White Elephant Gifts Under $50 Everyone Will Want to Steal (2024)

A white elephant exchange—the fun holiday tradition where surprise gifts are drawn amongst a group of partygoers (think random Secret Santa!)—can happen in any setting, whether with coworkers, best friends, or family members. So when searching for a white elephant gift, it’s important to keep in mind who your audience is and shop accordingly.

More often than not, a white elephant gift is a lighthearted gesture versus a steep investment, which is why we’ve rounded up the best under-$50 options for any recipient. From wellness products to accessories and even chic kitchen essentials, check out our picks below.

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Oak Essentials Balancing Mist

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Oak Essentials is the beauty brand behind fashion-favorite Jenni Kayne that’s committed to creating clean, quality skincare. Balancing Mist is an antioxidant-rich tonic spray formulated with lavender, cedarwood, and aloe vera to give your complexion a refreshing wake-up call.

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Crown Affair Microfiber Hair Towel

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Bring the spa experience home by indulging in little luxuries whenever possible. This microfiber hair towel from Crown Affair carefully absorbs moisture and dries hair more quickly than air drying. It’s the perfect size for wrapping your hair comfortably no matter the texture or length.

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KULE Take-Out Socks

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Want to put a smile on someone’s face (and feet)? These cheeky socksfrom Kule certainly will. Socks are a no-fail gift, especially heading into chilly season. We love the pop of yellow on this pair, which comes in both black and white.

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Slip Gelato Sleep Mask

Slip is a brand that knows all about beauty sleep. For those who dream of gelato (and those who simply appreciate it) this silk sleep mask is indulgence at its finest. We particularly love the festive combination of retro green gingham and red embroidery.

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Brightland Olive Oil

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Brightland’s delicious, best-selling olive oils are now MINI! Truly the idealstocking stuffer, this sweet little bottle comes in four different varieties of olive oil infused with flavors like chili and lemon.

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Snif Half Baked Gingerbread Smash Candle

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What’s better during the holiday season than a home filled with the smell of goodies baking in the oven? Not much. This Snif candle created with food influencer Tieghan Gerard achieves just that—without having to clean a sink full of messy dishes.

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Sézane Small Clutch

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Nothing screams holiday like velvet, gold, and tassels. Sézane’s flat black clutch bag features polka dot embroidery on 100% cotton velvet. Take it out on the town or use it as a pouch to carry daily essentials.

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Explorer Cold Brew Electric Frother Wand

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Kitchen gadgets can be intimidating, but this cute battery-powered frotherwand is the complete opposite. You can finally whip up coffee shop-level lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort. The best part? It’s compact enough to fit in even the smallest of spaces.

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Being Frenshe Body Serum Stick

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There’s no shortage of celebrity-founded beauty brands, but after experiencing almost every product from Ashley Tisdale’s Being Frenshe, I can attest to it being one of the very best. This soothing body serum stick is meant to comfort, hydrate, and relax.

38 Beauty Gifts That Will Satisfy Everyone on Your List

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Typology Tinted Lip Oil

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Just as French style has taken over the fashion world, it’s about to do the same with beauty—starting with Typology. A fan favorite is its tinted lip oil, which is 98% naturally derived and formulated without mineral oils or silicones.

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Stanley Tumbler

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Stanley became a TikTok sensation this year thanks to its pretty color combos and versatile utility (this editor personallyowns two—one for office and one for home). There’s absolutely no doubtyou’ll stay hydrated with one of these on hand.

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Serenity Painted Taper Candle

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Subtle details can make the biggest difference. This taper candle is a workof art, with every flower completely hand-painted for stunninglywhimsical decor you’ll be tempted not to light (though if you do choose to, you’ll get seven hours worth of burn time).

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CND RescueRXX Care Pen

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We’re here to declare that nail care deserves your attention! As someonewho goes sans toe polish in the winter, I’m all about restoring the health ofmy nails at every opportunity. CND created the perfect treatment containing jojoba oil and keratin to condition nails anytime, anywhere.

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La Double J Palms Dishtowel

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La Double J is a Milan-based label whose maximalist designs are shoppable in the form of swimwear, clothing, and home textiles. This 100% cotton dish towel in an abstract vegetable print is so gorgeous you’ll wish you could wear it.

