Exchanging gifts is not just a gesture, it’s a language of its own, which can enhance friendships, build or rebuild broken bonds and even form relationships.
But white elephant gifts exchange is more of a unique game than a gesture, this gift stealing/exchanging game is the perfect element for entertainment You don’t have to put much thought into it but you still need research to stand out in the crowd, and enhance the gift stealing party.
Especially when white elephant gift exchange is happening in your office, or office party, a bit of fun with practicality can be considered the latter is not a must. Nevertheless, there are a million things that can be exchanged for the heck of it since this gift exchange can be totally random.
However, finding some unique items can always be a bonus, and that’s why we are here to show you some white elephant gifts that everyone will fight for. So, before a lot of ticks on the clock happen, let’s find you the best white elephant office gift.
Best White Elephant Office Gift in 2024
Here are some top-rated examples of white elephant gifts that you can opt for
1. Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle
Why do we love it?
- Keep your beverage hot/cool with insulation.
- Thoughtful gift as it might keep your coworker hydrated.
- It has a very user-friendly design
- Keeps your desk or hands sweat-free.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅It can hold a huge amount of content. | ❌ A bit heavy. |
| ✅Available in several colors. | |
| ✅Can retain heat/cold for the entire day. |
2. Unique Bamboo Cheese Board
Why do we love it?
- Useful for office parties, for cutting and serving different appetizers
- Sturdy, so you don’t have to purchase again and again.
- Serves more than just cheese and crackers.
- A fancy and thoughtful gift for a white elephant.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Available in two sizes. | ❌ Overwashing can damage the wooden material. |
| ✅High-quality material. | |
| ✅Perfect for outdoor picnics. |
3. Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup – Coral Pink
Why do we love it?
- Leakproof so you won’t be getting any stains during a run.
- Reusable and easy to carry around.
- Dishwasher and microwave friendly so you can clean and wash conveniently.
- Long-lasting, so your coworker always remembers you when looking at it.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Durable. | ❌ Pricey for a cup. |
| ✅Safe | |
| ✅Available in several colors and sizes. |
4. Coffee Mug Wine Gift Set
Why do we love it?
- It is two in one, so it can be gifted to two coworkers.
- Very useful at the workplace as everyone needs refreshing drinks.
- The spacious design helps in holding maximum content.
- Lasts longer due to high-quality material.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Economical. | ❌ Need to be handled with care. |
| ✅Durable. | |
| ✅Stylish. |
5. Eddie Bauer – Plush Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket
Why do we love it?
- Cosy for special movie nights.
- Reversible, so you have variety and can be worn for longer intervals without washing
- The polyester material keeps you warm.
- It's suitable for anymore, whether you are male, female, tall or short.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Machine wash. | ❌ Pricier than some other brands. |
| ✅Lightweight. | |
| ✅Multiple designs are available. |
6. BSIRI Wine Bottle Puzzles Games
Why do we love it?
- Best gift for a party as it is two in one so can be practical as well as unique
- It can accommodate wine bottles of any size.
- Wooden material is seldom damaged, so no need to worry about quality issues
- Fun to play and present to your guests.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅No fear of rusting. | ❌ Not an appropriate gift for everyone. |
| ✅Available for beer bottles as well. | |
| ✅Smart and stylish. |
7. Mydethun Moon Lamp
Why do we love it?
- Brightens up cabin space especially during long night shifts
- Useful during power cuts, if you have them in your office.
- Takes less of your time charging.
- You won’t feel guilty buying it as it is eco-friendly.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lightweight. | ❌ Not very useful in bright light settings. |
| ✅Power saver. | |
| ✅Eco-friendly. |
8. Suweor Upo Christmas Lighted Water Lantern
Why do we love it?
- Can be used as a Christmas gift as well.
- It's not very heavy on your pocket
- It looks pretty classy and can stand out in the crowd
- Best value for money with its price and looks.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Gorgeous. | ❌ Not an appropriate gift for less intimate coworkers. |
| ✅It can be used indoor or outdoor. | |
| ✅It can be used as a night light. |
9. Cooler Life Vest Jacket Cover
Why do we love it?
- Keep your drink hot or cold, whatever you like.
- Doesn’t affect your drinking in any way.
- Keeps your hand safe from heat/cold.
- Makes your drinks interesting.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lightweight. | ❌ Only works best with tins. |
| ✅Cheaper than other similar products. | |
| ✅Easy to use. |
10. Fanny Pack Gifts-3D Men Beer Belly Waist Pack
Why do we love it?
- A very practical gift for carrying your drinks to keep yourself hydrated.
