Holidays & Entertaining Gift Guide 2022: 101+ Best Gift Ideas Holiday & Christmas Gift Ideas The 58 Best White Elephant Gifts of 2022 That Everyone Will Actually Want Steal the show at your next gift exchange with these unique—and practical—ideas. By Jen Woo Jen Woo Jen Woo is a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over ten years of experience. Highlights: * She is a regular contributor to Dwell and contributing editor at 7x7 * Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications including Architectural Digest, Dwell, GRAY Magazine, and Lonny * For brand work, her portfolio includes Yale Home, August Home, Exploratorium, Google, Studio Heimat, TravelBank, and more Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Quinn Gawronski Quinn Gawronski Website Quinn joined Dotdash Meredith in 2022 and is currently an Associate Commerce Editor for Real Simple. Previously, she was a Senior News Assistant at The New York Times, a contract Associate Editor with Meredith Corporation, an Editorial Assistant at Popular Science, and a Reporting Intern at NBC News. She has written for Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Better You, TODAY, and NBC, among others. Quinn studied journalism and political science at Syracuse University, where she worked on six campus publications and was Editor in Chief of University Girl magazine. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 1, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Amazon White elephant gift exchanges are a fun and exciting way to spread some joy, whether for a special event or during the holidays—especially when your friends, family members, or colleagues are battling it out for one or two standout gifts. Finding a white elephant gift can be tricky since you have to find an item that appeals to a range of personalities and stays within a typically small budget. While you might be tempted to go with a gag gift, it’s always better to spend money on something useful. To give you some ideas, we spent hours researching and compiling a variety of fun and clever gifts. We also consulted Jodi R. R. Smith, etiquette expert and author at Mannersmith, for more advice on how to choose the perfect white elephant gift. “There [are] some things that you can't go wrong with in general: beeswax candle sticks, pretty stationery, a box of chocolates, lottery tickets, a small bottle of rum if it's the right crowd to give alcohol to,” says Smith. “There are certain general things that can make for really fun gifts.” Here, the best white elephant gift ideas to spark some friendly competition at your next gift exchange. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks Bare Necessities View On Amazon View On Barenecessities.com View On Bloomingdales A comfortable, cozy pair of socks is a staple everyone needs in their wardrobe. These plush CozyChic Socks from Barefoot Dreams come in eight colors and fit shoe sizes 5-9, which makes this an ideal gift for just about anyone. Whether the recipient is lounging around the house or running errands, these socks add a sumptuous layer of comfort to their day-to-day life. Price at time of publish: $15 Puffin Puffy Beverage Jacket Uncommon Good View On Amazon View On Belk.com View On Uncommon Goods The best white elephant gifts are unabashedly kitschy, like this very literal Cold Beer Coat. While you could certainly opt for the traditional koozie, these miniature down jackets that hug your favorite brew are an undoubtedly cooler option. Price at time of publish: $13 Dash Mini Waffle Maker Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target Despite its name, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker serves up more than just perfectly crisp and golden waffles, which is why it'll be a hot commodity at your white elephant exchange. It can cook hash browns, cookies, eggs, and more—and it comes with a recipe guide for quick meal ideas. It's compact enough to fit in small cabinets and drawers without taking up too much space. In addition to the wide variety of colors, there are even seasonal waffle makers available like pumpkin- and heart-shaped versions Price at time of publish: $13 Home Cooks Have Come Up With So Many Clever Uses for This Mini Waffle Maker and Griddle Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable 35mm Camera Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon They can create keepsakes and mementos with this old school disposable camera, which captures everything from vacations to birthdays with a retro-fitted flare. While they will have to take the photos to be developed, the nostalgic frames are well worth the added effort. Price at time of publish: $43 for 2-pack TONYMOLY Face Mask Set Amazon