Photo: Unsplash
Make it unique and funny.
By Megan Hatch — Written on Dec 07, 2021
White elephant gifts are one of the best kinds of gifts to give because they can either be really basic or really wacky.
Sometimes the funnier the better, and when there's a bigger budget there's more room to get more creative especially with last-minute gifts.
The best gifts to gift someone for a white elephant gift exchange are funny gag gifts or something useful — like a banana phone, Himalayan salt tequila glasses, and a foot bath.
Some funny, handy and unique gifts under $50 that would be fun to give or receive at a white elephant party, whether in person or over zoom, are quirky or amusing — like a Bob Ross Chia Pet, a grilled cheese sandwich toaster, and a Nicolas Cage reversible sequin pillow. The options are endless!
If you're looking for some good white elephant gift ideas under 50 dollars, here's a list of ideas to inspire you. Just make sure to grab them before the last-minute shipping deadline for the holiday season, which is typically December 15th if you want to get your Christmas gifts or holiday gifts on time for Christmas.
The 30 best white elephant gift ideas under $50:
Bob Ross Chia Pet
Who doesn't like Bob Ross? The answer is nobody and we all know him for his happy little trees but also his fro. Grow your own Bob Ross Plant fro and get into planting or painting at the same time.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Merrycolor Nicolas Cage Mermaid Pillow Cover Sequin Pillow Case
The Nick Cage pillow is not only a meme but a real thing. Get your friends or co-workers what they think is a cute sequin pillow until they glide their hands over the sequins to find a familiar face.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Bower Selfie Ring Studio Light
Even if you aren't an Instagram influencer or a TikTok star, sometimes having a ring light is fun to take selfies and for group photos. It can make your photo game even better.
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $19.88
Bluetooth Banana Phone
If you want to get the best gag gift, this is it. This Banana actually is a phone and you can use it for calls by connecting it to your phone over Bluetooth for an easy wireless connection.
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods, $40
HoMedics Bubble Spa Elite Footbath
Ever had a long day at work and all you want is a nice foot massage? If you have, there's no question your friends or co-workers haven't either. Give someone the gift of a footbath with a 2-in-1 removable pedicure center that includes a pedicure brush and a pumice stone, where they can sit, relax, put a face mask on and let the machine do its work.
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $40
Nostalgia TCS2 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Toaster
Who knew there was a toaster that lets you make grilled cheese at the same time?! This vintage-inspired toasted allows you to make the perfect grilled cheese with options to pre-heat bread before toasting or defrost frozen bread.
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $24.99
Brentwood Appliances Non-Stick 12 Cake Pop Maker in Purple
One of the best treats during Christmas is the deserts. One popular one during the holidays is cake pops, and with this easy cake pop maker, you can make cake pops galore.
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $44.11
Creative Motion 7" Plasma Ball - Black and Purple
Do you know anyone who was ever fascinated as a kid with the plasma balls or lava lamps? If so then this is the perfect gift for them or anyone who is interested in science.
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $34
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker
With this gift, your friends will thank you in seconds. Breakfast is the meal where you either get up early and make or you're in a rush to eat something before you get out the door. This breakfast sandwich maker makes your job in the morning so much easier.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses
Salt, shot, lime is how it goes when taking tequila shots. But what if you could make it easier and less salty on your hands? These salt shot glasses are just made for that.
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods, $30
Raining Men Clear Bubble Dome Umbrella
Do you know the classic song "It's Raining Men"? If so, then you'll get this reference in this funny and perfect white elephant gag gift.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Help your friends and co-workers become the VSCO girl they always wanted to be. But really, this water bottle is really all the hype with five-star reviews from more than 18 thousand happy customers.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Embroidered Thank You Tote
You have seen the thank you plastic bags that are usually given out at Chinese restaurants, street vendors, and more. Everyone will get a kick out of seeing that you found a reusable version of that bad and some might fight over it.
