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Don’t look now, but the holiday season is upon us. As December draws near, it’s time to prepare for what may be “the best” (and busiest) time of year. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or colleagues, the cherished tradition of a white elephant gift exchange is somehow always on the agenda. Instead of scrambling for a last-minute gift from Amazon, take the ELLE road and grab something to please the crowd with a sought-after present everyone will aim to steal. After all, the best white elephant gifts are the ones people actually want, not a niche gag gift that will end up in the back of a closet collecting dust.
From the latest and greatest under-$20 beauty items to hot ticket wellness goodies, foodie favorites, and more, the ideas ahead are fun, functional, and trending this season. You’ll find a lot of great white elephant gift ideas for her on the list ahead, with a mix of gender-neutral items, too. There’s something for everyone (and at every budget). Read along as we award the best white elephant gifts of 2023 and get ready to leave a lasting impression on your fellow revelers, whether they end up with your coveted present or not.
Most Curious White Elephant Gift
Alice Nightcap + Brainstorm Duo Functional Mushroom Chocolates
Most Curious White Elephant Gift
Alice Nightcap + Brainstorm Duo Functional Mushroom Chocolates
Functional mushrooms are all the rage in the world of wellness, and Alice is paving the way in educating consumers about the benefits of this fantastic fungi through sexy branding and decadent dark chocolate treats.
Nightcap is the perfect after-dinner dessert that aids in sleep and relaxation while Brainstorm helps with cognitive function and mental clarity. It’s a female-founded small business that supports psychedelic research and a perfect white elephant gift to spark curiosity.
Best Book
Molly Baz More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen
Best Book
Molly Baz More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen
Now 41% Off
Forget everything you thought you knew about cookbooks because Molly Baz is changing the game. As you flip through, you’ll see a mix of delectable easy-to-follow recipes and vivid photography with several cameos of her dog, Tuna. Plus, there are dozens of QR codes to step-by-step audio tutorials for a hands-free cook-along experience guided by Molly, and recipe videos for a better visual of her craft. The entire experience is playful, relatable, and straight-up fun. Plus, it’s a coffee table book you’ll want to show off.
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Hydration is the simplest key to success, and the brand's new tumbler makes that easier than ever. This handled tumbler is double-wall insulated ensuring ice-cold beverages all day long, and the flexible straw is easy to sip in any way. (It seems like they listened to user complaints of a competing brand to make the best tumbler on the market!)
Most Unexpected White Elephant Gift
Hanky Panky Holiday Low Rise Thong
Most Unexpected White Elephant Gift
Hanky Panky Holiday Low Rise Thong
It might sound crazy, but these Hanky Panky thongs are one-size-fits-most (sizes 2-12 specifically), making them an unexpected, sexy little white elephant gift—perfect for your girls’ holiday party.
This non-alcoholic spirit is full of adaptogens and nootropics to get you feeling good. It’s the perfect, sugar-free alcohol replacement to get you feeling buzzed without the blur. Oh, and Bella Hadid is a co-founder.
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Best Hair Care Gift Under-$20
Olaplex Nº.3 Hair Perfector Holiday Ornament
Best Hair Care Gift Under-$20
Olaplex Nº.3 Hair Perfector Holiday Ornament
We don’t have to tell you how great Olaplex products are—social media and high-end hair salons do a great job of that. The Nº.3 Hair Perfector is great for repairing and strengthening all hair types. And in ornament form? It’s literally the perfect treat for the girlies.
Best $20 White Elephant Gift
Bombas Leopard Jacquard Running Quarter Crew Socks
Best $20 White Elephant Gift
Bombas Leopard Jacquard Running Quarter Crew Socks
Bombas has a cult following, therefore these socks will be a hot commodity. Sure they’re cute and all, but the cozy hug and arch support is unparalleled. If you know, you know!
Most Unexpected White Elephant Gift
Dusen Dusen Net Bolster Pillow
Most Unexpected White Elephant Gift
Dusen Dusen Net Bolster Pillow
The best unexpected white elephant gift? This printed bolster pillow from the artsy homeware brand, Dusen Dusen. It’s muted enough for minimalists and just enough for maximalists.
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TikTok-Approved White Elephant Gift
Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks
TikTok-Approved White Elephant Gift
Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks
If it’s popular on TikTok, you know it’s going to be popular at your white elephant gift exchange. These under-eye patches have niacinamide, caffeine, and kojic acid—ingredients that work together to reduce dark spots, improve the appearance of fine lines, and invigorate the eyes for a healthier, fresher look. Pro tip: Refrigerate them for a cooling sensation!
Best White Elephant Gift for the Kitchen
Graza Drizzle & Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set
Best White Elephant Gift for the Kitchen
Graza Drizzle & Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set
Equal parts aesthetic and delicious, there’s no one on the planet who will be disappointed going home with this Spanish olive oil set from Graza. White elephant gift or not (dare we say an amazing hostess gift for anyone throwing a party?), it’s the cutest, most useful foodie favorite you can give.
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This Erewhon-approved hand wash will transport you to a natural oasis through lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary notes. Koala Eco is one of the most popular cleaning brands in Australia. Once you try its products, you’ll know why. This hand wash is both addicting and inviting—enough to get anyone hooked, if you ask me.
Fanciest White Elephant Gift
Diamond Drunk Say It With Diamonds Collection
Fanciest White Elephant Gift
Diamond Drunk Say It With Diamonds Collection
If your white elephant gift exchange is full of fancy people, this jewelry cleaning set is going to be the best white elephant gift in the game. It’s a non-toxic cleaner powered by natural coconut, sugarcane, and beetroot that dissolves built-up grime, grit, oils, and dirt leaving your diamonds fresh, sparkly, and clean.
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Tea drinkers and wellness gurus will love the ultimate tea set from Sakara Life. Each one is made with functional and medicinal herbs, like lemongrass, valerian, and meadowsweet.