View On Amazon These Tonymoly sheet masks are an easy way for the recipient to take care of their skin and pamper themselves. This set targets a variety of skin types and concerns with a variety of nourishing ingredients that smooth skin and give a luminous glow. They're super convenient to use, too: Just pop one of the face masks on clean skin and relax with it on for 20–30 minutes. Price at time of publish: $26 Urban Outfitters Icon Book Light Urban Outfitters View On Urban Outfitters This cutesy clip on book light will illuminate the pages of their current read, whether they’re reading in bed next to a slumbering partner or journaling into the night near a roomie. It comes in either a frog or smiling flower style for some extra fun. Price at time of publish: $20 Crest 3DWhitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strips 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Getting a pearly white smile is easy with these tried-and-true whitening strips from Crest. These strips can eliminate set-in stains and improve the overall whiteness of their teeth, whether it be in preparation for a special event or for day-to-day use. Price at time of publish: $46 The 8 Best Teeth Whitening Strips of 2022 Perytong Bluetooth Wireless Headband Headphones Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Revolutionize their music-listening experience with this slim headphone headband from Perytong. The soft headband includes a wireless Bluetooth headset interior, which is comfortable enough to wear while they sleep, exercise, or travel—no wires or perpetually falling earbuds are required. This headphone accessory also boasts a 10-hour battery life, Bluetooth version 5.2, machine-washable construction, and hypoallergenic materials. Price at time of publish: $40 Royal Craft Wood Bamboo Bathtub Tray Amazon View On Amazon Create a luxurious, at-home spa with the help of this bamboo bathtub tray. The tray can extend up to 43 inches, so they can tailor the size to suit their unique tub. It also comes equipped with a book or tablet holder and a waterproof design that’s bathtub-friendly. Any recipient will be lucky to add this caddy to their self-care regimen. Price at time of publish: $55 The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit The Cocktail Box Co. View On Amazon View On Etsy View On REI This cocktail kit allows them to bring the bar cart with them everywhere you go—whether they’re crafting a drink mid-flight or mixing Old Fashioneds on an outdoor adventure. The compact tin contains cane sugar cubes, orange zest, flavored bitters, a muddler spoon, and a linen coaster, with enough ingredients to whip up six drinks. Avid explorers, frequent fliers, or cocktail connoisseurs will adore this pint-sized travel kit. Price at time of publish: $23 The 50 Best Gifts on Amazon Under $50—Including Ones You’ll Want to Get Yourself, Too YXChome Mini Cheese Knife Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart This set of four stainless steel cheese knives is the perfect companion for any charcuterie board. The kit includes a mini spade knife for hard cheese, a mini fork to chuck cheese, a narrow plane knife for semi-hard and soft cheese, and a spreading knife for crumbly cheese. Whether they’re hosting an intimate get-together or crafting a personal cheese board, these knives will upgrade their at-home fromagerie. Price at time of publish: $15 Avenue of America Matte Square Hair Claw Clips Etsy View On Etsy This ‘90s accessory has made a serious comeback and can be found all over your Pinterest feeds and Instagram pages. While adorable and chic, these square hair clips are also incredibly functional, allowing them to pin their locks up in a cinch. Price at time of publish: From $12 Vobaga Coffee Mug Warmer Amazon View On Amazon For those who hate nothing more than a lukewarm cup of coffee or tea, turn to the Vobaga Mug Warmer to keep their beverages at the perfect temperature—no reheating required. They can toggle between three temperatures with the tap of a button, and the heating plate will automatically shut off after four hours. Especially useful during blustery winter months, this mug warmer will keep them and their drink of choice cozy and warm. Price at time of publish: $40 The 45 Best Tech Gifts of 2022 for Everyone on Your List We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game Urban Outfitters View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Target We're Not Really Strangers (also known as WNRS) is not your typical card game. Each card holds a question that is meant to encourage introspection and build a deeper connection with the people you're playing with. This game is a great conversation starter for new acquaintances and lifelong buds alike (you're bound to reach a new level of friendship). The game has three levels—Perceptions, Connections, and Reflections—that prompt you to dig deep into topics like love, friendship, and self-image. Price at time of publish: $25 Death Wish Coffee Co. Ground Coffee Death Wish Coffee View On Amazon If the folks in your white elephant group are not morning people, then a bag of Death Wish Coffee Co. grounds will have them start their day with much more energy. The brand claims to be the strongest coffee in the world, using a combination of arabica and robusta beans to create a rich, intense blend with twice the amount of caffeine as your average cup. