17 Best White Elephant Gifts (2024): Lego, Desk Accessories

White elephant parties present a unique challenge: can you find something either cool enough or fun enough within a certain budget that a group of people – who are potentially strangers – scramble to take it home?

If you’re headed for your first white elephant gift exchange, here’s a quick rundown of what’s about to happen. Everyone will bring a wrapped gift (often under a certain price, like $25) and place it in a pile or centerpiece, then everyone will draw a number to see the order. When your number is called, you can either choose and unwrap a gift from the pile or steal one that has already been unwrapped by someone. Most exchanges will have a limit on how often you can steal a gift – usually around three times – so if you have the best gift in your hands, there’s no guarantee you’ll keep it. If your gift is stolen, you can either unwrap a new one or steal a different gift (no returns, sorry).

The real thrill comes from finding something great among a pile of who knows what. Some people bring gifts as a joke, others bring alcohol to be safe, and some gifts will feel like trash to you but gems to others. Here are some gifts I recommend you bring, ranging from quirky to cool. There’s something in this guide for every potential price ceiling.

Looking for more gift ideas? Don’t miss our other great ones gift guidesinclusive The best gifts under $30, The best gifts for cold people, The best gifts for mothersand The best gifts for outdoorsmen.

Updated December 2024: Added Sauceware, Camera, THC Spirits, and some cozy cozies, removed an out-of-stock gift, and updated links and prices.