PODS Holiday Round-Up: 30 Great White Elephant Gift Ideas ($25 or Less!) That Won't End Up in Storage

It seems like everyone’s biggest fear over the yearly White Elephant gift exchange is bringing the one gift no one wanted. Finding the best White Elephant gift ideas is no easy feat. You have to strike a balance between witty and interesting (unless you opt for the out of left field gag gift that everyone seems to want to take home).

If you’ve never been part of these gift exchanges, it usually goes something like this: You walk into the party, add your gift to the pile, and pretend to not analyze every other present. Once the exchange starts, the first person picks a present, opens it, and then the next person can choose to either steal that one or go for one of the unwrapped gifts. That continues until each present has been opened. Some caveats: Each present comes with a “trade limit,” typically of three. After that, it’s locked and theft-proof. The first person might also be given the chance to steal a present again after everything has been opened, but that’s optional.

What other important things do you need to know before getting started, though? And what are the best options for 2024? Read on to find out.

White Elephant 101 — Important Things To Know

Q: What is a proper White Elephant gift?
A: That depends on your gift exchange. Some are going to fit a certain theme, some are going to be gag gifts, and others are going to be so obscure yet useful that the entire party will be fighting over them. It’s best to talk to the organizer and go from there.

Q: How to spice up a White Elephant gift exchange?
A: The easiest way to spice up a White Elephant gift exchange is to create new rules. Maybe the gifts have to stay wrapped until the very end. Maybe there’s a last-minute lightning round where everything is fair game for 30 seconds. Whatever you add should wreak havoc without ruining the fun.

Q: Is a gift card a good White Elephant gift?
A: It depends. Typically gift cards are discouraged as White Elephant gifts, but they can be useful and it’s easy to get creative with the delivery. Use a lot of layers to wrap it up, bury it in a tin of popcorn, create a puzzle out of it, or keep it simple and just include something else with the gift card (that takeout card looks a lot better with a bottle of wine to open up and a movie to watch while it’s enjoyed).

Q: How much should I budget for a White Elephant?
A: Any White Elephant gift exchange is going to come with a spending limit, so you’ll have to talk with the party organizer. Typically, you’ll want to budget in increments of $20 or $25. So $20, $25, $50, $60, $75, etc.

Best White Elephant Gifts 2024

Want to skip the rest to find the best of the best? Don’t worry, we’ve gathered our overall picks.

• For coworkers: Deep tissue massage gun
• For laughs: Picolas Cage
• For tech lovers/gamers: Tetris keychain
• For beauty lovers: All About Snail skincare set
• For foodies: Two-quart Crock-Pot (50 percent off on Amazon!)

Best White Elephant Gift Ideas $25 and Under for Coworkers

 

This deep tissue massage gun is just what your co-workers need at the end of a 40-hour work week.
(Source: Amazon)

1. Deep Tissue Massage Gun

$18.89 on Amazon 

Starting the list out strong with something that is sure to get “stolen” at least a few times during your office party’s White Elephant gift exchange. With four different massage heads and six speeds, this deep tissue massage gun is just what your co-workers need at the end of a 40-hour work week. It’s a steal at less than $20 on Amazon, so you might want to order an extra for yourself. 

This cute mug is useful and very safe for work. 
(Source: owala)

2. Travel Mug

$24.99 from Owala

Great if you need a tame option for a work party, this cute little 20-oz travel mug might seem like a copout, but it’s a gift that a lot of people might not even consider giving. It’s also useful and very safe for work. Personally, if my coworker showed up with this (and maybe a few packets of hot chocolate or instant coffee inside) I’d have it out for anyone who stole my new winter work mug.

Not only is this game hilarious, but it’s totally safe for work. 
(Source: Amazon)

3. Guess the Gibberish Party Game

$19.99 from Amazon

What better way to get in sync with your coworkers than with this Guess the Gibberish game? Take turns reciting nonsense phrases as the rest of the office frantically guesses what you’re trying to say. Not only is this game hilarious, but it’s totally safe for work. 

This cute kit is meant for beginners and comes with everything one might need to complete the project.
(Source: Amazon)

4. Succulent Crochet Kit (for Beginners)

$22.99 on Amazon 

Have a group of creative coworkers? Work in finance with people who have never even looked at a crochet hook? Try this cute succulent crochet kit. At $2 under budget, this gift is well worth it. It’s meant for beginners and comes with everything you need to make this cute family of six crochet plants. You never know, you might help find someone’s next hobby.

This tasty snack box is from Japan, but there are other options from around the world.
(Source: Amazon)

5. International Snack Box

$24.97 from Amazon

This international snack box filled with Japanese delights is perfect for foodies and curious snackers alike. Nothing goes to waste and you have a unique gift that’s shareable? You’re likely to win the most memorable with this one, if nothing else. This box is from Japan, but there are other options from around the world, like this Turkish snack box for $24.

