50 White Elephant Gifts for Any Time of the Year

Trying to find the perfect gift for your white elephant party? We got you. Our gift guide will help you choose the best white elephant gift.

Published

5 years ago

May 21, 2021

Jaylen Jones

A clear jar with a ribbon and picture of a white elephant wrapped around it.

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This article was updated on October 20, 2025.

This post probably contains affiliate links. Our full disclosure is long, but you can find it here.

This post is all about white elephant gifts.

White Elephant swaps are gift exchanges where you buy a present that anyone playing can choose from.

Finding the perfect gift for this game is always daunting, whether it be for family, significant others, or friends. Expectations for every person and every occasion are different.

While most people have gift swaps during the winter holiday season, having a White Elephant event as a graduation or birthday celebration can be fun.

All items can be found with an easy Amazon search or from small businesses on Etsy, a site useful for finding personalized items.

Each of these 50 White Elephant gifts can be bought for any occasion. Most are also affordable for college students on a tight budget.

White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Fight For

[lasso id=”30437″ link_id=”6485221″ ref=”amzn-collapsible-bottle-leak-proof-travel-water-bottle-600ml-sports-bottle-portable-water-bottle-outdoor-mountaineering-large-capacity-waterproof-and-heat-resistant”]

2. Unisex “SpongeBob SquarePants” Socks

[lasso id=”30442″ link_id=”6485222″ ref=”amzn-odd-sox-unisex-nickelodeon-spongebob-squarepants-socks-cartoon-novelty-socks”]

3. Mood Rings

[lasso id=”30446″ link_id=”6485223″ ref=”amzn-5-pieces-stainless-steel-changing-color-mood-ring-unisex-temperature-emotion-ring”]

4. Adult Coloring Book

[lasso id=”30650″ link_id=”6485224″ ref=”amzn-125-mandalas-an-adult-coloring-book-featuring-125-of-the-worlds-most-beautiful-mandalas-for-stress-relief-and-relaxation”]

5. Rearview Mirror Middle Finger Pendant

[lasso id=”33829″ link_id=”103605″ ref=”amzn-fjkwlc-car-rear-view-mirror-pendant-two-middle-finger-hand-car-auto-fashion-pendant-rearview-mirror-ornament-hang-charm-dangle-car-styling”]

6. Unicorn Plant Pot

[lasso id=”33830″ link_id=”103606″ ref=”amzn-rainbow-unicorn-ceramic-container-plant-pot-planter”]

7. Drawstring Unicorn Dabbing Bag

[lasso id=”33831″ link_id=”103607″ ref=”amzn-msguide-dabbing-unicorn-drawstring-backpack-bag-women-men-sport-gym-sack-cinch-bag-for-shopping-hiking-travel-beach”]

8. Sloth T-Shirt

[lasso id=”30645″ link_id=”6485225″ ref=”amzn-lazy-is-a-very-strong-word-sloth-gift-t-shirt-for-men-woman”]

9. Crocs

[lasso id=”33832″ link_id=”103608″ ref=”amzn-crocs-mens-and-womens-classic-tie-dye-clog-pastel-tie-dye-7-women-5-men”]

Gifts for Self-Care and Organization

This section is perfect for anyone who has been under a lot of stress recently or needs to relax.

These gifted items may just help someone get their energy and peace back, which is an important thing.

No matter what point of life someone is in, it’s always important to be comfortable and worry-free.

10. Incense Pack

[lasso id=”30452″ link_id=”6485226″ ref=”amzn-natural-eucalyptus-incense-sticks-90-pack-with-holder-for-meditation-focus-cleansing-positive-vibes-charcoal-free-incense-sticks-made-with-herbal-vedic-masala-pure-essential-oils-for-scent”]

11. Incense Censer

[lasso id=”30653″ link_id=”6485227″ ref=”amzn-comsaf-waterfall-backflow-incense-burner-ceramic-handmade-small-portable-censer-incense-cone-holder-fountain-aromatherapy-ornament-home-decor-yoga-meditation-relaxation-office-gift-mountain”]

12. Rainbow Candle Light Set

[lasso id=”33835″ link_id=”103609″ ref=”amzn-lilys-home-color-changing-everlasting-tealights-candles-with-7-rainbow-colors-set-of-12″]

