Top 30+ Best Gift Ideas for White Elephant Under 50$

The thrill of a white elephant gift exchange isn't just about the gift you end up with; it's about the hilarious journey of swapping, stealing, and surprising everyone involved. Whether you're navigating the office party or a festive gathering with friends and family, your goal is the same: find that perfect blend of unique, funny, and desirable that will have everyone battling to take it home.

But who has time to scour the internet for hours? We've curated a list of the best gift ideas for white elephants for everyone, from humorous gifts to practical ones they’ll use every day. And we note that these gift exchanges often come with spending limits, so we made sure to only include white elephant gift ideas that are under $50.

White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules

First time facing the white elephant? Here's the lowdown:

• Bring a wrapped gift: Usually there's a price limit (e.g., $25).
• Draw numbers: This determines the order in which you get to choose.
• Pick or steal: Select a wrapped gift from the pile OR steal one that's already been opened.
• Gift-stealing frenzy: Most games have a limit on how many times a gift can be stolen.
• Lose your gift? No worries! Unwrap a new one or steal someone else's (no re-gifting!).

Now that you know the rules, let’s dive into the fun part—the best gift ideas for white elephants​!

Best White Elephant Gift Ideas for $5

• Mini Desktop Bowling Game

What’s a good white elephant gift idea that sparks laughter and friendly competition? A Mini Desktop Bowling Game is a fantastic choice. This quirky and compact game lets players test their bowling skills right at their desks, making it ideal for office white elephant gift exchanges. It’s especially suitable for coworkers who appreciate stress-busting desk toys. Note that the tiny pins and ball can get lost easily.

• Novelty Socks

For a hilarious and cozy pick, Novelty Socks are a classic. With designs featuring tacos, cats, or even pizza slices, these socks are sure to get a laugh. While they don’t fit everyone physically, they certainly fit the bill for unique and good ideas for white elephant gift exchange fun.

Novelty Socks as Best White Elephant Gift Ideas for $5

• Glow-in-the-Dark Toilet Paper

If you want to bring humor to the table, Glow-in-the-Dark Toilet Paper is hard to beat. It’s the perfect combination of hilarious and slightly practical, making it a standout choice for adults in a white elephant gift exchange. 

Though it might not be a long-term keeper, it’s an unbeatable conversation starter and one of the most funny white elephant gift ideas.

• Stress Relief Putty

A soothing yet amusing option for any gift pile is Stress Relief Putty. It’s a practical choice, especially for office workers or tactile toy enthusiasts, making it a smart pick for white elephant gift ideas for coworkers. 

This gift is crowd-pleasing and safe, though it might lack the excitement of more outrageous items. 

• Emergency Clown Nose

This is one of those funny white elephant gift ideas that's guaranteed to get a reaction. Because you never know when you might need to run off and join the circus (or just lighten the mood in a meeting). I once saw someone bring this to a party, and it ended up being the most stolen gift!

• Bag of Unicorn Farts Cotton Candy

Looking for white elephant gift exchange ideas that are a little out there? This one's for you.  Magical, mythical, and maybe a little questionable, this cotton candy is sure to be a conversation starter. 

Bag of Unicorn Farts Cotton Candy as a White Elephant Gift

• World's Smallest Vacuum

Who knew something so tiny could be so practical? This miniature vacuum is surprisingly useful for cleaning crumbs off your desk... or your keyboard after that unicorn fart cotton candy incident.  A great white elephant gift idea for adults who like to keep things tidy.

White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $10

• Desktop Punching Bag

We all have those days. This mini punching bag is the perfect way to relieve stress (without getting HR involved).  It's a funny and practical white elephant gift idea for adults who work in high-pressure environments.

• "Bad Parking" Business Cards  

Know someone who's passionate about parking etiquette? These cards are a passive-aggressive (but hilarious) way to let bad parkers know they've messed up.  Just be aware that this funny white elephant gift idea might cause a bit of controversy!

• Giant Inflatable Unicorn Horn for Cats

Transform your feline friend into a majestic unicorn with this inflatable horn.  It's a must-have for any cat owner with a sense of humor.

