50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (2024)

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (1)

11 Shares

Last updated: November 22nd, 2023

TL;DR: The best white elephant gifts under $20 are the Bob Ross Mug and the Sherpa Blanket. The mug is the perfect funny gift that is sure to get a laugh and the blanket is one that everyone will fight over, which is exactly what you want for a white elephant gift.

Have you ever unwrapped a white elephant gift so hilarious or clever that you’ll do anything to claim it as your own? Finding that perfect, affordable gift that sparks competition and laughter isn’t easy. But inside this article, you’ll discover 50 of the most outrageous, useful, and downright silly white elephant presents under $20.

Whether you want an item that everyone will fight over or a gag gift bound to leave them doubled over, you’ll find novelty presents and practical purchases alike. Arm yourself with these affordable ideas before your next holiday swap and become the most popular gifter in the room. Let the battle begin!

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free recommendations.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (2)

#1 Bob Ross Color-Changing Mug

Most Iconic Gift

The late great Bob Ross taught us that there are no mistakes in life, just happy accidents.

This color-changing Bob Ross mug makes an excellent office gift because the lucky recipient can keep it on their desk to remind them to calm down and enjoy the scenery.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (3)

#2 Taco Socks

Best Crazy Socks

Life is best with fun socks and cheap tacos. My friends and I love receiving crazy socks for Christmas because fun socks are practical gifts with a delightful twist.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (4)

#3 Electric Wine Opener

Best Gift for Winos

In my wild youth, I perfected the skill of opening a wine bottle with a house key—this is a gift for anyone who wants to up their kitchen gadget game (or their boozy picnic game!)

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (5)

#4 Pooping Dog Calendar

Best Gross Gift

Fun fact: I learned about this calendar because my friend’s labrador was featured last year, so we got a free one. It’s gross but also hilarious. Poop jokes never get old, and this calendar is a funny gift for all ages—thank goodness it’s not scratch and sniff!

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (6)

#5 Sherpa Blanket

Coziest Gift

Everyone will be clamoring to get their hands on this, even just to touch the velvety faux-fur.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (7)

#6 Dehydrated Marshmallows

Most Rediculous Food Gift

I’m sure we’re all guilty of eating all of the Lucky Charms marshmallows and leaving just bland oat cereal behind for the next person. (No, just me?)

Now partygoers can fight over a one-pound jar of these tasty morsels.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (8)

#7 Crystal Growing Kit

Best Gift for Kids at Heart

Gifts worth fighting for don’t have to be practical. A Crystal-Growing Experiment Set will transport adults back to their childhood days of playing scientist.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (9)

#8 Chihuahua Cookie Jar

Best Kitschy Gift

Depending on who you ask, it might be laughably cheesy or covetable campy, but this dog is sure to liven up your gift exchange.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (10)

#9 Mini Waffle Iron

Breakfast Club Gift

This envy-worthy white elephant gift is silly, yet useful. I have one and it’s perfect for whipping up a Saturday brunch at home or making waffle-shaped grilled cheese sandwhiches.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (11)

#10 Little Live Aqua Dragons

Out of This World Gift

Speaking of dehydrated things–sea monkeys are a pet that comes in a packet. The Little Live Aqua Sea Monkey Set is a hilarious gag gift that will bring out everybody’s inner child.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (12)

#11 Cat Lovers Pasta

Best Cat-Themed Gift

Fun pasta is always a hit, and it doesn’t get much better than cat paws and silly cat faces.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (13)

#12 Bacon Bandages

Best Budget Gift

There’s no better medicine than laughter—except bacon. Bacon is always the best medicine.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (14)

#13 Eyeglasses Holder

Best Gift for People With Glasses

This classy gift will get them laughing and anyone with glasses will want to steal it.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (15)

#14 Sassy Adulting Pens

Best Gift for Writers

Adulting is hard—end of sentence.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (16)

#15 Slinky

Best Retro Toy

There’s something special about the sound that slinkies make. Take your friends back to the good old days with a retro slinky that is just as fun as you remmeber it being.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (17)

#16 Gummy Sushi Candy

Best Candy Gift

They’ll want to open this and start eating immediately so that no one can steal it.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (18)

#17 Ouija Board

Spookiest Gift

If you’re looking for unique gifts that will send a chill down everyone’s spine, an Ouija Board is just the ticket.

But be careful if you decide to break it out after the gift exchange because these things are no joke. I’m not kidding—I have stories!