13. Scentsy

[lasso id=”33836″ link_id=”103610″ ref=”amzn-equsupro-3d-glass-electric-wax-melt-warmer-wax-burner-melter-fragrance-warmer-for-home-office-bedroom-living-room-gifts-decor-3d-fireworks”]

14. Face Scrub

[lasso id=”30455″ link_id=”6485228″ ref=”amzn-brightening-vitamin-c-face-scrub-natural-cleansing-exfoliator-blackhead-reducing-facial-mask-deep-pore-cleanser-gentle-exfoliant-oily-dry-sensitive-skin-green-tea-coconut-water-2oz”]

15. ChapStick Pack

[lasso id=”30466″ link_id=”6485229″ ref=”amzn-chapstick-total-hydration-100-natural-essential-oils-set-collection-of-4-lip-balm-tubes-0-12-oz-each”]

16. Backrest Pillow

[lasso id=”30469″ link_id=”6485230″ ref=”amzn-ziraki-large-plush-shredded-foam-reading-and-tv-relax-pillow-perfect-for-adults-teens-and-kids-for-bed-rest-arm-back-pregnancy-lumbar-head-neck-coccyx-lower-back-support-cushion”]

17. Plush Seal Pillow

[lasso description=”I found this pillow by accident, but it’s the perfect, most unserious pillow to let out any emotions into. And I’m sure everyone, no matter what stage they are in, young adults, in particular, would love this.” id=”32837″ link_id=”103611″ ref=”amzn-rainlin-chubby-blob-seal-pillow-plush-animal-toy-stuffed-seal-plushie-cotton-cute-pillow-gray-13-0-inch”]

18. Chalkboard

[lasso id=”30664″ link_id=”6485231″ ref=”amzn-tenxvi-designs-11×13-magnetic-chalkboard-sign-remove-legs-to-vertically-or-horizontally-hang-or-stand-perfect-for-kitchen-countertop-tabletops-weddings-home-decor-white”]

19. Planner

[lasso id=”30476″ link_id=”6485232″ ref=”amzn-planner-2021-2022-monthly-weekly-daily-planner-agenda-jan-2021-june-2022-planner-thick-paper-18-months-200-pages-5-7-x-8-4-black-5-7×8-4-inch-pack-of-1″]

20. Food Storage Container Sets

[lasso id=”33837″ link_id=”103612″ ref=”amzn-7-pack-airtight-food-storage-container-set-kitchen-pantry-organization-containers-labels-chalk-marker-bpa-free-clear-plastic-kitchen-and-pantry-organization-containers”]

21. Silverware Holder Set With Bamboo Wood Base

[lasso id=”33838″ link_id=”103613″ ref=”amzn-sorbus-silverware-holder-with-caddy-for-spoons-knives-forks-etc-ideal-for-kitchen-dining-entertaining-buffet-picnic-and-more-stainless-steel-with-bamboo-wood-base”]

Physical Fitness Gifts

Maintaining physical health is important for everyone. Without moving for a period of time, people may feel exhausted.

And once this feeling settles in, procrastination follows closely behind. So it’s important to get up and move when possible, and these gifts are perfect to help with that.

The solution to a sedentary lifestyle often involves certain equipment, which can make great gifts.

22. Mobile Desk

[lasso id=”30479″ link_id=”6485233″ ref=”amzn-shw-height-adjustable-mobile-laptop-stand-desk-rolling-cart-height-adjustable-from-28-to-33″]

23. Wireless Earbuds

[lasso id=”30671″ link_id=”6485234″ ref=”amzn-wireless-earbuds-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-with-charging-case-noise-canceling-stereo-earpods-in-ear-ear-buds-ipx5-waterproof-earphones-for-apple-iphone-android-samsung-earbuds”]

24. Hubba Bubba AirPods Case

[lasso id=”33844″ link_id=”103614″ ref=”amzn-octt-cases-compatible-for-airpods-pro-case-silicone-kawaii-fun-designed-charging-case-for-kids-boys-girls-with-keychains-soft-skin-protective-cover-compatible-for-airpods-pro-case”]

