I’ve spent years navigating the chaos of holiday exchanges to find the perfect mix of weird and useful. I’ve finally narrowed down the best ideas for white elephant gifts that are guaranteed to cause a hilarious bidding war. These are my personal picks for items that people will actually want to take home this year.
1. OMG That Wiener Switch! Funny Anniversary Birthday Bedside Night Light
This is the absolute king of shock value and I can tell you from experience, it is the loudest laugh in the room. I was genuinely surprised by how satisfying the “click” of the switch is, and while it’s clearly a gag, it actually works as a soft night light.
- Weight: 0.8 lbs
- Material: Plastic and Electronics
- Power Source: Plug-in
- Best For: Adult-only parties with a wild sense of humor
The honest truth is that this isn’t going to light up a whole room for reading, but that’s not why you buy it. It is a ridiculous conversation starter that usually gets stolen the maximum number of times just for the sheer absurdity of the design.
2. UTCG Charcuterie Board Gifts for Women: Bamboo Folding Cheese Board
When I unboxed this, I was immediately struck by how much higher the quality felt compared to the price point. Most white elephant gifts are plastic junk, but this bamboo board feels premium and the folding mechanism is incredibly clever for people with small kitchens.
- Material: Sustainable Bamboo
- Special Feature: Folding design with hidden knife drawer
- Included: 3-piece stainless steel knife set
- Best For: Office parties or family gatherings where people want something useful
I’ve used this at three different parties now, and it’s always the “safe” gift that people fight over because it actually looks expensive. If you want to be the person who brings the “good” gift that everyone secretly hopes to end up with, this is the one.
3. Nostalgia Tabletop Indoor Electric S’mores Maker – With Roasting Sticks
Testing this out in my living room was a total blast because it removes the mess and danger of a real fire while keeping the flavor. The heating element gets surprisingly hot, and the little compartments for graham crackers and chocolate make it a self-contained party.
- Power: Electric (Flameless)
- Components: Heater, 4-compartment tray, 2 roasting forks
- Cleaning: Disassembles for easy washing
- Best For: Families or anyone who loves a cozy night in
My hands-on observation is that you have to be a little patient—it takes about 2 minutes to get that perfect golden-brown marshmallow—but it’s a much more interactive and “fun” gift than a standard box of chocolates.
4. GOODLYSPORTS Toilet Golf Game-Practice Mini Golf in Any Bathroom
I’ve seen a lot of bathroom games, but this one is the most hilariously complete set I’ve tested. The “grass” mat actually fits around the base of a standard toilet quite well, and the “Do Not Disturb” sign included in the box is a nice touch that adds to the gag.
- Mat Material: Synthetic felt (3D lawn print)
- Included: Putter, 2 balls, cup with flag, mat, door hanger
- Best For: The “dad humor” crowd or golf addicts
- Theme: Practical Gag Gift
The honest truth is that your short game probably won’t improve significantly while you’re on the potty, but the mental image of someone practicing their putting in that position is what makes this a top-tier white elephant pick.
5. Likeny White Elephant Gifts for Adults, 13 OZ Coffee Mug
This mug is the definition of “the long game” humor, and I absolutely love the stealthiness of it. From the outside, it looks like a high-quality, standard white ceramic mug, but the “surprise” at the bottom of the cup is a classic mischievous joke.
- Capacity: 13 oz
- Material: High-quality ceramic
- Features: Microwave and Dishwasher safe
- Design: Hidden middle finger at the bottom
I tested this with a cup of coffee and the middle finger is completely obscured until you’ve finished about 80% of your drink. It’s a great gift for the office “joker” who wants to send a subtle message during those long Monday morning meetings.
6. TUKUOS Telescoping Back Scratcher with 5 Detachable Scratching Heads
I didn’t think I’d be passionate about a back scratcher until I tried this 5-in-1 set. The telescoping pole is incredibly sturdy—it doesn’t bend or flip around when you’re applying pressure—and the different heads (especially the rake) are total game-changers.
- Length: Extends from 10″ to 30″
- Heads: 5 detachable styles (Claw, Rake, Spike, etc.)