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (19)

#18 Britney Spears Book

Hottest Book Club Gift

“Oops, I did it again. . .” just gave the most-wanted book of the season.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (20)

#19 The Hygge “Cozy Conversation” Game

Best Gift for Interoverts

The lifesaver for anyone who’s ever dreaded small talk at parties, on first dates, or after the 10th hour on a road trip.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (21)

#20 Kabob Grilling Baskets

Best Gift for Grilling Fiends

No more weaners and beans! We’re eating steak tonight!

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (22)

#21 Butts on Stuff Puzzle

Best Gift for Puzzlers

There’s nothing more puzzling than trying to figure out whether that’s a doughnut butt or a hamburger butt.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (23)

#22 Bottle Stopper Garden Kit

Best Sustainable Gift

So that’s what we can do with all of the empty wine bottles. . .

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (24)

#23 Christmas Cookie Candle

Most Fun Gift for Candle Loves

Just make sure Santa Clause knows that this sugar cookie isn’t edible.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (25)

#24 co*cktail Infused Ice Cubes

Best Boozy Surprise

Time to get the party started.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (26)

#25 Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Best High Speed Card Game

My family and I have been obsessed with this game since two Christmases ago, and it always ends in uncontrollable laughter. Games are some of the best gifts for white elephant parties because, after the gift exchange, you can play the new game. Bring on the chaos!

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (27)

#26 Star Wars Cookie-Cutters

Best Baking Gift

I recently binge-watched the first through third Star Wars films and fell in love with these cookie-cutters. They make impressions where the icing should go, so it’s easy to make Pinterest wins. . . or at least easier. And gifting cookie-cutters is the best way to ensure baked goods in your future—may the force be with you.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (28)

#27 3-D Puzzles

Best Brainteasers to Stump Your Friends

If you have super smart friends, challenge them with these brainteaser puzzles. Email us if you actually figure them out. . . we’re still trying.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (29)

#28 Pickleball Paddle Set

Best Gift for Outdoorsy Friends

Pickleball is such a fun, low-stress game. It’s much more affordable than tennis and more versatile. I like playing on camping trips and in the backyard. These lightweight paddles are the perfect gift if your friends are active and like a challenge.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (30)

#29 Sound Effects Machine

Silly Gadget Gift

This little machine is one of my favorite useless toys that has a sound effect for everything. Hours after the gift exchange, someone will still be pressing the fart button (which never gets old) or playing a drum roll.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (31)

#30 Butt Slang Poster

Most Bootylicious Gift

This quirky gift will make their cheeks redden, but then everyone will want a turn reading the slang.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (32)

#31 Quilted Northern Toilet Paper

Most Useful Gag Gift

I’ve seen people bring toilet paper to gift exchanges, and it’s always a funny gift. Wrapped up, a 24-pack of toilet paper looked like a giant, high-quality gift. We were all on edge when it was chosen and burst into laughter once it was unwrapped. Say what you will, but nice toilet paper is worth fighting for in this day and age.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (33)

#32 Everlasting Stained Glass Succulents

Better than Gifting a Plant

Skip the dirty and watering, your friends can enjoy the beauty of a colorful, ever-lasting succulent without the responsibility. (Yes, it’s possible to kill succulents—don’t ask how I know).

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (34)

#33 DIY Kaleidoscope Kit

Most Creative Gift

Co-workers and family alike will fight tooth and nail for this DIY kaleidoscope. When I was a kid, we made kaleidoscopes at school, and the parent-helpers had more fun than the kids. There’s something magical about seeing everyday projects translated into complex designs.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (35)

#34 Classic Monkey Legos

Best Gift for Engineers

All I’ll say is that my sister would disown me if I gifted off-brand Legos. Don’t be that person. Go with the good stuff.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (36)

#35 Nicolas Cage Sequin Pillowcase

Best Gift for Nicolas Cage Fans

My old housemate had the Steve Buscemi version of this pillow, and it was always a hit with anyone who came over. Celebrity-themed gifts are always a hit at gift exchanges, but the sequins take this pillowcase to the next level. Note that it doesn’t come with a pillow (you can buy a separate one here).

