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Don’t look now, but the holiday season is upon us. As December draws near, it’s time to prepare for what may be “the best” (and busiest) time of year. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or colleagues, the cherished tradition of a white elephant gift exchange is somehow always on the agenda. Instead of scrambling for a last-minute gift from Amazon, take the ELLE road and grab something to please the crowd with a sought-after present everyone will aim to steal. After all, the best white elephant gifts are the ones people actually want, not a niche gag gift that will end up in the back of a closet collecting dust.
From the latest and greatest under-$20 beauty items to hot ticket wellness goodies, foodie favorites, and more, the ideas ahead are fun, functional, and trending this season. You’ll find a lot of great white elephant gift ideas for her on the list ahead, with a mix of gender-neutral items, too. There’s something for everyone (and at every budget). Read along as we award the best white elephant gifts of 2023 and get ready to leave a lasting impression on your fellow revelers, whether they end up with your coveted present or not.
Lip Butter Balm
Marianna Hewitt’s Summer Fridays just keeps getting better. The new tinted lip balm softens and boosts shine all day with a smooth, never-greasy texture through a vegan, non-toxic formula.
Nightcap + Brainstorm Duo Functional Mushroom Chocolates
Functional mushrooms are all the rage in the world of wellness, and Alice is paving the way in educating consumers about the benefits of this fantastic fungi through hot branding and decadent dark chocolate treats.
Nightcap is the perfect after-dinner dessert that aids in sleep and relaxation while Brainstorm helps with cognitive function and mental clarity. It’s a female-founded small business that supports psychedelic research and a perfect white elephant gift to spark curiosity.
More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen
Forget everything you thought you knew about cookbooks because Molly Baz is changing the game. As you flip through, you’ll see a mix of delectable easy-to-follow recipes and vivid photography with several cameos of her dog, Tuna. Plus, there are dozens of QR codes to step-by-step audio tutorials for a hands-free cook-along experience guided by Molly, and recipe videos for a better visual of her craft. The entire experience is playful, relatable, and straight-up fun. Plus, it’s a coffee table book you’ll want to show off.
Travel Tumbler
Hydration is the simplest key to success, and the brand's new tumbler makes that easier than ever. This handled tumbler is double-wall insulated ensuring ice-cold beverages all day long, and the flexible straw is easy to sip in any way. (It seems like they listened to user complaints of a competing brand to make the best tumbler on the market!)
Holiday Low Rise Thong
It might sound crazy, but these Hanky Panky thongs are one-size-fits-most (sizes 2-12 specifically), making them an unexpected, hot little white elephant gift—perfect for your girls’ holiday party.
High Rhode
This non-alcoholic spirit is full of adaptogens and nootropics to get you feeling good. It’s the perfect, sugar-free alcohol replacement to get you feeling buzzed without the blur. Oh, and Bella Hadid is a co-founder.
Nº.3 Hair Perfector Holiday Ornament
We don’t have to tell you how great Olaplex products are—social media and high-end hair salons do a great job of that. The Nº.3 Hair Perfector is great for repairing and strengthening all hair types. And in ornament form? It’s literally the perfect treat for the girlies.
Leopard Jacquard Running Quarter Crew Socks
Bombas has a cult following, therefore these socks will be a hot commodity. Sure they’re cute and all, but the cozy hug and arch support is unparalleled. If you know, you know!
Net Bolster Pillow
The best unexpected white elephant gift? This printed bolster pillow from the artsy homeware brand, Dusen Dusen. It’s muted enough for minimalists and just enough for maximalists.
Everywhere Belt Bag
This might be the most popular bag on the planet. It’s nothing fancy, just a functional hands-free belt bag for running errands, neighborhood walks, hikes, trips, and so much more.
Faded Under Eye Masks
If it’s popular on TikTok, you know it’s going to be popular at your white elephant gift exchange. These under-eye patches have niacinamide, caffeine, and kojic acid—ingredients that work together to reduce dark spots, improve the appearance of fine lines, and invigorate the eyes for a healthier, fresher look. Pro tip: Refrigerate them for a cooling sensation!
Drizzle & Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set
Equal parts aesthetic and delicious, there’s no one on the planet who will be disappointed going home with this Spanish olive oil set from Graza. White elephant gift or not (dare we say an amazing hostess gift for anyone throwing a party?), it’s the cutest, most useful foodie favorite you can give.
Candle Wick Trimmer
Low-priced white elephant gift exchanges can be tricky. This practical item is something everyone can benefit from. And it serves as a reminder to trim your wicks for a cleaner, more balanced burn.
India Throw
If your party nears the $200 price point, this luxury throw blanket will be one hot commodity. It’s made from a cotton blend that is soft, cozy, and seasonless.