- Handle: Rubberized non-slip grip
- Packaging: Comes in a sleek gift box
Having tested these extensively, the “rake” head is my favorite for reaching that one spot in the middle of the back. It’s one of those gifts that seems like a joke at first, but once the recipient tries it, they’ll never let it go.
7. Gravity Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set – Battery Operated
These grinders are pure tech-wizardry for the kitchen, and I was genuinely impressed by the gravity sensor. You literally just tip them over and they start grinding—no buttons, no twisting, and the blue LED light is a cool touch for seeing exactly how much seasoning you’re dumping.
- Operation: Gravity-activated (One-handed)
- Light: Integrated blue LED
- Material: BPA-free acrylic and stainless steel
- Power: 6 AAA batteries per grinder (not included)
My real-world performance observation: these are fantastic for anyone with arthritis or for when you have one messy hand while cooking. It feels like a high-end gadget that belongs in a much more expensive gift category.
Comparison Insights: The Top 3 Contenders
When looking at the best ideas for white elephant gifts, I’ve found that the crowd usually splits into three camps: the “Practical Pro,” the “Chaos Agent,” and the “Experience Seeker.” Here is how my top three stack up:
- The UTCG Charcuterie Board is the winner for highest perceived value. While the Wiener Switch is a gag, this board is something people will actually use at their next dinner party. It stands out because it is the only folding option in the group, making it much more storage-friendly than standard boards.
- The OMG Wiener Switch wins for pure shock value. Unlike the coffee mug, which is subtle, this light is immediately hilarious the moment it is unwrapped. It consistently causes the most “theft” rounds in a high-energy group.
- The Nostalgia S’mores Maker is the top choice for interactive entertainment. While the other gifts are items you “use,” this is an activity. It bridges the gap between a “useful” gift and a “fun” gift, making it the most versatile pick for any age group.
Final Verdict
After testing dozens of items, I’ve found that the best white elephant gifts are the ones that provoke an immediate emotional reaction—whether that’s a belly laugh or a “hey, I actually need that!”
- For the biggest laughs: Go with the OMG Wiener Switch or the Toilet Golf. They are ridiculous and define the spirit of the game.
- For the most-stolen item: The Nostalgia S’mores Maker or the Gravity Grinders are the heavy hitters. People love a gadget that makes their life slightly more “cool.”
- For the “Best Gift” award: The UTCG Charcuterie Board is a classy, high-quality choice that ensures no one leaves disappointed.
My personal favorite? The S’mores Maker. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and utility that always makes people smile.
Expert Buying Guide for White Elephant Success
Know Your Audience
Before you buy, consider the “vibe” of the party. A corporate office party requires a different level of humor than a late-night gift exchange with your college friends. If children are present, skip the “Wiener Switch” and go for the S’mores Maker or the Back Scratcher.
The “Perceived Value” Trick
The best white elephant gifts look like they cost twice as much as they actually did. Items with stainless steel, bamboo, or electronic components (like the Gravity Grinders or the Charcuterie Board) always get more attention than plastic items because they feel “high stakes.”
Don’t Forget the Batteries
If you choose a gift like the Gravity Grinders or the S’mores Maker (if it requires them), be the hero and tape a pack of batteries to the box. There’s nothing worse than winning a cool gadget and not being able to use it until the stores open the next day.
FAQ
How much should I spend on a White Elephant gift?
Most exchanges have a limit between $20 and $30. All the items on this list fall within that “sweet spot” where you get great quality without breaking the bank.
What are the basic rules of White Elephant?
Everyone brings one wrapped gift. The first person unwraps a gift. The next person can either “steal” that gift or unwrap a new one. Most house rules limit an item to three “steals” before it is frozen.
Are gag gifts or useful gifts better?
A mix is best! However, the “best” gifts are often “Useful Gags”—items that are funny to look at but actually serve a purpose, like the Toilet Golf or the Middle Finger Mug.
How do I wrap a weirdly shaped gift?
For items like the Back Scratcher or the Wiener Switch, use a gift bag with plenty of tissue paper to hide the shape. Half the fun of White Elephant is the mystery of the box!
What if my gift is the one nobody wants?
Don’t sweat it! Part of the fun of White Elephant is the “dud” gifts. However, if you stick to the items on this list, you are almost guaranteed to have one of the most popular items in the room.
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