The Best White Elephant Gift Ideas for 2019

If there aren’t any allergy sufferers among your white elephant exchange group, bring this spoon to the mix. It’s likely that everyone indulges in a jar of PB—or, even better, Nutella, or their spread of choice—every so often, and this handy spoon just makes that indulgence easier. And if they’re constantly making peanut butter sandwiches for little ones (or themselves), not eating the stuff straight from a jar with a spoon, they’ll appreciate the ability to get every bit out.

To buy: $12; uncommongoods.com.

Making decisions is hard, but fortunately, this little paperweight makes it easier. They can keep it on their desk or the kitchen counter for keeping mail, notes, and other odds and ends in place, and when they need to decide if they’re going to the store today or tomorrow or picking between pizza or Chinese takeout for dinner, this little white elephant gift can help. Just give it a spin, and it’ll make any choice so much simpler.

To buy: $18; uncommongoods.com.

Pair this set of hanging planters with two mini plants to make the ultimate white elephant gift. It’s a stylish option that’s still reasonably priced—perfect for staying under a price limit.

To buy: $21; amazon.com.

When it comes to gift exchanges, you can’t go wrong with a practical gift that’ll be put to good use, and that’s exactly what we love about this bedside shelf that has more than 1,100 five-star reviews on Amazon. Simple in design, the BedShelfie is a game-changer for small rooms that don’t have space for a full night stand. Available in four different sizes, the compact shelf can hold up to 15 pounds and has built-in groves along the sides so you can keep your devices connected and your cords organized.

To buy: $30; amazon.com.

Who doesn't love the smell of new books? If you don't understand the obsession, take one whiff of this candle, and you'll be convinced. Homesick Candles also offers specialized city and state candles that are meant to remind you of wherever home may be.

To buy: $30; amazon.com.

Skip the wine hangover after a glass of your favorite vino with this pack of eight individual wine filters that actually work. The wine snob of the group will instantly be vying for these purifying wands that filter out histamines and sulfites, helping to reduce common wine side effects like headaches, congestion, or flushed skin.

To buy: $20; amazon.com.

Be prepared to bring the most stolen item at your white elephant party. Both practical and funny, using this shower wine glass holder is an easy way to relax after a long day.

To buy: $16; amazon.com.

If you and your pals have already binge-watched Friends on Netflix, this commemorative ornament will be a hit at your next gift exchange. Reminisce on all the days the Friends crew hung out at the Central Perk cafe—without having to relive Phoebe's infamous “Smelly Cat” song.

To buy: From $9; amazon.com.

This decadent hot sauce made it on Oprah’s Favorite Things list this year, so of course it’s one of our new must-have condiments to spice up any dish. The hot sauce-obsessed at the party will love the gourmet flavor that’s made from red chili peppers, black truffle oil from Northern Italy, and organic agave nectar from Mexico.

To buy: $18; amazon.com.

This coffee mug warmer with more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon is the desk accessory you never knew you needed. For those times your coffee gets cold too quickly, this handy, portable, and on-budget gadget was made for coffee lovers who are in constant need of a warm cup of Joe. Plus, the indicator light lets you know when your beverage is warm and ready to drink.

To buy: $10; amazon.com.

Anyone who’s a fan of the Harry Potter franchise will get a kick out of this helpful cookbook that includes more than 150 Hogwarts-inspired recipes. Out of all the Harry Potter-themed gifts, this one takes the cake because you can make dishes right out of the novels—like Treacle Tart (Harry’s favorite dessert) or Molly’s Meat Pies (Mrs. Weasley's signature dish) from scratch.

To buy: $11; 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 the person figures out its intended purpose, of course.

To buy: $10; amazon.com.

If your gift limit is right around $25 to $30, these handmade, birthstone-inspired wine bottle stoppers are a classy option. Don’t worry about buying a specific birthstone, either—each one is so unique and pretty!

To buy: $24; uncommongoods.com.

If you haven't seen a PopSocket on the back of someone's phone, you're missing out one of the best phone accessories of 2019. These handy knobs stick directly to your phone or phone case and help you have a better grip while texting or taking photos.

To buy: $14; amazon.com.

Saving the planet isn’t just cool—it’s also super important and, with these reusable straws, super easy. Slip these into your Yankee swap, and everyone will be scrambling to take these portable, bendable, colorful straws home. It includes 10 straws in irresistible colors, so everyone could get one … if their lucky final owner decides to share.