25. Jump Rope

[lasso id=”63049″ link_id=”6485867″ ref=”amzn-hibeast-jump-rope-for-fitness-adjustable-jumping-rope-for-workout-exercise-self-locking-with-alloy-non-slip-handles-design-10ft-tangle-free-skipping-rope-for-men-women-2″]

26. Tie-Dye Yoga Mat

[lasso id=”30488″ link_id=”6485236″ ref=”amzn-yoga-mat-towel-non-slip-hot-yoga-towel-sweat-absorbent-for-hot-yoga-bikram-pilates-tie-dyed-yellow”]

27. Foam Rollers

[lasso id=”33845″ link_id=”103615″ ref=”amzn-321-strong-foam-roller-medium-density-deep-tissue-massager-muscle-massage-myofascial-trigger-point-release-includes-4k-ebook-aurora”]

28. Resistance Band

[lasso id=”33847″ link_id=”103616″ ref=”amzn-champion-sports-xf-resistance-tube-bands-for-men-and-women-light-resistance-green-durable-fitness-band-for-strength-training-stretching-rehabilitation-premium-home-workout-equipment”]

29. Fanny Pack

[lasso id=”33849″ link_id=”103617″ ref=”amzn-ng-belt-fanny-pack-waist-bag-for-men-women-card-key-money-and-call-phone-holder%ef%bc%8cadjustable-running-pouch-for-running-hiking-cycling-climbing-workout-traveling%ef%bc%8cand-for-all-kinds-of”]

30. Light Up Armband Bracelets

[lasso id=”33850″ link_id=”103618″ ref=”amzn-proloso-led-armbands-light-up-bracelets-flashing-sports-wristband-pack-of-8-glow-in-the-dark-party-supplies”]

31. Sweat Towel Pack

[lasso id=”33851″ link_id=”103619″ ref=”amzn-hopeshine-home-gyms-towel-for-men-women-microfiber-gym-towels-cycling-workout-sweat-towel-set-quick-dry-exercise-sports-travel-towel-fast-drying-2-pack-black-grey”]

Related: 65 Amazing Christmas Gifts for College Girls-The Complete 2025 Guide

Home Essentials

These are all gift ideas to fill the downtime of whoever receives the gift. These ideas can be bought on multiple sites.

Here, I’m going to share my favorite items I’ve seen online that I’ve never gotten the chance to buy.

I would love to be given any of these items to keep me entertained in my downtime.

Buying any of these gifts for a White Elephant party is a good idea.

32. Dog Wallpaper

[lasso id=”30676″ link_id=”6485237″ ref=”amzn-spoonflower-peel-and-stick-removable-wallpaper-dogs-all-pets-dog-breed-cute-grey-pattern-pet-portrait-print-self-adhesive-wallpaper-24in-x-108in-roll”]

33. Cat Door Hanger

[lasso id=”33853″ link_id=”6485238″ ref=”amzn-evelots-over-the-door-hanger-hooks-kitty-cat-20-pound-ea-no-tool-no-rust-iron”]

34. Animal-Shaped Sticky Notes

[lasso id=”30493″ link_id=”6485239″ ref=”amzn-16-pieces-self-sticky-notes-animals-shaped-sticky-notes-cartoon-sticky-notes-for-students-home-office-roommates-gifts-bookmarks-and-index-tab-supplies”]

35. “Friends” Photo Frame

[lasso id=”30498″ link_id=”6485240″ ref=”amzn-silver-buffalo-friends-yellow-picture-frame-monicas-yellow-peephole-door-frame-best-friend-picture-frame-friends-tv-show-merchandise-photo-frame-4-x-6-frames-frd30547″]

36. Lava Lamp

[lasso id=”33854″ link_id=”103620″ ref=”amzn-lava-lite-2124-lava-the-original-14-5-inch-silver-base-lamp-with-yellow-wax-in-blue-liquid”]

37. Star Projector

[lasso id=”33855″ link_id=”103621″ ref=”amzn-galaxy-projector-star-projector-3-in-1-night-light-projector-with-remote-control-nebula-cloud-ceiling-light-projector-with-40-colors-360-magnetic-base-moon-galaxy-projector-for-bedroom-kids-a”]