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods, $38
Shrimp Neck Pillow
This is the most disgusting yet comfy pillow you might have ever seen. This is a perfect white elephant gift because it's so weird but also useful someone will surely want it.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Knit Throw Blanket
Nothing's better in the winter than cuddling up on the couch or in bed with a warm blanket and watching a holiday film. Give someone a comfy blanket that they will love this holiday season.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
18" LED Light Up Wall Decor
Sometimes people either light a night light or they don't. If you know somebody who has been needing a cool lighting fixture then this is the perfect gift.
Photo: Target
Where to buy: Target, $30
Holiday Reed Diffuser
Lighting candles in the winter can be fun and add some wonderful smells to your house. However, something else that can add a good smell is reed diffusers.
Photo: Nordstrom
Where to buy: Nordstrom, $50
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Built-in Speakers
This will be an epic white elephant gift because a record player is super fun to have. If you know someone who has been starting to collect records but doesn't have that record player yet, this is the perfect gift.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Chefman 2.1qt Analog Air Fryer
If you don't have an air fryer in 2021, then that's rare. The new cooking appliance has taken over and if somebody you know doesn't have one, then this is a perfect gift to fight over.
Photo: Target
Where to buy: Target, $36.99
The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook: 10th Anniversary Edition
If you know someone or multiple people in your group that love Trader Joe's, then this is a perfect gift. It includes 150 recipes using all things from Trader Joe's.
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $15.99
Ozeri Nouveaux II Electric Wine Opener with Foil Cutter, Wine Pourer and Stopper
Sometimes all you need after a long day is a glass of wine, and nothing adds more frustration than not being able to open the wine. This wine opener does that for you, as well as having the ability to cut any foil around, pour wine, and be used as a wine stopper.
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $17.75
DASH My Pint Electric Ice Cream Maker
This is the perfect gift because everyone loves ice cream and if you buy this for a friend they will love it. It can be used for making their own custom ice cream but also for parties as a fun activity.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Tabletop Cornhole
Cornhole is such a fun game to play at gatherings, parties, and more but the original game can be planned in only wide spaces. That's why this mini cornhole tabletop game is perfect to play at the table while having drinks with a few friends.
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods, $50
Amazon Smart Plug
Ever wanted to control your lights with your voice? If so, you can now do that with an Amazon Alexa smart plug that allows you to schedule lights, fans, and appliances to turn on and off automatically. You can even control them when you're away.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Bathtime Essentials Wine Holder
Bath time is for relaxing, bath bombs, and wine? If one of your friends loves to bring their wine into the tub then this wall wine holder for the shower is perfect for them.
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods, $38
BigMouth Inc Ultimate Wine Bottle Glass
If you have a friend who loves to occasionally drink or gets a good laugh out of drink-related gifts then this is perfect. The ultimate wine glass for a very long night is this glass that's able to hold an entire bottle of wine.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Tray: 4-cube tray
Ever wondered how ice cubes in drinks at bars are so clear? This is how. These ice cube trays are able to create crystal clear ice cubes that nearly disappear in your glass. It's the perfect gift for someone who loves a good cocktail.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Art Naturals Essential Oil Diffuser and Top 8 Essential Oil Set
Have a friend or co-worker who might need some destressing? This is the perfect gift for them as this top-rated essential oil diffuser works to help you through aromatherapy benefits including relieving stress, joint pain, nasal and chest congestion.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Yankee Candle Value Bundle with 18 Votive Scented Candles
A Yankee swap will surely happen when someone opens this box of 18 classic Yankee candles as a white elephant gift. This set includes all fan-favorite mini candles that all burn for up to 15 hours.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
RAISEVERN Ugly Christmas Sweater
Lastly, no white elephant gift exchange would be complete without an ugly Christmas sweater. Make sure to get a wacky but also cozy one that someone will genuinely like or hate so much they love it. They can also wear it to their next ugly sweater Christmas party so it's a useful gift.
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
More for You:
Megan Hatch is a writer at YourTango who covers news & entertainment, love & relationships, and internet culture. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.