27+ Best White Elephant Gifts Under $30 Everyone will FIGHT for [2023]!

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Choosing the perfect gift for a White Elephant gift exchange can be tricky, especially when you’ve been given a tight budget. Finding something that’s thoughtful, practical, and appealing to a large group of people is not an easy task.

I still remember being super clueless about the best gift to bring to a white elephant gift exchange party. I wanted a gift that was exciting, meaningful, practical, and affordable.

If that’s you, keep reading!

Introduction

To make things a little easier, this gift guide is full of ideas to ensure you get the best under $30 gift for your white elephant exchange.

Ranging from the fun and frivolous to the absolute essentials, there’s sure to be something that works for all kinds of gift exchanges.

Even better, these are the best White Elephant gifts under $30 for friends, family, coworkers, and even your boss will fight for.

Choosing a White Elephant gift has never been so easy. Seriously, the hardest part will be giving any of it away.

31 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $30 Everyone Will Fight For

1. W & P Porter Ceramic Mug

Simple travel mugs have become the accessory for the busy worker, and this design from W & P is an attractive way to drink your morning coffee. The silicone outer shell helps keep beverages insulated, reduces scratches, and protects the hand.

It’s also safe to put in both the microwave and the dishwasher. For a work-based White Elephant, this mug is sure to be a hit.

2. Wander Beauty Gold Under Eye Masks

The holiday season features a lot of late nights, free-flowing champagne, and not enough chances to catch up on your beauty sleep.

These gold under-eye masks from Wander Beauty can restore a bit of life to under eyes that have seen a few too many cocktails and not enough early nights. The 6 pack has enough strips for your giftee to be sorted right through to New Year!

3. True Wireless In-Ear Headphones

These true wireless in-ear headphones deliver deep, rich sound that will transport anyone to their last concert experience.

The 8mm drivers provide powerful bass that will have you feeling the music in their soul.

And with the choice to use either one or both earbuds, you or your giftee can enjoy music or take calls hands-free with ease. Plus, the battery life is impressive, so they can keep listening all day long.

4. Jason Markk Travel Shoe Cleaning Set

A travel shoe cleaning set is the kind of thing you don’t know you need until you need it. From Jason Markk, the kit is practical and suitable for anyone who wears shoes!

The wooden-handled brush and gentle cloth are useful for a range of travel situations and ensure you always look your very best.

5. NEST Ocean Mist & Sea Salt Votive Candle

Everyone will be happy with this NEST New York candle that smells like an ocean breeze on a crisp winter day. The elegant design will aid rest and relaxation — something we all need a little more of as the holidays approach.

There are plenty of other scents to choose from if the ocean spray doesn’t catch your fancy, but this is a real crowd-pleaser of a scent. 

6. Electronic Candle Lighter

Keeping up with the theme of candles, you’ll love this electric lighter with LED battery display. On the surface, it might look like an average gift.

This Electronic Candle Lighter is the perfect white elephant gift for a few reasons.

First, it’s highly unique and sure to be a conversation starter. Second, it’s USB rechargeable, so your giftee will never have to worry about replacing batteries.

Third, it’s windproof, so they can use it outdoors without worry. And finally, it’s easy to use – just press the button and hold for 3 seconds.

Since I got one of these, I haven’t looked back! I even gifted this to my sister and she loved it.

7. DASH Mini Waffle Bowl Maker

The adorable mini waffle bowl maker from DASH is the perfect gift for a white elephant gift exchange. Thoughtful and compact, whoever’s lucky enough to receive it can make themselves sweet treats and tacos whenever they want.

It’s desk-sized as well, for the person who likes to snack.

8. UGG women’s Leda Cozy Sock

Technically, these soft and cozy socks are designed for women, but they work pretty well as a unisex gift.

Incredibly comfy to wear, these socks are perfect for curling up in front of the fireplace on a winter’s day.

The one-size sock is stretchy and can fit all kinds of feet. I live in these socks all day!

9. Amber and Moss Reed Diffuser

Presented in an elegant glass jar that mimics the style of an old-fashioned apothecary bottle, this reed diffuser by P.F. Candle Co. is a classy way to get a house smelling fabulous.

The amber and moss scent may sound unusual, but the natural scent smells like all your best outdoor memories.

10. Brixton Heist Beanie

Clothing can be a tricky one for a White Elephant gift exchange, but this beanie hat by Brixton is sure to please. The cuffed beanie style is simple enough to suit any head, while the muted gray color suits all complexions and outfits.

A cozy knit finish keeps the head warm as the days start to cool down.

11. Deep Sleep Gift Set

Almost everyone needs a little extra sleep, especially as the holiday season adds stress and late nights. The This Works Sleep On It Set is a 3-piece set containing a pillow mist, a calming spray, and a stress-check roller ball.

Together, the scents can help ease anyone into a restful night’s sleep. The neat packaging also means that there’s no need for wrapping, so it’s a gift that saves stress for everyone involved.