38. Folding Book Lamp

[lasso id=”33856″ link_id=”103622″ ref=”amzn-bedside-novelty-folding-book-lamppu-leather-book-light-usb-rechargable-book-shaped-light-5-colors-led-table-lamp-for-decor-magnetic-design-creative-giftspades”]

39. Moon Mirror

[lasso id=”33857″ link_id=”103623″ ref=”amzn-big-crescent-moon-mirror-fancy-chic-boho-decorative-aesthetic-wall-decor-for-urban-homes-apartments-bedrooms-living-rooms-in-silver-or-gold-with-different-sizes”]

40. Burrito Blanket

[lasso id=”30503″ link_id=”6485241″ ref=”amzn-zulay-60-80-inches-giant-double-sided-burrito-blanket-novelty-big-burrito-blanket-for-adult-and-kids-premium-soft-flannel-round-tortilla-blanket-for-indoors-outdoors-travel-home-and-more”]

41. Sloth Hoodie Blanket

[lasso id=”33858″ link_id=”103624″ ref=”amzn-sloth-wearable-hooded-blanket-for-adults-super-soft-warm-cozy-plush-flannel-fleece-sherpa-hoodie-throw-cloak-wrap-sloth-gifts-for-women-adults-and-kids”]

42. Recycled Paper Photo Frame

[lasso id=”30508″ link_id=”6485242″ ref=”amzn-novica-decorative-recycled-paper-frame-multicolor-4-x-6-square-shrines”]

43. Filtered Water Dispenser

[lasso id=”30513″ link_id=”6485243″ ref=”amzn-brita-standard-ultramax-water-filter-dispenser-gray-extra-large-18-cup-1-count”]

44. Waffle Maker

[lasso description=”I’m sure many waffle lovers would appreciate being able to make waffles so quickly and easily. Just by plugging the machine in and pouring the batter in, your friends or loved ones can start — or even end — their day with this delicious breakfast food.br /br /Besides being used for making waffles, a waffle maker can be used for a couple of other food items such as pizza or quesadillas. I think this item is underrated because so many young adults don’t think about the multifunctionality of items like this.br /br /This specific waffle maker comes in a variety of colors, and some even make fun waffle shapes.” id=”26170″ link_id=”6486561″ ref=”amzn-machine-for-mini-waffle-maker”]

45. Tea Kettle

[lasso id=”33859″ link_id=”103625″ ref=”amzn-lilys-home-2-quart-stainless-steel-whistling-tea-kettle-the-perfect-stovetop-tea-and-water-boilers-for-your-home-dorm-condo-or-apartment-black”]

46. Marshmallow Mug Set

[lasso id=”30530″ link_id=”6485245″ ref=”amzn-avafort-marshmallow-shaped-hot-chocolate-mugs-couple-matching-mugs-anniversary-christmas-wedding-valentines-day-gift-funny-coffee-mug-set-marshmallow-mug”]

47. Bathroom Rugs

[lasso id=”33860″ link_id=”103626″ ref=”amzn-luxury-bath-rugs-by-luxurux-chenille-2-piece-bath-mat-set-soft-plush-anti-slip-bath-rug-toilet-mat-1-microfiber-shaggy-carpet-super-absorbent”]

48. Shower Curtain

[lasso id=”33861″ link_id=”103627″ ref=”amzn-amazerbath-plastic-shower-curtain-72-x-72-inches-eva-8g-shower-curtain-with-clear-stones-and-12-metal-grommet-holes-waterproof-thick-bathroom-curtains-teal”]

49. Bookcase

[lasso id=”33862″ link_id=”103628″ ref=”amzn-furinno-jaya-simple-home-3-tier-adjustable-shelf-bookcase-white”]

50. Pig Bedside Alarm Clock

[lasso id=”33863″ link_id=”103629″ ref=”amzn-mark-feldstein-associates-wacky-wakers-pig-bedside-tabletop-alarm-sound-clock”]

Final Thoughts on White Elephant Gifts

Always remember: the most important thing to consider when choosing a White Elephant gift is making sure the gift can be enjoyed by anyone at your event.

Be sure to consider whether they’ll understand it. Everyone would love to receive a great gift that could be used practically or kept as a unique keepsake.

Just hope the gift you receive is as good as the one you brought!

BLENDtw-The Voice of College Students