The annual gift scramble is coming, and whether you’re headed to work, family, or friend events, you need memorable, best white elephant gifts under $20. This guide gives you a curated list of quirky, funny, and surprisingly useful gifts that fit that twenty-dollar budget and may even get stolen in the final round.
1. Poop‑Pourri Before‑You‑Go Toilet Spray (~ $9)
A gag and practical win: this bathroom spray neutralizes odors before they happen. Real Simple calls it a white elephant exchange favorite for under $10: “It hits the trifecta of funny, usable, and affordable
Why it works: hilarious packaging, actually useful, small enough to wrap.
2. Imusa Aluminum Espresso Stovetop Coffee Maker (~ $9)
Under‑ten‑dollars magic. As featured by Real Simple, it’s a unique gift that coffee lovers adore
3. Color‑Changing Smart Light Bulb with Remote (~ $7)
Ambient mood lighting for under $10. Real Simple highlights this as a tech‑savvy conversation starter at swaps Real Simple.
Why it works: easy plug‑and‑play, useful in any room, perfect for dorms or apartments.
4. Mini Heart Waffle Maker or Mini Cake Pop Maker (~ $9‑$10)
Tiny appliances that make breakfast or dessert fun are mentioned in Time’s gift guide of whimsical gifts under $25.
Why it works: quirky yet kitchen‑functional, suitable for almost anyone.
5. Burrito Throw Blanket (Tortilla Blanket) (~ $15‑$20)
Wrap yourself like a burrito! This item frequently appears in year‑end best lists for gag gifts under $20, including Forbes and Glamour.
Why it works: kitschy, unisex, super cozy, and often stolen.
6. Lightsaber Chopsticks (~ $10‑$12)
For that Star Wars fan or chopstick challenger. Featured among White Elephant winners like circular saw pizza cutters in blog roundups.
Why it works: playful, portable, great for foodie friends and pun lovers.
7. “No” Button or Magnetic Decision Maker (~ $10)
Push‑button humor at its finest. Time recommends a “No” button under $10 in its whimsical gift list.
Why it works: perfect for indecisive folks, desks, or office shenanigans.
8. Pooping Puppies Puzzle (“Who Pooped?”) (~ $9ish)
Gross but loved! A bizarrely hilarious puzzle referenced in Time’s round‑up under $17.
Why it works: gag and puzzle combo, hits the laugh‑and‑play sweet spot.
9. Mini Uno or Portable Card Game (~ $5)
Travel-size games are easy to play and pass around instantly. Time mentions a mini UNO game for just $4.99.
Why it works: family‑friendly, inclusive, lightweight.
10. Novelty Coffee Mug with Hidden Message or Bob Ross Mug (~ $10‑$15)
Funny mugs are evergreen picks. Reddit users note mugs like “Netflix & Chill” condoms or Bob Ross heat‑changing mugs as crowd‑pleasers.
Why it works: universally usable; each sip becomes a joke.
11. Scented Candle or Decorative Candle (~ $10‑$15)
Soft scents or quirky designs make these excellent crowd‑pleasers. Laced Up Laces recommends scented candles as safe & inclusive under‑$20 gifts.
Why it works: cozy, neutral, almost always useful.
12. Adult Coloring Book or Artistic Coaster Set (~ $10‑$15)
Creative, relaxing, conversation-starting. Architectural Digest includes adult coloring books and coaster sets among its unique gift ideas under $20.
Why it works: low‐tech creativity, suits many ages and tastes.
13. Novelty Keychain (Chicken Drumstick, Fake Money, Toilet Paper) (~ $5‑$10)
Small but silly, the Imitation Chicken Drumstick Keychain appears in Glamour’s gag gift roundup.
Why it works: silly, compact, stocking stuffer vibes.
14. Magnetic Desk Games (Desk Dumpster, Filing Saucer, UFO Paperclips) (~ $10‑$15)
Small desktop toys from shops like Fred & Co make subtle but addictive gifts.
Why it works: office fun, low‑mess entertainment, stealth.
15. Hot Sauce Sampler (Grenade‑shaped or novelty packaging) (~ $10‑$15)
Spicy and shareable. White Elephant rules highlight novelty hot sauce sets under $20.
Why it works: edible, collectible, teams well with tacos and snacking.
Pro Tips for Picking the Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20
- Funny + Functional = stealable: Cards like the toilet spray, light bulb, or espresso pot are jokes and useful.
- Neutral appeal matters: Stick to gifts that don’t lean heavily into niche fandoms (unless you know the crowd), like scented candles, mugs, or games.
- Packing size counts: Small, lightweight items wrap easily and are more portable in swaps.
- Avoid overly personal items: Leave out things tied to religion, politics, or very specific tastes unless you’re 100% sure.
- Presentation is part of the fun: A wrapped mystery builds suspense even for a simple keychain or candle.
Breakdown Table: Examples of Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20
| Gift | Price | Why It’s a Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Poop‑Pourri Spray | ~$9 | Gag + practical |
| Espresso Maker | ~$9 | Instant coffee joy |
| Smart Light Bulb | ~$7 | Ambience gift for dorm or home |
| Burrito Blanket | ~$15 | Cozy, weirdly irresistible |
| Lightsaber Chopsticks | ~$10 | Geeky fun for meals |
| Mini UNO Game | ~$5 | Shareable and casual |
| Funny Mug | ~$12 | Warm drink and laughs |
| Candle | ~$10 | Relaxing, widely liked |
| Desk Toy | ~$13 | Fidgetful desk entertainment |
Pulling off a great best white elephant gifts under $20 strategy is about balance. Funny but not foul; surprising but still useful; inexpensive but memorable. Gifts like novelty puzzles, cozy blankets, clever mugs, or mini gadgets tick those boxes perfectly.
Get to the party early, drop your wrapped surprise in the pile, and enjoy the chaos of steals and swaps. Your gift might sit quietly or spark a frenzied trading war. Either way, you’ll be the hero (or at least the one who brought something everyone wants). That’s how you win at White Elephant.