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20 Budget-Friendly White Elephant Gift Ideas

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Updated on November 2, 2022 by
white elephant gifts

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The winter holidays are right around the corner, and so are the festive celebrations. A white elephant gift exchange with family, friends, or co-workers is a popular and fun get-together. Everyone receives a random and unique gift, and you never know what you’ll end up with.

If you want your white elephant gifts to stand out, check out our list of ideas below. You’ll find 20 white elephant gift options that are quirky and entertaining. All of these budget-friendly picks are sure to be a hit.

White Elephant Gifts For $10 Or Less

1. Swag Brewery Beer Soap

Swag Brewery Beer Soap

Swag Brewery Beer Soap is naturally scented to truly smell like fine craft beers and ciders. The Hoppy IPA soap contains real hops and beer; your recipient may be tempted to taste it! Other popular scents include Oatmeal Stout, Hard Cider, and Vanilla Porter. You can choose from nine unique novelty soaps. Fun meets quality with this affordable white elephant gift.

2. K is for Knifeball: An Alphabet of Terrible Advice

K is for Knifeball: An Alphabet of Terrible Advice

Who says advice has to be helpful? ‘K is for Knifeball: An Alphabet of Terrible Advice’ is ideal for a bit of dark humor. While the book is for adults, it features childlike rhymes and entertaining illustrations. From throwing a Rolex in a blender to drinking a bottle of cabernet per day, there’s a bit of awful advice for everyone.

3. Bob Ross by the Numbers

Bob Ross by the Numbers

Bob Ross once said, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”, and this gift is great for even the less artistically-inclined. The set contains three paint-by-number canvases including a portrait of the man himself. You also get seven paint pots and a mini brush. Your gift recipient has everything needed to create ‘happy little trees’.

4. Fred and Friends Slow Brew Sloth Tea Infuser

Fred and Friends Slow Brew Sloth Tea Infuser

There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea to unwind and this sloth-shaped tea infuser is perfect for a slow-brewed cup. The cute creature is filled with looseleaf tea and easily attaches to the cup rim by its arms. This adorable yet practical white elephant gift is an excellent budget-friendly pick.

5. Just Crunch Anti-Soggy Cereal Bowl

Just Crunch Anti-Soggy Cereal Bowl

The phrase “I like soggy cereal” is non-existent, and this unique bowl is solid proof of that. The Just Crunch cereal bowl is a novelty dish that features a partition in the center. It divides cereal and milk, and you can mix the two at your own pace. This dish can also be used for chips and dip, fruits and veggies, and everything in between. It’s a perfect budget-friendly and useful white elephant gift.

6. Fairly Odd Novelties Pizza Pouch

Fairly Odd Novelties Pizza Pouch

If you want a truly wacky white elephant gift, then this wearable pizza pouch is the ideal solution. This odd fashion accessory features a clear pouch designed to hold one slice of pizza. It’s attached to a lanyard necklace that displays a pizza pattern print. This silly gift is affordable and will surely make the recipient laugh.

White Elephant Gifts For $20 Or Less

7. Bacon & Bourbon Man Candle

Bacon & Bourbon Man Candle

Candles are classic gifts for any occasion, and the Bacon & Bourbon candle puts a fun spin on it. This handmade candle combines the scent of maple-glazed bacon and vanilla bourbon for a warm, comforting aroma. It’s a great gift for any home or office, and Silver Dollar Candle Co. has many more intriguing scents. For around $20, you’ll get a high-quality gift that suits any recipient.

8. LifeEase Felt Letter Board

LifeEase Felt Letter Board

Letterboards are a major trend often seen on social media, and they can be used for anything and everything. From pregnancy announcements to inside jokes, letter boards are a pleasant way to get the message out there. This 10” by 10” board comes with 920 letters, numbers, and emojis. For less than $20, it’s a versatile and useful white elephant gift choice.

9. The Sriracha Cookbook: 50 “Rooster Sauce” Recipes that Pack a Punch

Sriracha chili sauce is renowned for its spicy flavor and versatility. “The Sriracha Cookbook” is full of creative recipes that feature this popular condiment. You’ll find plenty of lunch and dinner ideas, but there’s so much more. Strange-yet-tempting examples include recipe names like:

  • Peach-Sriracha Sorbet
  • Maple-Sriracha Sausage Patties
  • Sriracha Cream Cheese

This low-cost cookbook is an excellent white elephant gift for anyone.

10. Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

There’s never a bad time for breakfast food, so this mini waffle maker is a great gift for anyone. This petite appliance features a four-inch cooking surface and comes in numerous colors and designs. From leopard print to classic cherry red, there are styles to suit all tastes. The waffle maker can also be used to make hash browns, paninis, and other delicious food at any time of the day.

