The 45 Best White Elephant Gifts That Everyone at the Party Will Want to Steal (2024)

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

The phrase “white elephant” was first used in the 1800s in reference to a king of Siam, now modern-day Thailand. According to legend, he’d give rare albino pachyderms to unpleasant courtiers who couldn’t afford the animal’s upkeep—a grand gift in theory, but impossible to maintain in practice.

Now, white elephant gifting signifies a swap party, an exchange of items that range from fun and humorous to practical. Some have price caps, others have themes, but the gist remains the same: participants draw numbers and then, in turn, either select one of the wrapped gifts anonymously placed in a pile or steal one that was already opened. It definitely can get very competitive, depending on the selection, but everyone can rest assured that they won’t leave empty-handed.

Indeed, a white elephant party has gained praise for its blanketed “good for anyone” focus—especially when all involved bring practical goodies. When cooler months approach, it’s best to steal blankets, slippers, coffee mugs, and hand warmers. In the summer, beach towels, sparkling wine, sunglasses and bucket hats are great options. Regardless of season, it’s a great way to stock up on essentials. And if you need help finding selects to wrap up and put in a pile, we’ve gathered the best white elephant gifts—all of them grand and certainly easy to maintain.

Best White Elephant Gift for the World Traveler

Nue Co. Functional Fragrance

Long-distance traveling can leave us dehydrated, stressed and tired. For the world traveler in your life, Nue Co. has created an idiosyncratic formula to alleviate some of that—with a special blend of green cardamom, bergamot, cilantro and palo santo. Spray these sustainably-sourced ingredients on pulse points when you’re feeling stressed, and with 30 minutes, the connection between cognitive function and your olfactory system will activate, impacting your emotional state for the better.

Buy Now on Nue Co.: $95

Best White Elephant Gift for the Hat Wearer

Jacquemus Le Bob Neve

Bucket hats may seem like more of a summer accessory, but this fuzzy Jacquemus option says otherwise. The plush fabric will add texture and contrast to any outfit, bolstering your winter wardrobe (which, let’s face it, mostly likely consists of black on black.) Your friends will be fighting over who gets to wear this crown as the colder months roll in.

Buy Now on Fwrd: $250

Pop Art Style by Julie Belcove

Pop Art Style is a perfect library addition for the art lover in your life. Penned by Robb Report’s own Julie Belcove, the title details enticing stories from the art world, when creators like Andy Warhol ruled the scene. From the first wave to its recent impact on today’s era of product development, social media and more, the tome perfectly illustrates the lasting appeal of Pop Art.

Buy Now on Assouline: $94

Best White Elephant Gift for Dawdlers

Ember Mug

Some gulp down their coffee or tea in one sitting, taking in all the heat before it dissipates. Others like to cradle their drink, sipping it gradually throughout the day. The latter, usually, have to microwave their mugs or just deal with a lukewarm beverage. But no longer! Thanks to Ember, dawdlers can now enjoy a hot cup of joe at their leisure—and have it stay hot. The brand has created a device that’ll keep beverages at a user’s desired temperature.

Buy Now on Ember: $130

Best White Elephant Gift for the Over-Stressed

Mount Lai Jade Tension Melting Massager

Back-to-back meetings, deadlines, egos: the work day can be extremely stressful. Double that if family responsibilities are in the picture. This is why it’s important to take breaks to calm the nerves. And if you know someone that needs to alleviate all that pent-up tension, gift them a jade massager. The tool deeply kneads the skin and muscles, helping soothe any anxiety caused by crazy office and home dynamics.

Buy Now on Sephora: $72

Best White Elephant Gift for the Hot-Tempered

Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact TP7A Purifying Fan

Dyson revolutionized vacuums by offering designs that were equal parts chic and effective. The same could be said of the brand’s electric fans, which will circulate purified air like none other. It really does offer the best of the best. And if you know someone that gets hot easily—and gets cranky as a result—the buck stops at this sleek device.

Buy Now on Neiman Marcus: $550

Best White Elephant Gift for Stylish Timekeepers

Fornasetti Viso Wall Clock

Time is money, and if you know someone that likes to keep on a schedule, there’s no better gift than a stylish clock—especially one from Fornasetti, one of the premier purveyors of home décor and furniture. The brand’s designs take old-world styles and make them fresh and modern, always offering more bang for your buck.