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the notes of black cherry and dark chocolate that permeate each sip—and it won't taste bitter or acidic thanks to a small-batch roasting process. Price at time of publish: $19 Kitsch Heatless Curling Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Macy's View On Thepaperstore.com They can achieve salon-worthy curls sans heat damage with the viral Satin Heatless Curling Set from Kitsch. Whether they’re a hairstyling pro or a novice looking to add some easy styles to their repertoire, this set makes curling hassle-free. Price at time of publish: $16 Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer Amazon View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Touchland.com Many hand sanitizers leave your skin feeling sticky, but Touchland's Power Mist stands out because it dispenses an ultra-fine mist into your palms. (No need to deal with globs of sanitizer everywhere!) Its formula contains 70 percent alcohol and is packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and lemon oil. Our favorite part? The array of fresh and fruity scents to choose from (think Applelicious, Vanilla Blossom, and Velvet Peach). Price at time of publish: $27 for 3-pack Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager Vegamour View On Sephora View On Vegamour.com A relaxing scalp massage always feels like a luxury, and the Vegamour GRO Scalp Massager lets them add a spa-like hair ritual into their daily routine. They can use this tool on wet or dry hair to massage in product, lather shampoo, and promote circulation to the scalp. Price at time of publish: $18 Whiskware Batter Mixer Amazon View On Amazon Your foodie friends will be vying over this kitchen gadget that creates perfectly smooth batter for pancakes, crepes, and baked goods in just a few seconds. All you have to do is toss all the ingredients into the bottle and shake. The silicone spout makes it easy to pour the mixture, and it's heat-proof just in case it gets too close to the pan. Price at time of publish: $15 The 50 Best Gifts for Foodies in 2022 Arectech Rechargeable Lighter Amazon View On Amazon A rechargeable lighter is a unique and practical gift to bring to a white elephant get-together. Instead of a traditional flame, it works by creating plasma from a high-voltage electric charge—no butane required. Since there's no flame, this wind-resistant lighter is ideal for firing up a grill and lighting birthday candles at an outdoor party. It's also useful for candle lovers who don't like dealing with bulky, plastic lighters and flimsy matches. Each charge lasts about 500 uses, but when the battery runs low, you can replenish it via the USB-C cable. Price at time of publish: $17 Planter's Choice 9-Herb Window Garden Herb Garden . Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Swap the expensive, store-bought herbs for this at-home gardening kit, which will help them grow dill, basil, chives, thyme, parsley, oregano, cilantro, sage, and mustard right from their windowsill. Whoever receives this handy home gardening set can incorporate fresh herbs into their cooking and at-home cocktails. The kit includes seeds, nutrient-rich soil discs, nine reusable pots, bamboo markers, and a drip tray. Price at time of publish: $35 The 7 Best Indoor Garden Systems of 2022 Moshi Digits Winter Touchscreen Gloves 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Nothing's more frustrating than trying to use a touchscreen phone in the winter—you're either struggling to type with gloves on or dealing with numb fingers. Enter the Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves: They're soft and cozy enough to keep hands warm in the cold, and the unique grip patterns on the palms ensure phones don't slip out easily. Price at time of publish: $30 Intelligent Change Inc. The Five Minute Journal Courtesy of Intelligent Change View On Amazon View On Target View On Intelligentchange.com It’s no easy feat creating new habits, which is why this daily gratitude journal includes pre-filled