12. Cereal City Guide: New York

A coffee table book for the most sophisticated of coffee tables, this travel guide to New York from Cereal magazine is a gorgeous collection of photos and advice.

It looks good, it’s interesting to read, and it’s certain to class up whatever room it’s added to. If New York doesn’t take your fancy, try Paris, London, or Copenhagen.

13. 3-in-1 Can Cooler Set

The 3-in-1 BruMate Trio keeps your drinks cold, even as the holiday party starts to get a little warm. Able to hold a 16oz can, a 12oz can, and act as a pint glass, the BruMate is a constant companion, whatever tipple you might choose.

We like the Mermaid color for the cutest design, but there are some pared-back tones if you want a gift to suit all types.

14. I Should Have Known That! Trivia Game

A trivia game you won’t be able to stop playing, I Should Have Known That! is ridiculously addictive. Testing all the things you think you know, but without the aid of Google or Wikipedia, reveals just what information is kept in your brain.

Laughter is guaranteed, as are many shouts of “I should have known that!”. You just might end up surprising yourself.

15. Stanley Quencher Tumbler

These tumblers give the Yeti a run for their money. I’m not sure what it is, but literally these tumblers keep flying off the shelf.

This handy tumbler comes with a leak-resistant lid and vacuum-insulated double-wall construction to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold.

It also has a rotating lid that gives you the choice of a straw opening, wide mouth, or full-cover top.

Best of all, it’s car cup holder compatible, so you can take it with you on your commute or to your favorite studio workout.

Holding 8oz of liquid, there’s plenty of room in the flask for your tipple of choice, but it’s still small enough to slip into a bag.

16. Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

Getting the party started wherever you go is easy with this Bluetooth karaoke microphone by Singing Machine. It simply needs to be paired with a Bluetooth device, and then it’s time to crank up the tunes.

Families will love it, but it’s the kind of gift that gets used surprisingly often. Bachelorette parties, birthday parties, New Year’s Eve… there are plenty of occasions that need a party microphone (although the neighbors may disagree).

17. Fellow Coffee Tasting Glasses

For the coffee connoisseur, these glasses by Fellow are perfectly designed to enhance the flavor of the roast. For everyone else, they look stylish and keep your coffee warm.

These mugs are an all-around winner, useful for special occasions and everyday brews. And there are two included in the set, so you can share a drink with a friend.

18. Handheld Garment Steamer

If you’re looking for a white elephant gift that people will fight for, this is it! This handheld garment steamer is perfect for anyone who’s always on the go.

It’s small and lightweight, so you can take it with you anywhere. And because of its compact size, this steamer fits easily into any suitcase or carry-on.

You can use it to remove wrinkles from clothes by steaming continuously for 15 minutes without having to refill the water tank repeatedly.

When my hotel reservation was canceled (blame it on a delayed flight), I had no choice but to sleep in my car rental. Thankfully, I had packed a clothing steamer because I don’t like ironing clothes.

I ended up freshening up at a nice truck stop and using a garment steamer to straighten my dress. Besides snoozing off during the ceremony, no one would have guessed that sheltered in a car the previous night.

Talk about an inexpensive and practical white elephant gift!

19. Organic Wellness Green Tea Blend

Holidays are stressful, and we all need a minute to stop and relax. The organic green tea blend by Palais des Thes is perfect for those moments you seek an escape from the world.

Sencha green tea has a fantastic earthy and floral taste, which is given a nutty undertone by adding buckwheat. It is absolutely delicious and an unexpected crowd-pleaser.

20. Fashioned Drinking Glasses

Sleek and attractive, these four Old Fashioned drinking glasses add a touch of elegance to any cabinet. Glasses are a practical gift, and the set of four is useful for spirits, juices, and even dressing up a glass of water.

The striking glass design looks expensive, but at less than $30, this is a touch of class that won’t break the bank.

21. Werewolf Card Game

If you’re looking for a party game that will have everyone conspiratorial, greedy, and just a bit naughty, then Werewolf is where it’s at (no pun intended!).

In Werewolf, players take on the role of villagers or werewolves, and it’s up to the villagers to root out the werewolves in their midst before they’re all killed.

With so many possible endings and game-play scenarios, Werewolf is sure to be a hit white elephant gift.

22. The World’s Strongest Coffee

This coffee is not for the faint of heart – it is the world’s strongest coffee, made with a bold and intense blend of Arabica and Robusta beans.

It is also USDA organic, so you can be sure you are getting a quality product. Plus, who doesn’t love coffee? Whether your recipient is a coffee lover or not, this gift will surely be a hit!

23. 1000 Piece Square Jigsaw Puzzle

Everyone loves a jigsaw puzzle, and this fiendishly complex offering from eeBoo is a tricky treat for the whole family. The fun design explores the world of the alchemist, and the colorful print is engaging for people of all ages.

And when you finish the jigsaw, you have a picture lovely enough to frame.

