White elephant gifts that won’t be forgotten
A white elephant gift doesn’t have to be a joke, it can be any item people aren’t likely to buy for themselves. While you may need to get creative to find a good gift, you don’t need to worry as much about finding the perfect items for one person since you won’t know who’s going to receive it.
A budget of up to $100 offers plenty of options, from smart versions of everyday items to quirky toys and games that everyone will enjoy.
In this article: Adidas Originals National Waist Fanny Pack, Hamilton Beach Hot Oil Popcorn Popper and Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle
White elephant gifts anyone will love
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle
This simple, streamlined bottle keeps beverages hot or cold for hours and comes in a range of colors to suit your giftee. At 18 ounces, it’s large without being bulky, and the 18/8 stainless steel holds up well.
Sold by Amazon
Hamilton Beach Hot Oil Popcorn Popper
Whether they have a home theater or just enjoy this classic snack, your coworker will get plenty of usage out of this popcorn cooker. The oil-based design creates classic-tasting popcorn and rarely misses a kernel.
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This classic game blown up to a 22-inch version is eye-catching and loud when it comes crashing down. After several turns, it can reach as high as four feet, and the included carrying bag means it can be taken on the go.
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Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Bundle
An instant film camera offers instant gratification in the way smartphones and digital cameras can’t. With an included 10-pack of Instax print film, the recipient will probably want to capture your holiday gathering right away.
Sure to be a hit, Apple AirTags can be helpful in a variety of activities, like traveling or going to a music venue. They can be used to keep tabs on wandering pets, track stolen valuables, and even find misplaced car keys.
Sold by Amazon
Victrola Journey+ Bluetooth Record Player
Despite the price, this compact record player offers impressive sound quality, especially when connected to a Bluetooth speaker. It also has built-in speakers and supports wired connection. Any music lover with limited space is likely to appreciate this gift.
Similar to air hockey but with a few twists, this tabletop game is easy to learn and challenging for all ages. Players control their strikers with magnets on the underside of the table, aiming for the opponent’s goal without falling into their own goal.
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For the craft enthusiast, this wooden dollhouse with LED lighting and dozens of miniature decor elements makes a great decoration once assembled. The instructions are clear, though putting the house together will still take weeks, making for a cozy winter project.
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This small Ninja air fryer has a four-quart capacity and is simple to operate, making it a good gift for anyone with limited cooking experience. It takes up little counter space and can make meals for one or two people.
Sold by Amazon, Kohl’s, and Wayfair
Holy Stone HS440 Foldable FPV Drone
With a small form factor and included controller, this drone is an exciting gift for anyone curious about drones. The 1080p camera takes good photos and makes for an immersive flight experience.
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Lego Ideas International Space Station Building Kit
The accuracy of this ISS model will entertain teens or adults, and it looks good enough to display proudly on its included stand. For the number of pieces, it’s fairly large, and it presents a challenge for experienced Lego builders.
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Other top deals in this space
- A Bluetooth radio to add a retro touch to anyone’s living room
- Zonli Weighted Blanket for the light sleeper
- Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser to give someone the clean feeling of coming back from the dentist
- Gskyer Telescope for the budding astronomer
- SMIRLY Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set for the frequent host
- Blink Mini Compact Indoor Security Camera so the recipient can keep tabs on pets and even say hi to them
- VGazer Levitating Moon Lamp as an eye-catching desk toy
- Hawaiian Shaved Ice Machine to give anyone a taste of summer any time
- W-King Bluetooth Speaker for the outdoor adventurer
- Tea Forte Organic Assorted Tea Sampler to give someone a wide-ranging assortment of teas
Useful gifts
Adidas Originals National Waist Fanny Pack
A fanny pack is undeniably convenient, and this simple black bag from Adidas sports the iconic logo. It can be worn a variety of ways, and it includes a key fob and two main pockets.
Sold by Amazon
Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Wine Opener
Everyone’s struggled to open a bottle of wine at some point, but maybe your giftee struggles more than most. It can open dozens of bottles on a single charge, and its compact design fits well on most counters.
