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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 contributes a wrapped present 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.
This year may be a bit different as many people will be holding their white elephant parties virtually. But the responsibility of purchasing a gift should remain the same. 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 purchasing 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 an art lover, 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!
Rainbow Yoga Joes
Brogamats | $25
‘The Great Wave' Tote Bag
Loqi | $14.95
Bob Ross Mug
Unemployed Philosophers Guide | $15.95
Avocado Food Huggers
Anthropologie | $12
Storm Cloud
UncommonGoods | $21.27
Holiday Tin Candle
Anthropologie | $22
Animal Society Temporary Tattoo Set
Tattly | $15
Salvador Keychain
Sketch.Inc | $25
Kitten Planter
Anthropologie | $24
“642 Things to Draw” Book
Chronicle Books | $16.95
Cherry Measuring Spoons
Ototo | $16
Dog Playing Cards
Anthropologie | $14.70
Pick-A-Pom Faux Fur Topper
Anthropologie | $8
Agate Coaster
Anthropologie | $14
Gratitude Journal
Anthropologie | $18
Pop Art Crew Socks
Yellow Owl Workshop | $10.95
1,000-Piece Moon Puzzle
Four Point Puzzle | $25
MagnaShapes Spinning Circles
The MET | $24
Tokens of My Love: 24 Redeemable Coupons
Jordan Sondler | $12.99
Adult Award Ribbons
TheHeirloomTomatos | $15
Nail Polish Holder
Tweexy | $9.99
Build-On Brick Mug
Triumphic | $13.90
Silicone Wine Glass Holder for the Shower
30 Watt | $14.99
Baby Nessie Tea Infuser
OTOTO | $12.10
Lollipopter Kinetic Toy
John Edmark | $25
Cactus Cool Mist Humidifier
AmuseND | $15.89
Small Wooden Cat Pile
Comma | $20
Puffer Fish Dryer Buddies
Kikkerland | $9.50
Louis C. Tiffany Favrile Domed Magnets
The MET | $22
Death Star Ice Cube Mold
WiiRun | $12.79
This article has been edited and updated.
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