The 31 Best White Elephant Gifts of 2022 Under $35 That Won’t Be Re-Gifted
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Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or coworkers, these quirky and sweet gifts are sure to be a hit.
Uncommon Goods
One of the best parts about the holiday season is getting to participate in your favorite annual traditions. Whether your go-to holiday activities include picking out and decorating a tree, decorating gingerbread houses, or hosting a festive cookie swap, there are plenty of fun things to keep you busy this season.
If you’re participating in a white elephant exchange this year, finding the perfect quirky gift can be a challenge. Instead of buying an item that gets re-gifted or left behind at the end of the night, we’ve created a list of items your friends and family will actually want to take home. Our list of the best white elephant gifts under $35 features a handful of cute home decor items, board games, budget-friendly kitchen tools, and more.
The first item on our list of the best white elephant gifts under $35 is the Dash Mini Waffle Maker, which cooks delicious golden waffles on its 4-inch nonstick surface. For a plush yet stylish gift, shop the Lomao Fleece Throw Blanket, which features a textured pattern that’ll look stunning in any living room.
These are the best white elephant gifts under $35.
Dash Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
This miniature waffle maker is a fun yet practical gift breakfast lovers will treasure. We like that it heats up quickly and evenly in just a couple of minutes, allowing you to cook tasty, golden-brown waffles in no time. Plus, at just 4 inches in diameter, it’s a useful tool that won’t take up tons of storage space in your recipient’s kitchen.
Price at time of publish: $13
Lomao Fleece Throw Blanket
With the weather getting colder, it’s a great time to gift friends and family a cozy blanket to curl up under. The Lomao Fleece Throw Blanket is made from high-grade fleece and features a stunning texture on the top layer that not only looks beautiful but also feels super soft. Plus, it comes in 15 different colors to choose from.
Price at time of publish: From $23
Fox Run Polished Marble Rolling Pin with Wooden Cradle
If there’s one thing your recipient will almost definitely find a use for during the holidays, it’s a baking tool. This sleek natural stone rolling pin is great for rolling out cookie dough, cinnamon rolls, pie crust, and more. Because of the marble variations, each rolling pin has a unique look that makes your gift one-of-a-kind. Plus, we love that it comes with a wooden base that prevents the rolling pin from moving around when placed in drawers or on shelves.
Price at time of publish: $25
Better Homes & Gardens 100th Anniversary Cookbook
We think our 100th Anniversary Cookbook makes the best white elephant gift at your holiday party, whether your friends and family are excellent cooks or new in the kitchen. With more than a thousand recipes to try and brand-new chapters that explore the history of America’s first test kitchen, there are plenty of foods and flavors to discover. This hardcover book also features a lay-flat design which makes it easy to refer to the recipe as you cook.
Price at time of publish: $32
Kate Spade New York Lunch Tote, Deco Dots (Out To Lunch), Canvas
This chic-insulated lunch box makes it easy to pack your favorite meals or snacks for a day at the office. At 8 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 4.5 inches tall, there’s plenty of space for sandwiches, sides, thermoses, and more, while the patterned exterior allows you to travel in style. For an even more elevated gift, you can always pack the inside of this lunch tote with candy or other goodies to make unwrapping even more exciting.
Price at time of publish: $30
Godinger Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set
Build the perfect charcuterie board with this sleek acacia cheese board and three-piece knife set. At 12 inches in diameter, the wooden board is the ideal size for serving cheese, meat, crackers, and more in a stunning (and delicious) display. The accompanying stainless steel knife set makes it easy to cut and serve cheese, too.
Price at time of publish: $25
Brooklinen Socks Pack of Two
A pack of luxuriously soft ankle socks from this editor-loved bedding brand makes a great white elephant gift when you’re low on inspiration. With a terry-lined interior and plush cushioning throughout, they’re designed to look as cozy as they feel. Plus, the socks come in small, medium, and large with five different colors, making them a comfortable fit.
Price at time of publish: $14
Orvis Great Outdoors Playing Cards
Whether you’re on a family camping trip, hosting friends at your house, or playing a game of solitaire, it’s always a good idea to have a deck of cards on hand. We love this outdoor-inspired set of playing cards that feature beautiful illustrations on both sides of the card. The four suits are represented by trees, water, mountains, and sky, yet they’re easy enough to recognize in fast-paced games. Plus, the cards come with a stunning wooden box to keep them from getting bent when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $16
Uncommon Goods Heart Bouquet Puzzle
Relax and unwind with this colorful heart-shaped puzzle. Made up of 634 colorful pieces that make up a stunning floral design, it’s a challenging brain teaser that can be finished all in one sitting or spread out over a few days. We like the durable, recycled cardboard construction, which ensures this puzzle will fit together perfectly and last for years.
Price at time of publish: $27
Papier Joy Recipe Journal
It’s easy to keep track of beloved family recipes, new favorite dishes, and important cooking notes with this hardcover recipe journal. With 96 pages and different sections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there’s plenty of space to jot down favorite culinary recipes, cooking tips, and more. You can customize the text on the cover of this notebook before buying it, allowing you to create a unique gift.