Clip 4
Not only does the JBL Clip 4 have impressive sound quality for how small it is, but the design does exactly what it says. It clips onto your travel bag, beach bag, belt loop, and more making this the superior choice in waterproof portable speakers.
Natural Hand Wash
This Erewhon-approved hand wash will transport you to a natural oasis through lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary notes. Koala Eco is one of the most popular cleaning brands in Australia. Once you try its products, you’ll know why. This hand wash is both addicting and inviting—enough to get anyone hooked, if you ask me.
Say It With Diamonds Collection
If your white elephant gift exchange is full of fancy people, this jewelry cleaning set is going to be the best white elephant gift in the game. It’s a non-toxic cleaner powered by natural coconut, sugarcane, and beetroot that dissolves built-up grime, grit, oils, and dirt leaving your diamonds fresh, sparkly, and clean.
Insulated Lunch Bag
No commute or picnic is complete without a stylish designer lunch bag. This one from Calpak insulates well to keep your perishables and your style cool as a cucumber.
The Tea Set
Tea drinkers and wellness gurus will love the ultimate tea set from Sakara Life. Each one is made with functional and medicinal herbs, like lemongrass, valerian, and meadowsweet.
Dakar Towel
A cool color-blocked bath and beach towel that doubles as decor is both a vacation bag and guest room essential. Props to you for gifting something from a hip, sustainable, editor-loved brand.
5 Minute Fix: Targeted Correctors Set
Murad makes some of the best problem-solving skincare out there, now with instant gratification. The new 5 Minute Fix helps wrinkles, eye puffiness, and enlarged pores.
Tanzy Pant
Lauren Moshi sweats are the equivalent feeling to your favorite oversized lived-in tee you’ve had forever. A size medium will suffice as the perfect white elephant gift—ideal for work-from-home days and weekends lounging. No break-in period here!
Reusable Silicone Storage Bag
Reusable food storage is now the standard of a modern kitchen, and you can never have too many! They are dishwasher-safe and perfect for the fridge, freezer, and beyond!
Dannie Teardrop Earrings
If you’re not willing to spend $820 on the Bottega Veneta drop earrings, this $28 dupe from Vici is the next best thing. They are the hottest earrings of the season.
AirTag
AirTags are great for just about anything. From luggage and keys to your wallet and even your car to help you find your parking spot. Plus, scoring an Apple product at at white elephant gift exchange is a major win.
Aromatherapy Sleep Spray
We could all use a little rest and relaxation these days, even if it means a day of self-care and going to sleep at a reasonable hour. This aromatherapy pillow spray is perfect for winding down and made from all natural ingredients.
The Sampler
Olipop is the talk of beverage town. The brand reimagines classic soda pop in a healthier way, with far less sugar and prebiotic fiber without compromising flavor. Plus, the packaging is display-worthy for your bar cart and an absolute must-have for every holiday party this year. The sampler pack is the best way to dive in to a world of “soda” that will change your life and look cute on Instagram.
Snail Mucin Essence
So this gift has a little gag to it, but it actually works! It’s for those who will put just about anything on their face in the name of skincare. A serum made from snail mucus might be the secret to youthful radiant skin.
Binge-Watch Black Tea & Infuser Bundle
Content creator and former entertainment publicist, Alyssa Amoroso behind Publyssity recently launched a new brand called Tea With Publyssity. The inaugural product is her Binge-Watch Black Tea, which is a delicious citrus blend. The Infuser Bundle makes the perfect white elephant gift for anyone who listens to her podcast or is obsessed with reality TV. The concept is to sip the tea while spilling the tea, just like she does on the internet.
Nail Art Sticker Sheet
Deco Miami makes a variety of cute and quirky nail art that’s long-lasting and super easy to apply. They are much more detailed than regular stickers and a simple way to jazz up any at-home mani.
Car Air Freshener
This isn’t your ordinary car air freshener. Instead of overpowering artificial scents, Drift uses natural essential and fragrance oil blends to deliver a subtle, lasting sensation, free of harmful chemicals. It fits nicely on a car visor, giving minimalist luxury in a refillable product. Go for just one or score three different scents for under-$30.
Glass Dry Erase White Board Desktop Computer Pad
The white elephant gift exchange is popular among holiday office parties which is why any type of computer or desk accessory is always a solid choice. The dry erase board for note taking is designed to sit perfectly between a keyboard and monitor making it Zoom’s most convenient companion.
Original Coffee Press
The Aeropress coffee press is the only one on the market that combines agitation and pressure with micro-filtration. Translation? Finer coffee grounds to extract the purest, freshest flavors, while keeping grit and bitterness out of your brew. It’s the best portable coffee maker for coffee snobs.
Nantucket Stripe Pickleball Paddle
Chances are someone in your group has picked up the sport of pickleball or wants to. Tangerine makes the sweetest, retro-inspired, luxury paddles that put a little pep in your pickleball swing.
