Ah, the office White Elephant gift exchange – that annual ritual of laughter, mild chaos, and occasional awkwardness. You know the one: everyone gathers around with their wrapped gifts, trying to look innocent while secretly plotting how to snag the best present in the pile. It’s a tradition that walks a fine line between friendly fun and gentle mischief, and getting it right is part art, part strategy.
The challenge? Finding a gift that’s funny enough to earn a few laughs, clever enough to stand out, and still appropriate for the workplace. The last thing you want is to be that person – the one whose gift sparks uncomfortable silence or a meeting with HR. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned participant, understanding how to pick a great White Elephant gift can make all the difference between a forgettable swap and one your coworkers will talk about for months.
Let’s unpack how to choose the perfect present that keeps things entertaining, office-friendly, and maybe even a little bit legendary.
10 White Elephant Gifts For The Office
1. Funny Desk Toys
Office life can sometimes get a little dull, right? That’s why funny desk toys make an amazing white elephant gift! They’re perfect for keeping your coworkers entertained, giving everyone a little chuckle, and even sparking some playful competition. Plus, they’re small, inexpensive, and easy to wrap, making them ideal for a gift exchange. Picture a tiny, quirky gadget sitting on a colleague’s desk that instantly makes everyone smile every time they glance at it-it’s instant joy in a box.
Another cool thing about desk toys is that they’re versatile for all kinds of personalities. Whether your coworker loves something practical, like a stress-relieving fidget toy, or something completely silly, like a dancing robot figurine, there’s something that can hit the sweet spot. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a gift that can double as a conversation starter and a stress buster at the same time!
Examples:
2. Quirky Mugs
Who doesn’t love a mug, especially when it’s funny, sarcastic, or just plain weird? Quirky mugs are a classic white elephant favorite because they’re useful yet hilarious. Imagine your coworker sipping their morning coffee from a mug that says something totally outrageous-they’ll think of you every morning with a smile. Plus, mugs are super easy to find in a wide range of prices, styles, and themes, which makes them a no-brainer for office gift exchanges.
What makes quirky mugs even better is that they show a little personality without being over the top. Whether it’s a mug shaped like a toilet, one with a pun you can’t stop laughing at, or one that changes color when hot liquid is added, these gifts are small but mighty. They’re the kind of gift that’s both practical and hilarious, and that’s exactly the sweet spot for white elephant fun!
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3. Snack & Candy Packs
Let’s be honest, food is always a hit. Giving a snack or candy pack as a white elephant gift means instant popularity! Everyone loves a little treat at work, especially when it’s something unique or a little indulgent. From exotic snacks to retro candies, there’s so much you can do to make this gift both tasty and fun. Plus, food items are easy to share, which means your gift can become the centerpiece of a mini office snack party.
The beauty of giving snacks is that it’s low-pressure and universally loved. You don’t have to worry about someone not liking it or finding it useless because, well, it’s edible. You can even get creative with themed packs or seasonal goodies, which makes it feel thoughtful without having to overthink it. A snack pack can be both silly and delicious, which is exactly the vibe of a white elephant gift!
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4. Mini Appliances & Gadgets
Mini appliances are surprisingly fun white elephant gifts. Think tiny waffle makers, mini popcorn poppers, or compact coffee makers-these little gadgets are practical, yet they have that quirky appeal that makes them perfect for gift swaps. Your coworker might not even realize they need it until they start using it, and suddenly, it’s their new favorite office or home tool. It’s like giving a gift that’s both fun and secretly very useful!
The best part? Mini gadgets often spark conversations and laughs because they’re so unexpected. Imagine someone unwrapping a mini donut maker or a personal smoothie blender-instant delight and surprise. These gifts are memorable, and they can even become the talk of the office long after the exchange. Plus, watching everyone try to figure out what their new gadget does is half the fun!
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5. Office Humor Books
Books aren’t just for quiet readers-they can also be a hilarious gift! Office humor books are fantastic for a white elephant because they’re low-cost, easy to wrap, and perfect for a coworker who enjoys a good laugh during their lunch break. From sarcastic guides on office life to collections of hilarious cartoons, there’s a book out there for every type of sense of humor. Plus, books can be revisited again and again, making your gift one that keeps giving!