The classic wheeled sneaker comes in adult sizes as well, making for an amusing gift that the recipient won’t be able to help trying out. The wheel is mostly concealed under the heel, so these can be worn casually while offering a unique way to get around.
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With space for charging two devices at once (any combination of a smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds), this wireless charger offers a convenient place to store gadgets at the end of the day. It charges quickly and has two lights to display the charge status of each device.
Sold by Amazon
Stanley Fatmax Rechargeable Flashlight
This 2,200-lumen rechargeable flashlight has a built-in trigger lock and a stand, making it well-suited to repairs in tight spots. The battery lasts up to seven hours, and the beam can reach impressive distances. Most DIYers are likely to appreciate this versatile tool.
Sold by Amazon
Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage and Wine Chiller
A cold drink is refreshing any time of year, and this rapid beverage chiller ensures that its recipient never has to put a bottle in the freezer. Adding ice cools beverages, while warm water heats them up rapidly.
Sold by Amazon
Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container
Just about everyone probably wishes they spent less time scrolling on their phone. This locking container helps your recipient unplug while they work. It’s large enough to hold phones and most handheld electronic devices.
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Other top deals in this space
- A whiskey decanter globe set for a den or office
- A three-bottle revolving liquor dispenser for cutting loose after hours
- AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger to provide them with a comfy seat wherever they go
- Eterluck Wooden Docking Station to keep their desk organized
- Westmark Hermetus 3-in-1 Resealer/Bottle Opener for the craft beer enthusiast
Funny and unique gifts
Nerf N-Strike Mega Mastodon Blaster
This is a toy that the recipient is sure to fire up shortly after they open it. With an absurd 24-dart capacity and motorized system, this massive Nerf gun is a fun, chaos-causing gadget. The chunky Mega darts whistle as they fly, and the Mastodon can launch them up to 100 feet.
Sold by Amazon
Powerup 4.0 Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane
This micro remote-controlled airplane attaches to a classic folded paper plane but can maneuver with impressive precision. It requires a fairly large space to fly, and the motor and propellers are durable enough to handle a few inevitable crashes.
Sold by Amazon
Cotton Candy Express Cotton Candy Machine
This is a great gift to give if you enjoy cotton candy but don’t want easy access to it. The recipient will probably let you twirl whenever you like. It takes practice, but the result is a classic swirly fluff of cloud-like sugar.
Sold by Amazon
Luxe Bidet Neo 120 Bidet Attachment
This awkward gift is sure to earn a few laughs, but it may also change the recipient’s bathroom forever. The mechanical design of this bidet attachment makes it easy to install, even for those with limited plumbing skills.
Sold by Amazon
Hidrate Spark Pro Smart Water Bottle
A smart water bottle may seem ridiculous, but the colorful LED base serves as a hydration reminder for anyone who needs to increase their water intake. The app tracks total water consumption and considers factors like body weight and activity level.
Sold by Amazon
Lionel The Polar Express Model Train
Any train geek (or anyone with an inner child) will appreciate this feature-filled Polar Express train set, and it’s easy enough to set up that it will be circling the tree in no time. The sound effects and headlight add realism.
Foreverspin Titanium Spinning Top
This classy yet whimsical toy is a dynamic addition to any office, and with a good spin, it can go for a minute or more.
Sold by Amazon
Other top deals in this space
- Lollimeow Large Cat Backpack for the person who hates being apart from their cat
- CHH Classic Standing Gumball Machine to add color and character to a basement or den
- Joytech Music Tesla Coil for the budding engineer
- Rokr Wooden Puzzle Marble Run for an endlessly entertaining desk toy
- A stemless aerating wine glass for the wine connoisseur
- Fezibo Standing Wobble Balance Board to keep the recipient active in their home office
- Kuppet Portable Folding Sauna to give someone a home spa experience
- An inflatable T. rex costume for anyone with a sense of humor
- The Comfy Dream Oversized Wearable Blanket for the person who’s always cold
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Peter McPherson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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