prompts that make it easy to integrate journaling into their routine. Unlike the daunting task of filling a blank page, the Five Minute Journal has short prompts geared towards cultivating positivity, with daily challenges, highlights, inspirational quotes, affirmations, and self-reflection. Price at time of publish: $29 The 53 Best Gifts for Coworkers and Employees of 2022 Two Tumbleweeds Foodie Dice Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Help them get rid of meal indecisiveness once and for all with these innovative Foodie Dice. Each set comes with nine dice dedicated to cooking methods, proteins, carbs, herbs, bonus ingredients, and seasonal produce options—together, they create 186,000 possible meal combinations. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives are included so those who don't eat meat won't be left out. Just note that using Foodie Dice requires a bit of culinary knowledge (particularly cooking techniques like braising, grilling, and sautéing) since no recipes are included. But for those comfortable in the kitchen, this creative dice set will inspire creativity and help brainstorm flavorful meal ideas. Price at time of publish: $32 Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Getting the cork out of wine bottles can be a struggle, especially if you're opening up several at a time while entertaining. That's what makes the Oster Silver Electric Wine Opener such a useful gift: It takes all of the hard work out of opening up a bottle. All you have to do is place the device over the cork for a few seconds and let it work its magic. It even comes with foil cutters for bottles that come with a seal. It's rechargeable, so there's no need to deal with batteries, and it can open up to 30 bottles on a full charge. Price at time of publish: $30 Hearth & Hand Salt Wide Fluted Speckled Ceramic Seasonal Candle Target View On Target While everyone has their fragrance preferences, you can't go wrong with a light and refreshing scent. This sea salt-scented candle captures the aroma of the light, salty breezes you'd experience at the beach. It comes in a pretty speckled ceramic container, so when they're done burning it, they can scrape out the extra wax and reuse the jar for holding rings, keys, or other small items. Price at time of publish: $13 The 23 Best Candles to Make Your Home Smell Amazing Baimei Jade Roller & Gua Sha Set Amazon View On Amazon These facial tools can upgrade any skincare routine, promoting relaxation and reducing morning puffiness. For any self-described beauty guru or self-care fanatic, this dual-sided jade roller and gua sha tool will become the new go-to. Price at time of publish: $25 Apple AirTag 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target The Apple AirTag is a lifesaver for forgetful friends—it helps keep track of keys, bags, wallets, and other necessities using Bluetooth technology. When your friend misplaces an item, they can use the Find My app on their iPhone to see where it is and quickly locate it for peace of mind. And for anyone who has lost their luggage before, an AirTag will offer some serious peace of mind with the ability to know where a checked bag is at all times. Just note that this feature is only available for Apple users, so Android fans won't get much functionality out of this gadget. Price at time of publish: $29 Instacart Gift Card Instacart View On Amazon View On Instacart.com Finding the time and energy to go grocery shopping each week can be hard, despite it being such an essential errand. The receiver of an Instacart gift card can skip long checkout lines, crowded aisles, and flimsy shopping carts by ordering groceries through the user-friendly app. Stores vary by city, but Instacart supports many major grocery stores, like Wegmans, Whole Foods, and ShopRite, as well as other retailers like CVS and Bed Bath & Beyond for everyday essentials. However, if your crew prefers to shop local (or they're all diehard Trader Joe's fans), they may not get as much use out of this gift card. Price at time of publish: From $25 Delamu Sushi Making Kit Amazon View On Amazon They can craft delicious sushi from the comfort of their kitchen with this Delamu Sushi Making Kit, which includes two bamboo sushi mats, a bazooka roller, a temaki roller, a rice mold, a sushi knife, sushi cut mold, sauce dishes, chopsticks, a rice paddle, and a rice spreader. Whether they’re craving California rolls or Nigiri, this all-in-one kit gives them all the tools they need to make gourmet rolls. Price at time of publish: $40 The 50 Best Gifts for Every Man in Your Life Big Spoon Roasters Handcrafted Mini Nut Butter Sampler (Set of 4) Food52 View On Amazon View On Food52 The Big Spoon