Best Funny White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $25

This word search toilet paper is the perfect addition to anyone’s essentials.
(Source: Kohl's) 

6. Word Search Toilet Paper Roll

$6 from Kohl's (sale price)

At PODS, you’ll hear us talk about that coveted “first night box” any chance we get, and this word search toilet paper is the perfect addition to anyone’s essentials. It comes in well under the $25 threshold, so you can pair it with this abandonment candle going for $16.99 on Amazon. “Made with 100 percent betrayal, tears, and still happy for you” — just the holiday essentials. 

This shower beer holder is the pinnacle of a perfect mid-shampoo karaoke session.
(Source: Target)

7. Shower Can Holder

$13.49 from Target

Whether you know your gift receivers take long showers or not, this shower can holder is the pinnacle of a perfect mid-shampoo karaoke session. The best part? You don’t have to be a drinker to enjoy this since it’s also the perfect size for a can of soda or even sparkling water. Either way, no more dehydration while your friend is trying to belt Mariah Carey into their shampoo bottle.

With last year’s Nicholas Cage pillow immortalized among the ranks, this Nicolas Cage pickle ornament — aptly deemed Picolas Cage — is only appropriate.
(Source: Etsy)

8. Picolas Cage

$14 from Etsy

With last year’s Nicolas Cage pillow immortalized among the ranks, this Nicolas Cage pickle ornament — aptly deemed Picolas Cage — is only appropriate. While mildly disturbing, the Christmas pickle is actually a supposed long-standing tradition in Germany. It goes on the tree, and then Christmas morning starts with a pickle hunt. The first person to find it opens the first present. It’s not quite National Treasure, but thinking about your friend’s kids searching for Picolas could be reason enough to pick this up.

This wireless karaoke microphone is sure to inspire some song (and dance?) after the gift opening session has ended. 
(Source: Amazon)

9. Wireless Karaoke Microphone 

$16.99 from Amazon

Whether someone’s moving or you know a frequent traveler who loves singing in the car, this wireless karaoke microphone could be the product of a lot of laughs later down the line. The mic features its own speaker and LED lights that pulse with the music, and it connects wirelessly to an iPhone, iPad, Android, or smart TV via Bluetooth.

This sticky note set and pencil holder make the most adorable desktop dumpster fire. 
(Source: Amazon)

10. Dumpster Fire Sticky Notes Set

$12.99 from Amazon

Let’s face it, the holidays can feel like a dumpster fire with everything going on. Between holiday parties, gift-giving, cookie making, and all of the decorating, I sometimes feel like I’m losing my mind — and you can tell because I have sticky notes hung everywhere. Pan to this cute little sticky note set; it’s all of that holiday stress placed into a cardboard dumpster. The best part? You’ll still be helping people stay organized.

Don’t forget the gift receipt: We’re big fans of giving people options. That’s why you should never forget the gift receipt. If someone is planning to move soon and could use something different, they’ll thank you for giving them the option to get something they actually need instead of another thing to lug onto the moving truck (or worse… throw away before they leave).

Best Tech White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $25

These QR code stickers are great for helping you keep track of where things are stored away.
(Source: SmartLabels) 

11. QR Code Box Labels (4-Pack)

$8.49 from SmartLabels (sale price)

These QR code moving stickers are meant for moving, but they’d be perfect for creating a system for storage, the garage, or even organizing a closet. The ones from SmartLabels come with their own app, and you can even grab a few packs to hit the $25 threshold.

This portable charger is perfect for anyone who has trouble keeping their phone charged all day.
(Source: Amazon)

12. MagSafe Portable Charger

$23.99 from Amazon (23% off for Black Friday)

Great for anyone who's moving soon (you always need your phone on and available when so many things are in motion), city dwellers, frequent travelers, or anyone who simply forgets to charge their phone before leaving home. This MagSafe portable charger comes in a lot of colors, but there are a lot of options on Amazon if you’re looking for something larger or even one that’s capable of charging a smart watch.

This tech organizer can be life-changing for commuters, frequent travelers, and even anyone who's about to move.
(Source: Target)

13. Tech Organizer

$14.99 from Target

We all know the frustration of tangled cords and the unmanageability they bring to pretty much any bag. Add to that adapters, storage cards, and even pens (both Apple Pencils and regular ballpoints) and you get paralysis every time your laptop is about to die. That’s where getting a tech organizer can be life-changing for commuters, frequent travelers, and even anyone who's about to move. Add in a bag of cable ties, still come in under the $25, and be someone’s White Elephant savior.