Buy Now on Neiman Marcus: $368

Best White Elephant Gift for the New Homeowner

MAX ID NY Ghost Highball Glasses

This set of highballs from Maximilian Eicke’s label MAX ID NY is truly other-wordly. Part of the Ghost collection, these blue glasses feature a solid base and geometrically-designed sides that are equally parts edgy and fancy. Ideal for the new homeowner in your life, this gift will truly bring new life to a co*cktail.

Buy Now on MAX ID NY: $96

Best White Elephant Gift for the Hotel Hopper

Malin + Goetz Best-Sellers Travel Set

In 2004, Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz founded the apothecary and skincare company MALIN+GOETZ. Aimed to provide uncomplicated skincare for everyday users, they set out to make a line that was clean, streamlined and effective. Over the years, they have consistently sold out their top products, most of which have remained unchanged since their launch over 18 years ago. Now, they’ve combined all these products into a collection of minis. For the hotel hopper in your life (who rarely uses low-quality products while traveling), the set—housed in recyclable aluminum tubes—includes a grapefruit cleanser, a vitamin E face moisturizer, a bergamot hand and body wash, vitamin B5 body moisturizer, peppermint shampoo and a cilantro conditioner.

Buy Now on Malin and Goetz: $34

Best White Elephant Gift for the Card-Only Carrier

Montblanc Meisterstück Meisterstück Leather Cardholder

We all have a friend that never carries cash. Whether it’s a night out at the bar or a day of shopping, they’re always reaching for a card. Enter Montblanc’s Meisterstück wallet—the perfect white elephant gift for the man that just needs the bare minimum before walking out the door.

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $180

Best White Elephant Gift for Minimalists

Mejuri Gold Beaded Ring

Dainty and simple yet bold and unique, the Mejuri’s beaded ring will excite any minimalist. But if they chose to change their MO and pile of the bling, they can easily get more of these these 14K gold rings and stack them.

Buy Now on Mejuri: $98

Best White Elephant Gift for Day-Trippers

Longchamp Le Pliage Bag

Taking a day trip typically requires minimal packing; all that’s needed is a compact bag to fill all the essentials. Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage bag is perfect for this scenario. It’s a light, foldable canvas bag that features a leather strap and trim, two flat pockets and a zipped and snap closure.

Buy Now on Saks Fifth Ave $155

Best White Elephant Gift for the Homebody

Baccarat Flora Biseau Vase

Everybody loves a vibrant bouquet of flowers, but not all of us are home enough to appreciate them. For the homebody who loves to spend their weeknights and weekends chilling on their couch, we’re loving Baccarat’s crystal Flora Biseau vase. Weighing over a solid pound, the vertical beveled-cut item is a gorgeous gift for those that want to rest in a cozy place filled with florals.

Buy Now on Saks Fifth Avenue: $190

Best White Elephant Gift for the Workout Partner

Prada Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Typically known for its chic garments and accessories, Prada has ventured into the market of functional workout gear. For the gym buddy who motivates you and keeps you focused, we recommend a white elephant gift that can keep them hydrated in style: the Prada 350 ml stainless steel water bottle. With an exterior embossed logo, the black bottle features a snap-hook and removable ring, thermic properties and a screw-on lid.

Buy Now on Prada: $120

Best White Elephant Gift for the Makeup Artist

Dior Addict Refillable Shine Lipstick

Applying makeup on the go has never been easier, with mini products, travel cases, and makeup mirrors abound in plenty of totes. For the makeup lover who has all these accessories and more, it’s only fitting to give them something as glamorous as they are. Enter the Dior Refillable Lipstick, a nifty container that makes it all too easy to swap out their current lipstick for the new shade of the moment. Or perhaps your pal likes to rock the same lipstick, day in and day out—after all, sticking to what you know best also makes a statement. Either way, this gift will upgrade your pal’s lip game, without a doubt.

Buy Now on Sephora: $30

Best White Elephant Gift for the Winter Warrior

Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Gloves

If you’ve recently moved to a cooler climate, getting used to freezing temperatures is a new experience. For the new winter warrior in your life, someone who commutes outdoors or wants to keep cozy on a cold night out, Loro Piana’s baby cashmere gloves are a luxurious treat. Made in Italy, the plain-knit gloves, available in four colors, are inspired by the brand’s dedication to tailoring, featuring a ribbed trim with leather.