- No more fear of losing important stuff other than your drinks
- It’s a funny gift for your colleague because it looks a bit awkward while wearing
- A skin-friendly belt keeps you comfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lightweight | ❌ Someone may not like the joke! |
| ✅Unisex | |
| ✅Waterproof |
11. Banana Phone Bluetooth Handset
Why do we love it?
- It works well with both Apple and Android phones.
- Long Bluetooth range so anyone can use it from any corner of the office.
- Quickly recharged, so a great time-saver.
- Looks so cool and funny, can definitely help you stand out in the party.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Convenient. | ❌ The call quality is average. |
| ✅Useful. | |
| ✅Multifunctional. |
12. Coffee Mug Warmer
Why do we love it?
- Can warm content is different mugs sizes.
- Much need in offices where coffee machines are absent.
- Smart device and convenient to use.
- Waterproof, four-color so no fear of damage.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Water-resistant. | ❌ It cannot take mugs over 0.8 pounds. |
| ✅Easy to clean. | |
| ✅Available in two colours. |
Looking for some practical items for your office? Check out these office chairs for long hours.
13. GaHoo Magnetic Dart Board
Why do we love it?
- Several darts, so many people can play at the same time.
- Magnetic darts, so you won’t lose any.
- Breaks the monotony of the office environment.
- Safe to use as darts are needleless.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Colorful. | ❌ A bit pricey. |
| ✅Engages maximum people simultaneously. | |
| ✅Exciting. |
14. Christmas Ornament
Why do we love it?
- Can always stay in the office by hanging on the wall.
- It’s very easy to Pack
- No one will ever suspect what’s in the box. Especially a Christmas gift
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Sturdy material. | ❌ Somewhat pricey. |
| ✅Looks amazing. | |
| ✅Lightweight. |
15. Nut Craving Nuts Gift Basket
Why do we love it?
- Seven signature nuts make you feel like royalty.
- It can be shared around with different coworkers.
- Three size options are available.
- Makes you a hero at an office party.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Kosher and vegan. | ❌ Costly plus works only one time when the basket is full. |
| ✅Seven different pieces in one basket. | |
| ✅Perfect for snack time. |
16. COOLOO Pencil Holder Cell Phone Stand
Why do we love it?
- Keep your phone and stationery in one place.
- You will have no fear of losing pens and pencils.
- Stylish so brightens up your workspace.
- It can bear heavy weight with ease, so will not break.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Keep things in one place. | ❌ Flimsy to some extent. |
| ✅Environmental friendly. | |
| ✅Inexpensive. |
Looking for a unique gift for your love interest in the office? Check out these premium NFT displays and express your love!
17. Amorxio Christmas Candle
Why do we love it?
- Gives the best form of Aromatherapy.
- It Wishes you “Merry Christmas”.
- Gives clean-burning, so no messy wax on your table.
- Scents up the workspace with a light aroma. [/su_expand]
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Best for office, home or outdoor events. | ❌ Works only for female colleagues. |
| ✅Convenient Christmas gift. | |
| ✅Available in multi-colours. |
18. Cocodor Rose Flower Reed Diffuser
Why do we love it?
- Gives a fragrant ambiance to the office.
- Last long and reminds your coworker of you.
- Looks gorgeous in your office or your table.
- Safe to use by even those who have allergies. [/su_expand]
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Not an overwhelming scent. | ❌ Sticks have to be turned after some time to refresh the fragrance. |
| ✅Reaches all corners of a room. | |
| ✅Improves your work experience. |
19. Mini Bowling Set Table Top Bowling Game
Why do we love it?
- It is a fun engagement in your free time.
- It takes up minimum space, which makes it easy to place anywhere and even hide if you are playing during work hours!
- It can be gifted to either male or female coworkers.
- It is light on your pocket. [/su_expand]
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Cheap. | ❌ People lose interest in it after some time. |
| ✅Fun | |
| ✅It can be played anywhere. |
20. Fairly Odd Novelties Desktop Punching Bag
Why do we love it?
- It is the greatest stress-reliever for hectic office environments
- Comes with a sturdy spring that can last longer.
- Proves a perfect office gift because of the high-stress levels in the environment.
- Assembled in no time without any tools
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Lightweight. | ❌ Not right for too much force application. |
| ✅All accessories for assembling are present in the package. | |
| ✅Soft and bright-coloured. |
21. Brentwood Appliances TS603 Indoor Electric Stainless Steel S’Mores Maker
Why do we love it?
- Good for over-timers for snacking during late hours.
- Helps in urgent office parties.
- Useful for everyone working on special occasions.
- It has lots of room for quick smore making. [/su_expand]
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Quick snack maker. | ❌ Un-economical if being given to one co-worker. |
| ✅Long-lasting. | |
| ✅Multi-coloured. |
22. Cheersville Desk Accessory for The Office
Why do we love it?
