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Need inspiration on what to give a co-worker or friend? These picks are sure to make you popular at the next party.
Robin Mosley Former CNET writer
Robin Mosley (she/her) formerly wrote commerce deals for CNET about beauty, fashion and other essential gear. Before that, she freelanced for Healthline, Simply Recipes and Nerd Street. She is a Chicago native living on the East Coast who is a fan of all things beauty, food, gaming and tech. When she isn't writing, she's at a restaurant, shopping online or making YouTube gaming videos.
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Marlen Cimaglia
Marlen has been a writer and editor for the past 10 years, covering beauty, fashion and commerce. When she's not writing, she's traveling abroad and exploring new cities.
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Robin Mosley
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Marlen Cimaglia
2 min read
We're Not Really Strangers card game
A card game that starts conversations
Wireless Bluetooth karaoke microphone
Belt out your favorite tunes
Seattle Chocolate
Tasty chocolate in a small package
JBL Go 3
Pocket-friendly wireless speaker
A white elephant gift exchange is a fun and festive holiday tradition. If you're not familiar with white elephant parties, the idea is that you bring a gift valued under a certain dollar amount, toss it into a communal pile, and watch as everyone swaps and steals to try to secure the most coveted item. While there's always a gag gift or two floating around, if you're a true white-elephant pro, you take pride in knowing everyone is battling to get their hands on the gift you brought.
This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
But finding the best white elephant gift can be tricky. You want something that's unique, but also practical and affordable, and you have to keep that strict spending limit in mind. The good news: We have plenty of ideas. You don't have to splurge to impress your potential giftees; your goal is to bring something they never knew they needed but are glad they finally have.
Our recommendations for the best white elephant gifts are a mix of fun and useful items for $50 or less. To find more inspiration for the holidays, check out our favorite Secret Santa gifts under $20 and our list of gifts that cost $50 or less.
Everyone can use some help strengthening their relationships, whether that's with family or friends. This card game does just that, offering question prompts that will launch you into deep conversations. It's a great way to spend wintery days indoors.
Bombas delivers everything you want in a grippy house slipper. The Slipper Bootie offers luxurious cushioning and warmth, thanks to an extra-thick footbed and fluffy sherpa lining. Chunky yarn and an oversized ribbed cuff look festive and cute to boot. Better yet, for every purchase, Bombas donates an item to those in need.
More games:
- D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle ($19)
- Codenames Undercover ($18)
- Mattel Uno Flip card game ($6)
Chances are that everyone at the party is already thinking about their New Year's resolutions, and many people will have fitness on their brains. Give one lucky recipient a head start with this Bluetooth headband headphone. It's wireless, machine-washable and hypoallergenic. It'll also keep sweat and hair out of their face as they work toward their goals.
More fitness gifts:
- Smartshake Revive protein shaker ($15)
- Renpho smart jump rope ($18)
- Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler ($45)
Let someone be the life of the party with a wireless Bluetooth karaoke microphone. Karaoke is a great way to liven up any white-elephant gathering -- and with this portable mic, your recipient can relive the experience anywhere.
Sometimes the best gifts are the most useful items. This 16-inch laptop sleeve fits the bill: Not only will it keep the recipient's laptop safe as they're toting their tech from the coffee shop to the office, but it will also add a cheerful splash of color to their 9-to-5 routine.
Chances are good that there's an iced coffee connoisseur in the group. To satisfy their craving, they can instantly lower the temperature of their drinks with this HyperChiller. CNET's David Watsky gave it a glowingreviewbecause it works in a matter of minutes. It quickly chills warm wine, too.
More for coffee lovers:
Everyone uses their smartphone to catch up on the news and connect with friends and family, but it can be annoying to clutch a device with one hand for a long stretch of time. This grip allows for a more comfortable scrolling experience. With a 1-inch elastic strap, kickstand and magnetic mount, your giftee can easily take selfies and stream content hands-free.
Coloring books are still fun for adults. We all lead busy lives, but sometimes it's nice to relax with some art therapy. This coloring book has intricate designs of international cities, including Amsterdam, New York, Paris and Tokyo. With each stroke, they'll feel like the next Picasso -- but without the effort.
Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to get someone. That'swhy an Amazon gift card is perfect -- you don't need to. Just load the card and give it away.
This is a fun, flexible gift: Give a candle designed to smell like your local baseball stadium (yes, there's a hint of grass and cotton candy in there) or the state where you live. You can also get festive and seasonal with a "Snow Day" or "Buddy's Breakfast" candle. The options are endless.
More soothing scents:
If you're going to get someone chocolate, why not try something different? Step up your chocolate game with Seattle Chocolate's truffles instead. These impressive confections aren't too sweet, and many of them have tasty flavored centers. A personal favorite is Blackberry Creme -- every bite is like a party in your mouth.
More sweet treats:
- Sugarfina Champagne Gummy Bears ($9)
- See's Candies Peanut Brittle ($10)
- Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark ($30)
Like
- Very compact
- Decent sound for its tiny size
- Fully waterproof and dust-proof with an IP67 rating
- Attractive design
Don't like
- Can only deliver so much bass and volume
The JBL Go 3's durable design and surprisingly decent sound make it one of the top micro Bluetooth speakers out there. Available in multiple colors, it has an IP67 water-resistance rating that means it can be dunked in water and is dust-proof. Battery life is rated at up to 5 hours.
More gift ideas
- Best Gifts Under $500 for 2023
- Best Star Wars Gifts: Top Picks From Across the Galaxy
- 23 Great Tech Gifts Under $100
- 22 Advent Calendars You Should Buy Before They're Gone
- 19 Great Gifts for $50 or Less