Giant Inflatable Unicorn Horn for Cats as Funny White Elephant Gift

• "Reasons to Panic" Notepad

Adulting is hard. This notepad provides a dedicated space for jotting down all those anxieties and "what ifs."  A funny and relatable white elephant gift idea for your friend who loves to make lists (even if they're a little anxiety-inducing).

• Potty Putter Toilet Golf Game

For the multitasker who wants to improve their short game. This toilet golf game is a silly and unexpected gift idea that's sure to get a laugh.

• Magnetic Poetry Kit 

This white elephant gift idea for adults is perfect for word lovers and aspiring poets, sparking conversations and laughs. While fun to play with, the small pieces can be a challenge to keep track of, so it’s best for someone who enjoys organizing their space.

• Silly Coffee Mug

Combining practicality with humor, it’s a reliable choice that fits the budget. While not the most surprising option, it consistently brings smiles and serves as a daily reminder of the fun exchange.

Silly Coffee Mugs as The Best Gift Ideas for White Elephant​

• Personalized Keychain

A Personalized Keychain adds a thoughtful touch to any gift exchange. Affordable and one-of-a-kind, it stands out—though delivery times might require planning ahead.

• Novelty Coasters

Practical and humorous, Novelty Coasters make a great addition to a white elephant gift exchange. Perfect for someone hosting frequent gatherings, they combine function with a touch of humor. While simple, they’re always appreciated and add personality to any living space.

Gift Ideas for White Elephant $20

• Personalized Ornament 

These ornaments can feature funny or sentimental designs, making them unique and versatile for families. Adding a funny inside joke or a ridiculous photo makes this a truly memorable white elephant gift. 

Their customization potential makes them stand out, though delivery might take longer during the holiday season.

The Family Ornaments as White Elephant Gift Ideas

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Personalized Family Ornaments with Funny Photos

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• The "Hangover Kit" 

This kit includes everything needed to survive the morning after the office holiday party, like aspirin, an eye mask, and electrolyte powder. 

• Giant Wine Glass

This wine glass holds an entire bottle of wine.  It's a fun and festive white elephant gift exchange idea for the wine lover in your life.  However,  it might be wise to caution the recipient against spilling.

• Personalized Phone Case 

A personalized phone case is a fun and practical white elephant gift idea for the friend who's always on their phone.  Personal House provides endless customization options, allowing you to add a funny quote, a silly photo, or even an inside joke. 

Ensuring size compatibility is essential, but this gift often becomes a favorite.

Phone Cases as the Best Gift Ideas for White Elephant​

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• "Adulting is Hard" Coloring Book

It's a humorous acknowledgment of the struggles of adult life, but it also offers a relaxing and creative outlet. Anyone who needs to de-stress and embrace their inner child will love it. 

• Bacon Air Freshener 

It's unexpected and funny. Who wouldn't want their car to smell like bacon? This is a fun white elephant gift idea that's sure to get some laughs. Just be aware that the scent can be quite strong!

Best White Elephant Gift Ideas $30

• "World's Okayest Boss" Mug

This mug is the perfect blend of passive-aggressive humor and practicality. It's a funny white elephant gift idea for the boss with a good sense of humor (or the one who needs a gentle nudge in that direction).

I think this mug is hilarious, but it could be risky depending on your boss's personality. Proceed with caution!

• Personalized T-shirt

A personalized t-shirt is a fun and unique way to express yourself (or embarrass your friend). It's definitely a white elephant gift idea that will stand out. This is perfect for the friend who loves to make a statement and isn't afraid to be the center of attention.

I think this is one of the most hilarious personalized gifts, especially if you come up with a truly ridiculous design. The t-shirts from Personal House are also really soft and comfortable. 

Funny Personalized T-shirts as White Elephant​ Gifts

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Personalized This Is My Christmas Sleep Shirt T-shirt

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• Miniature Drone

I've always wanted to try flying a drone, so this would be a fun gift to receive (or steal!). It is perfect for the gadget lover in your life who's always up on the latest tech trends. Just make sure you have enough space to fly it safely. 

