Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (2024)

Table of Contents
Apple AirTag Apple AirTag Mydethun Moon Lamp Mydethun Moon Lamp Ailun Toilet Night Light Ailun Toilet Night Light Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Penguin Books The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information by Noel Botham Penguin Books The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information by Noel Botham Hit Products CouchCoaster Hit Products CouchCoaster Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle Craft Crush Mini Terrariums Craft Kit Craft Crush Mini Terrariums Craft Kit Ototo Pirate Cutting Board and Knife Set Ototo Pirate Cutting Board and Knife Set Anthropologie Agate Coasters Anthropologie Agate Coasters DG Hill Arctic Extreme Insulated Neck Warmers DG Hill Arctic Extreme Insulated Neck Warmers Trendoux Touchscreen Driving Gloves Trendoux Touchscreen Driving Gloves GSE Games & Sports Expert Mini Tabletop Cornhole Toss Game Set GSE Games & Sports Expert Mini Tabletop Cornhole Toss Game Set TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager Silver Buffalo “Golden Girls” Sophia Face Mini Ceramic Planter Silver Buffalo “Golden Girls” Sophia Face Mini Ceramic Planter Dash Mini Waffle Maker Machine Dash Mini Waffle Maker Machine BrüMate co*cktail Tumbler BrüMate co*cktail Tumbler Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Tray Caddy Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Tray Caddy Lighting Ever Rechargeable LED Headlamp Lighting Ever Rechargeable LED Headlamp Food Huggers Avocado Hugger Food Huggers Avocado Hugger FAQs References
Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (1)

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Gift giving is one of the best parts of the holiday season—but one thing that makes it even more fun? A classic White Elephant gift exchange, of course. Perfect for playing with friends and family members, this lighthearted game involves stealing and swapping gifts, which often range from funny and silly picks to cute, thoughtful stocking stuffers. In other words: The best White Elephant gift ideas are ones that everyone will want to steal.

In case you need a little brushing up on the specific rules, here’s how a White Elephant exchange typically goes: Everyone brings a wrapped gift within the established spending limit. People choose a gift according to an agreed-upon order (drawing numbers from a hat or going youngest to oldest), and then on your turn, you either steal something that’s already been opened or brave the mystery of the remaining wrapped presents. If your gift gets stolen, you can steal another unwrapped gift or go back to the untouched presents. As you can imagine, this game definitely brings out the competitive side in just about everyone—and hilarious, chaotic antics often ensue.

So, how do you find that perfect White Elephant gift? Luckily, there are plenty of thoughtful gift ideas out there at every price point, including gifts under $25 and gifts under $50. Take inspiration from the best beauty gifts for makeup lovers, wellness gifts for those who need a little pampering, and fun family gifts that everyone can enjoy together. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a funny gag gift, which is sure to earn some big laughs from the whole crew.

Ahead, find the best White Elephant gift ideas that everyone will love—and get ready to battle it out for the best gift (which will be yours, obviously!).

1

for the forgetful one

Apple AirTag

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (3)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (4)

1

for the forgetful one

Apple AirTag

Now 17% Off

They’ll never lose any of their important essentials again with this handy Apple AirTag, which they can place on keys, wallets, and bags, and then instantly connect to their phones to keep track of them 24/7.

2

set the mood

Mydethun Moon Lamp

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (5)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (6)

2

set the mood

Mydethun Moon Lamp

Now 15% Off

This pretty moon lamp emits the softest glow and will make a great addition to anyone’s bedroom. You can even adjust the brightness and color of the light!

3

light the way

Ailun Toilet Night Light

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (7)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (8)

3

light the way

Ailun Toilet Night Light

Now 10% Off

Okay, before you scroll past this, hear us out: We have personally received a toilet night light at a White Elephant party before it was abruptly stolen (and then stolen again) making it the clear winner of the night. It definitely beats turning on the bathroom light at 3 a.m.

