The 70 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50 That Everyone Will Actually Want (2024)

The best white elephant gifts are unabashedly kitschy, like this very literal Cold Beer Coat. While you could certainly opt for the traditional koozie, these miniature down jackets that hug your favorite brew are an undoubtedly cooler option.

They probably already have a vacuum cleaner—but they probably don't have a desktop vacuum cleaner. This small handheld device is designed to pick up crumbs, dust, and debris from desks, countertops, and any other small tabletop surfaces. It turns on with the push of a button, and can be purchased in either battery-powered or USB-powered models. This is a great gift for college students and anyone who works from home.

Hand warmers are a cold-weather essential—and these rechargeable hand warmers might just rock someone's world. Small and safe, they can be placed in a pocket for up to 12 hours, and contain three heating levels for ultimate functionality. They're a smart gift for someone who's always cold, and are super convenient for outdoor adventures and city walking alike.

This karaoke microphone is a fun gift for all ages, making it an ideal choice for a family white elephant exchange. All they have to do is connect the microphone to their phone via Bluetooth or cable, and then download the app to get the karaoke party going. It comes in 15 colors, including fun options like rose gold, bright purple, and blue.

For those who hate nothing more than a lukewarm cup of coffee or tea, turn to the Vobaga Mug Warmer to keep their beverages at the perfect temperature—no reheating required. They can toggle between three temperatures with the tap of a button, and the heating plate will automatically shut off after four hours. Especially useful during blustery winter months, this mug warmer will keep them and their drink of choice cozy and warm.

Pretty much anyone could do with a good laptop cleaning, and this brush from OXO makes the job much easier. The brush sweeps away crumbs, dust, and debris, while the microfiber cleaning pad is specially designed to remove smudges and fingerprints. Aside from laptops, the giftee can also use this brush on tablets and cell phones. Affordable and convenient, this is one white elephant idea that's actually super practical.

Candles can be tricky gifts if you don't know the the giftee's favorite scent, and even more so when you don't even know who the giftee is ahead of time. Make things easy with the Nest Holiday Votive Candle, which has a festive fragrance that combines pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. The small size and decorative vessel is perfect for adding a bit of holiday cheer to their space.

The perfect bacon, egg, and cheese is hard to master, but this breakfast sandwich maker allows any culinary amateur to perfect the delicacy. By simply adding their preferred bread, cheese, meat, and eggs, they can concoct the sandwich of their dreams in minutes. Bonus: The device’s parts are all nonstick and dishwasher-safe, so they won’t have to waste time scrubbing egg residue, either.

A rechargeable lighter is a practical, tech-friendly gift to bring to a white elephant get-together. Instead of a traditional flame, it works by creating plasma from a high-voltage electric charge—no butane required. Since there’s no flame, this wind-resistant lighter is ideal for firing up a grill and lighting birthday candles at an outdoor party. It’s also useful for candle lovers who don’t like dealing with bulky, plastic lighters and flimsy matches. Each charge lasts about 500 uses, but when the battery runs low, you can replenish it via the USB-C cable.

An ice roller is more than just a beauty product. Not only can it help with face puffiness, but it can also help relieve discomfort from migraines, muscle tension, and sunburns. All they have to do is keep the roller head in the freezer and then take it out as needed for a soothing, cooling effect.

Popcorn is a movie night necessity, and your foodie friends will love this helpful bowl that perfectly pops popcorn in the microwave. All they have to do is measure out the kernels, pour them into the Micro-Pop, and microwave for up to three minutes. They can even melt butter using the lid for an extra delicious treat. This gadget is made of borosilicate glass, which means it can be thrown in the dishwasher for super easy cleanup.

This waterproof Bluetooth speaker offers singers a chance to enjoy their own shower concert. Its compact design allows for easy portability, making it the perfect companion for every endeavor, whether it’s completing household chores or lounging on the beach with friends.

Fun and unique, this gummy bear-shaped candle is sure to impress. It's so cute that they may not want to light it—but they should, since each candle has a "surprise" in the middle that reveals itself once the wax melts. This candle smells like candy, so it's a sweet gift that is much more interesting than a bag of actual gummy bears.

This French fry cup holder may be a novelty gift, but it's one that the giftee will actually get good use out of. The gadget fits into standard car cup holders, and allows the user to eat fries with ketchup or sauce without making a mess. Perfect for road trips and quick drive-thru stops alike, it's a fun gift that any fries-lover is sure to appreciate.