Another perk of humor books is that they’re highly relatable. Almost everyone has had those ’ugh, office life’ moments, and a funny book can make those relatable frustrations way more enjoyable. Whether your coworker has a dry sense of humor or loves outrageous satire, a good office humor book can be the highlight of the white elephant exchange. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want a gift that makes them laugh uncontrollably at their desk?
Examples:
- ’Office Space: The Movie Companion’
- The 50 Funniest Office Quotes Book
- I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats
6. Silly Apparel & Accessories
Nothing spices up a white elephant exchange like funny or quirky clothing and accessories. From ridiculous socks to novelty ties, these gifts let your coworker wear their humor with pride-or embarrassment, depending on the day. The charm of this category is that the items are often so over-the-top that they instantly become conversation starters. And yes, silly apparel can be surprisingly affordable, making it a great option for group gift exchanges.
These gifts work because they’re both visual and interactive. Imagine someone showing up to work with a tie shaped like tacos or socks that scream ’Mondays are tough.’ You’re giving a gift that’s wearable fun, something people notice immediately, and something that’s totally in the spirit of office shenanigans. Honestly, nothing says white elephant quite like gifting wearable absurdity!
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7. Stress Relief & Relaxation Items
Office life is stressful, and let’s face it, we could all use a little chill. That’s why stress relief and relaxation items are ideal for white elephant gifts. Think stress balls, mini massagers, or even calming desktop fountains. They’re thoughtful, useful, and surprisingly fun to unwrap, especially when people get curious about how it works. You’re giving a gift that says, ’Hey, I hope your workday is a little less stressful,’ with a humorous twist.
Plus, these items are perfect for communal spaces like offices. People can pass them around, test them out, or even use them during a tense meeting to get a little comic relief. The combination of practical stress relief and fun makes these gifts universally appealing. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a quirky way to escape the occasional office chaos?
Examples:
8. Novelty Drinkware
Beyond mugs, novelty drinkware covers everything from ridiculous shot glasses to wine glasses shaped like lightbulbs. They’re perfect for office white elephants because they’re funny, often a little bizarre, and guaranteed to spark laughter when unwrapped. Whether your coworker enjoys coffee, soda, or the occasional celebratory drink, there’s a wacky glassware option that will fit perfectly into your gift exchange.
These gifts are extra fun because they mix practicality with surprise. A coworker might get a glass shaped like a unicorn, a llama, or even a toilet (yes, really!), and suddenly your boring beverage moment becomes hilarious. They’re small, easy to transport, and just the right size for an office gag gift, making them a reliable choice if you want people to talk about your gift long after the exchange.
Examples:
9. Board Games & Card Games
Games bring people together, and nothing breaks the office ice like a good, funny game. Board games and card games make excellent white elephant gifts because they’re interactive, entertaining, and provide a reason for coworkers to laugh together. Plus, games often have that perfect mix of silly and competitive that white elephant exchanges thrive on. Imagine everyone crowded around a table trying to play a ridiculous office-themed card game-it’s instant fun!
The best thing about giving games is that they’re for everyone. People who normally wouldn’t interact suddenly find themselves laughing at each other’s terrible strategies or clever moves. And if the game is quirky or themed around office life, it’s even more fitting. It’s the gift that keeps the party going long after the unwrapping is done.
Examples:
10. Novelty Office Supplies
Office supplies don’t have to be boring! In fact, the weirder and more outrageous, the better for a white elephant gift. Think pens shaped like syringes, staplers shaped like sharks, or sticky notes with sarcastic messages. These gifts are hilarious because they take ordinary items we all use every day and give them a fun twist. Plus, they’re small and cheap enough to be perfect for gift exchanges, yet still memorable enough to be talked about for weeks.
What makes these gifts so great is that they’re both functional and funny. Your coworker might actually use that shark stapler, but every time they do, it’s a little reminder of the hilarious gift exchange. It’s a win-win: they get something useful, and everyone else gets a laugh. Honestly, novelty office supplies are pure white elephant gold!
