33 white elephant gift ideas that no one will want to give up
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While the holidays may look different this year, at least one tradition remains the same: the Secret Santa and white elephant gift exchange. This year, we’ve found the ultimate white elephant gifts to wow your fellow swappers — so if you're looking for the best Secret Santa gifts, look no further.
From ugly Christmas sweaters to Bluetooth speakers, this treasure trove of cheeky and useful white elephant gift ideas is sure to bring out the holiday (and competitive) spirit in all. Let the games begin!
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Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Secret Santa gifts under $15
1. Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy
Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy
Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy $7.99 at Amazon
Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy $7.99 at Target
Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy $12.95 at Barnes and Noble
This miniature inflatable tube guy has a fan at the bottom so he'll dance and inflate wherever you put him.
2. The Screaming Goat
The Screaming Goat (Book & Figure)
The Screaming Goat (Book & Figure) $7.00 at Amazon
The Screaming Goat (Book & Figure) $9.95 at Barnes and Noble
The Screaming Goat (Book & Figure) $9.95 at Books A Million
This one's exactly what it looks like: a goat figurine that screams when you press it! Perfect for that co-worker that needs to let out a little frustration.
3. "The Star Wars Cook Book: Wookiee Cookies and Other Galactic Recipes," by Robin Davis
"The Star Wars Cook Book," by Robin Davis
"The Star Wars Cook Book," by Robin Davis $13.99 at Amazon
"The Star Wars Cook Book," by Robin Davis $13.99 at Target
This bestseller was published in 1998 and has gained popularity recently with the release of the latest movies in the epic space saga. From C-3PO pancakes to Jedi juice bars, this intergalactic Star Wars cookbook features healthy snacks, delicious dishes, sweet treats and easy main courses that no rebel can resist.
4. Paladone Friends TV Show Draw it Game
Paladone Friends TV Show Draw it Game
Paladone Friends TV Show Draw it Game $12.99 at Amazon
Paladone Friends TV Show Draw it Game $13.99 at The Paper Store
This game puts any Friends fanatic's memory to the test. The countdown is on to draw and recreate iconic scenes from the show before time is up!
5. Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer $10.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Anyone working from home will appreciate this essential to keep their morning cup of coffee hot for hours on end.
6. MarissaMakesIt Potholder Gift Set
MarissaMakesIt Potholder Gift Set
MarissaMakesIt Potholder Gift Set $14.99 at Etsy
This adorable seasonal gift set can help them get a head start on holiday baking so they can curl up on the couch with freshly baked goods and binge-watch Christmas movies.
7. L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Holiday Ornament
L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Holiday Ornament
L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Holiday Ornament $14.00 at Sephora
L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Holiday Ornament $14.00 at QVC
Winter is here, which means dry skin is ready to rear its ugly head. This set from L'Occitane features three festive skin care essentials loaded with nourishing shea butter, which is sure to keep you moisturized all winter long.
8. Food Only 15 Days of Socks
Men's Food Only 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendar
Men's Food Only 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendar $15.00 at Target
Quirky socks are a hilarious gift for an office gift exchange — so how can you go wrong with 15 pairs decorated with everyone's fave comfort foods?
9. "Wow, No Thank You," by Samantha Irby
Wow, No Thank You.: Essays
Wow, No Thank You.: Essays $12.10 at Amazon
Wow, No Thank You.: Essays $14.45 at Barnes and Noble
Wow, No Thank You.: Essays $12.10 at Walmart
Samantha Irby has been renowned on the internet for a long while due to her wildly funny blog Bitches Gotta Eat and hilarious recaps of daytime court TV shows. Now the bestselling writer is back with her fourth collection of essays with a title that perfectly describes 2020.
10. Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Dash Mini Waffle Maker $14.99 at Amazon
Dash Mini Waffle Maker $10.00 at Target
Dash Mini Waffle Maker $9.99 at Bloomingdale's
Who doesn't love waffles? This tiny but mighty waffle maker is bound to be a hit — especially since it has over 90,000 reviews on Amazon.
