Gift Ideas

Under-$25 White Elephant Gifts You’ll Want to Steal Back for Yourself

written by HAILEY TAGLIARINO
updated by JESSICA WELSH

The Everygirl’s gift recommendations are curated by our editorial team with some items hand-picked by editors from our sponsors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. As always, we only choose items we genuinely love, use, have purchased ourselves, or recommend.

Under-$25 White Elephant Gifts You’ll Want to Steal Back for Yourself
Source: Yellowbird, Ordinary Habit, and Anthropologie
Under-$25 White Elephant Gifts You’ll Want to Steal Back for Yourself
Source: Yellowbird, Ordinary Habit, and Anthropologie

White Elephant gift exchanges are severely underrated if you ask me. Not only is it a total blast to watch your tipsy friends and family members fight over the best White Elephant gifts, but it saves you from having to buy a gift for every person on your list. The holiday season is expensive enough, so gift exchanges like these are where it’s at IMO.

Although it might sound similar, don’t get White Elephant confused with Secret Santa, where you choose gifts specifically for one particular recipient. This isn’t your average gift exchange, but if you’re looking to add some zest to your holiday get-together, it’s the perfect solution.

With any White Elephant gift exchange, the trickiest part is choosing a gift that could work for anyone in the room. If you’re struggling to find that crowd-pleasing gift everyone will want to steal, keep reading for the best assortment of White Elephant gifts—all of which won’t cost you more than $25. 

How a White Elephant Gift Exchange Works

In a White Elephant gift exchange, each person places one wrapped gift in the center of the room. To keep things fair, the organizer will often set a price limit, or you could choose a theme for the gifts to make it extra fun. Then, have everyone draw a number to determine the order they will go in. The game starts when the first person chooses a gift from the pile and opens it. As the game progresses, players can either choose a gift from the center of the room or steal a gift from someone who has already opened one. Anyone who gets their gift stolen has the opportunity to steal from someone else or pick a brand-new gift. Sounds fun, right?

The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $25

Frosty Fun Puzzle
Ordinary Habit
Frosty Fun Puzzle

Made up of 100 pieces, this mini puzzle is perfect for a quick brain break and easy enough for non-puzzle-enthusiasts to enjoy, too.

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Cozy Oversized Triangle Scarf
Target
Cozy Oversized Triangle Scarf

Take it from a fashion editor: Triangle scarves are the must-have winter accessory this year. This oversized option in a gorgeous navy is sure to be a fought-over gift. It also comes in cream and red.

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Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask
Quince
Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask

Anyone who travels frequently or has trouble sleeping will want to snatch this gift up right away. Made from 100% mulberry silk, this not only blocks out light, but can reduce the appearance of fatigue and dark circles. The matching pouch makes it extra special.

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Glossy Lip Stain Shades 4 Days Kit
E.L.F. Cosmetics
Glossy Lip Stain Shades 4 Days Kit

Four buildable lip stains that glide on glossy, fade to soft-matte, and look and feel high end without the price tag? Sign us up. And with two kit-exclusive shades, this set will be an automatic steal at the gift swap.

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Pill Compact
Dosey
Pill Compact

This sleek and compact pill organizer is a game-changer for anyone who loves to stay prepared. It’s perfect for keeping a variety of medications, vitamins, or supplements organized and easy to access.

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Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks
Amazon
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks

Cozy socks are something everyone can appreciate, and these are some of the softest socks out there. The one-size-fits-all design works for shoe sizes 5-9, so you’re covered no matter who opens them.

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Comfort Cream
Amazon | Happy Nuts
Comfort Cream

If you’re aiming for the perfect mix of “I can’t believe you bought that” and “wait… that’s actually useful,” mens grooming products are always the move. It will get a reaction—and someone will genuinely thank you later.

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Roll Up Tool Bag
Amazon
Roll Up Tool Bag

This compact, roll-up tool bag keeps tools organized and protected on the go—ideal for keeping in the car. All of the handy people in the room will surely be fighting over this one.

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Kitsch Heatless Curling Set
CVS
Kitsch Heatless Curling Set

Who knew achieving gorgeous locks could be so easy? This heatless curling set helps to create effortless yet polished curls or waves. The best part? The satin construction keeps hair frizz-free and prevents breakage. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t snatch this gift up!

