25 Gifts Under $25 That Will Make You the Most Popular Person at Your White Elephant Holiday Party

Every year, my friends and I celebrate a made-up holiday called Dekemberfest. (It’s our winterized version of Oktoberfest.) There’s hot cocoa, The Carpenters on vinyl, jolly games, silly hats, and, of course, white elephant is the main event. The “stealing” aspect of the game can sometimes test friendships (only a little bit), and I don’t want to brag, but my white elephant contributions are usually pretty popular. Without further ado, I’m sharing the secret to my holiday gift-giving success with a max budget of $25.

My white elephant motto is that a good gift should be either functional or so interesting that it’s OK if it’s not usable. Because let’s face it, the name of the game isn’t Something You Desperately Need—no, white elephant gift swaps are all about making your friends and family members laugh while exchanging small, budget-friendly items that spark joy. That and, you know, stealing from each other.

Keep scrolling for 25 white elephant gifts from fan-favorite retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Lululemon, and more—all under $25.

Best Overall White Elephant Gifts Under $25

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Sorry Board Game, $18 (was $35), Target
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate 30-Ounce Tumbler, $26 (was $40), Amazon
Better Homes & Gardens Velvet Plush Throw, $18, Walmart
Ugg Cozy Chenille Sock, $20 (was $30), Amazon
Classic Ball Cap, $24 (was $38), Lululemon
Rifle Paper Co. x Target Indoor Planter, $15, Target

As long as you know where to look, you can find name-brand items that will warrant a double take once they’ve been unwrapped. And yes, for under $25. I’m obsessed with the Family Classic Games collaboration with Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, and own three out of the four games myself. And whoever unwraps these cozy Ugg socks will surely try to hide them so they won’t get stolen as you continue to go around the room.

Speaking of cozy, I know I’m biased, but there’s nothing comfier than the Better Homes & Gardens Velvet Plush Throw—and for $18, it’s quite the bargain. My other favorite picks include a Lululemon baseball hat that’s perfect for workouts and casual outfits, as well as this super pretty planter that’s perfect for the gardening guru in your friend group.

Credit:

Target

Board games are one of my favorite white elephant gifts to give, and Just One is the perfect party game. In fact, you’ll probably end up playing it as soon as it’s unwrapped. Gifts like an Apple AirTag or a Festive Icon Juice Glass from Anthropologie will also impress partygoers, and I have a feeling they’ll be stolen more than once.

My favorite functional gift to give is the $10 Hanycony Flat Plug Extension Cord; it may not be a thrilling gift, but it makes up for it in convenience and functionality. A delicious-smelling candle is always a crowd-pleaser, and I’ve even included the best white elephant gift that I’ve ever been given: Runamok Sparkle Maple Syrup. The fun and festive edible glitter gives Sunday morning pancakes just a little something extra.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Sorry Board Game, $18 (was $35), Target
Asmodee Just One Party Game, $17 (was $25), Walmart
The Festive Icon Juice Glass, $16, Anthropologie
Runamok Sparkle Maple Syrup, $21, Amazon
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate 30-Ounce Tumbler, $26 (was $40), Amazon
Folio Stationery Set, $17 (was $24), Rifle Paper Co.
Hanycony Flat Plug Extension Cord, $10 (was $13), Amazon
Woolrich x Target Speckled Enamel Fig and Foliage Candle, $11 (was $15), Target
Apple AirTag, $24 (was $29), Amazon
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Brass Jewelry Tray, $10, Target
Better Homes & Gardens Velvet Plush Throw, $18, Walmart
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer, $24, Target

Fashion Gifts Under $25

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Old Navy

It can be tricky to pick the “right” fashion gift for white elephant because everyone has different tastes and preferences. But it’s hard to go wrong with popular brands like Lululemon, Ugg, Vera Bradley, and Barefoot Dreams.

The handmade Elizabeth Gillett Floral Gauze Bandana—from Terrain, the sister site of Anthropologie—is a beautiful accessory that I’d love to get myself. It’s perfect for tying in your hair, on your bag, or around your neck. (And it looks cute on dogs, too!) When in doubt, go the super cozy winter beanie route with this $6 option from Old Navy. It’s a sure thing, especially if your gift exchange is happening on a cold winter day. The gift-getter will definitely appreciate the thought behind it.

Elizabeth Gillett Floral Gauze Bandana, $22, Terrain
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Socks, $20, Amazon
Classic Ball Cap, $24 (was $38), Lululemon
Ugg Cozy Chenille Sock, $20 (was $30), Amazon
Vera Bradley Cube Belt Bag, $20 (was $59), Target
Arctic Depth Chunky Beanie, $6 (was $15), Old Navy

Gardening Gifts Under $25

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Target

The gardener in your life will be happy to receive this five-piece gardening tool set, a sunflower planter kit for their windowsill, or a glass terrarium for leaf cuttings. This disco ball planter—which I actually have at home—and this large plant pot from Rifle Paper Co. are choice picks for any plant parents who are just starting out.

Houseplant amateurs will also appreciate this plant mister, which should remind them to water their plants. And for gardening experts who take care of large houseplants and outdoor gardens, the Hachimankasei Garden Beetle Watering Can has an ergonomic design and a widened spout for manageable waterflow that green-thumbed people will love.