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (37)

#36 Happy Salmon Game

Craziest Card Game

Happy Salmon is my favorite game because it’s so funny and simple enough to play with anyone (before or after a few beers). Think of Go Fish, but everyone’s turn is at the same time—we laughed so hard while playing it that I feared the neighbors might call the police.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (38)

#37 Dark Humor Misfortune Cookies

Food Gift for Dark Humor Lovers

These cookies are tasty treats with attitude. They have a snarky sense of humor that will leave your friends laughing and slightly insulted. The best part is that you can tell when they’ve tried the cookies because the food dye turns their teeth temporarily black.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (39)

#38 Key Hiding Rock

Most Unexpected Gift

The cousin of the Pet Rock gift, key hiding rocks are a slightly more useful gift, even if less personable.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (40)

#39 Positive Potato

Motivational Gift

And if you’re looking for something as cute as a Pet Rock but more unique, get your friends or coworkers a positive potato to put on their desk.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (41)

#40 Funny Adult Cookbook

Funniest Cookbook

Now that’s a cookbook! The best part is when your unsuspecting gift recipient reads the title aloud before realizing what they’re saying. They’ll cackle with hysteria, and everyone will try to steal this gift. While most cookbooks grow dusty on a forgotten shelf, this one will get plenty of use thanks to its simple recipes and entertaining descriptions.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (42)

#41 Faux Thera Gun Massager

Best Massager

A knock off of the very popular Thera Gun, we could all use some help relaxing, especially in a 30+ group.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (43)

#42 Dog Slippers

Best Dog-Themed Gift

What do you want to bet that someone will wear these for the rest of the party?

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (44)

#43 Foot Soak

Best Spa Care Gift

And if someone’s dogs are stinky, they can do a little at-home spa care with this rejuvenating foot soak.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (45)

#44 Danny DeCheeto

Best Gag Gift

Danny Devito meets Cheetos—the whole room will erupt with laughter and you can smile evertime you see this guy hanging out on your friends’ fridge.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (46)

#45 Tic Tac Shooter

Most Unique Gift

No matter the age or gender, this unique gift is bound to be a party highlight that everyone will want to try. If you prefer to go old-school, this is our favorite marshmallows shooter.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (47)

#46 Moon Lamp

Best Gift for Spacy Friends

Your spacy or not-so-spacy friends will ooo and awe at this cute lunar lamp.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (48)

#47 Grinch Hat

Silliest Hat Gift

Because it’s not really the holiday season unless someone’s a little Grinchy from the excess pie and lack of sleep.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (49)

#48 Snarky Journal

Best Gift for Drama Queens

This journal has a good sense of humor and isn’t afrad to tell you off. All of your hot gossipping friends will be fighting over it.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (50)

#49 Tiny Violin

Most Ironic Gift

Whoever picks this gift can play their tiny violin as they complain that there’s no use for a tiny violin.

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (51)

#50 co*cktail-Flavored Jelly Beans

Best Gift for Your Drinking Buddies

“This is mommy’s candy,” will be your friends’ new favorite line. But if you prefer a more adventurous Jelly Belly gift, BeanBoozled is risky business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (52)

Elina Ansary
Editor & Gift Expert

Yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores–you name it! Elina has scoured them all in her eternal quest to find the most unique Christmas gifts each year. Elina honed her gift shopping skills as a teenager poking through San Francisco’s eccentric emporiums. Now she applies that same obsession online to curate clever finds for her detailed gift guides. When she’s not on the digital hunt for all things affordable and fun, you can find her digging for treasures at her latest thrift store haunt. Let her gift ideas help you steal the show at your next holiday swap!

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (53)

Jodelle Marx
Editor & Content Manager

From homemade to luxury, Jodelle’s always scheming about the next best gifts. She even started printing her own stationery to easily brighten a friend’s day with small doses of art. Jodelle’s a sucker for surprises and loves assembling intricate care packages. She starts planning Christmas gifts months in advance so that when the holidays roll around, she’s an expert at gift-giving.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our other gift guides below!

39 BEST Gifts for Rock Climbers They’ll Actually Use [2024]

41 Best Dirty Santa Gifts Under $25 That Everyone Will Love

51 BEST Adventurous Gifts for Outdoorsy Women in 2024

31 BEST Gifts for Snowboarders in 2024 (They’ll Actually Use)

51 BEST Gifts for RV Owners in 2024 (They’ll Actually Use)

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024]