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JavaSok To-Go Cup Sleeve
Amazon
JavaSok To-Go Cup Sleeve

Hate when your $7 latte starts to condensate absolutely everywhere? This neoprene insulated sock solves that problem instantly. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes, and with over 30,000 reviews, it’s clear everyone loves it.

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Magnetic Portable Charger with Wireless Charging
Amazon
Magnetic Portable Charger with Wireless Charging

This all-in-one portable charger is not only super compact, but it includes the capability to wirelessly charge your phone, Apple Watch, or AirPods.

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Travel Electronics Organizer
Amazon
Travel Electronics Organizer

With multiple zippered compartments and tons of interior mesh pockets, this organizer can fit all the cords, cables, and other tech accessories you could possibly need on the go.

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Apple AirTag
Amazon
Apple AirTag

Everyone—yes, everyone—needs an Apple AirTag in their life. It’s the ultimate white elephant gift that’s guaranteed to spark a frenzy of stealing and swapping.

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Dinner Party Game
Anthropologie x Papier
Dinner Party Game

This dinner party game is a two-in-one: fun to play, but also gorgeous as a piece of decor. Get to know people better with playful “most likely to” prompts on cards with colorful hand-drawn illustrations.

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Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle​
Anthropologie
Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle​

I’ve literally never met anyone who doesn’t love the scent of Capri Blue Volcano. As a universal crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with this White Elephant gift—especially among people you don’t know very well.

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Candle Warmer Lamp
Amazon
Candle Warmer Lamp

Once you try a candle warmer lamp, you’ll never go back to lighting candles the old-fashioned way. The warmth from the lightbulb gently melts the wax, safely releasing the fragrance without an open flame and making candles last way longer. This one has dimming capabilities and timer settings for extra convenience.

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Triple Insulated Cocktail Shaker
Amazon
Triple Insulated Cocktail Shaker

This shaker is triple insulated to keep things cold for 12 hours and holds 20 ounces, so it’s perfect for bringing a pre-made drink along to a party or tailgate. Plus, the lid and cap double as measuring tools.

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Craftmix Holiday Variety Pack
Amazon
Craftmix Holiday Variety Pack

Craftmix’s skinny cocktail mixes allow you to have restaurant-level cocktails without any of the fuss. Simply add vodka, ice, and sparkling or still water and enjoy.

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Molly's Suds Wool Dryer Balls
Amazon
Molly’s Suds Wool Dryer Balls

Mark this down as a gift that seems boring, but will have the room fighting over. These dryer balls are made from 100% sustainably sourced New Zealand sheep’s wool, and can reduce laundry drying time up to 30%.

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Glamorous Diva Wash Luxury Detergent
Amazon
Glamorous Diva Wash Luxury Detergent

This detergent went viral on TikTok for its irresistibly luxurious scent that makes laundry feel like a treat. A little goes a long way—just add a small amount to your regular detergent, and you’ll enjoy its heavenly fragrance for months to come.

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Mini Waffle Maker
Amazon
Mini Waffle Maker

This cute, compact waffle maker makes a fun gift that’ll fit in anyone’s kitchen. With a 4-inch-wide nonstick cooking surface, it’s perfect for single-serving portions.

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Cheese Board Deck
Amazon
Cheese Board Deck

For the board aficionado or the charcuterie newbie, this deck of cards offers 50 creative ideas for styling and presenting food platters for any occasion. What’s more, the boards range from budget-friendly to fancy.

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The "I Don't Want to Cook" Book
Amazon | Alyssa Brantley
The “I Don’t Want to Cook” Book

Solve the great “What should I make for dinner?” debate with this cookbook. It features 100 easy and delicious recipes, all of which require no more than 15 minutes of meal prep—perfect for nights when you just can’t be bothered to cook.

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W&P Microwavable Personal Popcorn Popper
Amazon
W&P Microwavable Personal Popcorn Popper

Single-use microwave popcorn bags are a thing of the past thanks to this silicone popper bowl. It pops up to 4 cups of fluffy popcorn with no oil needed, then collapses flat for easy storage.

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Snacks & Sips Crochet Ornament
Anthropologie
Snacks & Sips Crochet Ornament

These adorable crocheted food and drink-themed ornaments are sure to be a hit. The hardest part will be deciding which one to buy… pizza, olives, espresso martini?!

