Best White Elephant Gifts
For the biggest practical surprise, choose the Dash waffle maker; the hand warmer and sardine clips are useful with a funny twist. The Desk Dumpster and retro speaker offer different kinds of playful desk appeal. Below, each pick includes what reviewers liked, what to watch out for, and the sources we used. Prices are approximate.
1Dash Mini Waffle Maker
A tiny waffle maker is a fun, crowd-pleasing surprise that the recipient can actually put to work for quick breakfasts or snacks.
What reviewers like
- Makes personal-size waffles
- Compact for storage
- Around $11
Watch out for
- Only makes one small waffle at a time
- Most useful to someone with access to a kitchen
2Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer
This is a practical cold-weather gift with enough novelty to feel more interesting than an ordinary winter accessory.
What reviewers like
- Useful for chilly days
- Rechargeable
- Under $25
Watch out for
- Most useful during cold weather
- Needs recharging between uses
3Sardine Bag Clips
The silly sardine look makes a mundane kitchen tool a fun exchange gift, while the clips still help keep opened bags closed.
What reviewers like
- Useful for sealing food bags
- A distinctive, funny design
- Under $25
Watch out for
- More amusing than impressive as a standalone gift
- Best suited to someone who enjoys playful kitchen accessories
4Genuine Fred Desk Dumpster
It turns desk cleanup into a joke while giving the recipient a handy spot for small bits of trash.
What reviewers like
- A functional desktop accessory
- Funny, easy-to-understand gag
- Under $20
Watch out for
- Limited to small desk scraps
- The joke may wear thin for someone who prefers understated accessories
5Mini Retro Bluetooth Speaker
The retro look gives this useful music accessory a bit of personality, making it a more playful gift than a standard speaker.
What reviewers like
- Useful for playing music
- Retro styling makes it feel giftable
- Included in a roundup of gifts under $25
Watch out for
- The retro look may not suit everyone's taste
- A compact speaker may not be ideal for filling a large room with sound
Describe your exact situation and the parrot will find your best match.