A good white elephant gift is cheap, a little funny and still useful the next day, so people want to steal it. If your group has a $25 limit, start with the Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Set (from $22.99), the Galaxy Crystal Ball Night Light (from $12.99) or the Cat Paw Clicky Keyboard Keychain (from $15.99).
How a white elephant exchange works
Everyone brings one wrapped gift to a shared pile. Players draw numbers, then take turns to either open a gift from the pile or steal one that someone has already opened. Most groups let a gift be stolen three times before it stays with its owner. Some people call it Yankee swap or Dirty Santa.
Under $15: small and silly
- Galaxy Crystal Ball Night Light, from $12.99. A glowing ball with a galaxy inside. Everyone picks it up.
- Cat Paw Clicky Keychain, from $12.99. Clicky keys people press for the rest of the party.
- Swimming Otter Novelty Socks, $12.99. Swimming otter socks. Someone always steals the socks.
- Famous Paintings Cotton Socks, from $12.99. Socks printed with famous paintings.
- Cork Bottle String Lights, $12.99. Turns an empty wine bottle into a lamp.
- Guitar 3D Illusion Night Light, $12.99. A night light that looks like a 3D guitar.
Under $25: the ones people fight over
- Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Set, from $22.99. A full cocktail shaker set for less than $25.
- Magnetic Pop-Off Bottle Opener, from $22.99. Pops the cap off and catches it on a magnet.
- Lying Duck Rechargeable Night Light, $24.99. A lying duck night light. Oddly calming.
- Fluffy Bed Socks, 5 Pairs, from $22.99. Five pairs of fluffy bed socks to keep or share.
- Sunset Projector Lamp with Night Light Mode, from $22.99. Throws a sunset glow across the wall.
Safe picks for the office swap
- 360 Degree Magnetic Desk Phone Stand, $15.99. A magnetic phone stand for video calls.
- Memory Foam Under Desk Footrest, $13.99. A memory foam footrest for under the desk.
- Cat Paw Retractable Gel Pens, Set of 4, $12.99. Four cat paw gel pens.
- 300ml Mini Insulated Travel Mug, from $22.99. A mini travel mug that fits a car cup holder.
How to choose
- Stick to the price limit. $20 to $25 is the most common limit for adult groups.
- Funny works best when the gift is also useful. A joke gift nobody keeps wastes the budget.
- Skip clothes with sizes and anything personal like perfume. Socks are the exception.
- Wrap it in a box that hides the shape. Half the fun is guessing.
Will it arrive in time?
Shipping is free and tracked on every order. US orders arrive in 10 to 20 business days, so order by Tuesday, November 24 for delivery before Christmas. Other countries take 10 to 25 business days, so order by November 17.
More ideas in Secret Santa gift ideas under $15, stocking stuffers for adults and gifts under $25.