39 BEST Gifts for Walkers [2024 Gift Guide]

41 Best Moving Away Gifts to Show Someone How Much You’ll Miss Them

48 BEST Christmas Gifts for Parents in 2024 [Holiday Guide]

25 BEST 25th Anniversary Gifts [2024 Gift and Ideas Guide]

25 BEST 20th Anniversary Gifts [2024 Gift and Ideas Guide]

21 BEST Travel Gifts for Couples [2024 Gift Guide]

71 Best Travel Gifts for Every Budget and Type of Traveler

30 Best Gifts for Surfers in 2024 (No Matter Their Experience Level)

45 Best Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Gifts For Your Environmentally-Conscious Friends

43 BEST Gifts for Fishermen (Experts or Beginners) – 2024

70+ Gifts for Campers (That They’ll Actually Use on Their Next Trip)

58 Best National Park Gifts for National Park Lovers

62 Best Gifts for Hikers That They’ll Actually Use

31 Best Gifts for Kayakers and Canoeists (2024 Gift Guide)

50 Van Life Gifts for the Minimalist Traveler (2024 Gift Guide)

36 BEST 5th Anniversary Gifts [2024 Gift and Ideas Guide]

51 BEST Gifts for Book Lovers [2024 Gift Guide]

27 BEST Gifts for Flight Attendants [2024 Gift Guide]

31 BEST Gifts for Bourbon Lovers and Bourbon Drinkers [2024]

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (89)
50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (90)

Pin one of these images for future reference

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (91)

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (92)

Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

LEARN MORE

NORTHERN CALIFORNIACENTRAL CALIFORNIASOUTHERN CALIFORNIAWINTER TRAVELROAD TRIPSGEAR

50 BEST White Elephant Gifts Under $20 to Fight For [2024] (2024)

FAQs

What is the best price range for a 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 an acceptable white elephant gift? ›

“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 number 1 white elephant? ›

The White Elephant Game Rules

Sit in a circle and place the gifts in the center, preferably under a festive tree. The person who drew #1 selects a gift from the pile, opens it, and holds it up for all to see. The person who drew #2 decides whether to steal that gift or unwrap a mystery present from the pile.

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

Setting the Ground Rules

Of course, the most important rule is to have fun! Everyone participating must bring one gift to exchange. The white elephant gift is not supposed to be ordinary. That generally means no gift cards, nice clothes, or common home goods.

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!

Is jewelry a good white elephant gift? ›

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

Is a candle a good white elephant gift? ›

As far as white elephant gifts ideas go, candles are always a winning option.

Is a Stanley Cup a good white elephant gift? ›

Stanley Insulated Tumbler Cup, 40 oz.

Need we say more? There's no arguing that these Stanley Tumblers have had a stronghold on the world this year (Google agrees!), so pick one up for your gift exchange and watch everyone fight for it.

How do I make white elephant more interesting? ›

5 Ways to Add Sparkle to Your White Elephant Party
  1. Pick a gift theme. One excellent way to spice things up is to have people bring gifts that fit a particular theme. ...
  2. Employ different game rules. ...
  3. Hold an ugly sweater contest. ...
  4. Rent a karaoke machine. ...
  5. Break out the Christmas games.

Is toilet paper a good white elephant gift? ›

Toilet Paper—$24.99

The best White Elephant gift for 2020 is surprisingly useful and potentially hard to find — toilet paper. You can score this locally, or you can pick up a 24 pack on Amazon for under $25, which is actually a deal in 2020.

Do you put your name on 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 do you pick a White Elephant order? ›

How do you play White Elephant?
  1. Count your players and write numbers on cards. Draw the cards out of a hat to determine the order.
  2. Set a limit for the number of times a gift can be stolen.
  3. One by one, each player will pick a gift. ...
  4. Players keep their final gifts, whether they like them or not.
Nov 30, 2023

Why is Dirty Santa called White Elephant? ›

The term White Elephant seems to refer to the type of gifts these events are known for. As the story goes, the King of Siam used to give albino elephants to those who displeased him, knowing the cost to maintain the animals would far outweigh their usefulness. In other words, he took his revenge via gag gift.

What is White Elephant vs dirty santa? ›

Origins Of The Game

Hence the game of "White Elephant," which evolved to gifting impractical items that are not easily disposed of and are often funny for the audience to witness. While "White Elephant" is a common name for this kind of gift swap, "Dirty Santa" is more specific to the South.

How do you pick a White Elephant gift exchange? ›

White Elephant Rules

Once everyone is assembled, have each person draw a number. The person with number "one" chooses a present to unwrap. The person with number "two" has a choice: They may choose a new, wrapped present, or they may take the unwrapped present from the first person.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5513

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.