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The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50 — Funny, Thoughtful and Unexpected Ideas

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Amazon/Nordstrom

Editor’s note: Article updated on Sunday, December 21.

Attending a white elephant gift exchange for the holidays this year? Whether it’s your first one or your annual holiday party tradition, you might need a little help coming up with a creative, unique gift idea. After all, the more unexpected the gift, the more fun the entire process becomes!

Some white elephant parties steer more toward funny, wacky gifts, while others focus on thoughtful, nice finds. Some involve both! No matter what you’re looking for, we have plenty of white elephant gift ideas under $50 below. Some are even under $10!

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20 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50

Ausaye Sensor LED Mushroom Night Light

For the Person Who’s All About Good Vibes: Growing up means you may no longer need night lights to help you sleep at night — but you do need them as cool decor details in your home! This mushroom-shaped light has a built-in smart sensor and is great for all ages!

Pros:

  • Energy-saving option
  • Comes in numerous colors

Cons:

  • Can’t manually turn off without unplugging

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $10.00
Get it!

This Is My Second Rodeo Coffee Mug

For the Perpetually Confused: This hilarious mug offers a funnier take on drinkware than the typical “caffeine” or “mom juice” slogans you see everywhere. And, hey, we can all probably relate to not feeling very rodeo-ready in life!

Pros:

  • Something everyone can use
  • Available in two sizes

Cons:

  • Text is only on one side

Available at: Society6

Buy at Society6 | $22.00
Get it!

Diet Smoke Watermelon Gummies

For the Person Who Needs a Chill Pill: This is a fun, unique and thoughtful gift all at once. These watermelon gummies feature 10mg of hemp-derived CBD — and zero THC — for a sweet, juicy taste that can help you mellow out, legally. 60 gummies per jar!

Pros:

  • Also no unknown compounds or additives
  • Vegan

Cons:

  • Not for anyone pregnant or nursing

Available at: Diet Smoke

Buy at Diet Smoke | $36.00
Get it!

JoGo Portable Coffee and Tea Brewing Straw

For the Busy Bee: This unique gift will truly come in handy for anyone who’s too busy (or lazy!) to waste time using a French press or tea filter. Add coffee grounds or tea leaves straight into your mug — the filter at the end of the straw will keep the particulates out of your mouth!

Pros:

  • Also available in bundles — so you can keep one!
  • Dishwasher-safe design

Cons:

  • Doesn’t actually come with coffee or tea

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $30.00
Get it!

Related: 15 Gifts for People Who Love Sleep More Than Anything

Essential Burt’s Bees Kit

For the Skincare Superfan: This Burt’s Bees skincare set is a no. 1 bestseller on Amazon! A great gift for both men and women, this travel-sized Essential Kit comes with the brand’s signature Beeswax Lip Balm, Coconut Foot Cream, Beeswax Hand Salve, Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream and Milk and Honey Body Lotion. Moisturize dry skin in winter weather with this bundle from Burt’s Bees!

Pros: 

  • Affordable
  • Nourishing skincare set
  • Travel-sized

Cons:

  • None!

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $10.00
Get it!

Aqkilo Squirrel Finger Puppet Set

For the Person With a Quirky Sense of Humor: This finger puppet set was a huge hit in one of our previous white elephant gift guides, so we’re bringing it back for new shoppers! It’s super affordable, and it’s objectively hilarious!

Pros:

  • Our most inexpensive pick on the list
  • Great reviews

Cons:

  • No sizes for different sized hands

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $10.00
Get it!

l.a.b. Acne Light Therapy Patch (2-Pack)

For the Skincare Enthusiast: LED pimple patches? Yes, they’re real, and yes, they’re legit — we’ve tried them! Zap a zit in just three minutes with this innovative skincare find!

Pros:

  • Futuristic and uncommon
  • Red light and blue light target acne and source of acne

Cons:

  • Pricier than regular pimple patches

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $35.00
Get it!

Ordinary Habit Looking for Meaning at the Dinner Party Puzzle by Holly Jolley

For the Happy Homebody: First of all, we love the beautiful art style and adorable design of this puzzle. We also love that it’s holiday-themed but totally works for any religion. 100 pieces is also perfect for anyone who isn’t a super experienced puzzler!

Pros:

  • Not too stressful or time-consuming
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with tools to frame the finished product

Available at: Ordinary Habit

Buy at Ordinary Habit | $20.00
Get it!

Voluspa Crushed Candy Cane Candle

For the Candle Lover: One of our favorite scents, this candle looks as pretty as it smells. This is totally a two-in-one type of gift, as whoever ends up with it will totally want to upcycle the jar once the wax is gone!

Pros:

  • Clean-burning coconut wax
  • Holiday-specific scent

Cons:

  • It’s always possible that not everyone will like the scent

Available at: Nordstrom

Buy at Nordstrom | $45.00
Get it!

Gagster Dancing Pickle

For the Gag Gift Fan: Silly, goofy and completely unexpected, this dancing pickle will have partygoers in stitches. And it does more than dance. It sings and tells jokes — and can mimic what you say! Oh, the possibilities.

