9 Fun White Elephant Gift Ideas

In a white elephant gift exchange, also called a Yankee Swap, you don’t know who will end up with your gift. Unlike Secret Santa, the best pick is something almost anyone would want to steal. Check your group’s price limit first, then choose from these.

1. Bob Ross Mug

Most people feel nostalgic about Bob Ross and his “happy little trees.” This color changing mug starts out blank and black, and a warm drink reveals a “happy little scene.” It is practical and gets a smile, which makes it a safe bet for a mixed crowd.

2. Mushroom Log

A mushroom log lets someone grow their own mushrooms at home, and it suits meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Choose a shiitake log or an oyster mushroom log kit. Both are handmade, and the first harvest can take six months or more, so this one is a slow-burn surprise for the winner.

3. Smell My Nuts Candle

Candles are common at white elephant exchanges, but few get a laugh before anyone lights them. The Smell My Nuts novelty candle comes in a mason jar, and the name does the work. It suits groups with a sense of humor.

4. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails With A Literary Twist

A book is a tricky gift for a stranger, but Tequila Mockingbird is a cocktail book with a literary joke in every recipe name. It works for readers and non-readers, as long as your group is fine with drinks.

5. Bears vs. Babies Card Game

Bears vs. Babies is a silly card game from Exploding Kittens, with art from The Oatmeal webcomic. You don’t need to know the comics to enjoy it, and the fluffy box is enough to start a fight over who gets it.

6. Dinosaur Taco Holders

Everyone loves tacos and dinosaurs. These dinosaur taco holders hold a taco upright, so the winner can eat Taco Tuesday dinner in style. A good pick for anyone who cooks or has kids.

7. Light Saber Chopsticks

Nerdy kitchen gear tends to get stolen fast. These light saber chopsticks light up, so they are a hit with Star Wars fans and a fun upgrade for takeout night.

8. Throw Throw Burrito

Throw Throw Burrito is a card game from Exploding Kittens that comes with two squishy foam burritos you throw at each other. It is loud and silly, and it gives a family or office group something to play after the exchange ends.

9. Animal-Shaped Tabletop Vacuum

A battery-powered mini tabletop vacuum in the shape of a cat is the kind of cute gift that surprises the group. It is handy for eraser crumbs and desk crumbs, and it doubles as a desk decoration.

Skip the generic gift card. Pick something people will want to steal, and the swap takes care of itself.