If you’ve ever been subject to a white elephant gift exchange, you know the rules. If not, the basic gist: Buy a present (typically within a certain budget) and bring it, wrapped, to the big event. Draw straws to see who picks first, second, and so on until everyone gets an item. When it’s your turn, you may pick a wrapped gift or “steal” one that’s already been opened.
Our Top Picks
Oaxacan Clay Footed Bowl by Rufina Ruíz López
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La Faccia Cup by HAY
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McGee & Co. Embroidered Velvet Baubles (Set of 3)
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Sure, some variations exist, but the hardest part isn’t playing the party game, it’s finding the time to shop for something great that isn’t over the price limit you set. If your present last year was a little lackluster, we have you covered. We pulled together our favorite thoughtful and funny white elephant gift exchange ideas, which also double as inspiration for Christmas gift ideas, stocking stuffers, and secret Santa presents.
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Home Decor
Oaxacan Clay Footed Bowl by Rufina Ruíz López
Designed by fifth-generation ceramist Rufina Ruíz López, this footed bowl is inspired by classic Oaxacan design. Its smooth interior and little legs make it easy to store little trinkets and prop up anywhere from a console table to a vanity.
Natural Calacatta Red Marble Soap Dish
Whether used on a coffee table as a coaster or stationed on a dresser as a jewelry holder, this mini marble dish proves that design-friendly presents can come in small packages.
Boy Smells Cowboy Kush Scented Candle
Who doesn’t love lighting a new candle? A favorite in our gift guides, this “Cowboy Kush” votive will allow them to take in aromas of soft suede, spiced saffron, tonka bean, and patchouli for a warm and woody ambience.
McGee & Co. Embroidered Velvet Baubles (Set of 3)
To keep giftees in the holiday spirit, surprise them with these embroidered velvet ornaments that make adorable accents to a Christmas tree, mantel, and everywhere in between.
Tortoise shell accents were one of our trends to look out for this year, and this comb fits the bill. The fishbone design and a carrying case give it extra points for style and sensibility.
Baolira Retro Speaker Mini Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
This retro, rechargeable speaker is perfect for impromptu park hangs, backyard self-care moments lounging with a moisturizing face mask, or just dancing it out in the living room.
Kitchen
Play it cool at the white elephant party this year with this YETI colster, designed to keep their drinks chilled for hours thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation.
Consider this blooming tea that doubles as a delicious drink and sensory experience as flowers unfurl when steeped with hot water.
Coffee lovers can craft a delicious pour-over with this stainless steel essential that’s lightweight and collapsible for easy storage.
MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Mug
Everyone could use another coffee mug, that’s just science. This porcelain cup comes in the signature MacKenzie-Childs check pattern that the kitschy New York-based brand’s been known for since the ‘80s.
If espresso is more their speed, this is a useful white elephant gift that will keep on giving for the caffeine-obsessed. This versatile ceramic tableware is designed by artist Emma Kohlmann and inspired by a Renaissance apothecary jar.
Peugeot Paris u’Select Pepper Mill
“Peugeot is, to my mind, the true and classic staple of a chef’s (and celebrity’s) kitchen,” says commerce writer Julia Harrison. Featured in several AD home tours, she got this pepper grinder in pursuit of a “Nickey Kehoe kitchen—sunlit, sparse counters, and big ceramic bowls brimming with fruit.”
Self-Care
Loop Quiet Ultra-Comfy Reusable Noise-Reducing Earplugs
Sometimes all a giftee needs is a little peace and quiet. This ear plug set comes in four ear tip sizes—extra small, small, medium, and large—for just the right fit.
Help them (literally) take off the day with this K-beauty cleansing oil that’s a gentle makeup remover and pore care treatment.
Aesop Eidesis Eau de Parfum
Be honest: You want this splurge-worthy, earthy eau de parfum for yourself. “Eidesis is unlike any other woody fragrance I’ve smelled before,” says commerce editor Audrey Lee. “It’s grounded in sandalwood and cedar, but it’s accented by frankincense which gives it an air of mystery.”
Nopalera Hibiscus Cactus Body Polish
Here’s a good white elephant gift for anyone whose time is best spent at the spa. They can enjoy a DIY full body scrub with this exfoliating polish, made with cleansing hibiscus and cactus extracts.
Homecourt Cece Room Deodorant
Notes like cedarwood smoke, cardamom, cinnamon, and white leather combine in this comforting room spray for a little aromatherapy indulgence.
Bombas Women’s Gripper Slipper
Cozy season will be even more comfortable with a set of these slippers: they conform to feet like socks, boast grippers to prevent slipping, and have an extra thick footbase to make every step softer than ever.