The holidays are a time of transactional love where, for year-long gift shoppers, exchanging presents brings unalloyed joy and, for the rest of us last-minute men, unending anxiety.
Thankfully there are occasions like the so-called “White Elephant” exchange (also “Yankee swap” and “Dirty Santa” and whatever else just means “gifting your friends weird stuff they probably don’t need, but will definitely find hilarious.”)
The term “White Elephant” has a long and erroneous (and pretty boring) history, but it basically just means a gift of little value, which some might find to be kind of obnoxious and burdensome—but hey, ’tis the season!
The White Elephant gift rules are pretty simple. Each person wraps a gift, places it on a table, and then draws a number. The person chosen first picks a gift and unwraps it. The next person can either pick a new mystery gift or steal from someone else (stealing rules vary). This continues until either all the gifts are gone, or friendships have been forever soiled by questionable gift stealing. You can choose certain themes to abide by or go for the most randomly hilarious presents you can find (and let’s be honest—sometimes, those ones are the best white elephant gifts).
When it comes to shopping for white elephant gifts, it can be tough to find useful items—especially when you don’t know which person will receive your gift. So it’s best to opt for a funny white elephant gift idea that anyone can enjoy. From ridiculous card games and books to items that have funny pop culture references, and even the wide range of poop-related gifts, there are plenty of white elephant gift ideas you can go with.
So, what are some good creative ideas for a white elephant gift, you ask? Check out these 56 hilarious and (occasionally) useful ideas to wrap this season. These unique and affordable (as in under-$20, under-$25, and under-$50 options) white elephant gifts will surely spice up your 2021 and end the year with the best kind of medicine: laughter.
Read more: Best Gifts for Men
Brilliant Ideas LED Toilet Night Light
urbanoutfitters.com
$8.00
Anything that relates to toilets always ends up as a White Elephant gift. Sure, this “turn your bathroom into a nightclub” angle is funny, but the motion sensor light might actually save you from stubbing your toe on your way to pee.
Read more: Last-minute Gifts for Men
Paint Your Own S’mores Kit
S’mores are a year-round activity for anyone with an at-home flame. This fun kit will spark your creative side and is another fun thing to do with your quarantine pod or family.
Read more: Best Gifts for Men Under $50
Nature’s Dick Pics 2021 Wall Calendar
This low-key hilarious calendar showcases striking photography for the nature lover with a dirty mind. It also donates a portion of the proceeds to national parks and to prostate cancer research. Whoever gets this gift will be showing it off to all of their friends. Who knew Mother Earth had such a dirty mind?!
Read more: Unique Gifts for Men
Brilliant or BS Card Game
Game nights are the new Friday nights out. This unique and funny game spans entertainment, history, science, geography, food, sports, and more to get everyone laughing.
Bawdy Clay Butt Mask
Go ahead and laugh your a** off, but this clay butt mask from Bawdy makes the perfectly hilarious-yet-useful white elephant gift. Whoever lands on this gift will have a butt softer than a baby’s bottom.
F Color Waterproof Case
It might not be as “funny” as some of the others, but it’s probably the most useful gift on this list. It’s a waterproof case that lets you text and take photos underwater. It will surely come in handy on any pool hang, kayaking adventure, or even a ski strip.
Poop Warning Sign
It’s funny until everyone agrees whoever unwrapped this gift high-key needs it.
F*ck Off, Coronavirus, I’m Coloring Adult Coloring Book
If the past year and a half taught us anything, sometimes you just need to color. Give this to the friend you had vacation plans with that were canceled due to coronavirus or the Delta variant.
Lights Up Beardaments Lights
Beardaments
etsy.com
$14.99
For any guy extending “No Shave November,” these beardaments will come in handy, even for Zoom parties.
The Screaming Goat Book and Figurine
No doubt that goats are the cutest farm animal. But the noise they make is freakin’ hilarious. This White Elephant gift should come with a rule like, “only press the goat whenever we run out of milk.”
