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It can be hard to know what to bring to a holiday gift exchange. You want to strike the right balance between cute and corny. The ideal is to grab a gift that will make people smile and that they’ll also use. If you can pick a present that’s both useful and entertaining, you’ve won the “white elephant” party.
If you don’t know what a white elephant party is, you’ve come to the right place! The idea is pretty straightforward. Attendees anonymously present a relatively inexpensive gift to their friends, family or co-workers. Each attendee puts their present in a pile, draws a number, then picks a gift from the pile once their number is called. Whoever comes next can either select a white elephant gift from the unwrapped pile or steal someone else’s gift. The game keeps going until every gift is open.
As you might imagine, white elephant parties can get a little competitive! You want to pick the present everyone wants and will fight over. Since many of these parties set budgets, you’ll also want to keep it affordable. Don’t know where to start? We rounded up the best white elephant gifts for under $25 from Amazon. Get ready to watch smugly as people scramble to snag your present.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Simple Modern Spirit Wine Tumbler Glass
You need this wine tumbler in your life. The ocean-inspired print is fabulous. The stainless steel design keeps your beverage hot or cold for hours. If you're sipping on mulled wine this season, take your festive drink to go in a wine tumbler. Cheers!
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Anjou Scented Candle 4 Pack Gift Set
Rest and recharge with four special scents from "Pear & Freesia" to "Blackberry & Bay." The soy candles light up your space to establish the ideal ambiance. We love the elegant look and natural ingredients of these candles.
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Flybold Felt Letter Board
You've probably seen a letter board like this before on Instagram. It's super cute for sharing announcements on the social media platform. But you can also use the accessory to light up your house! There are 340 letters to choose from, so you can display any song lyric, quote or message of your choice.
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Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Gift Set
Know someone who is expecting? This mama-themed gift set is perfect! The kit contains soothing foot cream, belly butter and lip balm that soothes aching bellies. If your mommy group is throwing a white elephant party, you won't want to sleep on this set! You can also snag this for a baby shower or gender reveal party.
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Knock Knock It’s Gonna Be Okay Journal
The overthinker in your life would love this journal. Encourage them to record their neurotic spirals in a journal that screams "It's gonna be okay" on its cover. Colorful quotes offer inspiration on every page!
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Microwave Air Popcorn Popper
Elevate your movie marathon with a bowl of crispy, crunchy popcorn. This product is loved by reviewers, who say their homemade popcorn comes out perfectly every time!
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Cyxus Computer Glasses
Many of us are looking at screens all day every day. Protect your eyes from strain with this blue light blocker. The powerful product protects against eye fatigue, blurred vision and headache. The glasses also come in bright red and leopard print, so they can double as a fashion accessory.
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Dash Rapid Egg Cooker
Get brunch made in a breeze. This egg cooker means you won't be waiting around for ages with a growling stomach. The top-rated product makes soft, medium and hard boiled eggs in a fraction of the time. It's ideal for instant gratification and a delicious meal to boot.
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Viva Naturals Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
Get the benefits of an essential oil diffuser without spending vast sums. This purifying product will clear your air and your sinuses while spreading your favorite scents. It has 491 five-star reviews on Amazon with reviewers loving its quiet sound and cost-effectiveness.
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Lucy Baker “The Boozy Baker”
Balance your sweets with some spice! "The Boozy Baker" cookbook is perfect for someone who wants to jazz up their recipes and doesn't mind getting a little tipsy in the process. Prepare zany cocktails, spiked cookies, boozy Bundt cakes and more.
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Nature’s Blossom Succulent & Cactus Growing Kit
Why buy a succulent when you could grow one? Seriously, this succulent growing kit is inspired! It's a fun DIY activity for someone who doesn't mind getting their hands dirty. The kit contains four seed packets and four planting pots. Get out your green thumb, and grow your own garden.
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Divine Botanics Essential Oils Bath Bombs
We love everything about this set, from the colors to the zen scents. Indulge in aromatherapy with essential oils from lavender to jasmine. The bath bombs are gentle on sensitive skin. They exfoliate and hydrate for a bubble bath that will leave you feeling glorious!
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Benicci Moscow Mule Copper Mugs
Bottoms up! People will scramble to snag this Moscow Mule set. The cups are pure copper with a polish finish. Pair these mugs with a teeny bottle of Tito's and a ginger beer for a covetable gift under $25.
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Unique Bamboo Cheese Board
Get entertaining! This cheese board is a number one Amazon Bestseller, so naturally you should see what the fuss is about. The spacious design leaves plenty of room for your wine, cheese, nut and charcuterie pairings. The surface is 100 percent natural bamboo for a look that will impress your dinner party guests.
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Cute Cat Stainless Steel Thermos
Everyone knows at least one cat lover. This thermos will quickly become their go-to. It's convenient and lightweight, with a charming cat-inspired design. The thermos is made of non-toxic, BPA-free plastic. It's paws-itively perfect!
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Chef’s Inspirations Core Infusion Water Pitcher
A health hack is to start every morning with a glass of lemon water. It'll kickstart your metabolism, give you a burst of Vitamin C and aid with digestion. This infuser pitcher creates healthy, refreshing beverages you'll be reaching for again and again. At the start of each week, you can toss a few lemons in the pitcher, add some water and be good to go!
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Dash Smart Store Compact Hand Mixer
This hand mixer comes in an attractive aqua blue and boasts three speeds for mixing recipes. It's compact (just over two lbs), meaning it works well in small apartments or college dorms. Someone with a sweet tooth would adore this mixer, and the dessert possibilities that come with it!
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Oggi Glitter and Glitz Flask
Bling out! This sparkly flask is practically made for New Year's Eve. The pink rhinestone design is oh-so-fabulous. It's small enough to fit in your crossbody bag but large enough to accommodate plenty of liquid courage. You and your friends will enjoy sneaking sips from it.
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Poweradd Compact Portable Charger
The jig is up. It's time to stop borrowing your friend's portable charger and finally invest in your own. This portable charger is best in class with high-speed charging and a large capacity for its small size. It's compatible with many different devices, meaning it's ideal to bring to a white elephant party. Odds are the lucky person getting this portable charger will use it and love it.
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Jen Sincero - You are a Badass
Embrace your awesomeness with the self-help book that has turned many skeptics into believers! Sincero espouses her philosophy for a life well-lived. Her tips are motivational and inspiring. Make 2020 your year to thrive.