- Helps you stay on the budget around Christmas.
- Natural so makes office environment less mechanical.
- All required things to expand the plant available in the package.
- Gives you a hobby for stress relieving.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Budget-friendly kit. | ❌ Only grows best in spring. |
| ✅Easy to wrap as a surprise gift. | |
| ✅Its quote is an appreciation for a good coworker. |
23. Jedist Mini Desk Vacuum Cleaner, Rechargeable Desktop Vacuum Sweeper
Why do we love it?
- It cleans up while saving space.
- It is portable hence can be moved to any desktop where it is needed.
- It is a time-saving device that can help you save time for intensive cleaning
- It is very easy on the pockets.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Portable | ❌ Suction power is average. |
| ✅Reasonable Price | |
| ✅Space saver |
Looking for some more practical office accessories? Check out our article on the finest phones for the office.
24. Cluckyu Picture Fram
Why do we love it?
- Displays pictures of your loved ones in a harsh office environment.
- Easy on the eyes can boost your office working environment with motivation from your favorite pictures.
- Makes your desk pretty with a simple design.
- Safest gift for a coworker whose choice you don’t know. [/su_expand]
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Available in three colors. | ❌ Only two sizes are available. |
| ✅It can be used to display certifications. | |
| ✅Two in one; can be hung and can be placed on a tabletop. |
25.Party Flasks Santa Flask
Why do we love it?
- Fun after a long hard day.
- It can be saved for the next party.
- Really pretty to look at.
- Everything an adult Christmas party needs.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅BPA free composition. | ❌ It can only be used for Christmas. |
| ✅Spacious. | |
| ✅Gorgeous |
Buying Guide: Things to Consider for Buying the Best White Elephant Gifts for Office
Overwhelmed by the variety of quality white elephant office gifts? Well, let us ease you with things you must think of before buying your coworkers a gift for white elephant gift. This guide will help you choose the finest.
Price
You don’t have to buy something too expensive. That won’t make you impressive, but only a show off in your workplace. You may even get people asking favors of you.
Besides, there are multiple colleagues, and you can’t buy all of them expensive gifts now, can you? So for the sake of equality on Christmas, buy inexpensive for all!
Quality
Even though you can’t spend too much, still you need to keep the quality of the material in mind. You don’t want to come off as cheap either.
Buy something that looks classy with high-quality beaming from it. That will make you popular very popular among peers.
Practical in office
Since you need to buy the most premium white elephant gifts for the office, they should be such that they are useful in the office.
If you buy your coworker a horse, that would be cute, but it will be uneconomical and useless in the office environment.
So always look for a gift that has some practical purpose in your office.
Reusable
Chocolates are famous around Christmas. They are economical gifts too but is it the finest white elephant office gift? Absolutely not. Your colleague will chew a few times, and he will forget about it. So buy a gift that stays with your colleague for a long time.
It should be reusable, so it keeps reminding your colleague of your generosity.
Other than these, you can make the right decision by comparing your gift with other similar gifts to get an idea of what the market offers.
FAQs
What is the best white elephant gift idea?
There are a lot of great ideas for white elephant gifts. You can pick and choose from the above product list based on quality, your budget, and its reusability.
Do you have to wrap a white elephant gift?
Yes. You have to wrap a white elephant gift, so no one knows what they are swapping during the game.
Do you need to give an expensive gift to your colleague, if he/she gives you an expensive gift?
Since it’s more of a party game, expensive gift-giving should be avoided, you can even get a good white elephant gift under 10 dollars only. However, you need to supply a gift that is of similar value to others. But still don’t go for the worst white elephant gifts that you find at shops, just go through our guide and choose the one that suits your budget. Because in this game gifts are mostly random, so choose the one that can add entertainment to this game.
Conclusion
We all know how fun a white elephant gift exchange can turn out to be, but if some of you don’t, you’ll get the idea with our guide. Gifts are not always meant as a gesture, it can be used for playing and can even enhance your friendships and release stress.
This is what white elephant gift exchange is all about, exchanging gifts in a unique way where players can, steal, unwrap gifts that are of similar value. But in office parties, a bit of practicality can be added to the gifts as well.
That’s why we came up with this list of gifts that can enhance this game as well as practically serve a purpose when the game ends. So, people in the office can end up with a gift that is not completely useless. Because in the end, everyone will end up with a gift.
Sources
- White Elephant Gifts: Classicism in Ostrogothic Policy and in Variae 10.30
- Machiavelli Meets Christmas: The White Elephant Gift Exchange and the Holiday Spirit
- “This Alarming Generosity”: White Elephants and the Logic of the Gift