11. Bob Ross: Paint with Water
Bob Ross Paint with Water
Bob Ross Paint with Water $12.79 at Target
Bob Ross Paint with Water $14.71 at Bookshop
Bob Ross Paint with Water $12.78 at Amazon
Paint your own happy little trees and landscapes with this watercolor book inspired by the public television icon.
12. Don't Speak! Coffee Mug
Don't Speak! Funny Coffee Mug
If you're heading to a work holiday party, this sassy coffee mug is sure to be hit with any coworkers who can't do anything before that first sip of coffee.
Secret Santa gifts under $25
1. Herb & Louis Cocktail Infused Ice Cubes
Herb & Lou's Cocktail Infused Ice Cubes
Herb & Lou's Cocktail Infused Ice Cubes $18.00 at UncommonGoods
Herb & Lou's Cocktail Infused Ice Cubes $17.95 at The Grommet
Herb & Lou's Cocktail Infused Ice Cubes $18.99 at Anthropologie
Say goodbye to watery cocktails! These cubes are infused with flavors, including cucumber watermelon to pair with tequila and blood orange to pair with bourbon.
2. Craft A Brew Homemade Hot Sauce Kit
Craft A Brew Homemade Hot Sauce Kit
Craft A Brew Homemade Hot Sauce Kit $24.99 at The Paper Store
The hot sauce enthusiast in your life will appreciate the chance to craft their own concoctions. This kit comes with four reusable bottles and two different blends that they can use to enjoy for weeks on end.
3. Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Small Tumbler Candle
Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Small Tumbler Candle
Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Small Tumbler Candle $16.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Small Tumbler Candle $16.99 at The Paper Store
This one might just win Secret Santa. Everyone's favorite holiday scent is an affordable and popular pick for the season.
4. Designworks Ink "Bon Appetit" Recipe Notebook Set
Designworks Ink "Bon Appetit" Recipe Notebook Set
Designworks Ink "Bon Appetit" Recipe Notebook Set $20.30 at Macy's
Whether you know someone who can't wait for their next issue of Bon Appétit magazine or simply someone that loves to cook, this set is perfect. It includes five notebooks that they can use to keep track of all of their recipes and it covers everything from the main course to dessert.
5. 2021 Cartoons from The New Yorker Day-to-Day Calendar
2021 Cartoons from The New Yorker Day-to-Day Calendar
2021 Cartoons from The New Yorker Day-to-Day Calendar $15.99 at Barnes and Noble
2021 Cartoons from The New Yorker Day-to-Day Calendar $14.39 at Amazon
2021 Cartoons from The New Yorker Day-to-Day Calendar $14.71 at Bookshop
2021 will be here before you know it, so ring in the new year with a calendar filled with witty, provocative cartoons from The New Yorker.
6. Unicomidea Light-Up Christmas Hat
Fa-La-La-La Llama Ugly Sweater LED Christmas Hat
Fa-La-La-La Llama Ugly Sweater LED Christmas Hat $13.99 at Amazon
This beanie will pair perfectly with your ugly Christmas sweater. It features blinking LED lights and a cozy llama ready for the season.
7. "The One with All the Recipes: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Friends"
The One with All the Recipes: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Friends
The One with All the Recipes: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Friends $22.46 at Amazon
The One with All the Recipes: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Friends $22.49 at Barnes and Noble
The One with All the Recipes: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Friends $21.37 at Books A Million
This cookbook is sure to be a huge hit at your gift exchange, especially if there's a few Friends fanatics there who've seen every episode at least 15 times. Whip up delicious dishes inspired by the iconic sitcom. Thanksgiving turkey for one, anyone?
8. Poo-Pourri In A Pinch Pack
Poo~Pourri In A Pinch Pack
Poo~Pourri In A Pinch Pack $19.99 at Ulta
Poo~Pourri In A Pinch Pack $17.99 at Amazon
Poo~Pourri In A Pinch Pack $19.99 at Walmart
This is the ultimate set for going on-the-go since it contains five pocket-sized bottles of Poo-Pourri that can conveniently fit in your purse, backpack, luggage or any other kind of baggage you're toting.
