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When it comes to holiday gatherings, nothing causes more laughter (or drama) than a White Elephant gift exchange. I’ve seen quiet family dinners turn into full-blown strategy battles over a $20 gag gift. Someone always ends up laughing so hard they cry, someone else ends up plotting revenge, and everybody leaves with a story to tell.
The best White Elephant gift ideas share three key traits:
- They make people laugh.
- They’re surprisingly useful (or weirdly desirable).
- They create the kind of chaos that makes the game fun.
I’ve been to dozens of these parties, office gift swaps, family Christmas gatherings, and even a poolside White Elephant gift party for a Christmas in July. And after watching countless white elephant gifts get fought over, I’ve put together the ultimate list of 16 hilarious White Elephant gift ideas that always get stolen first.
1. A Wireless Karaoke Microphone
Nothing brings out the inner diva faster than a portable Bluetooth karaoke mic. These things sync to your phone, play music through their built-in speaker, and turn even the shyest person into an American Idol contestant. I once saw an entire party stop mid-game because everyone decided to belt out “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The neighbors weren’t thrilled, but we had a blast.
2. Danny DeVito Sequin Throw Pillow
Brush the sequins one way, and it’s just a shiny pillow. Brush them the other way, and Danny DeVito’s glorious face appears. I brought one of these to a white elephant gift party last year, and it caused a legitimate bidding war between two aunts who didn’t even know who Danny DeVito was. Apparently, the magic of sequins transcends generations.
3. Middle Finger Scented Candle
Yes, these exist. The candle smells nice, but the jar lid flips the bird at whoever looks at it. It’s the perfect passive-aggressive home accessory. I gave one to my friend Sarah, and she lights it every time her in-laws visit.
4. A Hilarious Coffee Mug
You can never go wrong with a mug. The best ones say things like:
- “World’s Okayest Employee”
- “This Might Be Vodka”
- “I Survived Another Meeting That Should Have Been an Email”
One year, I brought a mug shaped like a toilet for my white elephant gift. Not only did it get stolen three times, but the guy who ended up with it actually drinks his morning coffee out of it now.
5. A Hilarious Card Game
Games like “What Do You Meme?”, “Exploding Kittens”, or “Who’s Most Likely To” are instant crowd-pleasers. At one party, we opened “Cards Against Humanity,” and instead of finishing the gift exchange, everyone decided to just start playing immediately. That’s how you know you’ve brought a hit.
6. People of Walmart Adult Coloring Book
Equal parts horrifying and hilarious, this gift never stays on the table for long. Last year, my cousin ripped open a pack of colored pencils to test it out before the game even ended. Stress relief has never looked so… unconventional.
7. A Megaphone
Totally impractical, completely unnecessary, and yet, every single person wants one. I’ve seen adults fight over these like they were solid gold. Plus, someone always starts using it during the white elephant game, which instantly makes things ten times louder and more chaotic.
8. A “Shart Survival Kit”
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, emergency underwear, wet wipes, and air freshener. It’s ridiculous, embarrassing, and unforgettable. At a party I attended, the kit went around the circle three times, and the final “winner” proudly displayed it like a trophy. I still laugh thinking about it.
9. A Chia Pet
Remember these? They’re nostalgic, low-effort, and weirdly lovable. Whether it’s Bob Ross, Baby Yoda, or a zombie, a Chia Pet gift always sparks joy, and sometimes competitive stealing.
10. A Funny Calendar
Every office needs one. From “Goats in Trees” to “Judging Dogs” a wacky calendar gives someone a whole year of laughs. My favorite so far? “Pissed Off Cats”, pure nightmare fuel, but hilarious nightmare fuel.
11. Snoop Dogg’s Cookbook – From Crook to Cook
Yes, Snoop Dogg can cook, and apparently, quite well. Comfort food classics with a West Coast twist make this book both a gag and a genuinely great gift. I’ve gifted it twice, and both times it was stolen immediately.
12. A Magic 8 Ball
Classic, nostalgic, and surprisingly useful for indecisive people. I ended up with one from a White Elephant party, and now I use it for everything from “Should I order pizza?” to “Should I text him back?” (Spoiler: It said no.)
13. A Custom Prayer Candle
You can order candles with celebrity faces, pet portraits, or even your coworkers’ heads printed on them. I once saw a Nicolas Cage prayer candle spark a four-way theft battle at an office party. Sacred and absurd, all at once.
14. Mini Waffle Maker
It’s small. It’s cheap. And it actually works. I’ve never seen one make it through an entire White Elephant game without getting stolen at least twice. People love a silly gift that’s secretly practical.
15. A Giant Burrito Blanket
Yes, you can become a human tortilla. Cozy, ridiculous, and very Instagram-worthy. My friend stole this from her own boss during an office party and had zero regrets.
16. Inflatable Tube Guy (Desktop Edition)
That wacky, waving arm guy you see at car dealerships? They make tiny versions for desks. Completely useless, endlessly entertaining, and the first thing to disappear from the gift table every time.
Rules for a Perfect White Elephant Gift Exchange
Over the years, I’ve learned that while the white elephant gifts make the game fun, the rules make the game work. A few simple guidelines keep the chaos under control, well, sort of.
1. Set a clear price limit.
Somewhere between $15 and $30 keeps things fair. Too low, and the gifts are junk. Too high, and people take it way too seriously.
2. Decide on a theme (or no theme).
Are you going strictly funny? Funny-but-useful? Or completely random? Let people know so nobody shows up with a heartfelt handmade quilt to a room full of fart jokes.
3. Draw numbers for turn order.
Everyone draws a number. Player #1 goes first and opens a gift. Player #2 can either steal that gift or open a new one. And so on.
4. Allow stealing…but set limits.
White elephant gifts can usually be stolen three times max, and a single gift can’t be stolen back immediately by the person who just lost it. These rules prevent infinite loops of theft (and hurt feelings).
5. Make the last turn extra fun.
Because Player #1 doesn’t get to steal at the beginning, give them one final chance to swap at the end of the game. It keeps things fair.
6. Keep things moving.
Encourage people to choose quickly. If someone takes five minutes to decide whether to steal or open a gift, the game can drag on forever.
7. Put all opened white elephant gifts on a “display table.”
Once unwrapped, gifts go in one spot so everyone can see what’s available to steal. No more “Wait, who has the Danny DeVito pillow?!” confusion.
8. Serve food and drinks.
This one’s non-negotiable. Nobody minds losing a gift if there’s cocoa, cookies, or wine within arm’s reach.
9. Add a “wild card” white elephant gift.
Sometimes I’ll sneak in one completely absurd present (like a rubber chicken purse) and announce it as the “bonus steal” gift. People love chasing a mystery.
10. Lean into the chaos.
Remember, it’s not about the White Elephant gift, it’s about the memories. Encourage loud reactions, playful teasing, and lots of stealing. The more ridiculous it gets, the better.
Happy Gifting
A White Elephant Gift exchange is one of those rare holiday traditions where being ridiculous is basically the whole point. Whether you bring a wireless karaoke mic, a Chia Pet, or a Nicolas Cage prayer candle, just aim for something fun and unexpected.
Over the years, I’ve realized that people remember these parties not because of what they took home, but because of how hard they laughed when someone’s grandma wrestled a megaphone out of someone’s hands. So pick a gift that will spark joy, and maybe a little friendly chaos, and watch the magic happen.
With love,
Bri & Cat
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