Roasters Handcrafted Mini Nut Butter Sampler can transform PB&J sandwiches and overnight oats into artisanal dishes. Choose from three different variety packs, with flavors like warming Fiji Ginger Almond Butter, spicy Hot Mamba Peanut Butter, and tropical Toasted Coconut Almond Butter and Sea Salt. Plus, each jar is made-to-order from scratch in North Carolina using high-quality and sustainable ingredients. Price at time of publish: From $36 W&P Porter Water Bottle Amazon View On Amazon Staying hydrated is so much easier when you get to drink from something as elegant as the W&P Porter Water Bottle. This sleek glass bottle slips nicely into a backpack or gym bag without weighing it down and features a grippy silicone sleeve that won't slip out of your hands. It has a 20-ounce capacity and comes in plenty of beautiful colors and patterns, like blush terrazzo. Bonus: It's dishwasher-safe, so you don't have to deal with scrubbing your reusable bottle after a long day. Price at time of publish: $30 OontZ Angle Solo Bluetooth Speaker Amazon View On Amazon A portable, waterproof speaker is a covetable white elephant gift that you might find recipients fighting over—especially when it comes with impressive battery life, compact design, and 100 feet of Bluetooth range. The OontZ Angle Solo Speaker is the ideal companion for poolside lounging, beach days, outdoor adventures, or just hanging around the house. In addition to its affordable price tag, this speaker has a powerhouse output of 5 watts and a waterproof rating of IPX5. Price at time of publish: $30 Fancii LED Vanity Makeup Mirror with Cosmetic Organizer 4.1 Amazon View On Amazon View On Brookstone.com View On Planetbeauty.com This lighted makeup mirror from Fancii can take anyone's morning routine up a notch. The LED light has multiple settings so you can ensure your makeup looks flawless, even if the lighting in your room is less than ideal. The mirror rotates 180 degrees for vertical or horizontal use, and it even includes a pull-out magnifying mirror. And since there's room to store small makeup and skincare products at the base, this mirror wastes no space. Price at time of publish: $40 Scentered Daily Ritual Aromatherapy Balm Gift Set Amazon View On Amazon Unwind from anywhere with the soothing scents in this Daily Ritual Aromatherapy Balm Gift Set. Each balm promotes different sentiments, from de-stressing to focus and clarity. The compact carry case includes five mini-balms and one full-sized Sleep Well balm, which includes ylang-ylang, palmarosa, and lavender. Price at time of publish: $43 The 35 Best Christmas Gifts for Moms of 2022 Natureit Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit Courtesy of Etsy View On Etsy The Japanese practice of bonsai, which translates to "grown in a container," dates back thousands of years. With the help of this bonsai starter kit, your giftees can try their hand at this long-standing art form. The kit comes with planters, soil pellets, tags, instructions, and seeds to plant four different types of bonsai trees—practically everything a budding enthusiast needs to keep their mini tree alive. Since it can be grown indoors or outdoors, it's compatible with people with outdoor gardening spaces and those who live in urban environments alike. While it's easy to get started, growing a bonsai tree does require more care and effort than something like a snake plant—so be mindful of how plant-savvy your group is. Price at time of publish: $25 The 20 Best Fake Plants That Actually Look Realistic Xenvo iPhone Camera Lens Kit Pro Amazon View On Amazon This lens kit will seriously upgrade the recipient's phone photography game, whether they're an iPhone or Android user. It includes a wide-angle lens, which is perfect for nailing that cinematic look, and a macro lens for detailed, close-up shots. The kit also comes with a clip-on LED light for taking photos in the dark—and it's rechargeable via USB. Price at time of publish: $40 Smoko Tayto Potato Ambient Light Urban Outfitters View On Smokonow.com View On Urban Outfitters For those seeking a unique lighting setup for their space, you can't go wrong with this whimsical potato lamp that brings a cozy glow to any room. At less than 5 inches tall, this light is compact enough to fit on a desk, bookshelf, or bedside table. It turns on and off with just a tap, and it has three brightness levels to choose from. Since it's rechargeable via USB, there's no need to replace batteries or find an extra outlet to plug it into. While it may not be ideal for those who prefer modern home decor, this potato light is perfect for those in your white elephant group who appreciate quirky designs. Price at time of publish: $24 Pela Phone Case