These smiley slippers will quickly become their go-to shoes for strolling around the house. The soft fleece lining ensures their feet stay warm, and the non-skid soles prevent slips on hardwood floors. Available in five fun colors, these retro slippers make the perfect white elephant gift for anyone. Please note that they do run small, so we recommend sizing up.

This punny tea infuser perches right at the edge of your mug so you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup. By simply filling the cute koala stomach with their favorite loose leaves, tea lovers will have a flavorful beverage that makes them smile as they sip.

Taking a bath is a soothing experience in itself, and this suction wine glass holder will add an extra-relaxing touch to their regular shower routine. Made of silicone, the holder attaches effortlessly to walls, offering a hands-free way to keep their favorite co*cktail nearby as they unwind.

They can create keepsakes and mementos with this old-school disposable camera, which captures everything from vacations to birthdays with a retro-fitted flare. While they will have to take the photos to be developed, the nostalgic frames are well worth the added effort.

Help them get rid of meal indecisiveness once and for all with these innovative Foodie Dice. Each set comes with nine dice dedicated to cooking methods, proteins, carbs, herbs, bonus ingredients, and seasonal produce options—together, they create 186,000 possible meal combinations. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives are included so those who don’t eat meat won’t be left out. Just note that using Foodie Dice requires a bit of culinary knowledge (particularly cooking techniques like braising, grilling, and sauteing) since they don’t come with recipes. But for those comfortable in the kitchen, this creative dice set will inspire creativity and help brainstorm flavorful meal ideas.

There are unique games, and then there's Throw Throw Burrito. This outdoor game bills itself as the "first dodgeball card game," and it involves giant inflatable burritos and jumbo-sized playing cards. It requires 2-6 players and is suitable for ages 7+, so the whole family can get in on the action. If your family loves competitive outdoor games, they're sure to get a kick out of this one.

Popping champagne during the holiday season is always a good idea, but what to do if you can't finish the bottle after it's opened? This champagne stopper from Cuisinart is the answer: The airtight design will keep their bubbly, well, bubbly, for up to three days. Simple yet genius, it's a perfect white elephant gift that they'll be shocked they ever lived without.

Help them keep their screens clean with this mist cleaner, which is designed for phones, laptops, and tablets. Best of all? They don't need a cloth to use with it, since the device is covered with a microfiber cloth. Just spray and then use the outside of the cleaner to wipe off. Small and nifty, it's a smart gift that anyone will love.

This co*cktail kit allows them to bring the bar cart with them everywhere you go, whether they’re crafting a drink mid-flight or mixing old-fashioneds on an outdoor adventure. The compact tin contains cane sugar cubes, orange zest, flavored bitters, a muddler spoon, and a linen coaster, with enough ingredients to whip up six drinks. Avid explorers, frequent fliers, or co*cktail connoisseurs will adore this pint-sized travel kit.

Winter is the ideal time to cozy up with a cup of tea and a favorite book, so why not combine the two with this set of tea bags inspired by classic novels. Each bag comes with a tag that displays a literary quote, and all 25 bags are the same flavor: English Breakfast. This is a perfect option for a book club's white elephant exchange, and is sure to delight all winter long.

A comfortable, cozy pair of socks is a staple everyone needs in their wardrobe. These plush socks come in a set of 3-5 and are available in 16 different variations, which makes this an ideal gift for just about any woman in your life. Whether the recipient is lounging around the house or running errands, these socks add a sumptuous layer of comfort to their day-to-day life.

Upgrade their current lunch box with this electric food warmer from Crock-Pot. Portable and super convenient, it holds 20 ounces of food—perfect for leftover soup, chili, and other cozy dishes. The matte color makes this gadget surprisingly stylish, and they'll have no problem taking it to work (or just using it at home).

Not much is more soothing than a scalp massage, and the Heeta Scalp Massager lets them incorporate the spa-like luxury into their daily routine. The easy-to-hold tool is suitable for wet or dry hair of any kind, and it’s even safe for use on pets. Whether they’re trying to relieve scalp itchiness or attempting to lather shampoo without ruining their fresh manicure, the handy device will enhance their hair care regimen.

Wearing earbuds under hats can inevitably be uncomfortable, forcing us to choose between enjoying our tunes or staying warm in the winter. Luckily, the Asiilovi Bluetooth Beanie offers music lovers the best of both worlds. It pairs easily with any Bluetooth-connected smartphone, giving them access to their favorite beats wherever they go. The three-prompt button even allows them to control the volume, skip songs, and take calls, all without the hassle of long wires or perpetually falling earbuds.