This squishy duck lamp is meant to bring joy wherever it lives.
(Source: Amazon)

14. Squishy Duck Night Lamp

$23.99from Amazon (36% off for Black Friday)

Sometimes you just want to give something cute. While still useful, this squishy duck lamp is meant to bring joy wherever it lives. It’s also surprisingly therapeutic to operate and it can go anywhere, including the car on a road trip. If the “Happy Style” duck (pictured above) isn’t your speed, this same listing has plenty of other options (and many are currently on sale for Black Friday!).

Give the gift of Tetris on the go with this cute retro game keychain. 
(Source: Amazon)

15. Tetris Keychain

$19.75 from Amazon

For both portability and nostalgia, look to this retro game keychain. It’ll look great on any bag, and whoever gets it will have easy access to the childhood favorite whenever it’s needed — on public transit, at the doctor’s office, or when avoiding small talk at the holiday party.

Best Beauty White Elephant Gift Ideas $25 and Under

This folding vanity mirror is so handy, you might want to get an extra for yourself.
(Source: Target)

16. Folding Vanity Mirror

$18 from Target

When I first saw this folding vanity mirror, I was astounded. I had been on the hunt for something I could stow easily in my carry-on for an upcoming cross-country move, and this was way too perfect. Since moving, I’ve used it almost every morning while getting ready. Trust me, your friend and their daughter will end up taking turns with this both at home and on trips.

 

This space-saving toiletry bag is waterproof and features two large compartments, multiple pockets, and a zipper section (and is oh-so-cute).
(Source: Amazon)  

17. Space-Saving Toiletry Bag

$23.99 from Amazon 

If you have to pack smart, you know the struggle of trying to fit all your toiletries into one bag. Enter: This space-saving toiletry bag. This cute carrier is waterproof and features two large compartments, multiple pockets, and a zippered section. The whole thing zips up into a compact (and chic) handled bag. Stowing this in a carry-on or under the seat during a road trip just became a lot easier. 

These lip sleeping masks are a game changer for anyone who suffers from dry lips in the winter. 
(Source: Laneige)

18. Laneige Midnight Minis Set

$21 from Laneige

Even if you’re not in a climate that gets snow, dry air hits hard during the winter months. Fending off chapped lips can be a struggle, especially if you’re not one to carry chapstick with you. Thus, the beauty of this lip sleeping mask set. Throwing one of these on before bed heals it all. (They taste pretty good, too, though we don’t recommend eating it out of the bottle...)

This fuzzy sock advent calendar is the perfect addition to anyone’s holiday morning routine.
(Source: Amazon)

19. Festive Sock Advent Calendar

$22.99 from Amazon

The best time to wear festive socks is all the time — especially when you’re bundled up at home. Both practical and cute, this festive sock advent calendar is the perfect addition to anyone’s holiday morning routine. Wake up, start the coffee, open your snowman socks, and stay cozy while you make breakfast and get ready for the day (even while the kids are on Winter Break).

This Korean skincare staple is perfect for keeping anyone’s skin hydrated during the dry winter months.
(Source: Ulta Beauty)

20. All About Snail Skincare Set

$25 from Ulta

Even if you’re not on social media, you’ve probably heard about snail mucin. This Korean skincare staple has taken TikTok by storm, and it’s honestly perfect for keeping anyone’s skin hydrated during the dry winter months. That, plus the novelty of this snail mucin skincare set, is the perfect combination for any White Elephant exchange.

Best White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $25 for Frequent Travelers

This key organizer from Orbitkey is designed to silence your jangly keys for good.
(Source: Orbitkey)

21. Key Organizer

$18.67 from Orbitkey (25% off for Black Friday)

This is for anyone who just moved and needs a place to organize all their new keys (and their old ones). This key organizer from Orbitkey is designed to silence your jangly keys for good. There’s also a separate attachment on the end for car keys and other fobs.

These compression packing cubes keep everything organized and snug.
(Source: Amazon)

22. Compression Packing Cubes

$18.99 from Amazon

I’ve sworn by packing cubes for the better part of a decade. Whether you’re moving homes or packing light for vacation, these compression packing cubes keep everything organized and snug. And they come in several different colors!

This cozy travel pillow comes with its own travel pouch!
(Source: Amazon)

23. Travel Pillow (With a Bag)

$10.95 from Amazon (22% off for Black Friday)

I don’t know about you, but I hate hooking my travel pillow to the strap of my carry-on (usually a backpack). When you’re in the airport, on public transit, or even inside an Uber, all the stuff that’s on the outside of your bag is now also on your pillow — which is going on your face and near pretty much every area of the body you’re told not to touch until you’ve washed your hands after a day outside. Opting for a travel pillow with a pouch relieves that tiny travel anxiety for me (and hopefully you, even if you never really thought about it before reading my testament to this pouch’s importance).

