FOR MOST year-long shoppers, the holidays bring unalloyed joy. For the rest of us last-minute men, well, it’s a source of unending anxiety. Thankfully, there are occasions like the “White Elephant” gift exchange (also known as a “Yankee Swap,” “Dirty Santa,” or whatever other terms just mean “gifting your friends weird stuff they probably don’t need, but will definitely find hilarious”). The term “White Elephant” has a long (and pretty boring) history we won’t go over, but just know the game calls for gifting something of little value, which some might find to be kind of obnoxious and burdensome.
The White Elephant gift rules are pretty simple. Each person wraps a gift, places it on a table, and then draws a number. The person chosen first picks a gift and unwraps it. The next person can either pick a new mystery gift or steal from someone else (stealing rules vary). This continues until either all the gifts are gone, or friendships have been forever soiled by questionable gift-stealing. You can choose certain themes to abide by or opt for the most randomly hilarious presents you can find (and let’s be honest—sometimes, those are the best White Elephant gifts).
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When it comes to shopping for White Elephant gifts, it can be tough to find useful items—especially when you don’t know which person will receive your gift. So it’s best to opt for a funny White Elephant gift idea (most likely also doubles as a great stocking stuffer for men) that anyone can enjoy. From ridiculous card games and books to items that have funny pop culture references and a wide range of poop-related gifts, there are plenty of gift ideas you can go with.
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So, what are some good creative ideas for a White Elephant gift, you ask? Check out these 58 hilarious and (occasionally) useful gift ideas to wrap this season. These unique and affordable gifts (as in under-$20, under-$25, and under-$50 options) will surely spice up your 2022 and end the year with the best kind of medicine: laughter.
Best White Elephant Gag Gift
Roo Balls!
Roo Balls Bottle Opener
Best White Elephant Literal Gift
KBDesignByKara
White Elephant Gift- Glass jar soy wax candle
Best White Elephant Cocktail Gift
Williams Sonoma
Antique Brass and Glass Cocktail Shaker
Best White Elephant Cooking Gift
UmamiCart
Culinary Adventures Gift Set
My Sack
Smack a Sack-Stress Relief Ball Sack
The Screaming Goat Book and Figurine
K T One
Danny DeVito Sequin Pillow
Best White Elephant Headwear Gift
RTIC Outdoors
RTIC Beanie
Seymour Butz
“Shower Margarita Machine” Prank Gift Box
Golden Image Creations
Who Got The Aux?!:The Party Game for Music Lovers
Zach Golden
“What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner?” Cookbook
da Vinci’s Room
Awkward Party Game
Mike Bender
“Awkward Family Photos” Book
Luxxis
Lightsaber Star Wars Light Up LED Chopsticks
Witty Yeti
Crude Bad Parking Cards (50 Pack)
Schwetty Balls Golf Balls
ROZKITCH
Nicholas Cage Sequin Pillow
Running Press
Desktop Boxing: Knock Out Your Stress! Finger Punching Bag
Butt Supplies
The Butt Tape Holder
Animal Mini Tabletop Vacuum
Rainbow Socks
Pizza Socks Box
Barwench Games
Spin The Shot Game
Uncommon Goods
Taco Toaster (Set of 2)
Best White Elephant Tech Gift
Banana Phone
Banana Phone Bluetooth Handset (iPhone and Android)
Brilliant or BS Card Game
Drawing Without Dignity Party Game
Small Fish
Infinity Cube Fidget Toy
Foul Mouth Fanny
Best Dirty Word Search Ever
Milton Crawford
“The Hungover Cookbook”
Best White Elephant Gift for Outdoorsmen
Puffin
Sleeping Bag Insulated Beer Cooler
Viva Sol Tabletop Bag Toss
Elias Hill
“101 So Bad, They’re Good Dad Jokes” Book
Noel Botham
“The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information”
30 Watt
The Original Sudski Shower Beer Holder
Best DIY White Elephant Gift
Sage & Sill
Enchanted Mushroom Lamp DIY Kit
Most Useful White Elephant Gift
Puebco
Stash Book
Cards Against Humanity Green Box
Best White Elephant Food Gift
Beekman 1802
Goat Poop Ultra Premium Chocolates
Fred Rodgers
“You Are Special: Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers”
Jorbest
Double Sided Waffle Blanket
Uncommon Goods
Avocado Huggers (Set of 2)
Blizzard Bay
Panda Santa Ugly Sweater
Beardaments
Beard Ornaments (12-pack)
Williams Sonoma
‘Star Wars’ Pancake Molds (Set of 4)
Swag Brewery
Hoppy IPA Beer Soap
Chelsea Monroe-Cassel
“A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Game of Thrones Companion Cookbook”
F-color
Waterproof Phone Case
Tipsy Elves
‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ Wine Stopper
Uncommon Goods
Banana-Saving Hats
Michael Scott Seamless Face Mask Bandanas
We scoured the internet to find the most affordable gifts, the best practical gifts, and the best gag gifts that will bring a smile to someone’s face at this year’s Yankee Swap or White Elephant party. Each item was selected for its price point and uniqueness.
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008.