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4

time to sing

Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (9)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (10)

4

time to sing

Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

Now 52% Off

They’ll love hosting at-home karaoke nights and singing their heart out with this wireless karaoke microphone, which easily connects through Bluetooth. It even comes in a variety of fun, vibrant colors.

5

A Fun Read

Penguin Books The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information by Noel Botham

5

A Fun Read

Penguin Books The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information by Noel Botham

Now 40% Off

Who couldn’t use some extra useless information? This book is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to fill awkward silences at co*cktail parties or family get-togethers with trivia. It’s full of facts, like that there are oysters that can climb trees. Who knew? Well, whoever is clever enough to score this book at the gift exchange.

6

for the couch potato

Hit Products CouchCoaster

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (13)

6

for the couch potato

Hit Products CouchCoaster

Morning coffee and tea drinkers (a.k.a. everyone) will jump at this cup holder. The silicone holder keeps hot or cold drinks nearby, and since it goes right over the armrest, the struggle between you and the side table can finally end.

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7

best water bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (14)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (15)

7

best water bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Now 11% Off

Just about everyone could use an upgrade of their water bottle—especially if it’s this popular, top-rated pick that reviewers (and our very own Prevention editors) can’t stop raving about. Designed with a convenient built-in straw for easy sipping, it’s also double-wall insulated to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours.

8

no green thumb required

Craft Crush Mini Terrariums Craft Kit

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (16)

8

no green thumb required

Craft Crush Mini Terrariums Craft Kit

The terrarium trend will never go away, and thankfully these little faux plants are in that camp. These succulents are actually made of felt but look like the real thing. Plant Mom? Like it’s that hard?

9

A Silly Kitchen Essential

Ototo Pirate Cutting Board and Knife Set

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (17)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (18)

9

A Silly Kitchen Essential

Ototo Pirate Cutting Board and Knife Set

In true White Elephant gift fashion, this pirate cutting board and knife set is sure to get a few laughs. But as funny and cute as the gift may be, it’s also incredibly practical. Just pull the “peg leg” knife from the board to slice and dice whatever needs cutting.

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10

beautiful decor

Anthropologie Agate Coasters

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (19)

While we love a good customizable gift, these one-of-a-kind coasters are pretty sweet too. Because they’re made from agate gemstones, each coaster is completely unique. Bonus: They still look unified even if you mix and match the colors. Anyone who likes colorful decor would be happy to snag this gift.

11

For the outdoorsy person

DG Hill Arctic Extreme Insulated Neck Warmers

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (20)

11

For the outdoorsy person

DG Hill Arctic Extreme Insulated Neck Warmers

Made with thermal yarn, these super soft babies cover the neck better than a scarf might. They’ll be a hot commodity for people who live in cold climates.

12

hand warmers

Trendoux Touchscreen Driving Gloves

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (21)

12

hand warmers

Trendoux Touchscreen Driving Gloves

Is there anything better than a simple pair of gloves that make navigating your cell phone on freezing cold days a little easier? We think not. This style comes in a variety of colors and also features non-slip silicone on the hand pads.

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13

a pint-sized game

GSE Games & Sports Expert Mini Tabletop Cornhole Toss Game Set

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (22)

13

a pint-sized game

GSE Games & Sports Expert Mini Tabletop Cornhole Toss Game Set

Just like the all-time classic lawn game, this mini cornhole set comes with everything you’ll need: two mini boards and 8 mini bean bags for two to four players. It’s also a whole lot easier to clean up and store than the normal-size version.

14

for an at-home foot massage

TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (23)

14

for an at-home foot massage

TheraFlow Wooden Foot Massager

This nifty little gadget is perfect for those who are on their feet all day or who suffer from plantar fasciitis. It’s small, portable, effective, and can be used almost anywhere.

