Nothing says ‘I am fulfilling my social obligations’ like a white elephant gift party. It’s no fun to get (or give) shitty presents in front of a room full of people you probably would try to avoid if you spotted them at Target.
Here’s the thing: I’m petty enough to want to be the better person in these situations. Let other people pass off a Dollar Tree gift bag filled with hotel soap. I’m gonna take the time to put some thought into my white elephant gift. Here’s what you can bring to the white elephant party and not have to cause a distraction to make it back to your car.
Mini Polaroid Camera Keychain
This cute replica of a Polaroid camera is delightfully retro and just small enough to keep wrapped in your bag during the holiday season in case you have a last minute gift situation happen.
Strawberry Mimosa Cubes
The absolute cutest gift, ever. Gift these mimosa cubes to that friend group that loves brunch, bubbly, or hard ciders. Whoever ends up with it will thank you forever.
Glass Recipe Cocktail Shaker
At a certain point it becomes embarrassing to have to look up the recipe for a Fuzzy Navel — I mean, I know it’s schnapps and orange juice…but is there rum in the mix? Gin? Gift this cocktail shaker and the recipient can make just about any drink with ease.
Self Care Package For Her
Give the lucky person who picks this present the gift of me-time with this self care package for her. Slip a “Do Not Disturb” sign into the gift bag for the complete grown-up version of a timeout.
Automatic Pan Stirrer
Good thing this handy stirrer came out now instead of in Puritan times. Pretty sure you’d be burned as a witch for this phantom-hoodoo-stirrer. I love how this genius gadget automatically tends to your stirrables, allowing you to do other meal prep.
Chambong
Nothing says ‘I’m classy, dammit’ than a bong for your champagne. Maybe don’t bring this one to the office white elephant party. Unless you work at Hooters, then in that case…have at it.
Grow Salsa Kit
We all know the type of person who turns up their nose at store-bought anything…saying “I can make this better at home.” Tell ‘em to put up or shut up (in the most loving way, of course) with this salsa kit.
Mac 3-Piece Hypnotizing Holiday Lip Set
It’s rare to find a lipstick set that will work for most skin tones, but leave it to MAC to be the one to create such a pitch-perfect trio.
Merlot Infused Coffee
This. Sounds. Delicious. Even better? These beans, which have been soaked in merlot, impart no alcohol to the finished drink.
Capri Blue Volcano Mini Matte Black Jar Candle
A candle is a safe choice, but it doesn’t have to be a boring one. This lush fruit-scented candle comes in a gorgeous matte black jar — a lovely gift if you don’t know the other party-goers very well.
Milk Makeup Mix Gift Set
Give the gift of DRAMA with the Milk Makeup gift set. Each set includes eyeliner and mascara, and is a thoughtful gift to bring to a party with your glammest friends.
Dash Heart Waffle Maker
Nothing says “I want the best for you” like the gift of a waffle maker.
Skin Renewing Masks
Careful with this one. While your intentions are good, in the wrong crowd, these skin masks could be seen as a “Wow, you need to see a dermatologist” gift.
Milk Bar Cookie Tin
An assortment of tasty cookies is always a thoughtful (and delicious) gift that they’ll all be fighting over.
Bath and Shower Soap Noodles
Clever and cute, in a white elephant party of gal pals, this adorable little soap would be the best gift of the night. I would totally buy one for myself at the same time. For testing purposes, of course.
Self-Warming Eye Masks
This is the type of gift you bring to a workplace that has a toxic work environment. Anyone who’s ever cried in a supply closet would appreciate being able to sit in their car, put on a self-warming eye mask, and listen to the new Adele album on full blast with the windows up.
Do you like our white elephant picks? What are you bringing to your next gift exchange? Let us know in the comments below!
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