Smack a Sack-Stress Relief Ball Sack
Too obscene for the office raffle? Maybe. Probably. But sometimes you really just need to smack a sack when things don’t go your way. This party favorite will get all the laughs.
Awkward Family Photos
We all have one of these somewhere in the dusty old photo albums. Better yet: sneak a few pictures of your friends’ families in there if you can dig them up. It will be the gift that keeps on giving.
What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner? Cookbook
Tired of frozen food and takeout? It might be time to pick up a damn skill. Anyone that suffers from decision fatigue when it comes to cooking needs this book.
Danny DeVito Sequin Pillow
This is one of those sequin pillows that changes when you give it a good swipe. Not sure what we mean? Check out the alternate imagery on. This gift will be even funnier if you present it on the solid side.
Poo-Pourri Before-You-go Toilet Spray
If you’ve never heard of Poo-Pourri, it’s this magical little spray that takes away the smell of even the gnarliest number twos. This set is for the guy that always has to go. It’s the perfect incognito way to do your business.
Spin The Shot Game
Screw drinking games that require deep thought. This spin the shot party favorite cuts right to the chase. The name explains it all.
GoPong Hidden Sunscreen Alcohol Flask
Man, your hands really can get dry in the winter! There’s no better way to solve dry January than with an incognito flask for a little alcohol. *smiling devil emojiI*
Star Wars Cookie Cutters
Anything is better when it’s Star Wars themed. Let the force be with anyone these end up with this holiday season.
A Feast of Ice and Fire: The Official Game of Thrones Companion Cookbook
Look, everyone deserves to feast like a king. In which case, when the recipient of this is feeling up for the task of preparing a truly epic meal, they’ll be glad they had this book.
Playful Sports Mugs
For the friend that always dreamed of becoming a hockey champ. Even if he didn’t make the big leagues, this is how to start your day off like a champion.
The Butt Tape Holder
Are you picking up on a theme yet? It’s poop. The theme is poop. And hey, this multi-use desk accessory is actually quite great for maximum efficiency. Smiling included.
Best Dirty Word Search Ever
No big plans for the season? No worries, this word search will get just about anyone hollering with laughter. It’s a White Elephant mind game bound to crack a smile in anyone.
Hoppy IPA Beer Soap
An actual beer might be more useful, but this White Elephant gift idea is way more fun. Get this for the friend that’s a bit of a beer snob. It’s utterly ridiculous but low-key smells great.
Cards Against Humanity
If you’re new to the whole Yankee Swap thing, this classic party game is something everyone needs that will surely bring the laughs.
ROZKITCH Sequin Home Decor Pillow
No one knows why Nicholas Cage’s face is a favorite among the internet crowd. But no one can deny it: There is no better way to watch National Treasure.
Sriracha Keychain
Sriracha isn’t an ingredient, it’s a lifestyle.
Viva Sol Tabletop Bag Toss
For the happy hour, White Claw-crushing, frat boy at heart, the greatest party game belongs on his desk.
Infinity Cube
You know that guy that bounces his knee repetitively under the desk during a meeting. Yeah, him. This fidget gift is for the person that has one too many cups of coffee and it’s actually quite therapeutic.
The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information
Okay, we admit it’s totally useless information, but fun facts are wonderful tips to have up your sleeve. You’ll become a party favorite in no time. Plus, it’s better to go down a hole of reading this than scrolling through TikTok. Think of this as a ton of Snapple cap facts under one jacket.
The Hungover Cookbook
Sure it’s funny, but this cookbook actually has some bomb recipes for when you need to nurse yourself back to health after a night of one too many holiday shooters.
Desktop Boxing: Knock Out Your Stress! Finger Punching Bag
Screw stress balls, this finger punching bag works way better and actually involves some hand eye coordination skill.
101 So Bad, They’re Good Dad Jokes Book
All men over 35 will laugh and then immediately plan to steal when they’re number is drawn. You can’t get through two one liners in this book without cracking a smile.