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Kitsch Dry Body Brush
Amazon
Kitsch Dry Body Brush

If you’re in a room full of beauty-lovers, this is definitely the gift to bring. Dry brushing has a million benefits, including lymphatic drainage, improved circulation, and exfoliation.

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The Clean Ball
Amazon
The Clean Ball

This sticky ball is designed to roll around inside your bags, picking up dust, dirt, and crumbs. It’s small, practical, and reusable, making it a great gift for even the pickiest White Elephant participants.

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Skinny Floral Hair Scarves, Set of 2
Anthropologie
Skinny Floral Hair Scarves, Set of 2

A patterned satin scarf has the ability to add a bit of fun and fashion to any outfit. So what’s not to love? This gorgeous fig print is a great way to bring a bit of color into anyone’s winter wardrobe.

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Yellowbird Hot Sauce Minis
Amazon
Yellowbird Hot Sauce Minis

Anyone who prefers every meal doused in hot sauce will appreciate this sampler pack of Yellowbird’s signature flavors. The 2.2-ounce size is perfect for taking on the go.

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Hot Ones Truth or Dab The Game
Amazon
Hot Ones Truth or Dab The Game

This game takes truth or dare to the next level, making it perfect for a wild Friday night. The truth cards are so juicy, you’ll be reaching for the fiery hot sauce just to avoid spilling your secrets.

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Fleece Furry Blanket
Amazon
Fleece Furry Blanket

It’s cozy season, which means a fuzzy blanket is always a must. This gorgeous throw comes in tons of colors, is two-sided, and looks way more expensive than it is. That’s a winning gift in my book!

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Electric Wine Opener
Amazon
Electric Wine Opener

Say goodbye to that clunky corkscrew. This electric wine opener uncorks bottles in seconds with the simple push of a button. It can open up to 30 bottles in a single charge and comes with a foil cutter for easily removing seals.

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Neck Reading Light
Amazon
Neck Reading Light

Anyone who likes to read at night will appreciate this wearable reading light. It slips around your neck to provide hands-free lighting at the perfect angle for reading in bed, on planes, and beyond.

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Instant Print Camera
Amazon
Instant Print Camera

This might be marketed toward kids, but gift recipients of all ages will love it. With the ability to instantly print photos, it’s especially great for crafters and scrapbookers!

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Reduce x Corporate Natalie Iced Coffee Tumbler
Amazon
Reduce x Corporate Natalie Iced Coffee Tumbler

This iced coffee (or anything else) tumbler from Corporate Natalie‘s collaboration with Reduce is both stunning and functional. The removable, vacuum-insulated sleeve keeps drinks cold for eight hours.

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Squeeze Release Mini Ice Molds
Amazon
Squeeze Release Mini Ice Molds

There is something about pebble ice that just hits different. This set of two compact cylinders makes 100 mini cubes each, and you simple squeeze the silicone molds to get all of the cubes out.

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The Everygirl Sticker Book
Amazon
The Everygirl Sticker Book

There’s nothing worse than ending up with a gift you’ll never use, but whoever ends up with this sticker book will be forever thankful you brought something both practical and beautiful. It includes 24 sheets of stickers that will help them plan everything from appointments and deadlines to birthdays and more.

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Label Maker
Amazon
Label Maker

A label maker is the ultimate “I never knew I needed this, but now I can’t live without it” gift. It’s the perfect tool to help them get effortlessly organized for the new year.

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Reusable Silicone Food Savers
Amazon
Reusable Silicone Food Savers

File this under problem-solving products you didn’t know existed. The next time you need to use half a fruit or vegetable and stash the rest in the fridge, grab one of these reusable silicone sleeves. They stretch over the cut side to create an airtight seal that helps prevent browning and keeps food fresher longer.

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Sushi Making Kit
Amazon
Sushi Making Kit

This all-in-one sushi-making kit basically counts as an experience gift. It comes with everything you need to roll your own sushi at home, including a sushi knife, bamboo rolling mats, a rice paddle and spreader, an avocado slicer, and even a sushi bazooka that helps you push out the perfect roll.

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HydroJug Slim Can Cooler
Amazon
HydroJug Slim Can Cooler

For those around the White Elephant circle who love a cold seltzer, this slim can insulator will be a highly sought-after gift. The insulation keeps your drink super-cold while keeping your hands dry.