To buy: $25; food52.com.

A lightbulb? Just hear us out: This lightbulb doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, turning any lamp or light fixture into a music machine. Let your contribution be the sleeper agent of the gift exchange by putting the bulb in different packaging and waiting to explain what makes it special, then watch the audiophiles scramble to take it home.

To buy: $30; target.com.

Anyone and everyone at your white elephant exchange will be scrambling for this clever phone case, which is sleek and good-looking but also super practical, thanks to the attached fabric wallet that can hold three cards plus cash. The case is available in different colors and phone sizes, so you can tailor it for your gift exchange audience.

To buy: $24; amazon.com.

Pet-owning friends will love this feeding tracker, which easily mounts on a refrigerator (it’s magnetic) or sticks to a wall to demonstrate if the dog has or has not received food. Anyone without a pet might not understand, but those with a dog—especially those with multiple household members charged with feeding the dog, or those with not-so-great memories—definitely will.

To buy: $10; amazon.com.

The winner of this powerful, portable speaker can turn anywhere they go into a party. The speaker is splash-proof, with surprisingly powerful volume—a great gift for anyone (and affordable, too).

To buy: $30; amazon.com.

Bring this one to the white elephant gift exchange among your yoga-going, matcha-drinking friends. This deck of 50 cards includes prompts and exercises that encourage peace of mind and body. Your strung-out or peace-seeking friends can pull out a card whenever they’re feeling stuck, but someone has to win the deck in the gift exchange first.

To buy: $17; uncommongoods.com.

Just try to resist tackling this puzzle in the middle of your gift exchange, we dare you. Whoever gets to bring this puzzle-slash-tchotchke home will be playing with it (and putting it on display) for weeks to come, and everyone will be impressed by your white elephant creativity—good luck topping it next year.

To buy: $30; uncommongoods.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.

This pocket-sized gizmo holds twelve stainless steel kitchen tools, including a spoon, a grater, and a peeler—perfect for your gathering with outdoor enthusiasts, chronic picnickers, or on-the-go foodies.

To buy: $32; uncommongoods.com.

For the nostalgic types—or those who feel like the last five years have just flown by—introduce this journal to your next gift-sharing gathering. Your more literary acquaintances will be scrambling to keep it by the end of the Yankee swap (and there’s a good chance whoever doesn’t take it home will be picking it up for themselves the next chance they get).

To buy: $10; amazon.com.

Raise a perfectly chilled glass of bubbly where ever you go with this insulated flute, which looks great in any setting and keeps your celebratory drink of choice cool for hours. In your white elephant gift exchange, this one’s sure to get stolen and make the rounds a few times until the game is done.

To buy: $23; amazon.com.

Add this gift to the pile to get a good laugh out of your fellow white elephant gift exchange attendees. Someone’s sure to break out in the bananaphone song—and someone else is sure to be itching to take this funny-but-useful gift home, particularly if they have kids (or they’re just a kid at heart).

To buy: $40; uncommongoods.com.

Everything old is always new again! Vintage Christmas decor is having a moment, and we can’t get over this miniature ceramic Christmas tree that gives a nod to the antique versions that were popular in the 1970s. This mini model doubles as an ornament and lights up, so it’ll surely make a statement on any tree.

To buy: $20; alwaysfits.com.

Most people in your circle are likely stressed, distracted, or sleep-deprived sometimes—or a lot of the time—and will likely leap at the chance to nab a portable essential oil balm formulated to alleviate those issues at the annual gift exchange. This kit includes five pocket-sized balms in a subtle tin, perfect for staying calm, focused, happy, and more anywhere and everywhere.

To buy: $25; amazon.com.

People might be shocked that you brought this to the gift exchange, but they shouldn’t be—the Echo Dot is available at a super affordable price point and is sure to be the top white elephant gift. Let everyone think of you as the incredibly generous friend who brought a smart assistant to the exchange—you can ride that reputation all the way to next year’s gathering.

To buy: $30; amazon.com.

Tea- and coffee-drinkers alike will be racing to snatch up this one-handed travel mug, which allows the probably-in-a-hurry user to open the spill-proof lid with one hand. When the lucky winner of this mug isn’t drinking, the hot contents inside stay where they’re supposed to—where the vacuum-insulated body can keep them warm.

To buy: $22; amazon.com.