Skip to Content

48 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50 the Whole Party Will Want

Gifts that are perfectly weird and totally unexpected.

By and
white elephant gifts

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The holidays are never complete without a white elephant gift exchange. Not only do you get one new gift, but you get to join in on the fun of swapping and stealing gifts from your loved ones. Whether you're shopping for co-workers, your BFFs, or extended family, we've carefully included picks that will work for everyone, from hilarious gag gifts to practical presents they'll use every day. And we're mindful that these gift swaps usually come with a spending limit, so we made sure to only gather gift ideas that cost under $50. Even better, most of these white elephant gifts cost less than $20.

We also kept almost everything gender-neutral to ensure your present is a hit with all the guests. Below, find unique ideas for items people really want. Get ready to have the whole party fighting over your gift!

A top gift in 2023, this shape-shifting box is fascinating and will keep users entertained for hours. It has 36 magnets that fold into a whopping 70 designs. With over 45,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it's popular with both givers and receivers.

With this screen magnifier, they can watch their favorite TV shows and movies from their phone. It provides a 3D view and magnifies up to 16 inches. One Amazon reviewer said that "it's easy to use" and likes that it has a wooden base to keep the screen upright.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

These funny socks will have a permanent place on their feet. They can be customized with your face, making them a fun gift for holiday swaps with friends.

A good round of toilet golf might be just what he needs to get his mind off of things. It'll come complete with two balls, a flag and a putter to keep him entertained in the bathroom.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Meet the hilarious yodeling pickle that's received over 9,700 five-star reviews on Amazon. We bet they'll #lol once they open it.

Add some humor to their keychain with the world's smallest violin. One Amazon reviewer wrote that it's an "attention getter," and "quiets a crowd."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

This mini-bowling game set is perfect for coworkers or family members. You can easily pack it up for travel so you can play on the go.

8
Best Gift For Your Boss

Funny Journal

Funny Journal

This idea is actually totally HR-approved because it's just a blank journal inside, but talk about a great conversation piece for a desk.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

If Nutella is their favorite, they won't be able to get enough of this personalized chocolate spread. Just make sure to allow enough time for customization.

Pizza Blanket
Now 15% Off
Credit: moonysweet

Keep them warm and make them laugh with this flannel blanket. It also comes in a tortilla design and comes in multiple sizes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Make them really work for their gift with this puzzle. Stick a bottle of cheap wine inside, and see if they can figure out how to get to it.

They'll never spill the dip for those yummy chicken nuggets on a road trip again. You get two in one pack.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Best Gift Under $5

Phone Charger Cord Protector

Phone Charger Cord Protector
Now 14% Off

These little dinos will help keep their cables from getting stomped on or smashed. Plus, they are so cute to look at.

Even if they aren't thrilled by this gift instantly, they will be so happy they got it. With up to four hours of warmth to give, it's the perfect winter present.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Want to make your giftee really happy? You can't go wrong with this adorable car accessory. It doesn't stop at ducks though. You can also get a turtle, fox, pig and panda.

16
Your Co-Worker Needs This

Desktop Punching Bag

Prime Day Deal
Desktop Punching Bag
Now 17% Off
Credit: Tech Tools

A hard day at work might make them want to punch things. This gift will help get them past a bad case of the Mondays.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Whoever gets this gift will instantly become the center of because everyone will want to take a photo with them. Available in different colors and sizes, it's certain to get the biggest laugh.

If you're really stumped on what to get, you can't go wrong with this bestselling pen that's also a ruler, level, screwdriver and more.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Amazon’s Choice
Mop Slippers
$12AmazonAlso Consider
Credit: hanmir

They can keep their shoes on and clean the house with these silly mop slippers. They easily attach to any footwear and can be somewhat effective for cleaning the floor. You'll get five pairs in one set.

Bacon Strips Bandages
Credit: Accoutrements

These bacon strips bandages are funny and practical. "I purchased this as a gag gift for a party I had. When the winner unwrapped it, everyone got a big laugh," one Amazon reviewer gushed.

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com. 

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Watch Next 
white elephant gifts
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below