White Elephant Gift Ideas That Are Fun, Affordable, and Perfect for Any Party

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You know it’s the Christmas season when you start to think about those white elephant gift exchanges! Whether it’s a homeschool co-op exchange, a church Christmas party, or a big family gathering, everyone loves the fun and laughter that come from swapping thoughtful, silly, or sometimes surprising gifts.

And even better is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make these parties memorable. Below, you’ll find a long list of white elephant gift ideas (or secret Santa gift ideas!) organized by price point, plus extra sections with specific ideas for church, office, kids, and family parties. Each list includes practical, fun, and easy on the wallet gift ideas that fit any personality or crowd!

White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $5

You don’t need a big budget to join in on the fun! These small gifts are both affordable and thoughtful.

• Hot cocoa mug with a packet of cocoa and marshmallows
• Fun kitchen towel with a holiday saying
• Set of fun sticky notes
• Christmas-themed dish sponges or oven mitts
• Mini puzzles or logic brain teasers
• Holiday socks or slipper socks
• Mini candles or wax melts in festive scents
• Pocket notebooks or mini journals
• Pack of fun pens or gel highlighters
• Coffee mug with a small sample sized bag of coffee
• Lip balm or hand lotion in winter scents
• Ornament decorating kit
• Small scripture card set or bookmark pack
• Cute reusable tote bag
• Mini plant or succulent starter

White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $10

When your limit is around $10, it’s a little bit easier to find gifts that are creative or useful, and are perfect for both adults and kids.

• Reusable travel mug or tumbler
• Cozy socks or slippers
• Mini board games or card games like Uno, Skip-Bo, or Spot It!
• Hot sauce sampler or spice set
• “Cozy night in” pack with popcorn, cocoa, and a candy bar
• Scented candle in a holiday jar or scent
• Coffee or cocoa sampler pack
• Calendar – a regular wall or desktop one, or this fun daily calendar wooden puzzle
• Small puzzle or word search book
• Scripture wall art print
• Funny mug with a clever saying
• Phone stand or ring holder
• Tea sampler or fun tea infuser
• Keychain flashlight or multitool
• Holiday cookie cutter set with a small mix package
• Chocolates or candy
• Logic puzzle book or brain teaser game
• Devotional mini-book or pocket-size prayer journal
• Gift card to a local bakery, coffee, or ice cream shop

White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $15

A $15 limit lets you give something that feels both practical and thoughtful. These gifts are perfect for family, office, or church exchanges.

• Inspirational or funny coffee mug gift set
• Small indoor plant or succulent in a decorative pot
• Desk calendar or motivational quote flip calendar
• Compact board game or family-friendly trivia set
• Small wall sign or home décor piece with a Bible verse
• Holiday baking set with cookie cutters and sprinkles
• Cozy fleece blanket
• Reusable stainless steel tumbler
• DIY craft kit (paint-by-number, ornament kit, or small puzzle)
• Gourmet hot chocolate, coffee, or tea sampler
• Reusable water bottle or travel mug
• Bath salts or self-care gift set
• Kitchen gadget like a mini waffle maker or popcorn bowl
• Christian music CD or digital album code

White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $20

At this level, you may find it easier to get a great gift. Here are some thoughtful, high-quality options that will work for almost any group.

• Devotional, prayer journal, or planner book
• Compact Bluetooth speaker
• Cozy throw blanket
• Popular family board games like Apples to Apples, Trivial Pursuit, Blank Slate, or Codenames
• Essential oil diffuser
• Recipe book for quick family meals or holiday baking
• Scripture-inspired wall or desk calendar
• Movie night basket with popcorn, candy, and a streaming gift card
• Travel mug and cocoa gift basket
• Christmas ornament set
• Journal and pen bundle
• Small puzzle or LEGO set for kids or adults
• DIY “Relaxation Kit” with candles and bath bombs

Faith-Based White Elephant Gift Ideas

If you’re hosting a white elephant exchange at church, in a homeschool group, Bible study, or at a family Christmas gathering, it’s nice to keep the focus on gifts that inspire or are faith based.

• Bible verse mugs or water bottles
• Devotional books, prayer journals, or gratitude journals
• Scripture cards or affirmation decks
• Christian coloring book and colored pencils
• Bible game or Bible trivia book
• Worship music playlist gift card or CD
• Books of the Bible tabs or no bleed highlighters
• Wall art with scripture or inspirational quotes
• Faith-themed ornaments
• Inspirational stickers, bookmarks, or magnets
• Small Bible study guide or mini workbook

White Elephant Gift Ideas for an Office Party

Office exchanges are all about striking the right balance between practical and lighthearted. These ideas are great for co-workers or professional gatherings, and would also work as secret Santa gifts as well!

• Desk calendar or planner
• Notepad and pen gift set
• Funny office mug or “world’s best coworker” cup
• Mini desktop game or sand garden
• Coffee shop gift card
• USB-powered desk gadget (fan, mug warmer, or light)
• Stress relief squeeze toy or fidget cube
• Reusable lunch bag or tumbler
• Succulent plant for a desk
• Cozy blanket or throw for the office chair
• Inspirational quote wall sign for a cubicle

White Elephant Gift Ideas for Kids

When hosting a kids’ white elephant party (or including kids in the family exchange), choose gifts that are easy to share, fun, and simple to play with!

• Play-Doh or slime kits
• Craft or coloring sets
• Mini puzzles or building block kits
• Holiday socks or mittens
• Fun snacks or candy jars
• Small stuffed animals
• Glow-in-the-dark toys or flashlights
• Sticker or activity books
• Bouncy balls, yo-yos, or novelty toys
• Puzzle books or card games
• Mini LEGO set
• Reusable water bottle or thermos
• Art supply set or paint-by-number

White Elephant Gift Ideas for Family Parties

Family white elephant exchanges are where the real fun happens! These ideas work well for a variety of ages and personalities and are sure to add to the party excitement!

• Popcorn movie night kit with snacks and a DVD or streaming code
• Funny oven mitts or holiday aprons
• Trivia or charades game
• Family photo frame set
• Hot cocoa or s’mores kit
• Holiday-scented candle set
• Kitchen gadgets like a waffle maker with a fun design, popcorn bowl, donut maker, or ice cream maker
• Cozy blanket or matching family socks
• Baking utensil set
• Card game bundle
• Reusable travel mugs for the whole family
• Puzzle or board game everyone can enjoy

White elephant gift exchanges are about fun, laughter, and connection, not about how much money you spend. With just a little creativity, you can give something thoughtful, funny, or useful that everyone will enjoy! And if you’re not quite sure how to do a white elephant gift exchange, then check out this helpful post by Elfster!

Whether it’s a homeschool co-op Christmas party, your church’s gift exchange, or a family gathering, hopefully the ideas given here will help you find the perfect gift for every type of celebration. So grab your wrapping paper or gift bag, and get ready to make some fun memories this holiday season!