9. H2GO! Unicorn Snow Tube
H2OGO! 69" Unicorn Snow Tube
H2OGO! 69" Unicorn Snow Tube $19.99 at Target
H2OGO! 69" Unicorn Snow Tube $19.99 at Walmart
H2OGO! 69" Unicorn Snow Tube $25.00 at Macy's
If you dream of riding a unicorn, now’s your chance! This giant inflatable snow tube brings out the kid in all of us.
10. "Raining Men" Bubble Dome Umbrella
"Raining Men" Bubble Dome Umbrella
"Raining Men" Bubble Dome Umbrella $22.95 at Amazon
The Weather Girls have inspired a first-rate white elephant gift! So don’t be surprised if the recipient of this clever umbrella starts singing, “It’s raining men, hallelujah!” at the top of their lungs upon opening.
11. Bob Ross Chia Pet
Bob Ross Chia Pet
Bob Ross Chia Pet $16.99 at Amazon
Bob Ross Chia Pet $16.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Celebrate "The Joy of Painting" every day with this Bob Ross planter, which is currently Amazon's Choice for Chia Pets.
Secret Santa gifts under $50
1. Table Topics Game
Table Topics Game
Table Topics Game $25.00 at Amazon
Table Topics Game $25.00 at UncommonGoods
Video call conversations can get repetitive, but each of these sets of cards contain fun conversation starters to get everyone engaged.
2. Pinch Provisions Tech Kit
Pinch Provisions Tech Kit
Pinch Provisions Tech Kit $27.00 at Madewell
Pinch Provisions Tech Kit $27.00 at Macy's
Pinch Provisions Tech Kit $27.00 at Revolve
Perfect for the tech lover in the friend group, this kit includes a bunch of accessories to keep their gear in top shape. It includes everything from a phone charger to a screen cloth.
3. Ouai Chill Pills Bath Bombs
OUAI Chill Pills Bath Bombs
OUAI Chill Pills Bath Bombs $30.00 at Ulta
OUAI Chill Pills Bath Bombs $30.00 at Sephora
OUAI Chill Pills Bath Bombs $30.00 at Amazon
If you have a friend or colleague who needs to take a chill pill, give them several this holiday season! Made with hemp, jojoba and safflower seed oil, these bath bombs are specifically designed to nurture and soothe your body.
4. The Comfy Oversized Blanket Sweatshirt
The Comfy Oversized Blanket Sweatshirt
The Comfy Oversized Blanket Sweatshirt $42.99 at The Paper Store
The Comfy Oversized Blanket Sweatshirt $39.99 at Target
This cozy and oversized sweatshirt is basically a blanket you can wear. There's even a handy pocket in the front to stash a few snacks.
5. Fire TV Stick 4K
Fire TV Stick 4K
Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Best Buy
Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
The Fire TV Stick is perfect for the TV aficionado in your life. This streaming stick has access to popular apps like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.
6. Truff Hot Sauce
Truff White Truffle Hot Sauce
Truff White Truffle Hot Sauce $34.99 at Amazon
Truff White Truffle Hot Sauce $34.99 at Truff
Truff White Truffle Hot Sauce $35.00 at Macy's
This truffle oil-infused hot sauce was one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2019, so you know it'll be a hit.
7. Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug
Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug
Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug $22.39 at Amazon
Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug $22.46 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug $22.39 at REI
This travel-friendly coffee mug is designed to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours.
8. Burrito Blanket
Burrito Blanket
Burrito Blanket $43.99 at Amazon
This blanket is perfect for any burrito-loving friend you know — and it's bound to get stolen more than a few times during a white elephant exchange.
9. Le Chateau Wine Decanter
Le Chateau Wine Decanter
Le Chateau Wine Decanter $49.95 at Amazon
This elegant wine carafe is hard to beat for a wine lover.
10. VicTsing Bluetooth Shower Speaker
VicTsing SoundHot Bluetooth Shower Speaker
VicTsing SoundHot Bluetooth Shower Speaker $32.98 at Amazon
Shower singers can put on the perfect bathroom concert with this portable waterproof speaker. It features a handy clip so you can hang it in the shower or attach it to a backpack for on-the-go listening.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
From jewelry to skin care, 36 gifts to give the women in your life
The best gifts for co-workers that are good for every budget
Calling all foodies! Here are 53 gifts every home chef wants this year
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