10 White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $20 for Fun and Affordable Exchanges
White elephant gift exchanges are a classic way to get a little silly with friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays. Sticking to a budget can feel tricky, but with a bit of imagination, we can find quirky gifts that everyone will want to steal—or at least laugh about.
Finding great white elephant gifts under $20 keeps us on budget and still brings a spark of excitement to the party. Whether your group likes practical stuff or goofy surprises, there are loads of affordable options for every vibe.
1. Offwhite Laces (NOT the color)
Offwhite-style laces are a fun, high-quality pick for any sneaker lover. These laces have that iconic "SHOELACES" print and use premium cotton, so they’re not just for show.
Some of the coolest ones? Neon green laces with bold black lettering. The gold tips give them a little extra flair—honestly, they can make any shoes pop.
2. Bob Ross Happy Little Trees Mug
We all know someone who could use a little more Bob Ross in their life. The Bob Ross Happy Little Trees Mug brings a bit of that chill, creative energy to anyone’s morning routine.
It’s got colorful art inspired by his landscapes and those classic positive quotes. It’s the sort of gift that works anywhere—from the kitchen to the office. There are plenty of Bob Ross mugs under $20 online, including on eBay and Amazon.
3. Sherpa Fleece Blanket
Who doesn’t love getting cozy? A sherpa fleece blanket is soft, warm, and useful pretty much anywhere—couch, bed, office chair, you name it.
There are tons of options under $20, so you can find something that fits anyone’s style. A good sherpa blanket is often a favorite in white elephant exchanges.
4. Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Scented Candle
You can’t go wrong with a candle. The Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie scented candle smells like buttery vanilla and sugar cookies—honestly, it’s like baking without the mess.
They’re usually on sale for less than $20. If you’re curious, check out this scented candle option for the holidays.
5. Magnetic Mini Dart Board
Want to add a playful twist to the exchange? A magnetic mini dart board is perfect. It’s small enough for a desk or wall and uses magnets instead of sharp darts.
No worries about safety here. It’s a simple game that can break the ice at parties and works for just about any age group.
6. Tamagotchi Digital Pet
Bring back some nostalgia with a Tamagotchi digital pet. This little gadget lets you care for a virtual pet as it grows from egg to adult.
It’s got easy-to-use buttons and a simple screen. The Tamagotchi is fun for all ages and a solid, affordable choice. You can usually find it for under $20 at various retailers online.
7. Yodeling Pickle Toy
Inject some real laughter into the exchange with a Yodeling Pickle Toy. Push a button and this plastic pickle belts out a ridiculous yodel—it’s as weird as it sounds.
It’s a goofy, unique pick for anyone who likes oddball gadgets. You’ll see this toy pop up on lots of best white elephant gift lists under $20.
8. Funny Toilet Paper Roll with Jokes
If you want to get everyone giggling, a toilet paper roll covered in silly jokes or funny messages is a sure bet. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser.
This gift is simple, affordable, and almost guaranteed to get a laugh. There are plenty of funny novelty toilet paper options under $20.
9. Novelty Cat Butt Tissue Holder
The Cat Butt Tissue Holder is one of those gifts that’s just plain silly. It’s a tissue box cover shaped like a cat’s behind, and it’ll bring a bit of humor to any room.
It’s actually useful, too, for holding tissues. Cat lovers especially will get a kick out of it. You can find it online for less than $20, like on Amazon.
10. Rechargeable Duck Night Light
A rechargeable duck night light makes a cute, budget-friendly gift for any white elephant exchange. The lamp uses food-grade silicone and is BPA free, so it’s safe for kids.
Its soft glow and squishy feel make it both fun and practical. Works great as a bedside lamp for all ages. For more info, check out this cute duck lamp.
How to Choose the Perfect White Elephant Gift
Picking the right white elephant gift means thinking about who’s in the group and finding something that’s funny, useful, or both. The goal? Help everyone have fun and make the exchange a little more memorable.
Understanding Group Dynamics
When choosing a gift, it’s worth considering who’s playing. Is it close friends, family, or maybe coworkers? Each group has its own vibe and comfort zone.
If you’re with coworkers or folks you don’t know well, it’s probably best to avoid anything that might embarrass or offend. Go for practical or universally funny gifts. Family groups might enjoy inside jokes or personal gifts, but even then, it’s safer to keep things light.
Think about the age range, too. Mixed-age gatherings need gifts that work for both teens and adults. Quirky mugs or gadgets are usually safe. Checking out crowd favorites from lists like these white elephant gift ideas for any group can help spark ideas.
Balancing Humor and Practicality
The best white elephant gifts are either hilarious, super useful, or a little bit of both. The most fun exchanges have a mix, so your pick stands out but doesn’t just get tossed aside.
Look for things that’ll get a laugh but still be used—like a funny kitchen towel, a quirky mug, or a handy gadget. If you’re feeling brave, novelty items like a tortilla blanket or a silly desk toy can be a hit.
