So your office is hosting a White Elephant Gift Exchange! What to bring? If your office is anything like mine the game will begin with a debate – do you call it “White Elephant” or “Yankee Swap” or “Dirty Santa?” Whatever you call this game – it is sure to be a fun and memorable experience for you and your colleagues. Just be sure to establish the ground rules before play begins!
Most of the White Elephant games I have played had a gift limit of around $25 and had to be a gift someone would actually want. This means no “gag” gifts! One boss had a rule that we couldn’t bring alcohol or gift cards (why? I would love to receive those?!). In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share my recommended list of gifts to bring to an office White Elephant or Yankee Swap. I have personally seen all of these gifts be stolen multiple times so I know they will be a hit at your party.
If your gift limit is $25 and you choose a $15 or $20 gift and want to reach that $25 limit – think about adding something small and fun like lotto tickets, coffee gift cards, or a small box of holiday chocolate.
Lastly, here’s a pro tip: when in doubt, buy something that you would like and swap for it during the game!
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Around The House
- Garden Hose Sprayer. Seems simple but it’s handy, practical, and this is a really good one with tons of spray features and only $16.
- Azul Board Game. This game is easy for beginners, tons of fun, and a great night in for 2-4 players. Only $21.
- Codenames. Another great game – especially for those who love hosting game nights. This game is great for groups, you might even find yourself opening it at your office holiday party after the gift exchange! $12.
- Car Cleaning Gel. For only $13 this practical little cleaning tool is great for cleaning out all of the little nooks and crannies in your car or other hard to clean places like your keyboard or camera.
- 9-in-1 Multi Tool Pen. This multitool is a flashlight, ruler, and screwdriver all in one. Great bargain at $15.
- Flashlight Gloves. What a cool invention! Perfect for someone who needs a little extra light for a repair job or a fun hobby like fishing or running. $16.
- Rosemary and Peppermint Candle. Festive candle that will have any home smelling like the magical holiday season. $25
- The MET Cloisters Unicorn Puzzle. Someone at the holiday party will love puzzles and this is a challenging and unique one from the MET Art Gallery in New York City for $25.
- Laptop Ring Light. Is your office on Zoom meetings? Alot? Who wouldn’t want to look better on camera with this mini Zoom light. Only $22.
- Battery Organizer. You know one of your coworkers has a junk drawer full of batteries (It’s me, I’m that coworker) and they could definitely use a way to organize and test all those loose batteries. Only $20.
- Giant Checkers Set. For $18 this indoor/outdoor large checker’s set is super fun for a family.
- Bocce A great backyard set for only $24
In The Kitchen
- Chenille Throw Blanket. This is a super cozy throw blanket and would look great on a chair or sofa.
- Grill Basket I love this $23 Grill Basket for grilling up small veggies that otherwise might fall through the bar-b-que.
- Grill Brush. Many people are trying to upgrade their wire grill brushes this season. This is a great $25 model from Cuisinart!
- Corksicle Wine Tumbler I won my corksicle wine tumbler from a White Elephant office party and I use it often. A great little gift for $22.
- Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. This is one of the best selling cookbooks of all time and comes with beautiful photography and practical everyday recipes. $19.
- Meat Church Spice Collection. Have you seasoned your bar-b-que chicken with this yet? This is our favorite seasoning collection and we always receive compliments when we serve bar-b-que chicken to our guests.
- Ice Cream Scoop. A classic scoop from Williams-Sonoma that transfers your body heat onto the handle so the ice cream is easier to scoop. $25.
- Mickey Mouse Pancake Molds. Dream big at breakfast with these adorable pancake molds. Perfect for a morning with kids or a Disney Adult and only $20 for the set.
- 10oz Yeti. Yetis can be pricey but, in my opinion, they are worth it. This small one is perfectly insulated to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
- Movie Night Popcorn Kit. Season your homemade popcorn with white cheddar cheese or sizzlin’ spicy sriracha – two of the flavors in this movie night popcorn kit.
- Classic Winged Corkscrew. I prefer this classic corkscrew to any of the fancy electric ones I have tried. It’s a classic for a reason!
- Wine Bottle Puzzle Tool. A wine bottle holder and a puzzle all in one! One of your coworkers will appreciate a good challenge. $25
- Mug Warmer for Desk. Great little mug warmer for a desk and perfect for the coworker who always lets their coffee get cold. $25.