white elephant parties Present a unique challenge: Can you find something cool or so funny within a set budget that a group of people – potentially strangers – will struggle to take it home?
If you're headed to your first white elephant gift exchange, here's a quick explanation of what's going to happen. Everyone will bring a wrapped gift (often under a certain price, like $25) and place them in a pile or central location, and then each person will draw a number to see the order. When your turn comes, you can either choose a gift from the pile and open it, or steal one that someone has already opened. Most exchanges will have a limit on how many times you can steal a gift – usually around three times – so even if you have the best gift in hand, there's no guarantee you'll keep it. If your gift is stolen, you can either open a new gift or have a different gift stolen (no refunds, sorry).
The real thrill comes from finding something great in a pile of what-nots. Some people bring funny gifts to be safe, some bring alcohol, and some gifts will seem like garbage to you but gems to others. Here are some gifts I recommend bringing, ranging from quirky to fabulous. There's something for every possible price range in this guide, too.
Are you looking for more gift ideas? Don't miss our other amazing gift guidesInvolved Best Gifts for Under $30, Best gifts for cold people, best gifts for momsAnd Best Gifts for Outdoorsmen,
Updated December 2024: We've added sauce dishes, a camera, THC spirits, and some cozy cozies, removed an out-of-stock gift, and updated the links and prices.