24. Natural Soaking Bath Salts

Sinking into a nice warm bath is an everyday luxury, and the experience can only be improved with the Herbivore Botanicals Bath Salts. Designed to aid calm, the gentle fragrance infuses through the water as you soak.

Natural oils moisturize the skin, as the Himalayan salts encourage the muscles to ease.

25. Le Creuset Mini Round Cocotte

Most cooking fans dream of owning some high-quality Le Creuset pots, but they tend to be out of the price range of the White Elephant budget.

After months of saving, I finally got my Le Creuset cooking set. And I kid you not, my wallet gave me major eye-rolls when it was time to check out.

However, this mini cocotte is the perfect size for a single serving and sneaks in just under the $30 budget. Small but perfectly formed, it’s a delightful addition to any kitchen.

This Le Creuset cocotte could easily be one of the best white elephant gifts under $30!

26. Pulse Pod Luxurius Massage Lotion

We all need a good massage from time to time, and with the Pulse Spoil Me Unscented Lotions, you can turn even a quick foot rub into a decadent relaxing massage.

The soft and soothing lotions will soothe your sore points (or those of whoever gets this white elephant gift). They’re also natural and plant-based. The unscented finish makes these oils gentle for all skin types and a versatile gift option.

27. Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Tired of giving the same old boring gifts at your annual white elephant gift exchange?

Well, this year, step up your game and give the gift that everyone will be fighting over – the Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker!

This awesome coffee maker is perfect for any coffee lover, and it’s so easy to use that even those who don’t normally drink coffee will love it.

Plus, it comes in a sleek black color that will look great on any kitchen counter.

28. Matcha Whisk and Milk Frother

The delightful green finish of this W & P milk frother shows its original intention as a matcha whisk, but it’s also an incredibly useful kitchen gadget.

Use it to froth milk for lattes, whip up a decadent hot chocolate, or blend together a silky sauce. The thin design fits easily into kitchen cabinets and draws, so it’s an unusual utensil that works in any kitchen.

29. Studio Clip Light

Working from home has taught many of us the value of a well-lit Zoom call, and with the Case-Mate Studio Clip Light you never have to suffer a meeting in bad lighting again.

It fits easily onto laptops, tablets, and phones, providing a glowing light that always catches your best angle. It can also be used to nail the perfect selfie.

Just a few days ago, our light went out just after midnight. Since my torchlight was nowhere to be found, this clip light saved the night!

30. L’Occitane Hand Cream Classic Trio

The best gifts are ones that the recipient will actually use and enjoy. But finding something they’ll love is tough! This L’Occitane Hand Cream Classics Trio Gift Set is perfect because it’s not only useful but also smells amazing.

Our hands can go through a lot without us realizing it, and dry or cracked skin becomes uncomfortable fast. The ultra-nourishing L’Occitane hand creams can repair even the worst damage, leaving hands baby-soft and comfortable.

It includes three different scents of hand cream, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it comes in a limited edition box which makes it look extra special when given as a gift!

This set is affordable and won’t break the bank either. Plus, the handy size is perfect for slipping into bags and pockets. What more could anyone want?

31. Self-Watering Planters

This trendy planter pot is perfect for any plant lover, and it comes with four coconut coir discs that expand to 1 quart of fluffy plant fiber each – talk about value!

The best part? The self-watering feature means that your gift recipient won’t have to water their plants every day – it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

FAQ About White Elephant Gifts This Season

What are some good white elephant gifts?

I love white elephant gift exchanges! They’re always so much fun, and it’s always a surprise to see what people come up with. Some of my favorite gifts to give (and receive) are things that are useful, but maybe a little quirky. Here are some of my top picks:

• Handheld garment steamer: This is great for anyone who travels frequently or who doesn’t have a lot of space in their closet. It’s small and compact, but it gets the job done quickly and easily.
• Smokeless candle lighter: This is a must-have for anyone who loves candles. It’s easy to use and doesn’t produce any smoke, so it’s perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
• Mini waffle bowl maker: This is such a fun kitchen gadget! It’s perfect for making single-serve desserts or breakfast bowls. Plus, it’s just so darn cute.
• I should have known that! Trivia game: This is a great game for parties or family gatherings. It’s perfect for groups of all ages, and it’s always a hit.
• The world’s strongest coffee: This is perfect for coffee lovers who like their coffee strong and bold. It’s also great for anyone who needs an extra boost of energy in the morning.
• Self-watering planters: These are perfect for people who have trouble keeping their plants alive. They’re easy to use and they make sure your plants always have enough water.

Conclusion

The best white elephant gifts are the ones that make people laugh and feel good. But you can’t just go to any store and pick up a random gift; it needs to be thoughtful, funny, or meaningful.

That’s why I put together this list of unique ideas for the best white elephant gifts under $30, with something for everyone on your list.

Finding the perfect White Elephant gift on a budget doesn’t have to be difficult. With these choices, you’re sure to find something just right for your family, friends, work buddies, and even people at the party you’ve never met. I hope these gift ideas will help you find the perfect gift!

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