Create a luxurious, at-home spa with the help of this bamboo bathtub tray. The tray can extend up to 43 inches, so they can tailor the size to suit their tub. It also comes equipped with a book or tablet holder and a waterproof design that’s bathtub-friendly. Any recipient will be lucky to add this caddy to their self-care regimen—particularly new moms who need some me time.

This sleek travel mug provides a stylish and spill-free way to enjoy their favorite drink while on the go. Its insulated material keeps their beverage hot for hours, ensuring no unpleasant lukewarm sips, and the closable lid guarantees no leakage. Plus, the convenient handle makes it especially easy to grab and hold.

It's frustrating than trying to use a touchscreen phone in the winter—you’re either struggling to type with gloves on or dealing with numb fingers. Enter the Achiou Touch Screen Gloves: They’re soft and cozy enough to help you survive cold weather, and the conductive finger pads allow for convenient texting.

This convenient neck light will provide hands-free illumination for book lovers, whether they’re reading in bed next to a sleeping roommate or knitting in the dark. It comes in eight fun colors along with three color temperatures to cater toward any dimmed setting.

This gadget makes mini animal-shaped pancakes and waffles that are almost too adorable to eat. Even picky eaters can’t resist a dog- or panda-shaped pancake—especially when they only take a few minutes to cook. Just plug it in, pour the batter, and wait while it cooks. The only downside is that people living in a tiny kitchen that’s low on storage space might not be able to squeeze in another appliance.

They’ll never have to stumble through dark, late-night bathroom trips again with this convenient toilet bowl light. The motion-activated light glows when you approach, providing just enough illumination to guide you without being too harsh on the eyes. Whether they choose the single-color setting or set it to cycle through a rotating carousel of hues, the light will make midnight bathroom breaks a whole lot easier.

While our toothbrushes keep our teeth clean, resting them on the bathroom sink can leave them surprisingly germy. This toothbrush sanitizer case uses UV light to sterilize the toothbrush, keeping it clean and pristine wherever it goes.

While everyone wants healthy, glowing skin, not everyone has the energy to incorporate time-consuming skincare regimens into their daily routine. This rejuvenating face mask offers a quick and convenient solution, providing much-needed hydration in no more than 10 minutes. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe for all skin types.

Dryer balls make clothes dry faster and help get rid of static without using any disposable products, so they’re a great gift to help someone streamline laundry day. The Smart Sheep 6-Pack Wool Dryer Balls save time and money because they last for thousands of washes and help clothes dry faster. They’re available in adorable penguin and sheep designs, but there’s also a plain white version for those who prefer something simple. We also love that Smart Sheep is a women-founded company that makes its dryer balls in Nepal using Fair Trade practices.

This magnetic dart board is a family-friendly take on the traditional bar game, as the dart’s heads are powerful magnets rather than pointed metal, making it safe for all ages. The board is also dual sided, with the traditional dart system on one side and an archery dartboard on the other, which they can hang using a simple nail or screw. Whether they want to deck out the family room or add this to their repertoire of party games, this gift is a fun addition to any household.

Wordle has taken the internet by storm, with puzzle lovers everywhere logging on each morning to take a crack at the daily challenge. For those seeking a tech-free alternative, the beloved hit has made its way beyond the phone screen and into a tangible form. They’ll be eager to whip out this trendy party game at their next get-together or family game night.

If they constantly struggle with FOMO, this journal will encourage them to celebrate relaxing nights in. The journal’s guided prompts and illustrations will inspire them to unplug, making them feel a bit less guilty about canceling plans.

A good laptop case is hard to come by—you want something that looks nice, is functional, and will protect your laptop without being too bulky or frilly. The Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve has a lightweight quilted design and comes in a variety of bold and funky pattern options. It has a Velcro enclosure that makes it easy to quickly slide your laptop in and out. It’s also available in a 16-inch version that’s compatible with larger laptops.

Candles are nice, but essential oil diffusers are simply a better form of aromatherapy for some people. (Particularly those who live with pets or small children, and college students living in dorms who aren’t allowed to use candles.) This sculptural diffuser from Target releases fragrant aromas for up to nine hours, and it adds a unique touch to your space with its color-changing capabilities, so you won't miss the ambiance that a candle provides. Just keep in mind that you (or the recipient) will need to purchase essential oils separately to take advantage of this diffuser.

For those seeking a unique lighting setup for their space, you can’t go wrong with this whimsical mushroom lamp that brings a cozy glow to any room. The playful light is small enough to fit on a desk, bookshelf, or bedside table, and its one-hour automatic shut-off function ensures that they won’t need to worry about remembering to turn it off before bed.