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Very Merry Cocktails Deck
Amazon
Very Merry Cocktails Deck

Featuring 50 holiday-inspired cocktail recipes, this card deck is all the inspiration they need for a festive at-home happy hour. The pretty packaging will have everyone fighting over it for their own bar cart.

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Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
Amazon
Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

This tiny vacuum cleaner is the desk essential they didn’t know they needed. It’s compact, easy-to-use, and perfect for those hard-to-reach messes around your workspace.

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Travel Jewelry Organizer
Amazon
Travel Jewelry Organizer

This sleek, compact jewelry organizer looks so luxurious, no one will believe it’s under $25. It keeps necklaces tangle-free and ensures your earrings and rings stay perfectly organized and secure.

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Rechargeable Electric Lighter
Amazon
Rechargeable Electric Lighter

A rechargeable lighter is one of those handy gadgets you won’t want to live without once you’ve tried one. It’s fueled by electricity instead of chemicals, so it never runs out, there’s no smell, and it even works in windy conditions.

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Bath Wine Holder
Target
Bath Wine Holder

Sometimes you just need a glass of wine in the bath (or the shower), and I think everyone knows that feeling well. This gift screams relaxation so it is sure to be stolen from the original gift-opener.

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The Voting Game
Amazon
The Voting Game

This is one game you’ll want to break out as soon as your gift exchange is over. Great for a group of family or friends that know each other well, it entails voting on superlatives like “who’s most likely to get a ticket for driving too slow” or “who would win a hot dog eating contest.” It’s a staple for any board game collection.

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Touchscreen Mist Cleaner
Amazon
Touchscreen Mist Cleaner

This handy screen cleaner is perfect for anyone who’s glued to their phone. About the size of a tube of lipstick, it features a microfiber exterior with spray cleaner housed inside, so you can easily spray and wipe any screen clean.

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Quick Pasta Measuring Tool
Amazon
Quick Pasta Measuring Tool

This is one of those White Elephant gifts that might sound silly, but it actually has a practical real-life purpose. With holes to portion out from one to four servings of spaghetti, this kitchen tool ensures you’ll always make the perfect amount of pasta.

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Foldable Tripod
Amazon
Foldable Tripod

A foldable tripod that takes up less space than an umbrella and has a remote? Yes please! Whoever ends up with this gift is in charge of taking the group picture at the end of the night.

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Coffee Mug Warmer
Amazon
Coffee Mug Warmer

This mug warmer from Amazon will keep your coffee at the perfect temperature all day long. The universal design works with most types of mugs, and the one-touch button makes it super easy to use.

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Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
Amazon
Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is the perfect mix of practical and fun for a white elephant gift exchange. Whether they’re a seasoned grill master or just trying to avoid overcooking chicken, this gadget will have everyone eyeing it for their next meal masterpiece.

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Stanley Nesting Shot Glass Set
Amazon
Stanley Nesting Shot Glass Set

This is the type of gift that feels a lot more expensive than it is. For anyone who’s outdoorsy or loves tailgating, this Stanley nesting shot glass set is something they’ll have forever.

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Personal Care Tools Compact Set
Amazon
Personal Care Tools Compact Set

Everyone could use an upgrade to their old $3 nail clippers they’ve had since college. This handy set comes with nail clippers, an ear pick, nano glass nail files, tweezers, and facial scissors.

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Shop All of The Everygirl’s Holiday Gift Guides

Why You Can Count on Us

The Everygirl Media Group has published our beloved gift guides for 12+ years. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for your work wife, an insanely cool cousin, or your significant other’s dad (why are dads so hard?!), we have an idea they’ll love. The Everygirl editorial team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible and affordable list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.

the everygirl holiday gift guide
hailey tagliarino
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hailey Tagliarino, Assistant Managing Editor

As the Assistant Managing Editor for The Everygirl, Hailey Tagliarino oversees, writes, and edits content across various categories on the site. From the pitching stage through publishing, she works alongside the team to ensure that the content that our readers see every day is inspiring, relatable, and timely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Welsh, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

Jessica oversees and edits all fashion and beauty content on The Everygirl. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, and more. She was previously the Commerce Editor for The Everymom, where she oversaw all shopping content on the site and social. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, DSW, and Kohl’s.

This post contains a sponsored inclusion of CVS, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and Happy Nuts, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.