The 50 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50

A small tabletop firepit next to a glass of wine graham crackers and chocolate on an outdoor table — Credit:
Wayfair

The white elephant gift exchange will be here before you know it, so it's a good idea to get ahead while quick delivery is still an option. Many people end up buying a safe pick like a coffee mug or an affordable wine glass on the way to the party, and others might exceed the agreed-upon price limit by gifting high-end kitchen tools that steal the show. We’ve done the work to recommend the best white elephant gifts under $50 to keep expectations realistic, keep your coin purse unemptied, and promote some healthy competition at the party.

west elm Jupiter Beaded Martini Glasses — West Elm

What Is a White Elephant?

A white elephant is a party game and a gift exchange usually played around end-of-year holidays like Christmas. Everyone has their favorite style of white elephant, but the most common version involves each participant choosing a gift, opening it in front of the other players, and then deciding to keep it or steal a different gift from someone else. Because of its cutthroat yet guilt-free format, a white elephant gift exchange is often the choice for office parties.

Unlike other games such as Secret Santa or Dirty Santa, the gifts you bring into a white elephant are often anonymous and vary in value and utility — but that makes it competitive! Are you going to be able to keep the fancy toaster oven you landed on the first pull, or is someone you don’t even know going to steal it and leave you with a basic bottle of wine?

Dusen Dusen Everybody Grinder — Dusen Dusen

Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50

At the $50 price point, you can impress your future giftee. Whether you settle on a quirky salt and pepper shaker set, an enviable smokeless fire pit, or the silicone food storage bags no one knew they needed, there are plenty of solid choices. We found similarly great $50 white elephant gift ideas, including kitchenware, barware, and entertaining essentials that are bound to get snatched up at the gift exchange.

Best White Elephant Gifts Under $40

We selected many gift ideas for those with a $40 white elephant budget. We included every home cook’s necessary kitchen pieces: fire blankets, as well as high-end olive oil and vinegar to elevate someone’s kitchen game going into the new year. Plus, impressive entertainment tools like a popcorn maker might make you consider stealing the white elephant gift you brought to the party.

Amazon Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Round Cocotte 8 oz. White — Amazon

Best White Elephant Gifts Under $30

We found many fun gifts under $30 for friends, family, and coworkers. For folks who love hosting, our list highlights colorful kitchen decor and fondue sets. We’ve even included ritualistic favorites that everyone grabs at, like an insulated water bottle and cast iron skillet. Other fun gifts, such as a cocktail recipe book and a wagyu steak, will keep the white elephant exchange fun and lively.

Le Creuset Stoneware Pie Bird, 3.25", Cerise — Amazon

Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20

$20 is a standard price point for white elephant parties. It’s just enough money for unique versions of go-tos like coffee mugs, but not so high a price that the “losers” of the exchange leave feeling disappointed. Our selection will help make someone happy and liven up your gathering with sought-after presents, like tasteful bar cart accessories. And you’d be surprised how many people would love to get their hands on some plastic-free kitchen wrap.

Dash Mini Reindeer Waffle Maker — Williams Sonoma

Best White Elephant Gifts Under $10

Some of the very best white elephant gifts under $50 are less than $10. Anyone trying to reduce their microplastic exposure will vie heartily for a silicone spatula set or a wooden rice paddle. And who needs a knife holder when they can claim a cabinet drawer-safe knife guard for free at white elephant? Additionally, we found a reindeer waffle maker, artisanal food-shaped candles, and reusable straws that are just as good as some of our under-$50 picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best types of gifts for a white elephant?

The best white elephant gift is an item anyone in your group can use. Edible food gifts are great if you’re mindful of allergies and sensitivities. Clothing, shoes, and accessories can be cute gift options, but — depending on the price limit and group composition — you could risk someone going home disappointed and empty-handed. Try useful small kitchen appliances, host gifts, or gifts for coffee lovers if you’re stumped.
Do you wrap white elephant gifts?

Yes, you do wrap white elephant gifts. Ideally, no one will know who brought which gifts. Hiding the gift in a gift bag or wrapping it allows you to add your silly — or extravagantly overpriced — gift to the mix and watch the madness unfold later.

How you conceal your gift also matters for a white elephant. Start by asking the party host for their preference and err on the side of using a gift bag. White elephant exchanges can take a long time since each participant has to choose and open their present in front of everyone. Using a simple gift bag and tissue paper ensures your gift keeps things moving forward at a fun pace.

More Gift Ideas

Our Expertise

Dillon Evans is a staff writer and certified cake decorator with experience testing hundreds of gift-worthy items for Food & Wine, including olive oil, chocolate advent calendars, and cast iron cookware. Dillon hosts his annual white elephant exchange for between $20 and $50, and used that experience, our tested insights, and editor-loved products to write this roundup.