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Last Updated on January 12, 2021 by Aileen Valdivia
As we begin to start thinking about gift-giving, and who gets what, the pressure of what to buy your loved ones can be a challenge in itself. We know them; however, we fear what they will think if it’s not absolutely flawless. The beauty of the white elephant gift exchange is the lack of expectation around the gift itself, and the absolute enjoyment you had while shopping for, and then giving the gift.
A light-hearted gift can spread hours of laughter, years of memories, and bind together even the most distant relations. When choosing a gift can be a challenge, choosing a white elephant can be more lax. Keep your sights set on the fun aspect of your gift and you’re bound to hit it out of the park.
Compiled below is a list of the 10 best white elephant gifts in 2021. Have you been invited to a gift exchange this year? What ideas are your favorite? Let us know!
Page Overview
Everyone can agree we all have been yelled at, at least once about not using a coaster. This set can stop the shouting, and provide a little humor along the way to lighten the mood. Nothing worse than tension from condensation. Just use the coaster.
Gift for…
This is the perfect white elephant for an adult’s only or college-aged gift exchange, no specific genders. With the foul language graphics these would not be recommended for homes with young minds. But parent as you wish.
Utilization
A common nuisance on your coffee table or night stand is often the rings left behind from cups or mugs. You can hear your mother screaming at you from across the house, “USE A COASTER!” These coasters come with cork backings to provide stability while in use, and a decorative holder to store when not in use. Topped with a little humor, perfect for a den, man-cave, or she-shed.
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We are all guilty of wrapping ourselves in the nearest blanket we can find and calling ourselves a “burrito”. But let’s just take it one step further, and really embody the opportunity to just be a burrito. Talk about goals!
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This is the perfect white elephant for literally any gift exchange – child or adult. Think, family gathering. Soft plush fleece makes this an appropriate throw blanket for the couch, or an extra layer while in bed. Or, to just be a burrito for a day.
Utilization
Smaller in dimensions, this could be more kid-friendly, and humorous for slumber parties or car rides. This is a great add on for a college student to take back to the dorm, as well as a small couch throw. Man-cave, she-shed approved.
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2020 was a little.. shitty, eh? Let’s just grab a 2021 calendar and start fresh. But let’s lighten the mood for the next year and have a laugh as we pass the months, one poop at a time. And if we run out of toilet paper, maybe the calendar can stand in.
Gift for…
Your dog-loving pals will appreciate this one. Perhaps an adult-only gift exchange is more appropriate. But maybe even your college-aged gift exchange could pass as many college kids have pets – dogs especially. We all need to laugh more next year.
Utilization
Being planful is always the focus as we turn the new year. We want to get our ducks in a row and be mindful of our schedules as they increase with rain checks from the previous year. Help your pooch loving friends stay on track with a full 12 month calendar, packed with humor.
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Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot more entertaining. Invite the neighbors, host a party, or gather the kids to all enjoy a taco night with an added twist.
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This is an appropriate white elephant for just about any gift exchange you participate in. Adult, child, or college aged groups can all enjoy a taco stand. Everybody loves tacos, and I think it’s fair to say we miss the dinosaurs at this point. You’ll be the “hostest with the mostest” at the next Taco Tuesday.
Utilization
Though they are awkward in shape and size, these taco stands afford you much practicality in terms of holding and storing your taco while you’re not holding it with your hands. We often put several tacos on our plate and then they all fall over on one side and there goes the lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. The recipient of this gift will thank you later when they don’t lose their toppings. All hail the dinosaurs – saving us one taco at a time!
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Okay so maybe this wasn’t the first thing that came to mind when thinking about gift giving. But listen, white elephant is random – so maybe a yodeling pickle is just the thing your party needs this year. Do you like your pickles sweet or spicy?
Gift for…
Practically anyone can receive a yodeling pickle and think to themselves “what am I going to do with this?” This is a great white elephant for a coworker gift exchange, or even a college aged gift exchange. Bringing some lightness to your work establishment or Zoom calls might be to everyone’s benefit.