Pros:

  • Great for a prankster
  • Fun for everyone, even if only one person gets to keep it

Cons:

  • Requires three AAA batteries — include a pack in your gift!

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $39.00
Get it!

Storm Cloud

For the Science Nerd: Honestly, whether you’re into science or not, this “storm glass” weather predictor is quite cool — and pretty! Barometric pressure makes the liquid inside crystallize to form different patterns!

Pros:

  • Extremely unique and scientific
  • Cute!

Cons:

  • May take a week or so to settle once it’s initially set up

Available at: Uncommon Goods

Buy at Uncommon Goods | $20.00
Get it!

Related: 37 Self-Care Gifts That Will Impress Everyone on Your Shopping List

Cityhermit 11Pcs Funny Pens Set

For the Potty Mouth: Anyone who loves a good F-word will be totally obsessed with this set of pens, each as delightfully vulgar as the last. They’re colorful too — to match with their colorful language!

Pros:

  • Shoppers say they write well in addition to being funny
  • Great variety

Cons:

  • Potential to offend some people

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $7.00
Get it!

Otamatone Japanese Electronic Musical Instrument

For the Musically Talented (Or Untalented): You’ve likely seen Otamatones in numerous viral videos. They’re cute, they’re hilarious and they really can make music. That said, you don’t need to be a musical genius to get started. Just squeeze and slide!

Pros:

  • Available in four colors (and a set)
  • Nearly 15,000 reviews

Cons:

  • Requires three AAA batteries — include a pack in your gift!

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $50You Save 20%
On Sale: $40
Get it!

RYVE Gratitude Journal

For Anyone Practicing Mindfulness: This is a gift that keeps on giving, as this gratitude journal is filled with six months of prompts, affirmations, etc. You’ll find daily exercises and weekly reflections, plus more!

Pros:

  • Bleed-free pages and lay-flat design
  • Available in three colors

Cons:

  • May want to save for a women-only white elephant exchange

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $29You Save 21%
On Sale: $23
Get it!

Jisulife Handheld Fan

For the Person Who Runs Hot: For some people, knitwear is a nightmare, and the heat is always too high for their liking. This mini fan will deliver a heavenly breeze even in the stuffiest of rooms. Great for a crowded holiday party, by the way!

Pros:

  • Multiple speeds
  • Can stand up on its own

Cons:

  • Possible that not everyone will love the cute bear design

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $29You Save 28%
On Sale: $21
Get it!

Related: 15 Gifts 35-Year-Old Women Actually Want

Lolë Teddy Edition Ball Cap

For the Cozy Queen: Love a baseball cap but need something warmer for the winter? Voila! This teddy cap is made with warm and fuzzy sherpa, and it’s stylish, soft and adjustable. So good for the winter weather ahead!

Pros:

  • Unisex — one size fits most
  • Available in two colors

Cons:

  • Might not be everyone’s style

Available at: Lolë

Buy at Lolë | $39.00
Get it!

Gutter Games Beat That!

For the Game Night Host: Anyone who’s into game nights (or wants to start hosting them) will love this gift. In this game, you collect points by completing wacky challenges. You can play with all adults or with kids!

Pros:

  • Can play at the white elephant party after the exchange is over!
  • Takes just two minutes to learn how to play

Cons:

  • Some may prefer more in-depth board games

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $30You Save 17%
On Sale: $25
Get it!

Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

For Anyone Who Wants to Smell Amazing: Any perfume or cologne lover likely has Jo Malone on their wish list already. This unisex fragrance has a fresh, natural, sophisticated scent. Choose the smallest size for a lovely and affordable white elephant gift!

Pros:

  • Typically expensive, coveted brand
  • Pretty gift box

Cons:

  • Bottle is small

Available at: Nordstrom

Buy at Nordstrom | $24.00
Get it!

Ouai Hand Wash

For Anyone Who’s Sick of Cheap Soap: Winter is an especially important time to pay attention to your hand soap. Anyone will appreciate the chance to upgrade to Ouai and give their dry hands some serious moisture!

Pros:

  • Exfoliating and moisturizing
  • Cruelty-free, gluten-free

Cons:

  • Doesn’t last forever

Available at: Sephora

Buy at Sephora | $32.00
Get it!

Katamco Toilet Timer

For the Person Who Probably Needs an Antacid: Everyone knows someone who spends way too long in the bathroom. (No need to reveal if that person is you.) This funny timer works like an hourglass to let them know when it’s time to go…or, time to stop going.

Pros:

  • As seen on Shark Tank
  • Over 18,000 reviews

Cons:

  • More of a gag gift than a real gift

Available at: Amazon

Buy at Amazon | $15.00
Get it!

Looking for something else? Explore more of our favorite products below:

resusable gift bags

Related: Personalize Your Holiday Presents With Affordable Gift Bags, Designed to Reuse

Amazon

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hailey-bieber-travel-lint-roller

Related: Hailey Bieber Called This $9 Travel Lint Roller an ‘Essential’

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