From WIRED · Nena Farrell · · 5m
White elephant gift guide: what to bring
A WIRED reviewer's picks for white elephant gifts that won't embarrass you, from Lego sets to LED strips.
In brief
A WIRED reviewer's picks for white elephant gifts that won't embarrass you, from Lego sets to LED strips. WIRED recommends sixteen gift ideas for white elephant parties, ranging from Lego Dungeons and Dragons sets to LED light strips, all chosen to appeal to groups of strangers within typical budget limits. Originally…
White elephant parties are everywhere
White elephant gift exchanges have become unavoidable. One host is planning invites before October, and another's ornament-themed party has split into two events this year.
The challenge: finding the right gift
White elephant parties present a unique challenge. You need a cool or funny gift within a set budget that strangers will battle to take home. Nobody wants to be the person who brought the gift nobody wanted.
Lego Dungeons and Dragons sets
Lego Dungeons and Dragons Collectible Mini Figures cost thirteen dollars and come as mystery bags with twelve different designs. They appeal to dungeon divers and D and D players, and buying multiple won't necessarily mean doubling up on models.
Cool e-reader cases
PopSockets makes Kindle Paperwhite cases for forty dollars with designs like dragon sterling. The cases have a built-in MagSafe ring so winners can attach PopSocket Grips. Kobo SleepCover cases at forty dollars work for Kobo readers and prop e-readers up.
A fun coffee pot mug
The Funwares Cupa Joe mug looks like a miniature coffee pot and costs thirty dollars, on sale for twenty five dollars. It handles hot drinks, comes with a plastic lid, and has a comfortable handle. The lid is flimsy but the mug itself works well.
Sushi-shaped fridge magnets
Sushi Fridge Magnets cost seventeen dollars and look almost too real to eat. The salmon nigiri appears ready to serve. After two years on a fridge, they hold up strong and are plenty strong enough to hold papers and children's artwork.
A punchable enter key
The Nummove Big Enter Supersized Key costs sixteen dollars and connects via USB. You punch it to hit enter. It's responsive and fun for desks, great for coworkers or work-from-home folks who can decorate their space.
Luxurious tea set
The Diaspora Spice Co. Cozy Beverages Gift Set costs thirty nine dollars, on sale for thirty seven dollars. It includes Masala Chai and Madhur Jaggery to sweeten it. The set is a good price point for forty dollar limits and makes delicious chai at home.
Paint by numbers kits
The Galison Liberty Paint by Number Kit Thorpe costs twenty six dollars. It comes with twelve paint colors and three brushes. The reviewer spent two hours on it with likely two more hours to go, making it good for hobby-loving friend groups.
Stylish drink cozies
Puffin Drinkwear makes drink cozies styled like outerwear layers. The Fleece costs twenty dollars, the Alpine and Resort styles cost twenty five dollars each. They appeared in Netflix's Will and Harper and let you give drinks fancy names to match their jackets.
A group game for all sizes
Listography: The Game costs twenty six dollars and is designed for three to six players but successfully accommodates up to ten people with extra pieces. Players pull cards with prompts like states that border Canada and make lists of answers.
Iridescent drinking glasses
Joeyan Iridescent Drinking Glasses cost twenty five dollars and have a vintage vibe. They work for cocktails or water. The reviewer fought for this gift last holiday season and recommends including a bottle of something fun like lychee vodka to make it fight-worthy.
Sleep accessories combo
The NodPod Weighted Eye Mask costs thirty eight dollars. Combine it with a satin pillowcase like Kitsch's for twenty dollars to hit the fifty dollar range. This combo was stolen until the end at a mom group's white elephant party.
Smart LED light strips
The Govee RGBIC Pro LED Light Strips cost thirty dollars. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill tested many light strips and calls this his favorite budget option. It displays various colors, lets you create custom effects, and is easy to install.
Prank-O joke gift boxes
Prank-O Gift Boxes cost ten dollars each and come in designs like Roto Wipe, Baby Influencer Kit, Pudding Pouch, and Earwax Candle. WIRED Reviews editor Kat Merck recommends putting your actual gift inside to confuse and amuse white elephant attendees.
What not to bring
Skip single candles unless they have a fun theme. Avoid puzzles because fanatics want many pieces while novices want easier ones. Never bring live animals or actual trash. These gifts were least fought over or inappropriate at recent exchanges.
How white elephant works
Everyone brings a wrapped gift, usually under a set price like twenty five dollars. Each person draws a number for choosing order. You can unwrap a new gift or steal one already unwrapped, with limits on how often gifts can be stolen, usually around three times.
The bottom line
WIRED recommends sixteen gift ideas for white elephant parties, ranging from Lego Dungeons and Dragons sets to LED light strips, all chosen to appeal to groups of strangers within typical budget limits.