Price at time of publish: $35
Uncommon Goods Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden
Your recipient will love being able to keep fresh herbs on hand in the kitchen thanks to this vintage-inspired mason jar planter. It uses a passive hydroponic system to keep herbs perfectly hydrated, so there’s little effort required when it comes to keeping the plant alive. You’ll be able to choose between basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, and rosemary herbs, which arrive in a seed packet, just waiting to be planted.
Price at time of publish: $24
We Are Knitters Dinka Scarf Beginner Knitting Kit
Curl up with this beginner-friendly knitting kit that comes with everything you need to complete a scarf. Regardless of your recipient’s crafting skill level, they’ll be able to follow the simple instructions included in this kit and make their very own scarf to wear all winter long. The kit comes in 20 different yarn colors, and we love the exceptional quality of the cozy yarn.
Price at time of publish: $34
Brooklinen Restore Candle
Our editors love the scent of this soothing single-wick candle, which is designed to help you relax and unwind after a long day. Created by world-class perfumers, it features bright wild berry top notes and a calming blend of violet and cedarwood that’ll linger in your giftee’s home as it burns. We also love that this candle is made of non-toxic materials, contained in a recyclable glass canister, and has a 60-hour burn time.
Price at time of publish: $32
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex Cap
Everyone needs a trusty water bottle to help them stay hydrated, and this Hydro Flask model is a great place to start. With a durable stainless steel construction and a slim design that’ll fit in most cup holders, it’s easy for your recipient to take this water bottle with them on the go without worrying about leaks or damage. According to the manufacturer, it can keep beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, making it great for year-round use.
Price at time of publish: $26
Wordle The Party Games
Inspired by the popular online word game, this dry-erase version of Wordle allows you to test your word skills alongside your friends and family. The game comes with three dry-erase markers and boards, yellow and green tiles to indicate correct or incorrect guesses, and cardboard barriers to hide your work from other players. According to the manufacturer, there are four ways to play this analog word game, meaning you can switch up the rules whenever you’re bored.
Price at time of publish: $20
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves
Keep your giftee cozy and warm this winter with a pair of ultra-soft cashmere gloves. To avoid chilly wrists, the Quince gloves have an extra-long cuff that’ll fit inside your coat sleeves, allowing protection from the elements. The cashmere material is three times warmer than wool, yet we love that it has a sleek and breathable construction. Shop the gloves in six different colors for the coziest white elephant gifts.
Price at time of publish: $30
Drizly 1924 Double Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Made from full-flavored, California-grown grapes, this bottle of cabernet sauvignon is best paired with your favorite savory holiday appetizers. Our editors love the colorful blend of smoky yet sweet aromas this wine possesses, making it one of the best white elephant gifts to open and share.
Price at time of publish: $12
Uncommon Goods Color-Changing Plant Moisture Indicator Set
No matter how green your giftee’s thumb is, this set of five plant moisture indicators will help them keep their indoor plants thriving. Made from thick and durable paper, these monstera leaf-shaped inserts can be placed directly into the plant’s soil. As you water your plants, they’ll turn green when moist, then fade back to white as the soil dries, allowing you to rehydrate your plant at the right time. The best part is these moisture indicators last around three months before biodegrading into the soil.
Price at time of publish: $30
Rifle Paper Co. Holiday Tea Towel
This festive tea towel is a colorful yet functional way to add a little holiday spirit to the kitchen. With six different illustrations to choose from, including holiday lights, Christmas tree farms, and nutcrackers, you’ll be able to find a fun pattern to catch everyone’s attention. The tea towels are soft and ultra-absorbent, making them both beautiful to look at and helpful when drying dishes. They even have a hanging loop for efficient drying.
Price at time of publish: $20
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Keeping your lips hydrated can be a challenge all year round, especially during cold winter months. Packed with vitamin C, shea butter, and nourishing coconut oil, the Laneige lip mask is the perfect self-care gift to avoid chapped lips. It’s designed to be applied before bed every night and keeps skin plump and hydrated all day. With over 13,800 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s a white elephant gift that’s sure to be a hit.
Price at time of publish: $24
Smoko UO Exclusive Food Light
This cute dumpling lamp is love at first light. Thanks to its battery-operated glow, it makes an adorable bedside buddy that automatically shuts itself off after one hour. At around 4 inches on all sides, it’s super easy to wrap for white elephant gifting, and it takes up very little space on your nightstand when in use. Plus, there’s no unsightly power cord to hide.
Price at time of publish: $22
Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap
Anyone can benefit from owning this stylish and functional belt bag, which is designed to hold your phone, keys, wallet, and more when you’re on the go. Waterproof and tear-resistant, it’s sturdy enough to hold up against scratches and falls if you use it while spending time outdoors. We also love that it has multiple zipper pouches, and at 8 x 5 inches, there’s plenty of space to store all your must-haves.