15

For Golden Girls Devotees

Silver Buffalo “Golden Girls” Sophia Face Mini Ceramic Planter

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (24)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (25)

15

For Golden Girls Devotees

Silver Buffalo “Golden Girls” Sophia Face Mini Ceramic Planter

Now 17% Off

Warning: This garden club-approved gift comes with the sudden urge to erupt into the Golden Girls theme song whenever you see it. Perfect for those with green thumbs and TV fans alike, this mini succulent planter features the face of Sophia and makes a great conversation piece. Thank you for being a friend indeed.

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16

for homemade mini waffles

Dash Mini Waffle Maker Machine

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (26)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (27)

16

for homemade mini waffles

Dash Mini Waffle Maker Machine

Now 32% Off

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this mini waffle maker will make cooking early morning meals quick and easy. The best part? You can choose from different exterior designs and even shapes for an adorably unique breakfast spread.

17

for to-go co*cktails

BrüMate co*cktail Tumbler

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (28)

17

for to-go co*cktails

BrüMate co*cktail Tumbler

Give the gift of a perfectly chilled co*cktail with an insulated tumbler that prevents a top-tier party foul (aka watered-down mojitos or martinis). Perfect for outdoor nightcaps, this durable stainless-steel pick won’t shatter like traditional glassware can, and you won’t spot an ounce of condensation, even in the warmest conditions.

18

elevate bath time

Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Tray Caddy

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (29)

18

elevate bath time

Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Tray Caddy

Soaking in the bath is extra relaxing with this bathtub caddy. Made of natural bamboo and adjustable to fit over just about any tub, it offers plenty of space to place candles, a glass of wine, and even a tablet.

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19

light the way

Lighting Ever Rechargeable LED Headlamp

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (30)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (31)

19

light the way

Lighting Ever Rechargeable LED Headlamp

Now 15% Off

This headlamp is a White Elephant gift that will be put to good use by those who love the outdoors. The rechargeable design features bright LED lights, is virtually weather-proof, and has different settings for use under various lighting conditions.

20

practical and cute food storage

Food Huggers Avocado Hugger

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (32)

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (33)

20

practical and cute food storage

Food Huggers Avocado Hugger

Now 15% Off

Let’s face it: Almost everyone loves avocados. Brown halves on the other hand? Not so much. That’s where these avocado-shaped silicone covers come in. Use one to seal a cut half of avocado, stopping air from getting in and causing browning.

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (34)

Shauna Beni

Shauna Beni is the Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention. An NYC native and beauty product lover, Shauna has written for Beauty Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and ABC News. She enjoys testing out new beauty products, watching makeup tutorials on Youtube, and binge-watching her favorite shows on Netflix. When she’s not writing, you can find her taking Zumba classes at Crunch, trying out natural curly hairstyles, and giving her friends advice on what makeup and haircare products they should buy. Follow her on Instagram @Beni127.

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (35)

Elizabeth Kiefer

Elizabeth Kiefer is a features editor at Cosmopolitan, where she focuses on enterprise stories, narrative reporting, and cultural coverage for the magazine's print and digital platforms.

Everyone Will Want to Steal These Genius White Elephant Gifts (2024)

FAQs

What is the steal rule in White Elephant? ›

Each gift can only be stolen three times in the game. Each gift can only be stolen once per turn. Everyone who has had a turn must have a gift. For example, if you took the first turn and your gift was stolen, you must unwrap a gift.

What is the stealing game in Secret Santa? ›

All the gifts are pooled. Guests take turns to choose one to unwrap. Or they can choose to “steal” a gift already opened by someone else. The person losing their gift then gets the same choice: open a wrapped present or steal someone else's.

What are some White Elephant gift ideas? ›

“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,” Smith says. “There are certain general things that can make for really fun gifts.”

What is a true White Elephant gift? ›

The term white elephant refers to an extravagant, impractical gift that cannot be easily disposed of.