Awkward Party Game
Play Cards Against Humanity with your dark humor friends, and this with your, let’s say, eccentric friends. There will be perfectly hilarious awkward silences that lead to funny tears.
Wrapables Tabletop Vacuum
So this looks like one big joke, but it’s actually an incredibly useful gift for all messy desk eaters. It pokes fun while cleans your area, all at the same time. What’s not to love?
You Are Special: Neighborly Words of Wisdom from Mister Rogers
Honestly, this is something we should all listen to once in a while. It’s a lighter take on the White Elephant angle and is actually useful (not to mention encouraging) this year.
Pizza Socks Box
You better put these back in the box Brooklyn style, capiche? If you love pizza, give these at your next Yankee Swap. Everybody needs socks!
Balanced Co. Michael Scott Seamless Face Mask Bandanas
An article of clothing that says: I listen to science, but also have the sense of humor of an eighth grader. Two great qualities in every man.
Simply Sophisticated Cat Butt Magnet
As if your cat-loving friends need any more evidence of their lifestyle. Just let them have it.
30 Watt The Original Sudski Shower Beer Holder
Because ironically, the shower is actually the driest place in the house. Fix that. Drinking in the shower is actually quite nice.
Gentlemen’s Hardware Kitchen Stainless Steel Multi Tool
Sometimes you just need to grate some Parmesan.
Alpha 3D Printing Co. Circle Game
Best part of this funny gift is what you get to do when someone opens it. It’s the perfect desk accessory for someone with a teenage sense of humor.
Schwetty Pair of Balls
Don’t get these schwetty things in the sand. LOL.
Pet Rock
It’s a classic. Perfect for anyone “too busy to have a pet.” Congratulations—no, you’re not.
Blizzard Bay Men’s Ugly Christmas Sweater
A White Elephant party is not a party without at least three ugly sweaters. This is where it all began folks.
Prank Gift Box”Shower Margarita Machine”
It’s the gift your friend secretly wants, so she steals it. But then she opens it and realizes it’s just a box. So she makes herself a real drink.
Drunken Tower
You know what would make Jenga better? asked the person who invented this. Alcohol. Goddamn right.
Drawing Without Dignity
It’s pictionary for adults. Or whiteboard practice for teenagers. Do kids even draw things on classroom whiteboards anymore?
Who Got The Aux?! – The Party Game for Music Lovers
Okay, jokes aside, this is an awesome gift. Definitely steal this one.
Witty Yeti Super Hilarious, Crude Bad Parking Cards
When your love language is passive-aggressive parking cards. No, really, the one for double-parked cars makes me so excited.
TikTok Challenge Game
Some in your party might not know what a TikTok is, but that doesn’t mean they can’t embarrass themselves as you secretly film.
Taco Toaster
It’s all fun and games until everyone realized they need the Taco Toaster in their lives. You best be sure the steal rules are fair. Friendships will be lost over the Taco Toaster.
Banana-Saving Hats
For all the snark and poop jokes and general debauchery we’ve put on this list, we present to you this: two little hats for a bunch of bananas.
Avocado Huggers
The most coveted gift at the millennial table. Get it with the Taco Toaster and your Christmas is complete.
Chef’n Cob Corn Stripper
Admit it: you hate getting corn stuck between your teeth, but you’re too afraid to say you don’t like eating corn with your hands. Here, make your life easier, friend.
Lightsaber Chopsticks Light Up LED
May the Force be with you as you eat ramen in the dark. Trust us, it’ll be epic.
Happy Birthday Jesus Wine Stopper
Don’t forget what we’re really celebrating this holiday season: a pagan festivity coopted by the Roman Empire to honor peasant myths. And a Happy New Year to you, too.
Josh St. Clair
Joshua St Clair is an editorial assistant at Men’s Health Magazine.
Vanessa Powell
Vanessa is an established editor, stylist and shopping expert covering all things style, gear and wellness.
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