The Best White Elephant Gifts Under $40
Shop for family, friends, or coworkers white elephant gift exchange ideas that won't break the bank
Great news: you've been invited to a white elephant party! ...now what?
Finding the perfect white elephant gift for a holiday exchange can be tricky. You want something that’s fun and will grab people’s attention, but you don’t want to drop too much money or give something that’ll get tossed in the trash as soon as the swap is over. Never fear: We’ve got a holiday gift guide for white elephant exchange gifts your friends or coworkers will actually want—and they’re $40 or less.
A game for social media stars
Are your group texts full of memes and GIFs? Then you and your friends will excel at What Do You Meme?, a party game that delves into internet humor and pop culture. It’s super easy to play, (even if you don’t know anything about memes), and it’s sure to have everyone cracking up within minutes. It's a funny white elephant gift, perfect for breaking out as soon as the present exchange is over!
Cost: $30
Bags for the essentials (or a DIY gift set!)
If your friends are always on the go, they could probably use a cute unisex bag to help them carry the important stuff on their adventures. The Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack, water bottle Kitsack, and Essential Carryall are all stylish and practical, making them perfect for everything from a trip to the grocery store to a safe gathering with friends. Make it a unique gift by packing something inside: everything from a gift card to a coffee mug to hot sauce.
Or check out the Pakalong Waist Pack to help them carry the important stuff like hand sani, a mask, their chapstick and more!
Cost: Fifth Avenue Waistpack: $17-30
Essential Carryall: $20
Kitsack: $30
Pakalong: $30
White elephant gift ideas that remind them to breathe
It’s been a long year, and most of us are looking for ways to chill out a little. The Zen Garden Litter Box may be meant as a gag gift, but it serves a self-care purpose too. Raking sand around those cute cats can help encourage mindfulness and meditation, which will make your gift recipient feel calmer in no time. They can thank you later.
Cost: $10
The essential binge-watching gadget
Ever had your hand fall asleep while you were watching video after video on your phone? (We’ve all been there.) This eye-catching banana phone stand can solve that problem—and provide a bright pop of color for your desk at the same time.
Cost: $11
The backpack that does it all: Christmas gift, casual accessory, and more
Our SuperBreak Plus backpack is iconic for a reason: It’s durable, has plenty of space for all the essentials, and comes in a variety of fun colors and prints. Whatever your gift recipient gets up to—whether it’s going to school or heading to the park for a picnic—this bag is a great gift to help them prepare.
Cost: $40
An unforgettable karaoke session
If your friends are always singing along to Spotify playlists, a Bluetooth karaoke microphone may be the winning gift. Different tone options let users change the sound of their voice, and built-in LED lights flash and flicker with the music. Hook up to your Bluetooth speakers and get ready to feel like real rockstars!
Cost: $23
Planet-saving mealtime accessories
Help make a difference for plastic trash making it into the ocean and other wild spaces. Silicone or stainless steel straws are the best white elephant gift ideas for the eco-conscious gifter on a budget. You won't have to waffle about your environmental impact, and you’re making a difference with your holiday shopping too.
(Remember, not everyone can use silicone or stainless steel straws safely, so check with friends of your Secret Santa first.)
Cost: Silicone straws: $15
Stainless steel straws: $10
Let us know what fun gifts you're buying this holiday season! Share with us on social media using #LifeUnzipped.
By: Mandy Carr