Buy Now on Mr Porter: $525

Best White Elephant Gift for the Bold Best Friend

Aurate Diamond Snake Ring

We absolutely adore the look of stacked rings—especially ones with interesting silhouettes. Like a moth to a flame, this gem from Aurate will surely attract the attention of a fellow jewelry fanatic. The coiled shape looks oh-so-elegant on the hand; it’s really a diamond-studded statement just waiting to be added into any jewelry rotation.

Best White Elephant Gift for the Host

Gucci Herbarium Oval Tray

For the host with the most, we recommend gifting Gucci’s oval tray. Crafted from white Richard Ginori porcelain, it features the brand’s Herbarium motif—a whimsical touch on toile de jouy. Inspired by a vintage fabric, the piece is designed to be a serving dish or tray, welcoming guests into your abode with style and class.

Buy Now on Gucci: $360

Best White Elephant Gift for the Faux Plant Collector

Birds of Paradise Live Plant

We can’t all have a green thumb, which is why faux options exist. But if you want the real deal, Birds of Paradise, a plant native to South Africa, is easy to care for. This option can stand one-to-five feet out of the box, and only needs minimal sunlight and watering.

Buy Now on Amazon $66

Best White Elephant Gift for the Blowout Bar Regular

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer

The Revlon Salon one-step hair dryer and volumizer hot brush is an incredibly effective, at-home blowout solution for both men and women. Available in two colors, the tool features a nylon pin and tufted bristle brush head styler at the end of a six-foot power cord. With three settings and powered with over a thousand watts, it is the next best thing to going to an actual salon.

Buy Now on Ulta: $65

Best White Elephant Gift for the Homebody

Ugg Tasman Slipper

Long live the Ugg-naissance. At least, that’s what your pals and coworkers will be thinking when they end up grabbing the slippers of the moment. We all know what to expect from Ugg by now: quality suede, plush wool, and a sole that can take on any terrain, indoors or out. (Yes, I am indeed a proponent of wearing Uggs out of the house. No, I’m not bothered if that changes your opinion of me. After all, I’ll have my comfy footwear.) The black and chestnut colors are simply the best, ones that a lucky gift getter can rock all winter long.

Buy Now on Ugg: $110

Best White Elephant Gift for the Home Fragrance Fanatic

Apotheke Blackberry Honey Ceramic Scented Candle

Fall is upon us, folks, so bring that cozy feeling straight to someone’s living room. Apotheke blends berries, vanilla, and caramel to create that ideal cooler-weather scent to enjoy while sitting fireside. You know the moment when you first step out into that cool autumn air, watching the breeze gently waft fallen leaves across your path? That’s exactly what this scent evokes: Calm, fall-filled delight.

Buy Now on Apotheke: $46

Best White Elephant Gift for Wine Lovers

Beaulieu Vineyard Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

A bottle of red will always sit well with wine lovers—especially when you show up at a party with this delicious vino from Beaulieu Vineyard. It’ll pair well with any fabulous holiday dinner they’re having, too.

Best White Elephant Gift for the Sentimental Friend

A necklace that pairs easily with any fit and looks good while doing it can be hard to find. What’s more, when hunting for the perfect white elephant gift, you’d want something that appeals to everyone’s style. Enter Elizabeth Moore’s 14-karat yellow-gold option, a bauble that will look chic around any neck. And it can easily join someone’s existing necklace stack.

Buy Now on Saks Fifth Ave: $700

Best White Elephant Gift for the Photography Buff

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Hybrid Instant Camera

Film or digital? That can be a tricky question when it comes to gifting a camera. This compact option from Fujifilm cherry-picks the best from both spheres. With 10 lens effects and another 10 film effects, the camera allows you play with focus, light, and other aspects, letting you moonlight as a pro. And you can print your photos right then and there, just as easily as snapping a pic.

Buy Now on Urban Outfitters: $240

Best White Elephant Gift for the Espresso Drinker

Illy Set of Two Espresso Cups

Each year, Illy—that famed coffee brand—comes out with an art collection from a creative. For 2023, the brand is serving up pieces with works from Pascale Marthine Tayou, who crafted a colorful line of coffee accessories meant to showcase the vibrancy of life—much like that sense of vigor you get from your favorite cup o’ joe. This set of espresso cups pull double duty, both as a fun drink holder but also a piece of home decor worthy of display.

