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Looking for white elephant gift ideas that will get everyone laughing? You are in the right place! From funky food-themed gifts to funny office finds, I have rounded up some of my favorite white elephant gift ideas for you!
These White Elephant gift exchanges are always fun around the holidays, whether you are celebrating with coworkers, your extended family, or a group of friends. And picking out something ridiculous is half the fun!
They also work great as stocking stuffers!
Below, I am sharing some funny, unique White Elephant gift ideas for all budgets, along with a quick explanation of how these parties work and a few tips for hosting your own funny gift exchange!
Short on time? Browse my full list here!
White Elephant Gift Ideas & How the Exchange Works
Before we get to the White Elephant gift ideas, let’s talk about the party! A white elephant gift exchange is a group gift exchange where everyone brings one wrapped gift and leaves with one gift.
The gifts are often funny, quirky, or completely unexpected. Think a screaming desk goat, butter socks, or a tiny dumpster fire for your desk. You know, things you probably wouldn’t think to buy for yourself because they are so ridiculous.
Some groups go all in on gag gifts, while others prefer useful gifts with a funny twist. Those pasta-shaped bag clips are a great example! Before shopping, check what your host has in mind, or, if you’re hosting the White Elephant gift exchange, let people know what to expect!
These exchanges also work a little differently depending on the group.
The gift swap version: Everyone draws a number to determine the order. The first person opens a wrapped gift. The next person can choose a new gift or steal an already-opened gift. If yours gets stolen, you get another turn according to the group’s rules. Set a limit on steals so the game eventually ends!
The simple draw-and-open version: Everyone draws a number corresponding to a wrapped gift or takes turns choosing one from the pile. You open your gift and keep it, with no stealing involved.
Either way, the surprise is part of the fun of a White Elephant gift swap. You don’t need to shop for a specific person like you would for Secret Santa.
Funny White Elephant Gift Ideas on Amazon
I put together a big Amazon list of white elephant gift ideas, but I also wanted to break it down into a few shopping boards. There are funny gifts for adults, nostalgic finds, food-themed gifts, and plenty of options for an office holiday party.
You can shop my full list above, use the shopping link above each collage, or click each image to find those specific gag gifts!
My Favorite White Elephant Gift Ideas
If your group loves a good gag gift, start here! These are my all-time favorite gift ideas for a White Elephant gift exchange.
The Nicolas Cage reversible sequin pillow is one of my favorites. Imagine someone opening it and then discovering what happens when they brush the sequins the other way!
The Bob Ross Chia Pet is another standout, and the Lionel Richie “Hello?” luggage tag would be a funny gift under $10 for someone who loves to travel. I also love the Cereal Killer spoon for a small gift with a little personality.
And can we talk about the chicken vase as a gag gift? It makes me laugh every single time!
Click here to shop the funny white elephant gifts in this photo!
Food-Themed White Elephant Gift Ideas
These food-themed white elephant gifts might be my favorite category! The Snackaroni pasta bag clips are funny and useful, which is a great combination for a gift exchange.
The scented mac and cheese candle is such an unexpected find, and the Emotional Support Dumplings and Comfort Buddy Tacos are ridiculously cute. If you click those links, you’ll find tons of other versions of those little comfort sets, including pickles, capybaras, and more.
The sandwich socks also get bonus points for their packaging! Those also come in other versions, including pizza socks.
For another practical gift with a funny twist, check out the Saucemoto dip clip holders. And you really can’t go wrong with a tortilla blanket. Both are great for those hard-to-shop-for teens!
Click here to shop the food-themed white elephant gifts in this photo!
Nostalgic White Elephant Gifts
A little nostalgia makes a gift even more fun! The Oregon Trail ornament immediately caught my eye. If your group is old enough to remember playing this in school, that one deserves a spot on your list.
I also love the Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit (on sale for under $10) and the Lionel Richie “Hello, Is It Tea You’re Looking For?” mug. These would make fun white elephant gifts for friends who appreciate a good throwback.
The Paris Hilton brand pink “That’s Hot” oven mitts are another favorite. And the rubber chicken wine stopper would make a funny addition to a bottle of wine, depending on your party’s budget!
Click here to shop the nostalgic white elephant gifts in this photo!
Unique White Elephant Gift Ideas
Looking for something a little unexpected? The screaming goat is hard to beat! It is exactly the kind of silly little gift that makes opening presents entertaining.
The Bob Ross toaster is another standout. It is a bit pricier than most of the other gag gifts in this post, but it’s perfect for that hard-to-shop-for person, like a brother-in-law. A toaster that puts Bob Ross on your bread? That is quite a conversation starter!
For smaller finds, I love the cat pen holders, tiny hands, and the Cat Vomit caution signs are something we actually picked up at a cute little shop in Asheville recently!
Click here to shop the unique white elephant gifts in this photo!
White Elephant Gifts for Work Parties
Shopping for an office party White Elephant gift exchange? These funny white elephant gifts for coworkers bring a little humor to the workday. They all make great desk or office decorations and will be fun talking points for years to come!
The You’re on Mute mug is a great pick for a group that spends plenty of time on video calls. I also love the Things I Can’t Say Out Loud in Meetings notebook (only $8), and the tiny violin is hysterical. You can probably already picture someone using that one at just the right time.
The dumpster fire desk organizer and de-motivational pens are more fun desk accessories. Just keep your workplace and your audience in mind when choosing a gag gift. What gets a laugh with close friends might not be the right choice for your boss. Although I left the slightly inappropriate gag gifts off this post, I think these are all pretty safe!
Click here to shop the white elephant gift ideas for work in this photo!
5 Tips for Hosting a White Elephant Gift Exchange
Hosting a white elephant party can be easy! You don’t need elaborate decorations or a big dinner. A few appetizers, something to drink, and a pile of wrapped gifts are plenty.
Here are a few things to decide before sending your invitations:
#1 Set Your White Elephant Gift Budget
Pick a clear limit, such as $5, $10, or $20, so everyone shops with the same expectations. If you are shopping for white elephant gifts under $25 or another specific limit, it should be easy. And you can also pair a couple of smaller finds to make one fun gift!
#2 Explain the Gift Theme if Needed
Are you looking for funny gag gifts, useful gifts, or things people already know you love, like at a Favorite Things Party, which is a little different than a White Elephant gift exchange? Let everyone know!
#3 Share Any Gift Swap Rules
Tell guests whether you will be stealing gifts or simply drawing and opening them. For a swap, decide on a steal limit before you start. Are you looking for funny gag gifts, useful gifts, or regifted items? Let everyone know in advance to avoid any awkward situations!
#4 Ask Everyone to Wrap Their Gift
Keep the contents a surprise and leave recipient names off the packages. It’s always fun to set them out in the open when everyone arrives so that people can get excited about the gift swap!
#5 Keep an Extra White Elephant Gift on Hand
This helps if someone forgets theirs or an unexpected guest wants to join. I would always pick up a couple of gifts just to be safe!
More Shopping With Our Little Lifestyle
Looking for more gift and party inspiration? Browse my Favorite Things Party Gift Ideas and Galentine’s Party Favors & Gift Ideas for more fun finds!
You can also browse all my popular Amazon gift guides here!
Which of these white elephant gifts would you bring? I would love to hear about the funniest gift you have seen at an exchange!
PIN: White Elephant Gift Ideas for Later