The Tile Mate helps even the most forgetful friends keep track of their prized possessions, enabling them to locate their keys, bags, wallets, and other necessities using Bluetooth technology. By simply logging onto the app, they can easily find their misplaced items within Bluetooth range or view the item’s last known location. They’ll be satisfied knowing where their belongings are, and you won’t have to frantically help them look.

In the age of Airpods, this colorful case will prevent them from accidentally swapping their precious pair with someone else's. Along with allowing them to easily distinguish their own earphones, the case’s bright color also makes it easy to identify within a dark bag.

Finding the time and energy to go grocery shopping each week can be hard, despite it being such an essential errand. The receiver of an Instacart gift card can skip long checkout lines, crowded aisles, and flimsy shopping carts by ordering groceries through the user-friendly app. Stores vary by city, but Instacart supports many major grocery stores, like Wegmans, Whole Foods, and ShopRite, as well as other retailers like CVS and Target for everyday essentials.

We’re Not Really Strangers (also known as WNRS) is not your typical card game. Each card holds a question that is meant to encourage introspection and build a deeper connection with the people you’re playing with. This game is a great conversation starter for new acquaintances and lifelong buds alike (you’re bound to reach a new level of friendship). The game has three levels—Perceptions, Connections, and Reflections—that prompt you to dig deep into topics like love, friendship, and self-image.

Constantly fishing your cards out of your bag is a hassle, and this trendy phone wallet offers a functional and stylish solution. The Spandex sleeve is stretchy enough to keep all of their cash and cards secure, and its lightweight design ensures their phone isn’t heavy to hold. Designed to fit on any phone model, the versatile stick-on wallet is bound to please the whole group.

Accomplished at-home bakers will love crafting their own bagels from scratch, paying tribute to the New York delicacy from the comfort of their home. The kit includes most of what they need to make a dozen rainbow bagels, including dry bagel mix, yeast, and food coloring. They’ll just need to add their own water, sugar, and flour for a photo-worthy breakfast they’ll be proud to show off.

Hot dogs, tacos, fries, oh my. These cute and inexpensive junk food magnets pay homage to all of the classic greasy eats. They can be used to attach to-do lists, papers, and reminders to the fridge or filing cabinet while adding a quirky touch to any space. But don’t let their small size deceive you–the sturdy magnets are strong enough to hold up to seven sheets of paper, ensuring that even the thickest items stay put.

Enhance their next whiskey tasting with this elegant glass travel set from Glencairn. The crystal glasses have a tapered mouth for easy sipping and a wide bowl to capture the whisky’s rich color. Whether they’re sipping alone or with a fellow whiskey fanatic, this two-glass set makes the perfect gift.

Die-hard Trader Joe fans will live by this cookbook, which offers numerous meal ideas using all of their favorite products. Unlike other recipe books that demand several niche ingredients, every meal in this book requires five items or less, most of which they likely already have in their pantry. Whether they’re cooking a low-effort comfort meal for themselves or showing off their culinary skills to friends and family, this cookbook will quickly become a kitchen staple.

Turn their shower into an at-home spa with these lavender and eucalyptus CBD-infused steamers. Crafted with essential oils and CBD concentrate, these steamers will practically melt the stress right off them. In addition to shower steamers, the versatile cubes can also be used as bath bombs and body scrubs, making them ideal for every type of bather.

The Big Spoon Roasters Classic Nut Butter Variety Pack is a delicious food gift that can transform PB&J sandwiches and overnight oats into artisanal dishes. Choose from three different variety packs, with flavors like warming Fiji Ginger Almond Butter, spicy Hot Mamba Peanut Butter, and tropical Toasted Coconut Almond Butter and Sea Salt. Each jar is made-to-order from scratch in North Carolina using high-quality and sustainable ingredients.

For journaling enthusiasts, students, or anyone else who frequently writes things down, this colorful pen set from Muji is the holy grail. Each gel pen glides across paper like a hot knife cuts through butter, so you can bet your gift recipient will start looking forward to taking notes. These pens don’t smudge or bleed through pages, either. Once they run out of ink, the brand sells refills that are easy to insert by just unscrewing the top of the pen—this cuts down on waste since there’s no need to repurchase a whole new set of pens.

Tea enthusiasts and gardeners alike will love growing their own fresh herbs at home, no green thumb necessary. The kit comes with everything they need to start their own herb garden, including seed packets, grow bags, potting soil disks, bamboo plant markers, shears, and even a planter.

Help them scape every last bit of the peanut butter out of the jar with the Splatypus, a scraper spatula that is designed to reach every nook and cranny. While other jar scrapers exist, none are as fun as this one, which is shaped like a platypus. It's made of silicone, so it's easy to use and clean, and the silly design is sure to be a hit.