Mini Home Fragrance Diffuser
Nobody wants a stinky-smelling home. Aera fills the space in the market with a smart, non-toxic, home fragrance plug-in. The scents are made from 100 percent ethically sourced fragrance and essential oils, that diffuse a hypoallergenic effect free of alcohol and other harmful VOCs. If your white elephant gift exchange is around $100, this is a useful household winner.
Daily Sheet Mask Variety Pack
The LAPCOS array of face masks celebrates Korean skincare with seven different options, each tailored to address a specific skincare concern—from hydration to brightening, nourishing, and more. With nearly 6,000 near-perfect Amazon reviews, it’s pretty much a fail-proof gift.
Amenity Kit
Grown Alchemist’s travel amenity kit covers your daily skin hydration needs. It includes a face cream, hand cream, and lip balm that will quench your skin’s hydration for hours while you’re on the go.
Card Game
We’re Not Really Strangers is a card game to inspire deeper connections and vulnerable conversations with a partner or in a group setting. It’s a playful way to get to know someone more, even if you’ve known them for years.
QuickSnap Flash 400 Disposable Cameras
The resurgence of disposable cameras is still going strong. It’s a great party trick to capture opportune moments without retakes. Plus, the aesthetic is way cooler than your iPhone.
Wine Accessory Set
People say this is like “having a sommelier in a box.” The set contains a wine pourer, a lever, a corkscrew, a rabbit-style opener, a bottle ring, a drop stopper, a foil cutter, two wine stoppers, spare screws, and a thermometer. So, they weren’t kidding. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable for easy packing.
Pasta Sauce Bundle
You’ve probably heard of Truff's bestselling black truffle hot sauce.—it’s been circulating the gift guide scene for quite a few years now. The brand’s most underrated product, however, is its pasta sauce. Both the Pomodoro and the Arrabbiata turn any plain pasha dish into a unique flavor bomb worthy of a high-end restaurant.
Travel Pillow for Neck Support
The slim design of this machine washable neck pillow make it superior to others on the market. It has an internal support system that keeps your head and neck in an upright position while you nap to avoid aches and pains.
Cinnamon Cider Glass Candle Set
Candles are always a safe bet for a white elephant gift exchange. But these are extra special, coming with textured glass and in a set of two. Plus, the scent is seasonally appropriate—rich with cinnamon spice and apple cider.
Out of Office 500 Piece Puzzle
A display-worthy working puzzle that doubles as home decor is the best mind game through the winter months. The artwork makes this 500-piece challenge worth all the focus.
Video Conference Lighting Kit
If you’re doing an office white elephant gift exchange, it can be fun to reference—well, the office! Lume Cube’s tagline is “the right light changes everything,” and we couldn't agree more. This little attachment will turn your Zoom sessions into a YouTuber’s studio.
Big Brown Mug
Good under-$15 gifts are few and far between, but if your group loves to shop, a Bloomingdale’s mug inspired by the retailer’s the iconic brown bag logo will be the one to steal.
Nourish Hemp Body Oil
Body lotion is great and all, but body oil feels like a far more luxurious gift. This one is made with botanicals like regenerative rosehip oil, prickly pear seed oil, and helichrysum flower oil.
Canned Rosé
If you’re picky about rosé in a can, this refreshing spirit with surprise you. It’s a luxury wine from France perfectly packaged for picnics, tailgates, and parties.
Natural Deodorant
Natural deodorant is changing lives. This paraben-free, aluminum-free set of three is seasonally appropriate in unique scents like warm cider and cinnamon, honey and white oak, and toasted marshmallow and vanilla. It’s a useful white elephant gift with a laugh or two because—well, it’s deodorant.
Espresso Martini Infusion Kit
Everyone loves an espresso martini, and this kit from Uncommon Goods makes it easy to craft them in the comfort of your home. Just add liquor.
What is a White Elephant Gift Exchange2
Whether or not you already know the rules of a white elephant gift exchange, a refresher is always merited. Before the exchange portion (typically presented at a holiday party), there is an agreed-upon value or amount to spend on any one item. Gifts are usually kept within a specified budget, creating a level playing field.
Once everyone is gathered, you draw numbers to determine the order in which participants will choose a gift. The first person selects a gift from the pile and opens it, revealing the prize to the group. Now, here’s where the fun begins: The subsequent participants have the option to either choose a new, wrapped gift from the pile or “steal” an already opened gift from a previous participant.
The “stealing” adds an exciting twist to the game. If someone’s gift is taken, they then get to choose a new gift from the pile or “steal” another opened gift, creating a cascade of friendly competition and strategic moves. Some variations include limits on how many times a gift can be stolen or “frozen” (protected from further stealing). The game continues until everyone has had a turn, leaving you with a collection of unique and entertaining gifts. Sound fun? It’s even better when everyone wants to steal the gift you brought.
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