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Moonsisters Moon Calendar

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Astrology lovers, this one’s for you. Track the lunar and astrological cycles of 2024 with this moon calendar, which could double as art. Display it on a desk, nightstand, or even on the wall while discovering tips for harnessing the energy of the cosmos.

White Elephant Gifts Under $50 Everyone Will Want to Steal (2024)

FAQs

White Elephant Gifts Under $50 Everyone Will Want to Steal? ›

We're talking high-quality steak knives, durable wine glasses, or special-occasion-worthy olive oil. Remember that white elephant gifts shouldn't be overly personal, so look for neutral styles or color palettes. No matter who attends your party, these are the best white elephant gifts for under $50.

What is a good white elephant gift for $50? ›

We're talking high-quality steak knives, durable wine glasses, or special-occasion-worthy olive oil. Remember that white elephant gifts shouldn't be overly personal, so look for neutral styles or color palettes. No matter who attends your party, these are the best white elephant gifts for under $50.

How do you play white elephant with stealing? ›

The first person opens a wrapped gift, and the turn ends. On subsequent turns, each person has the choice to either unwrap a new present or to steal another's. When a person's gift is stolen, that person can either choose another wrapped gift to open or can steal from another player.

Is it bad to steal your own gift in white elephant? ›

When a person gets their gift stolen this way they can do the same. They can either choose a new gift or steal a gift from someone else. But you are not allowed to steal your stolen present back immediately. After three swaps in a turn, the turn comes to end (otherwise the game could last forever).

What are cheap white elephant gifts? ›

“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 traditional white elephant gift exchange? ›

If you're new to the term, a White Elephant gift exchange involves participants bringing quirky, humorous, or downright unusual gifts to swap. Last year, I felt pretty proud of myself for gifting a Tamagotchi to our annual holiday party!

How to choose a white elephant gift? ›

It's best to find something that is fun or quirky but is still useful. “When picking a white elephant gift, consider items that would appeal to the majority of the crowd,” says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's trend expert. After all, you're not buying for a specific person, anyone could end up with it!

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 jewelry a good white elephant gift? ›

In most cases, jewelry might be too expensive for a white elephant gift exchange.

What is the gift exchange with stealing? ›

White Elephant is a gift exchange game that is very similar in style to Yankee Swap, although the emphasis is to “steal” gifts rather than swap them. Most often, this type of gift exchange takes place at a party with other participants in attendance.

Are card games a good white elephant gift? ›

Pick up a classic game for nostalgia and family fun, or, explore newer board game options for a challenging pastime that anyone can enjoy. You can also find traditional and modern card games for beginners and experts alike, leaving you with plenty of options for the festivities.

What is a true white elephant gift? ›

The organizer may require people to bring a gift that fits a certain theme. The most common one is a re-gift (i.e., an unwanted item that people have lying around the house). However, the theme could be anything – ornaments, coffee table books, candy, do-it-yourself crafts, etc.

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

Okay, a gift card isn't the most thoughtful choice in most cases. However, you can make it more exciting by putting it in creative or even misleading packaging (for example, try putting it in a big box before wrapping).

Can candy be a white elephant gift? ›

White elephant gifts should be goofy, yet desirable enough that someone would want to steal it. Trust us. It makes it more fun! Think one pound of HERSHEY'S KISSES candies.

How much is the average white elephant gift? ›

A: Most White Elephant gift exchanges or Yankee Swaps have a set price range to make sure everyone is gifting items of equal value, so check in with the person organizing the swap first. If you're still unsure, a good default range for a group of friends or coworkers is $10 to $25.

What is a good amount for white elephant? ›

As long as you're following the price suggestion (typically around $20) and any “special” instructions by the organizer, you can't really go wrong. That said, here are some characteristics to look for when looking for a gift to bring to your White Elephant Gift Exchange party: Funny.

What is an example of a white elephant? ›

An unwanted or useless item, as in The cottage at the lake had become a real white elephant—too run down to sell, yet costly to keep up , or Grandma's ornate silver is a white elephant; no one wants it but it's too valuable to discard .

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