This reusable bag is super handy and super cute.
(Source: Baggu)

24. Baggu Reusable Bag

$14 from Baggu

I moved from the suburbs to the city in October and my Baggu has never gotten more use. This reusable bag comes with its own carrying pouch, and it’s actually easy to fold back up and put away between uses. It fits in the tiniest compartment of my purse, and it never gets in the way on crowded subway rides home. Even when I lived in the suburbs, though, I never left home without my Baggu, and it saved me from a pile of crinkly grocery bags on more than one occasion. 

This handheld luggage scale is super useful for frequent travelers! 
(Source: Amazon)

25. Handheld Luggage Scale

$25 from Amazon

This felt like a stretch when I was adding it to the list, but Samsonite's handheld luggage scale is actually useful. It measures up to 80 pounds and even comes with a built-in tape measure, so you can check if your carry-on will fit under the seat. It’s great for frequent travelers who need to meet airline baggage requirements and people moving who might need to weigh their bags before they get loaded on a moving truck. Either way — as someone who has both lost luggage due to weight limits and had to keep tabs on weight for my moves  — I’d be fighting for this.

Best White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $25 for Foodies and Coffee Lovers

This Vietnamese phin coffee filter is small, portable, and makes a really mean cup of coffee.
(Source: Amazon)

26. Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter

$11.99 from Amazon

Whether there’s a coffee lover at the party or not, this Vietnamese phin coffee filter is enough to turn heads. It’s small, portable, and makes a really mean cup of coffee. It’s similar to a Hario V60 pour over, but without all the waste of paper filters. This one comes in under the $20 mark, so you could add in a bag of Robusta beans for the real deal. For Vietnamese iced coffee, brew over condensed milk, mix it together, and pour over ice. Trust me, it’s good even when it’s snowing.

There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s fun (and almost therapeutic) to watch this espresso-maker do its thing.
(Source: Amazon)

27. 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker

$22.99 from Amazon

For homemade espresso on a budget, the Cafe Du Chateau Espresso Maker is a lifesaver. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s fun (and almost therapeutic) to watch your coffee flow into the top while standing next to a warm stovetop on a winter morning. The best part? Saved money on lattes throughout the holiday season.

There’s a bit of a learning curve, but it’s fun (and almost therapeutic) to watch this espresso-maker do its thing.
(Source: Target)

28. Bubble Tea Kit

$22.90 from Amazon

Bubble tea (or boba) is all the rage right now, but it’s infamous for being difficult to make at home if you don’t use instant pearls. This bubble tea sampler set comes with 10 packs of pearls, three different teas to try (four taro, four classic, and two strawberry), and boba straws to grab all those pearls from the bottom. Even if the partygoers aren’t interested, someone is likely to fight for it for their kid’s sake.

These Food Huggers make saving half of anything way easier.
(Source: MoMA Design Store)

29. Food Huggers

$17 from MoMA Design Store

Hug a lemon, apple, tomato, or a jar of granola. Whatever you want to store half of, this set of Food Huggers food storage is meant to be an alternative for plastic wrap. They’re a lot more user-friendly than beeswax wraps I’ve seen on Pinterest food blogs, and they’re actually made to allow even kids to use. Novelty, ease, and convenience? It’s like the trifecta of eco-friendly White Elephant gifts.

This 2-quart Crock-Pot is perfect for throwing together a warm weeknight meal.
(Source: Amazon)

30. Small Crock-Pot

$16.99 from Amazon

I’ve touched on holiday stress already, but that’s because it’s important to make things easier where you can. That’s where this 2-quart Crock-Pot comes in. It’s not the biggest option available, but it’s perfect for throwing together a warm weeknight meal that’s ready before you are. Trust me, your coworkers are going to thank you for this.

White Elephant Gift Ideas for the Higher-End Holiday To Dos

Here are a few White Elephant gift ideas for $50:

• Tabletop fire pit for $49.99
• Lego plant set for $49.99
• Tube travel pillow for $49.95

Have a little more room in the budget? Consider these $75 White Elephant gift ideas:

• Camera drone for $74.99
• Smart heated coffee mug for $70
• Metal detector for $74.99

Wrapping It Up

I hope this list of White Elephant gift ideas has been helpful! I know I had a ton of fun putting it together. If you’re looking for other helpful tips for the holidays — from hosting the family to storing your decorations and decluttering for the new year — you’ll find them (and more) right here on the PODS Blog. 

Planning a move in the new year? PODS has flexible moving and storage solutions for any size move. Visit the website for a local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for a long-distance move.

Kat Piccolo is a St. Petersburg-based freelance writer whose only roommate is their cat. A member of the PODS Blog creative team, Kat loves finding ways to make moving into new spaces simple and stress-free. Between yearly apartment hopping, you can find them on the waterfront or experimenting with new ways to make coffee.