Try to steer clear of anything too personal or pricey. Simple, fun, and practical gifts under $20, like the ones in many popular gift lists, usually do the trick. If you’re not sure, pick something most people would enjoy, rather than an inside joke only a few will get.
White Elephant Gift Exchange Etiquette
When we join a white elephant exchange, a few basic guidelines help everyone have a better time. Paying attention to spending rules and being aware of your group’s traditions or backgrounds makes the event friendlier for all.
Setting Price Limits
It’s important to agree on a clear price limit before the exchange. Setting a spending cap, like $20, keeps things fair and avoids awkwardness if someone brings a much more expensive or cheaper gift.
It’s best to talk about the price limit ahead of time and make sure everyone’s on the same page. Here’s what we recommend:
| Step | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Set a clear dollar cap | Ensures gifts are even and affordable |
| Communicate the cap | Stops confusion or awkward surprises |
| Stick to the limit | Keeps the focus on fun, not competition |
Consistent spending rules make shopping less stressful. Sticking to the agreed budget means nobody feels left out, and no gift feels out of place. For more tips, check out successful white elephant price limits.
Respecting Cultural Considerations
Not everyone shares the same traditions or background, so it’s smart to pick gifts most people can enjoy, no matter their beliefs or lifestyle.
Avoid gifts that could be offensive, sensitive, or tied to certain cultures, holidays, or beliefs—unless you know everyone’s cool with it. That goes for gag gifts that might be misunderstood or anything related to alcohol, certain foods, or specific holidays.
If your group is pretty diverse, aim for gifts that are neutral, fun, and practical. Safe picks include mugs, puzzles, gadgets, or light-hearted office supplies. For more advice, check out how to plan a gift exchange for everyone. Keeping it inclusive just makes things better for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get lots of questions about finding affordable, fun, and thoughtful white elephant gifts. There really are plenty of great options under $20 that still make an impression at any exchange.
What are some creative white elephant gift ideas for adults within a $20 budget?
You could grab something like a Bob Ross Happy Little Trees Mug or a Magnetic Mini Dart Board. Both are playful and hit the right note for adults who appreciate humor or a quick game.
Adult coloring books or quirky kitchen gadgets can surprise people, too. We honestly think funny and practical gifts just make the whole thing more fun.
Which gifts under $20 are most likely to be fought over in a white elephant exchange?
Soft fleece blankets and scented candles usually get snatched up pretty fast. Something like a Sherpa Fleece Blanket or a Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Scented Candle tends to be a hit.
People seem to go for gifts that are cozy, useful, or just smell amazing. Useful gifts like these usually get traded back and forth a lot.
Can you suggest unique white elephant gifts that stay under $20?
Try looking for things that are both unusual and actually useful. Offwhite Laces (not the color, but funky lace-style shoelaces) are kind of a conversation starter.
Quirky mugs, games you don’t need a board for, or themed candles work, too. Picking something a little offbeat shows you put in some effort without breaking the bank.
What are some universally appealing white elephant gifts that cost no more than $20?
Scented candles, mini games, and soft blankets are pretty safe bets. Most people like at least one of those, no matter what they’re into.
A fleece blanket or a dart board can work at home or even at the office, so they’re good when you’re not sure who’ll end up with it.
How can I find a memorable but inexpensive gift for a white elephant party?
Look for gifts that pop, like mugs with a joke or games you can play right away. Scanning deals and gift lists can help you score something cool without overspending.
Adding a personal touch—like a favorite snack or a customized item—can make even a cheap gift feel special.
What kinds of practical gifts can be bought for $20 that work well for a white elephant exchange?
Everyday stuff with a twist, like magnetic dart boards or soft throws, always comes in handy. Small kitchen gadgets, candles, and even unique laces get used long after the party’s over.
Honestly, practical gifts are everywhere, so even on a tight budget, you’ve got options.
Who Says Great White Elephant Gifts Have to Cost a Lot?
It’s easy to believe that memorable gifts have to be expensive. For a white elephant game, that just isn’t true. Fun, useful, and creative gifts can be found for less than $20.
Some of the best white elephant gifts mix practicality with a bit of humor or style. Gadgets for the kitchen, funny mugs, quirky socks, or eye-catching shoelaces in bold colors or patterns—these are all solid picks. Gifts that add a little flair or make daily life easier tend to get a good reaction.
A gift doesn’t have to be big or pricey to stand out. Sometimes, the most talked-about items are the ones nobody saw coming. Unique items like neon green replacement laces inspired by streetwear trends can make any pair of sneakers pop. They’re stylish, affordable, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to see someone unwrap those at the party? Check out these neon green shoelaces—they’ve got a bold look and classic vibe.
White elephant gifts should be fun and show a bit of personality. Creative ideas like themed shoelaces keep things interesting and memorable. Why not give something that’s both useful and stylish this year?