11. Awkward Family Photos 2021 Day-to-Day Calendar

Awkward Family Photos 2021 Day-to-Day Calendar

We’ve all had a good laugh at awkward family photos. Whether they’re your family gems or viral posts, they’re sure to make anyone smile. This hilarious calendar features a collection of funny and awkward family photos that span decades. Your white elephant gift recipient can hang this calendar anywhere for a dose of daily humor.

12. ATECH Multifunction Pen 7 in 1 Tech Tool

ATECH Multifunction Pen 7 in 1 Tech Tool

The ATECH 7-in-1 pen takes multitasking to an entirely new level. In addition to being a ballpoint pen, this useful gadget is also a:

  • Bottle opener.
  • Stylus.
  • Mini-flathead screwdriver.
  • Phone stand.
  • Metric and inch ruler.
  • Phillips screwdriver.

Even with all of these perks, the pen is still compact at only 5 inches. It’s perfect for virtually any recipient and a steal at under $20.

13. I Adulted!: Stickers for Grown-Ups

I Adulted!: Stickers for Grown-Ups

Being a self-sufficient adult isn’t always enjoyable, but these reward-style stickers are a great encouragement. They cheer adults on for completing mundane tasks. Some of the humorous sayings include:

  • “I Didn’t Procrastinate!”
  • “I Backed Up My Computer!”
  • “I Put On Pants!”

These silly stickers are an affordable and fun way to make your white elephant gift recipient smile.

14. Honsky Thumbs-up Cell Phone Stands

Honsky Thumbs-up Cell Phone Stands

We’ve all misplaced our cell phones here and there. This funky stand by Honsky makes it easy to keep track of any sized phone. The universal holder features two happy thumbs-up and a flexible yet sturdy design. This white elephant gift is the best balance of practical and fun. Every order comes with two colorful phone stands, so you truly get your money’s worth.

15. Wine2Go – The Foldable Wine Bottle

Wine2Go - The Foldable Wine Bottle

A good bottle of wine is enjoyable in many settings, but carrying a clunky glass bottle isn’t always practical. Wine2Go solves this problem with The Foldable Wine Bottle. This flexible plastic pouch securely holds the contents of an entire wine bottle. It’s perfect for concerts, camping trips, and so much more. Your white elephant exchange recipient is sure to love this innovative gift.

White Elephant Gifts For $40 Or Less

16. What Do You Meme? Core Game

What Do You Meme? Core Game

Party games are classic hits, and ‘What Do You Meme?’ puts a modern spin on them. This game uses caption and photo cards to create funny memes. You compete with friends to see who can come up with the most hilarious results. With 365 caption cards and 75 iconic meme photos, the options are endless.

17. Death Wish Coffee

Death Wish Coffee

Despite the ominous name, Death Wish Coffee is sure to make anyone feel more alive than ever before. According to the makers, this famous coffee is two times stronger than the average coffee house brew. It packs a punch without tasting bitter; the unique blend is bold but smooth. Your white elephant gift recipient will surely enjoy the delicious energy boost.

18. The Original Burrito Blanket

The Original Burrito Blanket

Is there anything better than a warm and fluffy burrito tortilla? The answer is “yes” with the novelty Original Burrito Blanket. The 60 by 60-inch blanket is made from plush microfiber to get all wrapped up in. The outer design looks exactly like a fresh tortilla, making it a humorous yet useful gift. The blanket doubles as a beach towel, too. For under $40, this is a luxurious and fairly-priced white elephant gift.

19. The Mug With A Hoop

The Mug With A Hoop

There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of cocoa or a bowl of hot soup during winter. The Mug With A Hoop makes comfort food even more enjoyable by adding a touch of fun. The 16-ounce ceramic mug features a ceramic hoop for tossing marshmallows, oyster crackers, and more. Originally designed by a creative eight-year-old, this dish has become a popular novelty gift.

20. The Cocktail Box Co. Premium Cocktail Kit – The Old Fashioned

The Cocktail Box Co. Premium Cocktail Kit - The Old Fashioned

Whiskey enthusiasts know that there’s nothing quite like a classic Old Fashioned. The Cocktail Box Co. makes it easy to expertly craft this drink in minutes. The compact kit includes:

  • Three cocktail picks.
  • One muddler spoon.
  • One linen coaster.
  • Cane sugar cubes.
  • Orange zest.
  • Flavored bitters.

The ingredients can be used with any whiskey to create six Old Fashioned drinks. This nifty white elephant gift is sure to be a hit with any cocktail lover.

Takeaway

With this helpful shopping list, you can choose from a great selection of white elephant gifts. There’s something for everyone, and all of our picks are competitively priced. Enjoy this holiday season’s get-togethers and impress friends and family with unique, entertaining, and practical gifts.

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