In our opinion, there's no better way to welcome the winter holidays than with a gift exchange—specifically a white elephant party. So we went ahead and picked out a few white elephant gifts that are cheap (in accordance with the white elephant rules!) but not junky. In fact, these are so good you’ll end up trying to snag the gift you brought. From a stainless steel s'mores kit that you can use indoors to a miniature fragrance by a famed parfumerie, there are plenty of good options ahead.
First and foremost, if you haven't partaken in a white elephant gift exchange, allow us to explain. Everyone comes prepared with a wrapped gift and gathers around a table. Once the party is seated, the guests draw a number. Whoever picks number one can reach into the gift pile before everyone else and pull something that intrigues them. Whoever draws number two, however, can follow number one's lead and snag a gift from the pile or snatch number one's gift. Once a few people have taken their turn, anyone can swap gifts with someone else (whether or not both parties are on board).
Sound fun? It definitely is, so if there's no white elephant gift exchange planned at the office or within your social circle, you may have to be the one to suggest it. Trust us, it gets fun, heated, and sometimes emotional, so gather a group and pick a date because this game will become your new holiday tradition.
Compatible with iPhones and Androids, this goofy handheld phone will instantly become the hot commodity at the gift exchange soiree. It may not be the device of choice for work calls, but it sure is fun.
There's no need to give up singing in the shower, but for those who can hit a high note, this wireless microphone makes for a good gift. It's complete with LED lights and a few fun controls (like voice changers and more).
You can never have too many mugs, so if you're stuck and can't figure out what to get for the white elephant party, you can't go wrong with a mug—especially a cool one like this Uncommon Goods find.
This all-in-one slushie maker may seem like a random addition to the list, but since it arrived on the market, it has scored more than 45 million views on TikTok, so it must be good!
Falling asleep in absolute silence is tough, so give your coworkers, friends, or both the gift of a musical sleep. It connects to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music via Bluetooth, so feel free to enjoy the tunes all night long.
If there's a surface that gets messier than a floor, it's a desk, which makes this tabletop vacuum ultra handy. Whoever ends up with this nifty gadget will definitely appreciate what it can do.
S'mores are a year-round treat to be enjoyed on any occasion—but they're especially good during the winter holidays. The only issue? It's usually a little too cold to bring the party outside where the campfire is, so opt for a miniature one that's safe to use inside.
Eco-friendly and easy to clean and carry, this mug is for the colleague who can't start their day without coffee. Contrary to how it may seem, it doesn't come in a set of two. The cup on the right is what it looks like when it's collapsed.
For Star Wars lovers with an affinity for breakfast foods, this Yoda waffle maker will become their most-used kitchen appliance. It even stamps the waffles with baby Yoda's adorable face.
For the gamer, this sleek stand with enough space for three controllers will come in handy. Not only does it make the game room look a little more organized, but it keeps the wires tangle-free.
Whether the guests at the white elephant party are frequent fliers for work or only once in a while for fun, everyone could use a toiletry bag, and this one is easily the best on the market. For starters, it's made of highly durable and waterproof neoprene, so no matter how much it bangs around in your bag, it won't tear or scratch. It's also washable (by hand), so if it suffers a makeup explosion midflight, it's not ruined.
This stainless steel self-heating mug comes with a built-in battery to keep coffee and tea warm for up to three hours, so feel free to savor every sip because there's no rush to slurp it down.
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For the Lover
Pottery Barn Watercolor Stoneware Appetizer Plates, Set of 4
For the Lover
Pottery Barn Watercolor Stoneware Appetizer Plates, Set of 4
These heart-shaped stoneware plates are so charming that we simply had to include them on our list. Plus, at half off, why not snag a set for yourself? But hurry! We doubt they'll stay on the market for long.
"I have been wearing this scent for years, and I always get compliments on it," shopping editor Jessica Cherner says. "This small bottle is the perfect size to pop in my purse for when I need a fresh spritz on the go."
If you can't get a sense of how small this thing is from the photo, let us just say, it's the perfect size. At less than a foot long, you can bring it to dinner, happy hour, or any other event that could use a little fun.
It's no surprise that this sleek device charger is one of Oprah's favorite things. Place it on the edge of your desk or nightstand, and let it bring your phone, AirPods, or Apple Watch back to life.
Even if you're not constantly inviting friends and family over, a cheese board is a must in pretty much every home. After all, you never know when someone you love will drop by for a quick bite and a catch-up.
Anyone—from employees to students—can benefit from a memo pad. Though this one can be monogrammed, you may want to opt out since anyone at the gift exchange could snatch it.
The design enthusiasts and home chefs will go nuts for this vintage-inspired butter dish, which you can pop right in the fridge. It also makes for a charming addition to any bread-and-butter setup on the dining table.
Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.
Isis Briones is House Beautiful’s Senior Shopping Editor, she’ll find the best items for your home at every price point. She also loves to travel, so don’t be surprised if she hooks you up with some travel deals. Find more of her work published in Complex, Architectural Digest, Teen Vogue, and more.