Price at time of publish: $19
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
Anyone who enjoys a steaming cup of coffee in the morning will love this sleek and easy-to-use pour-over coffee maker. Simply heat water, place coffee grounds inside the filter, and slowly pour the water in a circular motion over the grounds. We love the sleek profile and handy cork cuff, which makes it easy to pour a fresh cup without burning your hands or dropping the glass container. Plus, it’s super easy to clean between brews and tuck away into a cupboard when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $22
Anthropologie Woven Geo Dishcloths, Set of 6
This set of six vibrant woven dishcloths makes the chore of hand-washing dishes seem a little more fun. At 12 inches on each side and covered in eclectic, colorful patterns, they’re designed to hold up against wear and tear without fading or unraveling. Use them to scrub dishes or to replace your disposable paper towels, then toss them into the washing machine for easy cleaning.
Price at time of publish: $26
Mosiso 16-Inch Laptop Sleeve
This 16-inch protective laptop sleeve is one of the best white elephant gifts for your coworker’s annual exchange. It has a shock-absorbing polyester foam layer to help protect against accidental drops and a fuzzy interior lining to avoid scratches. There’s also a convenient pocket outside to store laptop accessories, notebooks, and more. This laptop sleeve comes in seven different sizes and 34 colors, so you’ll be able to pick a color and size that strikes your fancy.
Price at time of publish: from $19
Baublebar Sip Sip Hooray Ornament
Bring on the holiday cheer with a glittering ornament so elegant, it’ll outshine the star on top of the tree. Made up of glass and resin stones and bubbling with faux pearls, this eye-catching ornament is a simple yet beautiful gift. It’s 3.8 inches tall, so it’s large enough to be visible on your tree from afar but lightweight enough that it won’t weigh the branches down.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small
Whether your recipient is the jet-setting type or not, this hardcover coffee table book is a great way to inspire new adventures while adding visual flair to their living space. The book is filled with hundreds of photos and thousands of travel recommendations from across the globe, so it’s sure to inspire your giftee to start planning their next adventure.
Price at time of publish: $21
Elecstars Touch Bedside Lamp with Bluetooth Speaker
Set the mood or start a party with this bedside lamp and Bluetooth speaker combo. Switch between six vibrant hues that’ll illuminate the room, dim the lights, or connect your phone via Bluetooth to play your favorite songs. It’s battery-operated and can last up to 10 hours when fully charged, so you won’t have to worry about ugly power cords on your giftee’s deskscape.
Price at time of publish: $26
GoodsmithShop Half-Circle Plant Magnet with Air Plant
Decorate the fridge with living decor thanks to these adorable little air plant magnets. Each wooden magnet is 2 x 1.5 inches and comes with a live air plant and an instruction card to help your recipient keep their new friend alive. If your giftee doesn’t have a green thumb, no sweat—these little guys require no soil, just an occasional soak in lukewarm water and indirect light.
Price at time of publish: $16
West Elm Stone Octagonal Coasters
Host a festive party or a casual holiday dinner without worrying about how your furniture will fare. These sleek and modern coasters protect your coffee table and other flat surfaces from developing moisture rings without being an eyesore. At 4 inches in diameter, the handmade coasters are large enough to hold coffee mugs, cocktail glasses, and chunky water bottles with ease. They even have rubber feet to prevent the stone from slipping or creating scratches on your wooden furniture.
Price at time of publish: $26
Design Imports Mushroom Salt and Pepper Shakers
These charming mushroom salt and pepper shakers add character to any table. Whether your recipient’s home decor trends toward funky, modern pieces or prefer a timeless cottage aesthetic, the glazed ceramic shakers will fit right in. Each shaker is around 3.5 x 2.75 inches, so they won’t take up much space in your kitchen or on the table.
Price at time of publish: $17
The Bottom Line
The best white elephant gifts don’t have to be gag gifts. Instead of spending money on silly items that’ll be regifted or left behind when the party’s over, we’ve rounded up the best white elephant gifts under $35 that your recipient will love. One of our favorite white elephant gifts is the Dash Mini Waffle Maker, which allows the giftee to craft mini golden-brown waffles in a matter of minutes.
Your Questions, Answered
How much money should you spend on a white elephant gift?
When shopping for the best white elephant gifts for your friends, family, or coworkers, it can be tricky to know how much you’re supposed to spend. If you’re organizing a white elephant gift exchange for your holiday party, we recommend keeping the income ranges and lifestyles of your guests in mind before setting a spending limit. This helps to ensure that everyone can bring a gift that’s well within their budget and that all the gifts are approximately the same value.
How do you choose the best white elephant gifts?
Depending on the type of party you’re attending, the best white elephant gifts will be cute or quirky items that cost $35 or under. Though some rules ask attendees to bring gag gifts to a white elephant exchange, others may iterate small purchases. We’ve found that the best white elephant gifts are tailored to the interests of the other participants in the exchange—this helps to ensure that everyone has a chance to get something they want. It also minimizes the number of items left behind or thrown away at the end of the party.
Who We Are
Samantha Jones is an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens, writing and editing stories about the latest home, kitchen, and garden products on the market. For this story, Samantha scoured the internet (and her own holiday gifting list) to find the best white elephant gifts under $35 for friends, family, and even coworkers.
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