1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 old, but how cute is this one?! // 6 old, similar here // 7 // 8 {old, similar linked} // 9 {old, similar linked} // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 old, but love these!// 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25
White elephant gift exchanges are such a fun way to swap gifts with a group of friends, extended family, or even colleagues. Unlike a normal secret Santa where you purchase a gift for someone specific, with a white elephant exchange you’ll need to shop knowing that your gift could wind up in anyone’s hands. This can make it a bit more complicated to find that perfect gift.
To take from Real Simple – ‘The rules are simple. Each player brings one wrapped gift to contribute to a common pool. Typically a budget of around $30 is set, but this can of course vary. On the day of the exchange, players draw names to determine what order they will go in. The first player selects a gift from the pool and opens it. The following players can choose to either pick an unwrapped gift from the pool or steal a previous player’s gift. Anyone who gets their gift stolen in this way can do the same – choose a new gift or steal from someone else. This goes on until finally, the first participant has the opportunity to steal from any of the opened gifts, choosing their favorite.’
White elephant gift exchanges typically have a few gag gifts, along with some really well thought out gifts that anyone would want. When hosting, I typically encourage guests to bring the latter. The game is so much more fun when the gifts are good and people actually want them {aka they get stolen!} In the end, gag gifts or great gifts, the game is always a hit because guests are engaged, happy and laughing throughout. It is truly one of my favorite holiday traditions that I look forward to every year!
Without further adieu, below are my favorite White Elephant/Kris Kringle gift ideas – All of which are under $40! These are items I’ve either seen been gifted, have gifted myself, and/or something I have my eye on and think would be a hit! See more detail below 🙂
J.Crew Moccasin Slippers – These cozy slippers come in several neutral colors. You might be wondering how slippers might work for a gift exchange and believe it or not, they work quite well! Get a size 7 or 8 and you should find at least a few people at the party who fit into them comfortably! Keep in mind, these J.Crew slippers run 1 size small.
Cocktail Napkin Set – Who doesn’t love a set of fun cocktail napkins? These would look so cute on any bar and are flirty and fun. I also love this ‘Whino’ set as well as this ‘Overserved’ set – so cheeky and playful.
Yeti Tumbler with Lid – Seriously, who doesn’t love a Yeti tumbler? Perfect for keeping drinks cold or warm, this tumbler is a hit with either sex. Prime members get free two day shipping
Moisturizing Snail Face Mask – These masks are always a hit. Equal parts hilarious, scary and intriguing, these ultra moisturizing masks are always one of the most popular items in any White Elephant. Like I said, I love a useful gift! Comes as a set of 10. Prime members get free two day shipping.
Ceramic Platter old, but cute one here – this gorgeous platter comes in two colors and on sale, it’s right at the $40 price point! Comes in two sizes and would look gorgeous on any counter.
Stila Stay All Day Lipstick Set old, similar here – Although I’ve never tried this set, it would be such the perfect gift.
Mark and Graham Cheese Board and Knives Set – Perfect for entertaining or a little date night, the options are endless when it comes to assembling a charcuterie board. I love how this Mark and Graham one swivels with storage for the knives underneath.
Truffle Clarity Mini Clutch – I swear by my Truffle mini. It’s perfect for organizing any bag or purse – I like to fill mine with bandaids, advil, a mini deodorant, a mini pen, bobby pins, a hair tie, a few cough drops and any other item that might get lost in my purse!
Geode Coaster Set {similar} – How gorgeous is this coaster set? I have these and love them. They are show stopping and are always a great conversation starter. My favorites are the white, blue and turquoise sets!
Loft No-Slip Sock Set – My fav socks of all time. They never slip, scrunch or hurt your feet and are truly the best no show socks I’ve tried. I also love that they come in a ton of fun designs too. These are currently on sale, so scoop up a few pairs to gift your secret santa!
Mini Remote Drone – Drones are not my thing, but I’ve been to two White Elephant parties in the past where someone brought this mini drone and people went crazy for it! Free one day shipping
Mini Bluetooth Speaker – This cute and colorful little Bluetooth speaker lets you take your music anywhere you want it. Love that it comes in 7 colors!
Timex Men’s Watch – My husband recently bought this watch for when he’s out at the ranch and he loves it. It comes in tons of colors, is durable, waterproof, and under $40! Free two day shipping
Kershaw Pocket Knife – My husband also swears by his Kershaw pocket knife. This is a great gift that would appeal to the dudes in your gift exchange.
Set of Holiday Dish Towels – This set of dish towels is adorable, but on their own, they probably aren’t enough of a gift. That’s why I would pair them with #17 or #21 – a set of 4 silicon wine glasses or a mini votive holiday candle.
Mini Hoop Earring old, but love these – These are simple, classic and would look cute with any holiday outfit. If these earrings aren’t your favorite, all full priced items are currently 20% off right now! There are hundreds of options available under $40
Silicone Wine Glasses – I went to a gift exchange recently where someone brought these silicone wine glasses and they were such a hit! Everyone wanted them and they were immediately stolen & frozen! Sign of a great and successful white elephant gift.
Pair of Geode Bookends – These have been brought to several gift exchange parties that I’ve been to and are always a huge hit. Who wouldn’t want a set of gorgeous geode book ends? I love the blue and turquoise options, but love that there are several colors to choose from.
S’well Water Bottle – This S’well water bottle is the perfect size – comfortably fitting into your hand, and all cupholders. I also love that it comes in tons of colors and designs I chose the silver though for this gift exchange gift guide though because it is more gender neutral!
Yeti Insulated Mug – I have heard amazing things about this insulated mug from Yeti. The double insulation will keep your coffee warm, or your mixed drink cold ’til the last drop, and the no slip grip will keep your hands from burning or freezing off!
Nest Holiday Candle – If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know I have a deep love for the Nest Holiday candles. This little votive size makes the perfect gender neutral gift, and is a smell anyone would enjoy. Free one day shipping
Plush Throw Blanket – This blanket is so incredibly soft, that it was immediately stolen and then frozen at the White Elephant gift exchanges I’ve gone to recently. It comes in 20 colors and is great for men, women, & children! Who doesn’t love a super soft blanket? I love it in the blue surf colorway.
Watch Ya’ Mouth Party Card Game, Cards Against Hummanity Card Game & What do you Meme? Party Card Game These are three of my favorite party games and I love bringing them to any gift exchange. They’re fun, sometimes naughty, and always bring such a good laugh. Oh, and they’re always popular! People love these games, and more than few times we’ve opened them after the White Elephant ends and played a round or two.