•  "Game of Thrones" Monopoly

It's a great white elephant gift exchange idea for a group of friends who can quote every line and knows the history of Westeros better than their own family tree.

I'm a big fan of "Game of Thrones," and I think this Monopoly version looks awesome. It could lead to some epic game nights (and maybe some heated arguments). 

• Instant Photo Printer

The friend who's always documenting everything on Instagram or the one who loves scrapbooking will go crazy for this cool white elephant gift exchange idea. This is a great gift for capturing memories. It's also really convenient for printing photos on the go.

• Personalized Mug

Everyone loves a personalized gift! With Personal House, you can create a cool white elephant gift exchange idea by adding a funny photo, a silly quote, or an inside joke to a high-quality mug. This is a versatile gift that works for almost anyone. I love the quality of the mugs. They're dishwasher and microwave safe, which is a big plus.

Personalized Mugs as a Cool White Elephant Gift Exchange Idea

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Funny Mugs as The Best Gift Ideas for White Elephant​

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• Luxury Bath Bomb Set 

I love bath bombs! This set looks amazing, and it would be a great way to unwind after a stressful day. Perfect for the friend who needs some self-care or the one who loves a good bath.

• Board Game Expansion Packs

Board game expansion packs are a great way to bring laughter and excitement to a white elephant gift exchange. Perfect for gaming enthusiasts, these packs add variety to existing games and keep the fun going. However, they’re only suitable for someone who already owns the base game, so it’s a bit of a gamble.

• Desk Organizer with a Twist

A unique desk organizer, such as one shaped like a robot or animal, combines practicality with whimsy. It’s perfect for coworkers who want to keep their workspace tidy in a fun way. This gift is both useful and entertaining, though its quirkiness might limit its appeal to certain personalities.

White Elephant Gift Ideas $50

• Personalized Doormat

A personalized doormat is a fun and unique way to welcome guests to your home. Personal House offers a variety of quirky and funny designs, making it a great white elephant gift idea for men and women alike.

I love that you can customize these doormats with your own message or design. They're also really durable and weather-resistant, so they'll last for years to come.

Personalized Doormats as White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $50

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• Mini Projector

A mini projector is a surprising and exciting choice, offering entertainment value for movie nights or presentations. It’s ideal for tech enthusiasts or families who love hosting gatherings. While it’s a bit more elaborate, the setup might require some extra effort, but the payoff is worth it.

• High-End Coffee Maker

I'm a big coffee drinker, and I would love to have this coffee maker. It makes a delicious cup of coffee and looks great on the counter. It's a cool white elephant gift idea that will elevate your morning routine.

• Virtual Reality Headset

Virtual reality is the future of gaming! This headset is a white elephant gift idea that will transport you to another world. I've tried VR before, and it's an amazing experience. Perfect for the tech-savvy gamer who loves to be on the cutting edge of technology.

• Personalized Metal Sign 

A personalized metal sign offers a creative way to liven up any space, from home bars to living rooms. They're high-quality and look great in any room. The funny or clever customizations make it perfect for someone with a great sense of humor. This item is especially suitable for those who enjoy unique home décor. 

Personal House offers a wide range of designs, from funny quotes to inside jokes, making it a perfect white elephant gift idea. 

Metal Signs as The Best Gift Ideas for White Elephant​

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• Custom Pet Portrait Puzzle

A custom pet portrait puzzle is a heartwarming and unique idea, especially for animal lovers. It combines personalization with fun, making it one of the best personalized gifts for coworkers or friends who adore their pets.

• Novelty Board Game

A novelty board game is a fun and interactive gift that brings people together. This is a fantastic option for families or coworkers who enjoy game nights or team-building activities. 

>>> See More: 

• 40+ Best Gift Ideas for Secret Santa Under $50 for Men & Women

• Top 26 Gifts Start With Letter For Creative And Delightful Gifting

No matter what you choose, remember that the most important thing is to have fun and embrace the chaos of the white elephant gift exchange!