Card Holder Pela View On Pelacase.com Fishing your credit card out of your wallet at checkout can be a hassle, which is why this compostable phone card holder from Pela Case makes such a thoughtful gift. It sticks to the back of your phone case so up to two of your essential cards and IDs are easily accessible. It's also made out of bioplastic and flax straw materials, making it an eco-conscious alternative to plastic cardholders. While the brand uses extra-strong adhesive to attach its holder to your phone, it probably won't stick on textured cases. Price at time of publish: $20 Genuine Fred Manatea Tea Infuser 3.6 Fred and Friends Manatea. View On Amazon View On Sur La Table This punny tea infuser perches right at the edge of your mug so you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cuppa. It's dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, and microwave-safe so you can quickly reheat it in case you forget about your tea. We do want to point out that this infuser works best with loose-leaf teas—the contents of tea bags are usually finer and smaller, so they may seep out of the Manatea Tea Infuser. Price at time of publish: $13 The 10 Best Tea Subscription Boxes for Tea Lovers ThreeByThree Seattle Sushi Magnets The Container Store View On The Container Store These sushi magnets are cute, practical, and inexpensive, which makes them a great white elephant gift. They attach to-do lists, papers, and reminders to the fridge or filing cabinet while adding a quirky touch to any space. The magnets are strong enough to hold up to seven sheets of paper, which helps ensure thick items stay put. Price at time of publish: $10 FoodVille Professional Milk Frother 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Whoever gets the FoodVille MF05 Electric Milk Frother will never have to go to a fancy coffee shop and pay upwards of $7 for a foamy latte again. This two-speed device stirs up your choice of milk into a frothy delight that appeases coffee snobs and Starbucks lovers alike. We also like that it's rechargeable, so there's no need to buy batteries—simply plug the USB cable into your computer or a wall adapter. It also comes with a dainty stand so you can keep it on your kitchen countertop. Price at time of publish: $19 The 7 Best Milk Frothers of 2022, According to Our Tests Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve Baggu View On Baggu.com A good laptop case is hard to come by—you want something that looks nice, is functional, and will protect your laptop without being too bulky or frilly. The Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve has a lightweight quilted design and comes in a variety of bold and funky pattern options. It has a velcro enclosure that makes it easy to quickly slide your laptop in and out. It's also available in a 16-inch version that's compatible with larger laptops. Price at time of publish: $32 What's Your Sign?: A Guide to Astrology for the Cosmically Curious Amazon View On Amazon View On Barnesandnoble.com If your friends give you a blank stare whenever you say they're acting like such a Capricorn right now, introduce them to the world of astrology with this book as a white elephant gift. The handy guide goes through the basics of astrology, signs, and planets with engaging illustrations, diagrams, graphics, and quizzes. After the gift exchange, you can sit around and read everyone's sign description to see how well it matches their personality. Price at time of publish: $22 Opalhouse 300ml Color-Changing Oil Diffuser Target View On Target Candles are nice, but essential oil diffusers are simply a better form of aromatherapy for some people. (Particularly those who live with pets or small children, and college students living in dorms who aren't allowed to use candles.) This sculptural diffuser from Target releases fragrant aromas for up to nine hours, and it adds a unique touch to your space with its color-changing capabilities, so you won't miss the ambiance that a candle provides. Just keep in mind that you (or the recipient) will need to purchase essential oils separately to take advantage of this diffuser. Price at time of publish: $28 The 9 Best Essential Oil Diffusers for Daily Aromatherapy Clever Fox Undated Weekly Planner Amazon View On Amazon Most planners are used for jotting down due dates, doctor visits, and birthdays, but this one from Clever Fox takes things up a notch. Not only does it help keep track of to-dos and habits, but it also provides space for planning out life goals. The weekly and monthly pages prompt you to write down short-term goals, wins, and plans for improvement. It's an amazing resource for those looking to organize all aspects of their life and keep