Buy Now on Illy: $85

Best White Elephant Gift for Headliners

Jacquie Aiche Bezel Finger Bracelet

The California-based jewelry designer Jacquie Aiche gained early acclaim thanks to names like Rihanna and Beyoncé. For your friend who wears the same jewelry day after day and never takes it off, we recommend her finger bracelet, featuring one small bezel diamond at its center. Available in three sizes in either 14K yellow, rose or white gold, the piece is an iconic addition to the jewelry box. It’s definitely for headliners.

Buy Now on Jacquie Aiche: $650

Best for the Master of Ceremonies

Krug Rosé 23ème Edition Champagne

There’s always that one guest at a shindig that corals everyone together, raising their glass to toast to whatever is being celebrated. They are often the life of the party, the master of ceremonies with a bubbly personality that never fails to entertain. Similar sentiments could be said of this delicious rosé chamagange from Krug. Indeed, they’ll definitely appreciate raising their glass with this drink inside.

Buy Now on Reserve Bar: $420

Best White Elephant Gift for the Cool Friend

Maui Jim Lychee Sunglasses

Grace Kelly had it right: Cat-eye sunglasses are simply stunning. And now a gift recipient can rock their own polarized pair, courtesy of Maui Jim. These frames are petite and won’t overwhelm any face, but they still pack just the right amount of punch. I personally wear these sunnies all year long, making this a prime pick in the pile of presents.

Buy Now on Maui Jim: $349

Best White Elephant Gift for the Early Bird

Rex Design Handmade Stoneware Mug

There’s something so luxe about handmade pieces. And this mug certainly fits the bill with the hand-drawn blue etchings on a neutral facade. It manages to be modern yet lively, whimsical even: a blend that is oft hard to find while browsing any old decor store. Also, the thick handle makes me (a resident dropper of all things fragile) feel at ease, knowing that I can grip it tightly.

Buy Now on Nordstrom: $54

Best White Elephant Gift for Flower Lovers

Venus et Fleur Floral Wine Glasses

Venus et Fleur is known for its stunning eternity flowers, ones that will last a year (or more) and still look lovely wherever they’re displayed. Now you can bring that same floral excellence to your next white elephant party with this gorgeous set of wine glasses. This set takes the term “stem” seriously, replacing the traditional design with one shaped like something found in a garden, complete with a beautiful bloom acting as its base. Basically, you’re giving your pals something that will look fantastic perched in a glass cabinet—and a vessel for their favorite wine to boot.

Buy Now Venus et Fleur: $198

Best White Elephant Gift for Cognac Lovers

Louis XIII Miniature Cognac

Sometimes, the best outlook for white elephant parties is go big or go home. This ethos certainly applies to this spirit, which is well worth the hype. This mini version of Louis XIII is a fantastic way to experience the brand for the first time—or perhaps a gentle reminder as to why this Cognac is so superb. And it’s all bottled in a crystal decanter worthy of, well, royalty.

Buy Now on Reserve Bar: $799

Best White Elephant Gift for Pickleball Fanatics

Tangerine Navy Hamptons Stripe Pickleball Bag

It’s no secret that pickleball is the sport of the moment. Let your pals continue to ride the trend and keep their game consistent by offering up a retro pickleball bag for all their belongings. The case can hold two paddles and offers up plenty of space to stash a water bottle, extra balls, and whatever other essentials that keep them on their A-game. Thanks to you, their pickleball skills won’t be the only thing impressing people on the court.

Buy Now on Tangerine: $170

Best White Elephant Gift for Smoothie Fans

Nutribullet Ultra Personal Blender

Touted as Nutribullet’s quietest single-serve blender yet, the Ultra is a necessary accessory in any kitchen. And if you know someone in your white elephant party is missing out, this is the perfect time to let them in on the fun. This blender is a powerhouse, one that can transform ingredients into smoothies in no time flat.

Buy Now on Amazon: $150

Best White Elephant Gift for Skincare Junkies

Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask

This bad boy won the prize for Best Hydrating Face Mask in our 2023 Grooming Awards, and it’s not hard to see why. It keeps dryness at bay while packing a moisturizing punch that’ll carry you through the winter and beyond. And it can be worn overnight for maximum results. It’s the ultimate skin care treat—exactly what a white elephant gift should be.

