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Every year, people are putting a fun spin on the conventional holiday gift exchange with a white elephant party. The rules lend themselves to a playful environment and even some light-hearted shenanigans.
So, what is a white elephant gift exchange? Also called a Yankee Swap, there are a few basic rules. Essentially, each person in the swap brings a wrapped present to contribute to a gift pool. Usually, the event organizer has stipulations on price and type of gift. Some white elephant exchanges, for instance, encourage people to re-gift something they never wanted in the first place.
Once the items are in, players draw numbers to determine the order they’ll select a gift. Then, everyone sits in a circle so they can all see the presents. The first player picks their gift and opens it. Here’s what makes the white elephant exchange different from something like a Secret Santa: the following players can take an item from the pool or steal a previous player’s gift. If someone has their present stolen, then they can either choose a new gift or steal it from someone else. This continues until everyone has had a turn.
If you’ve been invited to participate in one of these exchanges, it can be tricky to pick a gift. You’re not buying for a specific person; instead, you’re bringing something that would appeal to at least several people. To help you in this endeavor, we’ve selected a variety of quirky and creative gifts that are all $25 and under. We’re sure that there’s a Star Wars fan, tea enthusiast, and cat lover in your group! See our entire selection, below.
Need something for a white elephant gift exchange? Here are quirky and creative gifts all for $25 or less!
Cozy Sweater Mug

Antropologie | $12
Rainbow Yoga Joes

Brogamats | $25
Pop Art Crew Socks

Yellow Owl Workshop | $10
Van Gogh Irises Candle

1,000-Piece Moon Puzzle

Four Point Puzzle | $24.95
Unicorn Trinket Bowl

The MET | $25
MagnaShapes Spinning Circles

The MET | $24
Garden Greeting Pot

Anthropologie | $24
Metropolitan Museum of Art Masterpieces Deluxe 2020 Calendar

The MET | $21.99
Death Star Kitchen Timer

Star Wars | $22.99
Round Polarized Sunglasses

WearMe Pro | $23
Tokens of My Love: 24 Redeemable Coupons

Jordan Sondler | $10.83
Adult Award Ribbons

Uncommon Goods | $25
Nail Polish Holder

Tweexy | $9.99
Build-On Brick Mug

Triumphic | $12.50
Silicone Wine Glass Holder for the Shower

30 Watt | $13.85
Baby Nessie Tea Infuser

OTOTO | $12.40
Blockitecture Habitat

James Paulius | $22.50
Face Vase

Torre & Tagus | $25.75
Lollipopter Kinetic Toy

John Edmark | $25
Cactus Cool Mist Humidifier

AmuseND | $14.89
Small Wooden Cat Pile

Comma | $20
Puffer Fish Dryer Buddies

Kikkerland | $9.50
Gentlemen’s Hardware Survival Kit

Anthropologie | $18
Louis C. Tiffany Favrile Domed Magnets

The MET | $22
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