themselves on track to reach their goals. Price at time of publish: $25 Salad Party: Mix and Match to Make 3,375 Fresh Creations Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Chroniclebooks.com They'll never have to make a boring salad again with this playful, mix-and-match salad cookbook. The book is split into sections for hearty bases, flavorful toppings, and zingy salad dressings, so they can create a recipe based on cravings or whatever's left in the fridge. Each section is complete with illustrations and easy-to-follow directions. There are 3,375 different combinations, so the flavorful salad recipes in this cookbook are practically endless. Price at time of publish: $20 Unibene Bamboo Coffee Filter Holder Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Dedicated home brewers know how easy it is for coffee filters to become a disorganized mess in the cabinet. With this bamboo coffee filter holder, the giftee can clear away half-empty boxes and keep filters nice and neat on their countertop. It comes in two styles, one for AeroPress filters and one for pour-over filters (including cone-shaped, square, and circular). The AeroPress version can even be attached to the wall to further eliminate clutter. Price at time of publish: $13 The 11 Best Coffee Makers for Every Household's Needs Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls (Marching Penguins) Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Dryer balls make clothes dry faster and help get rid of static without using any disposable products, so they're a great gift to help someone streamline laundry day. The Smart Sheep 6-Pack Wool Dryer Balls save time and money because they last for thousands of washes and help clothes dry faster. They're available in adorable penguin and sheep designs, but there's also a plain white version for those who prefer something simple. We also love that Smart Sheep is a women-founded company that makes its dryer balls in Nepal using fair trade practices. Price at time of publish: $29 for 6-pack The 9 Best Dryer Balls for All Types of Laundry CucinaPro Animal Friends Pancake Maker Amazon View On Amazon This gadget makes mini animal-shaped pancakes and waffles that are almost too adorable to eat. Even picky eaters can't resist a dog- or panda-shaped pancake—especially when they only take a few minutes to cook. Just plug it in, pour the batter, and wait while it cooks. The only downside is that people living in a tiny kitchen that's low on storage space might not be able to squeeze in another appliance. Price at time of publish: $50 Vintorio GoodGlassware Wine Decanter 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Wine aficionados will adore this stylish carafe from Vintorio, which has a sturdy, flat base, aerating punt, and a sophisticated, slanted rim that will look elegant in any kitchen or bar. The decanter can fit 44 ounces of your favorite vino and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. The tapered neck also prevents drips or splashing, so you can pour a perfect glass every time. Price at time of publish: $21 The 6 Best Wine Decanters of 2022, According to Our Tests Logrotate Moon Lamp Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart No need to head outside to stargaze—this LED Moon Lamp brings the night sky indoors. The remote control allows them to toggle between 16 brilliant colors, adjust the brightness of the light, and select flash, fade, or strobe modes. This distinctive lunar lamp can act as a night light, decorative accent, or desk lamp, making it a versatile gift suited to any home. Price at time of publish: $20 Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Target For morning routine fanatics and coffee addicts alike, this Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker crafts a rich, slow-brewed cup of coffee every time. The borosilicate glass and stainless steel mesh filter make for a crisp flavor, and they can ditch paper coffee filters entirely. Price at time of publish: $28 Cuku Magnetic Dart Board Amazon View On Amazon This magnetic dart board is a family-friendly take on the traditional bar game, as the dart’s heads are powerful magnets rather than pointed metal, making it safe for all ages. The board is also dual sided, with the traditional dart system on one side and an archery dartboard on the other, which they can hang using a simple nail or screw. Whether they want to deck out the family room or add this to their repertoire of party games, this gift is a fun addition to any household. Price at time of publish: $30 Glencairn Whisky Glass Set Amazon View On Amazon Enhance their next whisky tasting with this elegant glass travel set from Glencairn. The crystal glasses have a tapered