Buy Now on Augustinus Bader: $215

Best White Elephant Gift for Explorers

Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler

A Yeti is always a gift we can get behind, no matter what time of year. Winning one of these coolers is like winning the white elephant jackpot—they’re that coveted. They’re the best way to keep drinks cold during a backyard bash, day at the beach, or a camping trip. They also come in an array of limited-edition hues, adding a fun pop to any occasion.

Buy Now on Yeti: $325

Best White Elephant Gift for Clever Cooks

Brightland The Artist Capsule

I am not a chef, nor do I pretend to be. But perhaps your pals or officemates are culinary savants. (If so, please send along their recipes. I need all the help I can get.) For all your favorite foodies, look no further than this capsule of delicious olive oils. Here, you’ll get four bottles that are ready to be served with any dish, from chili to salad. Plus, the set comes with a special label crafted by a select group of artists—a great conversation-starter for their next dinner party.

Buy Now on Brightland: $150

Best White Elephant Gift for Fragrance Fiends

Diptyque Hourglass Diffuser

Sure, diffusers are great, but occasionally their package falls flat, looking more drab than fab. That’s anything but the case with this offering from Diptyque. Housed in a striking handmade hourglass, the piece leans more toward the home decor slant than a fragrance—and that’s exactly the point. Simply flip over the hourglass, and the warm, gingery scent will begin to envelop the space. It’ll look equally as good in a coworker’s office as it would on a coffee table or shelf.

Buy Now on Net-a-Porter $190

Best White Elephant Gift for Dry Hands

Aesop Resurrection Duet

There is something so satisfying about having matching hand soap and lotion in your bathroom. Why, then, is that something we rarely ever buy for ourselves? Save the pal the trouble of finding their perfect combo by including this citrus-filled woodsy scent from Aseop in your next white elephant game. After all, hand care is part of self-care.

Buy Now on Aesop: $129

Best White Elephant Gift for Wintertime

L.L.Bean Cozy Sherpa Wearable Throw

Everyone loves to snuggle up under a cozy blanket, letting the warmth of a fireplace surround them with ease. These are just the laws of winter. Which means no one with this white elephant gift could ever possibly be disappointed—they’ll now be able to roam around the house in complete comfort all day long. Consider it a cold season must-have.

Buy Now on L.L.Bean: $69

Best White Elephant Gift for Board Game Fans

Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue Vintage Board Game Bookshelf Collection

This nifty trio of Scrabble, Clue, and Monoply gives someone the chance to display their cherished board games in an entirely new way. Thanks to neutral packaging, one that’s disguised as books, the set could be displayed anywhere in the home. Plus, if the person who ends up with this white elephant gift is part part of a brood of game fanatics, you’ve also given them the a reason to spend time with their loved ones, partaking in a little friendly competition. And what could be better than that?

Buy Now on Amazon: $113

Best White Elephant Gift for Those With a Sweet Tooth

Milk Bar Holiday Crunchies

Holidays without sweet treats are simply not worth celebrating. Here to help them ring in the most wonderful time of the year is Milk Bar, which is serving delectable candy cane and chocolate cookies to nibble on all season long.

Best Creative White Elephant Gift

Pampshade Baguette Lamp

Oui, this LED lamp is made from a real baguette (don’t worry, it has an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial coating to preserve it for years to come), and oui, that immediately makes it the best lighting system we’ve ever seen. This is a gift that truly embodies the spirit of white elephant parties—fun, funky, and fantastique.

Best White Elephant Gift for Animal Lovers

Georg Jensen Elephant Bottle Opener

This bottle opener is a little on the nose (trunk?), something that an elephant-loving recipient will fully appreciate. After all, these massive mammals represent good fortune, and we can all use a little bit of that heading into the new year.

Best White Elephant Gift for Pokémon Fanatics

A.P.C. x Pokémon Logo-Print Cotton T-Shirt

Your loved one can carry Pikachu with them wherever their quests take them—though instead of using a Poké ball, they’ll be able to rock the beloved Pokémon character on this classic tee from A.P.C., purveyor of some of the finest shirts in the market.

Best White Elephant Gift for Cowboys

Paddywax Cowboy Boot Match Set

Make your friend the rootinest,tootinest match lover around with this set that’s all too fitting for fans of the Wild Wild West (or cowboy-centric footwear). And it’s a fun decor piece to boot.