Can you steal a white elephant gift? ›

A gift can only be “stolen” once during a turn. If a gift is taken from someone during one round, she cannot take it back during that same round. She can, however, take it back in a later round if she is in a position to select a gift. A gift cannot be immediately stolen back from the player who just stole it.

How to play Stealing Santa? ›

Everyone places their present in the centre, and draws a random number from a hat. Player 1 picks a present and opens it. Player 2 decides first whether to steal Player 1's present, or open a new present, and then does so. (Pro tip: Ensure players declare this loudly before they touch a single present.)

How to play the Christmas gift stealing game? ›

Players can select to steal someone's gift or pick a new one from the pile. If you get a new present, you must open it so you know what it is. Players keep their final gifts, whether they like them or not. However, the person who started the game still gets the choice to swap with someone at the end.

Is Dirty Santa the same as White Elephant? ›

Whether you call it White Elephant or Dirty Santa, the game sticks to the same format. We're not sure where the name "Dirty Santa" originated, but it's meant to refer to game participants, the "Santas," stealing desirable gifts from each other.

How many times can a white elephant gift be stolen? ›

A present can only be stolen once per turn, which means players who have a gift stolen from them have to wait to get it back. After three swaps, the turn automatically comes to an end (otherwise things could drag on for a long time).

Is alcohol a good white elephant gift? ›

Whatever budget your office sets, these are white elephant gifts worth stealing. We know one thing for sure. If you bring a co*cktail related item or alcohol itself, you will be the most popular person at the party.

Is it okay to give a gift card as a white elephant gift? ›

If you're running out of time and ideas for your upcoming white elephant gift exchange, you might want to consider bringing a gift card to the festivities. You can pick out cards for dining, gaming, music and so much more.

How to do a fun White Elephant gift exchange? ›

  1. Stick to a specific theme. Star Wars gifts only! ...
  2. Keep everything a secret until the end. ...
  3. Enforce a dress code. ...
  4. Make it a regifting extravaganza. ...
  5. Play a game of clue. ...
  6. Eat everything at the end. ...
  7. Combine it with secret Santa. ...
  8. Reward the master gifter.
Dec 4, 2019

Is a candle a good White Elephant gift? ›

Gift Idea #1: A Decorative Candle

A decorative candle makes an attractive centerpiece or accent piece. The wide variety of candles and accessories available means the gift of a candle can fit just about any home and you can find a style that's sure to please.

Do you put your name on a White Elephant gift? ›

The rules for a white elephant gift exchange are simple: Everyone brings a gift already wrapped. Gifts should all be valued at roughly the same amount, usually $20 or $25. The gifts are strictly anonymous -- no one should know which gift you brought.

How much should a White Elephant gift cost? ›

According to White Elephant Rules, the more tight-knit the friend group, the higher you can go with the price. A white elephant exchange is also meant to replace individual gift-giving, so you can set the price to $20 or more.

What is the difference between White Elephant and dirty santa? ›

Whether you call it White Elephant or Dirty Santa, the game sticks to the same format. We're not sure where the name "Dirty Santa" originated, but it's meant to refer to game participants, the "Santas," stealing desirable gifts from each other.

What are the rules for number 1 in White Elephant? ›

The player who has number 1 will select a wrapped gift from the table of gifts, and unwrap it – showing the item to the other participants.

What are the rules for Dirty Santa? ›

Dirty Santa Rules:

Whoever drew #1 selects a gift from the mysterious pile of gifts, opens it, and reveals what it is to everyone. Whoever drew #2 can either select a gift from the pile or choose to steal #1's gift (this is where the dirty in "Dirty Santa" comes in). If #1's gift is stolen, they must choose a new gift.

What are the rules of King elephant? ›

How to play
  • Remember! ...
  • During the game all players must hold the beat: 1-2-3-4 pattern, where 1 is a pat on the knee, 2 is a clap, 3 and 4 are left and right thumbs (or the signals)
  • All players are doing the beat through the game without stopping.

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