mouth for easy sipping and a wide bowl to capture the whisky’s color. And for those dedicated to a delightful tasting experience on the go, this kit also includes a matte leather travel case with a soft, suede interior for protection. Price at time of publish: $40 Kaile Magnetic Chess Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Sears.com Road trips and plane rides can be far more entertaining with the Magnetic Chess Set from Kaile. The compact board game folds up to just 10 inches by 10 inches, and the pieces stick to the magnetic face, so they won’t need to worry about a jostled board or flying pieces. And for those without a penchant for chess, the interior side of the case also features a small backgammon set, so they can swap between games just by unfolding the board. Price at time of publish: $15 Urban Outfitters Super Nee-Doh Urban Outfitter View On Urban Outfitters For those who can’t seem to sit still, these colorful, durable play-doh like blobs make the perfect companion to fidgeting. Whether these blobs live on their desk or get tucked in a purse as an adorable stress ball, the Super Nee-Doh is a toy for all ages. Price at time of publish: $17 Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicure 4.7 Static Nails View On Nordstrom View On Staticnails.com View On Ulta Skip the nail salon with the help of this glamorous pink pop-on set from Static Nails. The reusable nails cut down on the damage and commitment of a traditional manicure, but will still last for up to 18 days, according to the brand. Price at time of publish: From $20 Questions You Might Ask What are the rules for a white elephant gift exchange? When you’re asked to participate in a white elephant exchange, here’s what you can typically expect. Everyone gets together and brings in a wrapped gift to place in the gift pool. At the start of the exchange, each person draws a number out of a hat to determine in what order people will choose their gifts. Whoever selected “1” gets to pick a gift first, unwrapping it in front of everyone so all can see what’s inside. During each subsequent person’s turn, they have the option to pick a wrapped gift or “steal” one from someone else. To keep things moving, only three steals are allowed per gift. Once everyone has a gift, the first person gets the opportunity to steal a present from someone else. If they decide to keep their original gift, the game is over. If they steal, it ends when someone else finally declines to steal a gift. Keep in mind that there can be variations to these rules depending on the group you’re playing with. Some people prefer to hold the gift exchange in January, after the holiday season, to help get rid of unwanted presents. Participants will bring in “something that was given to them that's not their taste, but that somebody else might like,” as opposed to a new gift, says Smith. Other ideas are to only bring in homemade items or gifts under $10. Since there are so many different ways to play, Smith says that “if your host hasn't thought this stuff through, this is a perfect opportunity for you to give them a call,” so you can find out exactly what to bring. How much money should you spend on a white elephant gift? There isn’t one set answer to this question as it will depend on the guidelines of your gift exchange and who else is invited. Be sure to take into consideration everyone’s lifestyles and income range when setting a spending limit for your gift exchange—especially if you’re participating with your office colleagues. “You might have an executive director who has lots of available income to be able to spend on a gift for a white elephant exchange versus the support staff who might not have as much disposable income,” Smith says. “You want to be really conscious of different people's budgets when setting that dollar amount.” Does a white elephant gift have to be funny? Not necessarily! In fact, it’s better if you tailor your item to the people who are attending the gift exchange. If you’re stuck, think about the things you have in common. “You know the people that are going to be at the party, and you can play to the crowd,” Smith says. After all, a thoughtful gift that’s reflective of your relationship with those at the party will be appreciated by all. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Jen Woo, a design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, she spent hours researching white elephant gift ideas to make the best possible recommendations. She also spoke with Jodi R. R. Smith, etiquette expert and author at Mannersmith, for expert insight on choosing a white elephant gift. The 71 Very Best Gifts for Women of 2022 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit