The Best White Elephant Gift Ideas for 2017

For those days when completing the most basic tasks seems overwhelming, it’s nice to know there’s a reward for your minimal efforts. Fellow white elephant gift exchange participants will get a kick out of these all-too-relatable ribbons such as “I Put On Pants Today!” and “Adulting Honorable Mention.”

To buy: $28 for four, uncommongoods.com.

These rainbow-colored mermaid socks would look hilarious peeking out from underneath a more serious trouser pant leg, but for the ultimate effect, they can be shown off together to create a mermaid tail pattern.

To buy: $15, papersource.com.

Did Rose do it on the lanai? Perhaps Sophia committed the crime in the kitchen? This comical take on the classic game of Clue will appeal to fans of this cult favorite 1980’s sitcom. The punch line? Your white elephant gift recipient will be trying to solve the mystery of who ate the last piece of cheesecake!

To buy: $40, thinkgeek.com.

Show your fellow yogis what you really intend to do once class is finished. If you’re looking for a white elephant gift that’s as useful as it is humorous, this quality, thick exercise mat will have your classmates drooling at the prospect.

To buy: $32, shopbop.com.

Don’t let the look of these pretty pastel lollipops fool you. These sweet treats don’t just contain speckles; those are actual ants encased in the candy. Dare your white elephant gift recipient to finish an entire sucker without grimacing.

To buy: $12, amazon.com.

Whoever receives this chuckle-inducing Alpaca Head as a white elephant gift will have trouble keeping it all to themselves. With its appealing mint color, mesh panel for breathing, and open mouth for eating and drinking, you can count on this being passed around and around.

To buy: $50, thinkgeek.com.

As if these kooky eyeballs weren’t funny enough on their own, they’re actually edible, for placement on anything from vegetables to baked goods. Imagine the double take your white elephant gift recipient will do when passing by the otherwise unassuming fruit bowl on the counter.

To buy: $10 for 10, papersource.com.

The gals in your white elephant gift exchange will appreciate this nod to a space they can call their own. Whether decking out their home office or simply placing one on the edge of the living room sofa, she’ll clearly mark her territory with this decorative hook pillow.

To buy: $60, bloomingdales.com.

Initial reactions upon unwrapping this book may range from groans to snickers, but the tried-and-true comedy of classic Dad Jokes won’t go unnoticed by anyone at your white elephant gift exchange this year.

To buy: $14, urbanoutfitters.com.

Forego the traditional cat bed and bring this hilarious taco-shaped version to your white elephant gift exchange instead. This handmade wool bed features a shell shape packed with all the fixin’s. They’ll be fighting over who should take this one home!

To buy: $48, uncommongoods.com.

Let them keep pesky coworkers at bay with this mug that boldly announces “I Am Very Busy.” It’s also super chic, with its bold gold lettering showcased on a solid black background. They’ll all be clamoring to take this affordable white elephant gift home with them.

To buy: $14, bloomingdales.com.

Make them chuckle every time they reach for a tissue. Clocking in at under $10, this plastic case makes for a good white elephant gift idea that doesn’t break the bank. It also features a recessed tray top that can be used as a catch-all.

To buy: $8, forever21.com.

This funny hedgehog sponge holder is an unexpected yet useful white elephant gift idea. Each clay hedgehog is hand-sculpted and painted and will keep them company while they wile away in the kitchen doing the dishes.

To buy: $30, uncommongoods.com.

From tough business decisions to what to eat for lunch, this funny white elephant gift will constantly have them asking “WWBD?" The gold nameplate is sure to be an appreciated addition to their desk or home office.

To buy: $29, bloomingdales.com.

Not only can your lucky white elephant gift recipient enjoy a hilarious present, their pooch can, too! These comical toys are composed of solid rubber balls with your choice of a moustache or tongue attachment and are sold separately.

To buy: $10 each, uncommongoods.com.

Help them jazz up their predictable daily water intake with this cactus-shaped drinking glass. The bright pink rubber flower adds a cutesy touch for a white elephant gift that won’t be pushed to the back of the kitchen cabinet.

To buy: $20, shopbop.com.

From classic, sweet flavors such as birthday cake to the questionably-scented Mac n’ Cheese, your white elephant gift guide recipient will probably want to trade one or two of these lip balms! Luckily there are nine different balms in each pack, so they can mix and match with other lucky (or not-so-lucky) partygoers.

To buy: $13, amazon.com.

For a warm beverage on the go without the need for an outlet, this donut mug warmer might also have them salivating for an accompanying pastry. It simply charges via USB port and is functional with both Macs and PCs.

To buy: $16, bloomingdales.com.

Ahoy, matey! This kitschy pair of nautical sunglasses is the perfect white elephant gift for the sailor or ocean-lover in your group. At this price, you can even throw in a plastic anchor necklace to complete the silly getup.

To buy: $10; amazon.com.

Perfect for a date night in or a catch-up sesh with the girls, these rainbow-bedecked drinking glasses let others know they should keep their distance. Be sure to hand wash so the cute script and graphic don’t wear off.

To buy: $15, forever21.com.

Instead of pretending the dreaded bodily function didn’t happen, let them embrace it by trying to identify it. Even the stuffiest member of your white elephant gift exchange will get a kick out of this deck of cards describing 50 different types of flatulence.

To buy: $8, knockknockstuff.com. 

For your friends and family that love sinking their teeth into a juicy cheeseburger, this oversized hat will have them howling. The plush—and very realistic—hat fits most adults and is a great idea for your next white elephant gift exchange. Don’t forget the ketchup!

To buy: $6; walmart.com.

The looks of this fluffy, multicolored phone case might have them scratching their heads, but it will protect their precious technology nonetheless. It’s a great white elephant gift idea without the high price tag.

To buy: $10; forever21.com.

For the aspiring painter or nostalgia seeker that wants to take a trip down memory lane, offer this white elephant gift at your next exchange. They’ll get a kick out of the uncanny likeness to the real artist. The bobblehead even plays some of Bob’s most well-known sayings and is accompanied by a miniature easel of his signature landscape works.

To buy: $13; urbanoutfitters.com.

Give them a white elephant gift that’s sure to elicit a lot of laughs from their guests (and themselves!). They can simply place this book atop their toilet or vanity with a pen for a variety of behind-the-door revelations, doodles, and details.

To buy: $15; uncommongoods.com.

This googly-eyed avocado eraser and sharpener set is the perfect white elephant gift for the compulsive avocado toast eater or guacamole lover in your life. The pencil sharpener represents the avocado pit and can be stored inside the avocado eraser or beside it for a clever desk-side accessory and conversation piece.

To buy: $10; forever21.com.

Don’t let your lack of home ownership stop your cat (or small dog) from living the good life. This cardboard pet house features two sides of a typical Brooklyn building, complete with graffiti and a subway entrance flanking its side, for a white elephant gift that’s sure to please the discerning urban dweller.

To buy: $39, uncommongoods.com.

For a not-so-subtle reminder that they’re ready for their next drink, they’ll get a kick out of racing to hit the bell first. For a fun touch, they can place the “Champagne, Please!’ bell (sold separately) at the opposite end of the bar.

To buy: $12; shopbop.com.

Why shuffle around the house when they can also mop? These brightly colored slippers do double duty as they gently dust and refresh floors while your lucky white elephant gift recipient walks from the sofa to the fridge and back again. This great white elephant gift idea will surely appeal to the lax housekeeper in your group.

To buy: $12, amazon.com.

Instead of featuring a different slice of fish on each piece of rice, these petite keychains showcase an array of cats, all wrapped up in seaweed with hilarious accoutrements. Each keychain will vary by order and features different cats dressed up in various getups including a striped tie, a backpack, and a bamboo placemat.  

To buy: $10 each; papersource.com.

This white elephant gift idea is just the thing for the junk food aficionado in your group. If they prefer snack foods over higher end cuisine, do them a favor and offer this gift into the mix and see which of them is left with this realistic plush at the end of the game.

To buy: $50; thinkgeek.com.

These diminutive sweater koozies will earn your recipient’s ho-hum mug the “Best Dressed” title at the office. Handmade by artisans in Peru, you can choose from the beige cable knit version, or, for the tea-lover in your white elephant gift exchange, the grey version with a pocket for their tea bag.

To buy: From $15,  uncommongoods.com.

Strawberry frosted? Chocolate glazed? Sprinkled? Whatever their doughnut preference, this cozy adult-sized onesie will suit everyone’s figurative tastes. Perfect for white elephant gift exchanges, this ultra-cozy getup features a hood, half-body zipper, and is machine washable to boot.

To buy: $31; thinkgeek.com.

The friend or family member who receives this prank empty box may find themselves disappointed; the prospect of brewing a pot of coffee while simultaneously showering sounds too good to pass up! Try not to break the news to them too hard. (And maybe add another little trinket to the pile to minimize disappointment!)

To buy: $7; amazon.com.

They’re sure to get a kick out of this agenda that lightheartedly lets their co-workers know they’re not interested in being approached. This wire-bound agenda book features a yearly calendar as well as stickers and even secret messages.

To buy: $28; bloomingdales.com.

Let them publicly declare their pool-relieving tendencies—or just make people wonder—with this straightforward cap. This white elephant gift idea would be an especially big hit when worn to a pool party or waterpark and will ensure nobody encroaches on their swimming space!

To buy: $10; amazon.com.

The details on these oversized crabs are so realistic you’ll have a hard time believing they’re plush toys! These stuffed animals make great white elephant gifts for parties that include kids. 

To buy: $20 each, amazon.com.

The hard-headed member of your white elephant gift exchange would surely get a kick out of receiving this handmade mug. Dishwasher safe and ready for gifting in a white cardboard box, this one’s perfect for the friend that always has to get the last word in.

To buy: $14; amazon.com.

Why let the squirrels have all the fun? While they’re feasting in your backyard, you can get a giggle out of it by displaying their meal in this silly unicorn-headed feeder. Simply fill the snout with nuts or seeds and hang approximately 8 inches off a sturdy surface or branch for a white elephant gift they’ll all be clamoring for.

To buy: $15; amazon.com.

Bow down to the original exercise guru with this handmade candle featuring an image of Richard Simmons in traditional religious garb. It’s unscented and made to order for a gag gift that’s sure to impress at your white elephant gift exchange.

To buy: $14; etsy.com.

This cotton-blend pillowcase cover will show them who’s really the master of napping. This white elephant gift idea is perfect for anyone who appreciates the art of a good snooze. At this price, you can even purchase a pillow insert to complete the gesture.

To buy: $4 each; amazon.com.

Don’t let fear of public toilets prevent them from doing their business. This clever yet practical survival kit is a good white elephant gift for just about anyone and includes a pair of disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes, and a toilet seat cover. At this price, you can throw in a roll or two of toilet paper to up the laugh factor.

To buy: $6.50; amazon.com.

This silicone nail polish holder will probably elicit some confused looks upon opening, especially if the lucky recipient is a man. This ring slash nail polish holder slash drip catcher will actually come in handy when there is no flat surface around—once they figure out its intended purpose, of course.

To buy: $15; thegrommet.com.

Be sure to pay close attention when this white elephant gift is opened, as the recipient’s face will undoubtedly turn from delight to confusion. At first glance, this candle looks like a familiar household brand, but once they read the description and see the image of a vomiting dog, they’ll know they’ve been punked!

To buy: $20; etsy.com.

These stoneware mugs stand out from the crowd due to their bright color choices—and enormous pair of feet! This whimsical white elephant gift idea is offered in an array of hues and is microwave safe (perfect for reheating their forgotten cup of coffee).

To buy: $15; bedbathandbeyond.com.

Forget sharing a solo set of headphones to listen to music. This tiny—and mouth-watering—splitter lets both parties listen to music that comes out of both earbuds. It also has a keychain for impromptu jam sessions wherever they may be.

To buy: $8; bloomingdales.com.