In theory, we all want to go to White Elephant parties. In practice, however, most of us wish we could skip out on the festivities, solely because most of the presents we give (and receive) end up being big fat regifts. To be fair, it takes a ton of time and energy to find something that'll be useful (and appeal to) everyone. And the fact that we're on a tight budget only makes it that much harder.
Instead of tapping out or falling into the "I'll just give a gift card" trap, this year, we're embracing these bashes with a new mentality: Gifting something we'd actually want for ourselves. Ahead, we've rounded up 50 gifts (under $50) we'd be more than happy to unwrap come White Elephant season. And just think, picks this good can save your friendships and the party. How many presents can you think of have the ability to do all that?
For fashion-lovers everywhere.
Topshop Vogue Covers Book, $35, available at Topshop.
Almost as good as gifting real money.
No Fun Flying Cash Lapel Pin, $5, available at No Fun.
Tag, you're it!
Anya Hindmarch @ Sticker, $55, available at Anya Hindmarch.
Make the party pop, literally.
Missguided Confetti Balloons, $17, available at Missguided.
Vintage tee, without the vintage price.
Urban Outfitters 2Pac All Eyez On Me, $28, available at Urban Outfitters.
You know you want it.
Aska Pompom Key Chain, $20, available at Aska.
For those hand-wash-only items that never seem to get hand-washed.
The Laundress + Le Labo Santal 33 Signature Detergent, $45, available at Net-A-Porter.
Let the beat drop.
BaubleBar Silver Gem Make Noise Headphones, $39.99, available at Target.
Brighten up someone's (cold) day.
Headcakes Pompom Beanie in Pink, $41, available at Fy.
Because refrigerators deserve accessories, too.
Y Studio Brass & Copper Magnet Set, $17, available at Project No. 8.
Organization-obsessed, unite.
Anthropologie Vestige Lipstick Holder, $28, available at Anthropologie.
Treat yourself...in the comfort of your own home.
Tocca Wanderlust Gift Set, $48, available at Anthropologie.
Star Wars and jelly beans. Talk about a match made in heaven.
Star Wars Jelly Bean Machine, $36, available at Urban Outfitters.
Go off the grid. It looks good.
Baggu Natural Grid Backpack, $38, available at Baggu.
If you haven't tried a Swell bottle, it's time. Your drink will actually stay hot (or cold) for 12 hours.
Swell Undercover Camo, $35, available at Swell.
Everyone could use a fuzzy throw blanket.
H&M Soft Throw, $34.99 $19.99, available at H&M.
Did you hear that lanyards are back? That means these are now a solid (and cheap) gift.
Stray Rats Lanyard, $15, available at Stray Rats.
Shine bright like a diamond...pin.
Big Bud Press Gem Pin, $15, available at Big Bud Press.
Chances are high your giftee will either be a fan of shots or Mark Twain.
Izola Twain Shot Glass Set, $29.99, available at Izola.
To ease the pain of holiday travel.
Carry On Cocktail The Bloody Mary, $26, available at Poketo.
This is not your average sports magazine. This issue talks heroes and villains, and makes for a good coffee table book.
Victory Journal Heroes & Villains, $16, available at Victory Journal.
Putting to pencil to paper just got a lot prettier.
Rifle Paper Co. Floral Pencil Set, $12, available at Rifle Paper Co.
The affordable way to try VR.
Immerse Plus Virtual Reality Headset, $45.10, available at ASOS.
You’re never too old for a good coloring book.
Secret Paris: Color Your Way To Calm, $16 $10.53, available at Barnes & Noble.
Breakfast, to go.
Welcome Companions Toast Charm, $40, available at Welcome Companions.
Green thumbs way up.
The Sill The Olmsted with Ferns, $48, available at The Sill.
A portable speaker that clips to belt loops, so they can play the soundtrack of their life everywhere they go.
JBL Clip+ Portable Speaker, $39.95, available at JBL.
A set of votives is better than one candle.
Lucia Votive Set #9, $27, available at Zady.
For that impending Caribbean holiday.
Sunnylife Lennox Underwater Camera, $24.05, available at ASOS.
Cute enough to eat.
Mokuyobi Burger, $5, available at Mokuyobi.
Who doesn't want a new teapot?
William Sonoma Chantal Vintage Tea Kettle, $49.95, available at William Sonoma.
Hats off to this look.
Wilfred Free Emesa Hat, $35, available at Aritizia.
Edible art. Why not?
Curtis Kulig "Love Me" Chocolate Bar, $5, available at ArtMarkit.
Why buy a journal every damn year?
Delfonics 3-year Diary, $35, available at Club Monaco.
Tubes aren't just for the pool anymore.
Bigmouth Inc Pepper Snow Tube, $24.95, available at American Eagle Outfitters.
Make teatime that much better with a badass mug.
Opening Ceremony Logo Mug, $20, available at Opening Ceremony.
More cheese, please.
Thirstystone Paddle Cheeseboard, $39.99, available at Macy's.
The gift that keeps on giving.
Adamjk Balloons, $15, available at Adamjk.
Jam-packed with art and culture knowledge.
Assouline In The Spirit of Harlem, $45, available at Barneys New York.
Treat their feet.
Gap Faux fur slippers, $34.95, available at Gap.
Let your eye mask be a fashion statement, too.
Pijama Eyemask, $28, available at YOOX.
No, seriously. What would she do?
Wildfang What Would Beyoncé Do? Plaque, $28, available at Wildfang.
Charging your phone never looked so good.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Phone Case, $24, available at YOOX.
A print you won't see on anyone else's wall.
Valfré Plantas Print, $48, available at Valfré.
Denim decorators, unite!
Spring Happy Days Patch Set, $30, available at Spring.
Oh-so sleek.
J.Crew Round Flask, $18.50, available at J.Crew.
Nothing says party quite like this straw.
ban.do Pink Party Straw, $10, available at ban.do.
The future is bright.
Spirit Speak Iris Oracle Cards, $48, available at Garmentory.
Up your travel-pillow game.
Sparrow & Wren Travel Pillow Set, $29.99, available at Bloomingdale's.
Give the gift of a good message.
Coucou Suzette Equal Tote, $18.50, available at Pins Won't Save The World.
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