We all love to receive and give gifts during the holiday season. Gift exchanges are very common between people who work together or between family members and friends.

There are gift exchanges where you pick a name and purchase a gift for that specific person (Secret Santa gift exchanges). There are also gift exchanges where there is no precise recipient, and the gift remains anonymous.

What Is a White Elephant Gift Exchange

A white elephant gift exchange is anonymous and very popular among friends. Everyone buys a gift agreed at a certain budget with no one in mind, wraps it, and puts it into the pile of gifts the day of the exchange. Budgets are typically set low – anywhere between $10 and $50.

On the day of the gift exchange, each participant picks a number and either chooses a wrapped gift in the pile or steals an unwrapped gift from another participant.

The gifts may be stolen several times before they land with their final recipient. The game ends when all the gifts are unwrapped. Don’t get too attached to the gift that you chose!

Finding a gift that will spark interest in the different age groups and lifestyles of all the gift exchange members can be challenging, to say the least.

Needless to say, the gifts that are the most unique and fun get the most attention and get stolen more often. Read on for our list of amusing gifts that are sure to get lots of attention at your next white elephant gift exchange.

White Elephant Gift Exchange During Covid-19

Times have drastically changed in 2020. Social gatherings are still not encouraged and, let’s face it, we will have to be more creative this coming holiday season while still having fun and interacting with our friends and family.

Typically, we get together to do gift exchanges, but chances are this year will be different. During these pandemic times, we need to stay safe and change the way we normally do things.

White elephant gift exchanges can be held virtually in platforms like Zoom or other video chatting apps. New services like White Elephant Online make it super easy to set up a gift exchange.

They provide the tools to manage the gifts and the swap. It’s free for groups under 25 participants, and there’s a fee for larger corporate gift exchanges.

Best White Elephant Gifts

Each item from our curated list of fun white elephant gift ideas can be purchased online and shipped to the right recipient.

Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane

Who doesn’t love paper airplanes! This one comes with a Bluetooth device that lets you control the plane with your smartphone. Pretty cool!

Pizza Socks Box

Box of 4 silly pairs of Hawaiian, Italian, and Pepperoni pizza Cotton Socks.

Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

A fun session of karaoke is always a good idea! This portable handheld karaoke mic/speaker machine is perfect for a gift exchange or even a stocking stuffer.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

A hot chocolate set that features a flavor for every kind of cold. Yummy!

Mushroom Log Growing Kit

Grow Shiitake mushrooms right in your own home with this kit. Sure to be a conversation starter!

Funny Wine Glass

We can all relate to this funny wine glass.

Playful Mug

We’re still all kids at heart and like playing with our food. Add this fun mug/bowl to the gift exchange.

Record Coasters

These fun upcycled record coasters made from recycled vinyl records are sure to be the hit of any party.

Keychain/Cat Tag

The cat lovers in the group will be snatching up this keychain and cat tag combo.

Safari Snack Bowls

How cute are these? We love these whimsical safari-inspired snack bowls.

Push Pin Desk Donut

Everyone needs a desk donut push pin and holder set.

Adult Party Game

Excellent board and card game for group game night.

Cold Beer Coats

Hold my beer! These fun beer coats keep the beers cold and the hands warm.

Conversation Starter Cards

A great card game to help start conversations.

Portable Multi-Tool

There are twelve stainless steel tools in this compact rectangle multi-tool; from knives to graters. Perfect for the chefs on the go!

Drink Markers

Mark your guests’ wine glasses with a different colored cat that wraps around the stem to remind them which glass is theirs.

Neck Reading Light

Who doesn’t need a neck reading lamp! Wraps around the neck for easy reading in bed.

Fun Book

The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information is packed with information that we’re sure most are not aware of.

Funny Coasters

Funny friends coasters are sure to have you and your friends cracking up with laughter.

Door Mat

Silly doormat to welcome guests with a giggle.

Fortune Cookie Kit

DIY fortune cookie kit. How fun!

Wine Holder

Bathtime wine. Yes, please!

Funny Mask

Sign of the times. If you’re going to wear a mask, might as well be goofy about it.

Whisky Chillers

Set of 2 golf ball whisky chillers to keep the drinks cold.

Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit

This kit lets you explore the essential flavors of international cuisines.

Tea Infuser

The tea lovers in the group will be pining over this adorable llama tea infuser.

Cats & Dogs Puzzle

Super creative and unique puzzle for all the puzzle enthusiasts out there.

Veggie Gripper Cutting Board

The cutting board no one knows they need until they have it. No more running after the rolling cherry tomatoes!

Silicone Straws

Because we all care for the environment, reusable straws are a great way to do our part.

Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set

These magnetic measuring spoons nest together for easy storage.

What’s your favorite white elephant gift exchange idea? Do you have any to add to our list? Tell us about the best gift exchange present you ever got. Let’s have a conversation!