Examples:
How To Choose White Elephant Gifts For The Office
Choosing a White Elephant gift for your office is a bit like crafting the perfect inside joke: it needs to be witty, lighthearted, and relatable. The best ones hit the sweet spot between useful and absurd – something that makes people laugh but also tempts them to keep it.
Here’s how to make that happen:
- Know Your Office Culture: Every workplace has its personality. Some teams thrive on sarcasm and humor; others are more buttoned-up. Match the vibe. If your office leans conservative, skip the gag gifts and aim for clever or cozy instead.
- Set a Realistic Budget: Most White Elephant exchanges have a price limit – often between $10 and $30. Stick to it. Half the fun is seeing how creative you can get within a small budget.
- Aim for ’Fun but Safe’: Goofy is good, but steer clear of anything that could be interpreted as offensive, political, or too personal. Think witty coffee mugs, quirky gadgets, or universal crowd-pleasers like mini desk games.
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Think Practical Humor: The perfect gift is something people actually use but still find amusing. For example:
- A self-stirring coffee mug (fun and functional)
- A desktop punching bag (great for stress relief)
- A mini waffle maker (because who doesn’t love waffles?)
- Make It Feel Special: A little creativity in the wrapping or presentation can make even a small gift feel exciting. A clever label or a double-wrapped box adds to the mystery and laughter.
Understanding The Needs Of Your Recipient
Even though White Elephant gifts are technically “for anyone”, it pays to think about your audience – your coworkers. The more your gift connects with your office’s personalities and daily quirks, the more popular it’ll be.
Here’s how to understand what might hit the mark:
- Observe the Everyday Conversations: Is your team constantly joking about coffee, meetings that should’ve been emails, or office snacks? These clues tell you what kind of humor or practicality will land best.
- Balance Humor and Usefulness: Ask yourself: will this make people laugh and actually get used? For example, a desk cactus or quirky notebook checks both boxes.
- Consider Gender-Neutral Options: Since you don’t know who will end up with your gift, avoid anything that leans too heavily toward one demographic. Think universal-tech gadgets, edible treats, or desk toys.
- Appeal to the Shared Office Struggle: Everyone in an office can relate to things like slow Wi-Fi, coffee shortages, or endless Zoom calls. A gift that taps into those universal experiences is almost guaranteed to be a hit.
Avoid These Pitfalls When Choosing Gifts
Even the best intentions can go hilariously wrong (or just plain wrong) if you don’t steer clear of certain traps. Here are some don’ts that could save you from an awkward office moment:
- Avoid Inappropriate Humor: Anything that could offend someone – even jokingly – should be off the table. Think twice before buying anything involving alcohol, politics, or personal jokes.
- Don’t Go Too Cheap: While you don’t need to spend much, flimsy or low-quality items come across as lazy. The goal is clever, not careless.
- Skip the Gift Cards: They’re too practical and take away from the fun. The best White Elephant gifts spark reactions, not polite thank-yous.
- Avoid ’Regift’ Temptation: It’s easy to throw in that unused candle or odd trinket from last year’s swap – but resist. People can tell when something’s an afterthought.
- Don’t Overthink It: Sometimes the simplest ideas work best. If it makes you chuckle and you can picture your coworkers fighting over it, it’s probably perfect.
How To Locate The Perfect Present
Finding the right gift doesn’t have to feel like a scavenger hunt. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can score something memorable without spending hours hunting.
Here’s where and how to find those gems:
- Shop Local Boutiques: Small gift shops often have quirky and unexpected items you won’t find online. Plus, supporting local businesses adds a feel-good twist to your gift.
- Browse Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, Uncommon Goods, or even Amazon’s ’Funny Gifts’ section can be treasure troves for unique finds.
- Think DIY (If You’re Crafty): A homemade touch – like a ’Work Survival Kit’ filled with coffee, stress balls, and candy – can be both hilarious and heartfelt.
- Use Office Humor as Inspiration: Think of inside jokes or shared experiences at work. Maybe there’s a running gag about how cold the office is – cue a mini blanket or fuzzy socks.
- Check Reviews: If you’re buying online, always read reviews to make sure your funny gadget actually works. Nothing kills the fun faster than a broken gift.