My family gets together for our annual white elephant gift exchange every year, and it’s my favorite tradition of the holiday season. As a shopping editor, I strive to find some of the best white elephant gifts each year—this is my job, after all! Sure, picking out a gift for mom or finding the perfect gift basket are rewarding in their own right. But trying to find the goofiest gift possible is a uniquely appealing challenge.
You’ve likely heard of a white elephant gift exchange. It’s essentially an anonymous gift exchange where everyone draws a random gift from a pile or chooses to “steal” someone else’s spoils. Unlike traditional gifts, these are meant to elicit a chuckle rather than offer a functional purpose, so they’re oftentimes gag gifts or other quirky finds.
If you’re looking to level up your gifting game or simply don’t know where to start shopping, you’re in luck. I spoke to my fellow shopping editors on the Taste of Home team and gathered up my favorite options. Together, we put together this list of the best white elephant gifts we’ve given or received ourselves. Whether you’re shopping for a work party or a Friendmas get-together, these white elephant gifts will surely draw out some belly laughs.
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For the Crabby Cook
Crab Spoon Rest
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For the Space-Saver
Cactus Measuring Spoons
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For the Silly Goose
Porch Goose
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For the Crafter
Woobles Crochet Kit
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For the Soup Sipper
Nessie Ladle
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For the Unbeatable Player
Lucky Cat Playing Cards
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For the Stationary Fanatic
Victorian Cats Sticker Book
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For the One Who Wants to Believe
Cryptozoology for Beginners Game
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For the Zen Master
Meditating Axolotls
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For the Sweet One
Mon Cherry Measuring Spoons
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For the Little Devil
Hell Done Meat Thermometer
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For The Pet Parent
Custom Dog T-Shirt
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For the Carb Loader
Spaghetti Monster Colander
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For the Person Who’s a Little Too Good at Bar Trivia
Atlas Obscura Wildlife
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For the Seasoning King or Queen
Gracula Garlic Crusher
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For the Early Riser
Orange Juice Vase
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For the Picnic Person
Picnic Basket Planter
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For the Coffee Snob
Coffee-To-Go Bag Charm
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For the Pickleball Champ
Pickles Playing Pickleball Mug
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For the Aspiring Sommelier
Unlock the Wine Game
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For the Wordsmith
Scrumble Magnetic Fridge Game
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For the Breakfast Club
Sparkle Maple Syrup
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For the One Who’s Bananas
Nana Hats
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For the Honorary Italian
Pasta Candles
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For the Fisherman
Sardine Trinket Tray
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For the Spuddy Buddy
Potato Soap
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For the Sushi A-fish-ianado
Sushi Socks
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For the Egg-celent Coworker
Egg Bathroom Rug
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For the Breadhead
Bread Pillow
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For the Cereal Snacker
Cereal Candle
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KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME
EMILY WAY/TASTE OF HOME
The best white elephant gifts are memorable and funny,