Utilization
Though I am not sure I would recommend the use of the yodeling pickle on a conference call or staff meeting, it may be best to consider this an ice breaker toy or a home and kid friendly toy. Perhaps yodeling the dogs back inside from taking a potty break?
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With the rise of the dad sneaker and the dad bod, complete the look with a beer belly. But make it fashion. The fanny pack came to us several decades ago but it would appear they have come back, and are here to stay. Fanny pack or bust, am I right?
Gift for…
This is an awesome bachelor’s gift exchange idea, but to be honest you could gift this to the right female and she, too, would be proud of her fanny. Practical and humorous for any lighthearted group of friends participating in a white elephant exchange.
Utilization
With an adjustable waist, fit for most sizes. And a full functioning zippered pouch. You can store phones, wallets, keys, beer – the limit does not exist. Go ahead and say this is a unisex gift idea and the possibilities are endless for festies, party-goers, and tailgaters of any kind.
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Everyday we make at least one mistake, and sometimes we carry it around like dead weight. Bob Ross teaches us that mistakes aren’t so bad. They, too, can be happy. Everything’s going to be okay – they’re just happy mistakes.
Gift for…
This would be the most appropriate white elephant for your small circle of friends that appreciate art, and the development of art. Even possibly a 90’s kid who you know, that would spend their mornings before school learning how to zen out on Bob and paint happy trees.
Utilization
Though he’s probably not the most appropriate for the fireplace mantle or the coffee table, Bob still has a space on a desk, in a den, man-cave, or she-shed. The Bobblehead makes noise to provide a more complete Bob Ross effect. And the flip-book addition can provide visual-aid to the space he’s set in.
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Create an ambient aura and bring the Moon into the home. Set her on the side table, or the nightstand and let her control the tides of your indoor space.
Gift for…
If you’re having a white elephant with your best gal pals, this is a top recommendation. Beautifully designed, and on trend. Your astrology guru friends will forever love you for this practical, yet visually appealing gift. Serving as night light or a side table decoration. This also makes a great night light in a child’s room, as there are no cords.
Utilization
Often, a pain in the butt is the cord on your lamp or night light. Having to plug it in and finding the most appropriate outlet can be a challenge. The Moon Light Night Light comes with a rechargeable battery and remains cord free for sleek design and ease of use. The moon sphere is touch sensitive so you can adjust the lighting tone, from white to yellow.
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The perfect social game – use it as an ice breaker with new friends or as a “get to know me” better game with old friends. There are no winners, only losers. Which friend are you: drunk, stoned, or stupid?
Gift for…
This is an amazing white elephant for any social gathering of friends, 17 years and up. You can crack it open at your white elephant party and all have a laugh with one another. No gender roles, no bias, everyone can play and enjoy this time together.
Utilization
The original set is a perfect place to start. But if you and your friends play often and are running out of laughs, you can upgrade your deck of cards with the option of expansion packs. Rotate your friends group and the game will never go out of style.
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We all know that one dad that goes to the bathroom and spends the entire morning on the toilet, with the door locked. Now mom’s curlers are still in and you’re late for school because you couldn’t get ready in time. Thanks, dad!
Gift for…
Dad, brother, bachelor – here you go. Except maybe not in the main bathroom so the women in the house can move about their day. This is the perfect white elephant for a group of guys, and the perfect man-cave toilet accessory. You’re already in there for far too long, might as well practice your putt.
Utilization
I do not recommend practicing your golf game in the main washroom quarters. If you’re a single bachelor, knock yourself out. And impress the guys with all your new and improved skills in a round of Sunday morning golf. But to be fair, it might be most appropriate in the spare bathroom. You could also dabble with it at your accent chair if you really need to practice.
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See? It’s all about having fun, spreading laugher, and taking the disappointing expectations off the table. Perhaps you have a large family or group of friends, and you are worried about what to buy or where to begin. Pitch in the idea that you have a white elephant gift exchange, set your gifting budget, and just have fun. Happy Holidays, everyone!
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