They can craft delicious sushi from the comfort of their kitchen with this Delamu Sushi Making Kit, which includes two bamboo sushi mats, a bazooka roller, a temaki roller, a rice mold, a sushi knife, sushi cut mold, sauce dishes, chopsticks, a rice paddle, and a rice spreader. Whether they’re craving California rolls or nigiri, this all-in-one kit gives them all the tools they need to make gourmet rolls.

This portable LED mirror allows any makeup artist to achieve the perfect look, even on the go. It has three settings, including white light, warm light, and cool light, to ensure a flawless look, even when dealing with subpar lighting. The dimmable touchscreen also offers varying degrees of brightness, making it perfect for a quick touch-up beside a sleeping roommate.

These Tonymoly sheet masks are an easy way for the recipient to take care of their skin and pamper themselves. This set targets a variety of skin types and concerns with a variety of nourishing ingredients that smooth skin and give a luminous glow. They’re super convenient to use, too: Just pop one of the face masks on clean skin and relax with it on for 20 to 30 minutes.

Road trips and plane rides can be far more entertaining with the Magnetic Chess Set from Kaile. The compact board game folds up to just 10 inches by 10 inches, and the pieces stick to the magnetic face, so they won’t need to worry about a jostled board or flying pieces. And for those without a penchant for chess, the interior side of the case also features a small backgammon set, so they can swap between games just by unfolding the board.

Whoever gets the FoodVille MF05 Electric Milk Frother will never have to go to a fancy coffee shop and pay upwards of $7 for a foamy latte again. This two-speed device stirs up your choice of milk into a frothy delight that appeases coffee snobs and Starbucks lovers alike. We also like that it’s rechargeable, so there’s no need to buy batteries—simply plug the USB cable into your computer or a wall adapter. It also comes with a dainty stand so you can keep it on your kitchen countertop.

They’ll never want to leave the house without their Stanley, which serves as both a water bottle and accessory. The 30-ounce tumbler’s large capacity reduces the need for refills on the go, and its convenient straw and comfortable handle add a sense of enjoyment to the hydration process. Available in 14 bright colors and five sizes, this is a white elephant gift they’ll actually use.

Dedicated home brewers know how easy it is for coffee filters to become a disorganized mess in the cabinet. With this bamboo coffee filter holder, the giftee can clear away half-empty boxes and keep filters nice and neat on their countertop. It comes in two styles, one for AeroPress filters and one for pour-over filters (including cone-shaped, square, and circular). The AeroPress version can even be attached to the wall to further eliminate clutter.

Everyone gets pimples sometimes, and this convenient pen takes acne-fighting to the next level. It contains 2% salicylic acid, lactic acid, and tea tree—all potent ingredients that tackle blemishes and prevent them from coming back. It's best for early-stage pimples, and can be paired with Hero's best-selling Mighty Patches for the ultimate acne skincare bundle.

Most planners are used for jotting down due dates, doctor visits, and birthdays, but this one from Clever Fox takes things up a notch. Not only does it help keep track of to-dos and habits, but it also provides space for planning out life goals. The weekly and monthly pages prompt you to write down short-term goals, wins, and plans for improvement. It’s an amazing resource for those looking to organize all aspects of their life and keep themselves on track to reach their goals.

Many hand sanitizers leave your skin feeling sticky, but Touchland’s Power Mist stands out because it dispenses an ultra-fine mist into your palms. (No need to deal with globs of sanitizer everywhere!) Its formula contains 70% alcohol and is packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and lemon oil. Our favorite part? The array of fresh and fruity scents to choose from (think Applelicious, Vanilla Blossom, and Velvet Peach).

A cozy blanket is never a bad gift idea, and this festive one from Target's Threshold line will definitely be fought over. It's double-sided with a plush fleece on one side and a faux shearling on the other, providing ultimate warmth during cold days. At $15 each, you may end up buying one for yourself, too. Choose from five colors and patterns, including classic red, green, or plaid.

If they love starting their day with a fresh cup of coffee, they’ll be eager to incorporate this Cosori Pour Over Coffee Maker into their morning routine. The heatable, 34-ounce decanter can hold up to 8 cups of coffee, while the double-layer filtration prevents grounds from seeping into their brew. With a little caffeine in their system, they’ll be ready to conquer the day.

Botanists will love this mystery jungle box, which adds an element of excitement to the planting process. The cute box is compact enough to display on any desk or countertop, contributing a touch of greenery to smaller spaces. With so many different potential outcomes, the suspense will keep your plant-loving friend on the edge of their seat.