies in the group will want to snatch up this fun card deck. Whether they’re a fan of spicy reds, refreshing roses or sweet moscatos, they’ll get wine and cheese recommendations, as well as arrangement suggestions, regardless of budget.

How cute are these mini jam jars? Made by the popular French brand Bonne Maman, each set comes with eight 1-ounce jars of various flavors, from Apricot to Orange Marmalade.

Is a hamburger patty press useful—or a little ridiculous? Either way, you can’t argue with the quality of this cast-iron version from Williams Sonoma, which features a nonstick finish.

USA-Made

This matching card game is simple but action-packed and quite addictive. I know because I gifted Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza to my family and, according to my sister, it is “the most silly, insane, fast-paced game I have ever played and the only one that has left me breathless with laughter.” Even my 3-year-old niece has joined in on the fun (though only to do the narwhal dance).

This banana-shaped pouch is a tile game that’s kind of like Scrabble but without a clunky board or the complications of scoring. Each pouch is filled with 144 letters for endless hours of word-filled fun for anagram aficionados.

Behold, a game that will have everyone in your group truly getting to know each other—while crying from laughter (speaking from experience). Players take turns pulling a Scale card that shows the others what range they’ll be working with (for example: 1 might be “Easy Peasy” and 10 might be “Hard AF”). Then, they pull a second number card the other players won’t see. The goal: The other players use the Scale card to guess what number you pulled (I might say something like “brushing teeth” for the number 1). The catch: There are some extreme Scale cards included, as well as a separate adult pack—so make sure no kids are around!

Black-Owned

Go a little bit deeper with close friends and family (or your partners, as I’ve done) with the conversation game Hella Awkward. Its 140 questions are split into categories from Dating to Real Talk, and you can customize the game by removing certain categories based on who’s playing.

Whether it’s migraines, hangovers, puffy eyes, photosensitivity or just stress you’re struggling with, this unique blackout gel cap will help. It can either be cooled or heated (I’ve got a couple sitting in the fridge right now), and it blocks out light and mutes sound. Bonus: It’s super comfortable and comes in handy when I get TMJ-related headaches.

You can’t go wrong with a nice insulated drinking cup, and the BrüMate Era is a fresh departure from the popular Stanley. Forbes Vetted senior updates editor Karen Tietjen prefers this style because of its innovative features. For starters, the top of the lid swivels three ways, locking out spills, opening for sips and releasing for easy cleaning. Second, the interior straw is made of stainless steel to reduce plastic exposure. “Plus, I love the cup’s matte finish and gorgeous color choices, like the muted-neon Prickly Pear,” Tietjen adds.

A quality pair of cozy socks is always a good white elephant gift, according to Graham. These bright crew socks stand out not just for their terry-padded sole and arch support; they’re also Fairtrade, GOTS and Vegan Certified—and the brand partners with an organization that works to protect majestic elephants from extinction.

If you’re going to splurge over the typical $25 on your white elephant gift, go for something useful and cozy. Sunbeam’s plush electric blanket includes a digital controller with a whopping 12 heat settings, so they can stay cozy and warm during this winter season.

I guarantee there’ll be a coffee aficionado or two present at your gift exchange. The portable OXO Rapid Brewer will be a hit with those folks: They’ll be able to make a single serving of espresso using their favorite beans in only two minutes, or cold brew in five.

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