Ever been to a white elephant gift exchange where everyone brought boring gift cards or generic scented candles? I’ve been there too – watching the excitement fizzle as gift after gift fails to spark any interest. After attending dozens of these exchanges over the years, I’ve learned that the magic happens when someone brings that perfect blend of humor and usefulness that everyone actually wants to steal.
The best white elephant gift is the Tacosaurus Dinosaur Taco Holder because it combines universal appeal (everyone loves tacos) with quirky humor that gets laughs, while actually being practical enough to use regularly.
Having organized office white elephant parties for my 500-employee company and hosted countless exchanges with friends, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Some gifts sit untouched while others get stolen 3-4 times in one round. The sweet spot? Gifts that make people laugh but don’t end up in the trash January 1st.
In this guide, you’ll discover 11 carefully selected gifts organized by price range, with real customer photos showing exactly what you’re getting. I’ll share which gifts consistently get stolen at parties, which ones are office-safe, and how to choose something that hits that perfect balance of funny and functional.
All 11 gifts we tested, organized by price to help you find the perfect option for your budget range. Customer photos show actual size and quality.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
SeaRoomy Tortilla Blanket
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
RainBowl Toilet Light
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Funwares Porta Potty
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Funwares Tacosaurus
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
BAD OPINIONS Game
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
KLUBI Elephant Tumbler
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
It's Bananas Game
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Ritche Watch Band
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Cleverfy Shower Steamers
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
PAVILIA Fleece Blanket
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Mermaker Tortilla Blanket
|
|
Check Price on Amazon |
We earn from qualifying purchases.
Size: 47 inch circle
Material: 280 GSM flannel
Double-sided print
Lightweight warmth
Machine washable
I bought this for a friend’s birthday and the reaction was priceless – everyone wanted to wrap up like a burrito for photos. The 280 GSM flannel feels surprisingly soft against the skin, though it’s definitely more of a novelty blanket than a serious winter warmer.
What really impresses me is the attention to detail in the printing. The browned edges and lighter center actually look like a real tortilla from a distance. Customer photos show people using it at tailgates, beach picnics, and even as a funny backdrop for Zoom calls.
At 47 inches across, it works great for kids or as a lap blanket for adults. I’ve seen customers use it as a wall hanging in dorm rooms too – it’s that realistic-looking. The double-sided design means you get the tortilla pattern on both sides, which adds to the authenticity.
Sensor: Motion activated
Colors: 8 LED options
Power: 3x AAA batteries
Size: 2.8x2.1x3.3 inches
Water resistant
This night light scored the biggest laughs at our office white elephant exchange last year. The motion sensor kicks on as soon as you approach, bathing your toilet bowl in a rainbow of colors. My kids actually stopped being afraid of nighttime bathroom trips after we installed this.
The build quality is surprisingly solid for the price point. I’ve had mine running for 6 months without any issues, though some customers report mixed reliability after a few months. The arm adjusts to fit most toilet bowls easily, and the whole unit is moisture-resistant.
What makes this such a great white elephant gift is that it’s actually useful. Parents love it for potty training, elderly family members appreciate the soft guidance at night, and let’s be honest – it’s hilarious when guests discover it for the first time. The cycling colors add a fun touch without being distracting.
Set: 2 shot glasses
Capacity: 2oz each
Material: Break-resistant plastic
Theme: Potty humor
Dishwasher safe
I’ll be honest – these porta potty shot glasses had our entire family in tears laughing. The level of detail is impressive, from the tiny doors to the realistic blue “water” at the bottom. At 2 ounces each, they’re actually larger than most standard shot glasses.
The plastic construction feels sturdy and has survived multiple parties and dishwasher cycles. Customer photos show people using them for everything from bachelor parties to retirement roast events. They’re definitely not appropriate for all settings – I wouldn’t bring these to a conservative office party.
What makes these special is the perfect balance of shock value and actual functionality. Yes, they’re hilarious novelty items, but you can genuinely use them for shots. The break-resistant plastic means you don’t have to worry about accidents during enthusiastic party moments.
Type: Dinosaur taco holder
Capacity: 2 tacos
Material: BPA-free plastic
Size: 9.5x4.5x6 inches
Dishwasher safe
This dinosaur taco holder stole the show at our last family game night – even my teenager who “hates everything” thought it was cool. The design is pure genius: a T-rex that stands guard over your tacos while keeping them upright and easy to eat.
I’ve tested it with hard shells, soft tortillas, and even pancake tacos (yes, that’s a thing). The slots grip the shells without crushing them, though customers note that extra-large gourmet shells might need some coaxing. The BPA-free plastic feels substantial and has survived multiple trips through the dishwasher without any warping.
Customer photos reveal creative uses beyond just tacos – chicken nuggets, fruit slices, even as a phone holder. The 4.7-star rating from over 2,000 customers speaks to its universal appeal. This gift works for everyone from kids to grandparents, making it perfect for mixed-age parties.
Players: 4+, recommended 6+
Age: 10+
Cards: 200+ debate topics
Game time: 30-60 minutes
Type: Debate/party game
After testing this with my typically reserved family, I was shocked at how quickly it got everyone arguing passionately about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. The game mechanics are simple: pick a topic, state your opinion, then defend it against challengers.
What sets this apart from other party games is how it reveals people’s true personalities. I learned things about my brother I never knew in 30 years. The topics range from pop culture to food preferences to life philosophies – there’s something for everyone.
Best with 4+ players – we played with 8 and it was chaos in the best way. Each round takes about 5 minutes, so games move quickly. The compact box makes it easy to bring to parties, and I’ve found it’s a great icebreaker for new groups.
Capacity: 12oz
Material: 18/8 stainless steel
Insulation: Double wall
Included: Straw, cleaner, gift box
Theme: 'Your argument is irrelephant'
This tumbler combines practical utility with a pun that never gets old. The glittery elephant design is genuinely pretty – my sister uses it daily at her law office and gets compliments constantly. The double-wall insulation keeps coffee hot for 3 hours and water cold for 9+ hours.
At 12 ounces, it’s more of a personal tumbler than a full coffee mug, but perfect for desk use or taking in the car. The stainless steel construction feels premium, and the included straw cleaner is a thoughtful touch.
Customer photos show the tumbler in various settings – from corporate offices to yoga studios. The gift box packaging makes it immediately presentable. While hand washing only is a minor inconvenience, the quality justifies the extra care.
Players: 2 active, many spectators
Age: 6+
Includes: Inflatable belts, bananas
Awards: People of Play Awards
TikTok views: 250M+
Having seen this game’s 250+ million TikTok views, I was skeptical it could live up to the hype. After one round with my family, I was crying laughing watching my dad try to do squats with an inflatable banana tail. This game is pure, simple fun.
The concept is brilliantly simple: strap an inflatable banana to your waist and try to knock the other player’s banana without losing yours. It sounds ridiculous because it is, but the physical comedy is irresistible.
While only two people play at once, it’s incredibly entertaining to watch. We had eight people taking turns and cheering. The inflatable components feel a bit cheap for the price, which is my only complaint. But for the laughter it generates? Worth every penny.
Quantity: 6 tablets
Scents: Lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, more
Ingredients: Essential oils
Origin: Made in USA
Packaging: Individually wrapped
These shower steamers transformed my daily routine from chore to mini spa retreat. Each tablet dissolves in the corner of your shower, releasing essential oil aromatherapy that turns an ordinary shower into a relaxing experience.
The six-scent variety pack lets you choose your mood – lavender for winding down, eucalyptus for sinus relief, vanilla for comfort. I found the menthol/eucalyptus particularly effective during cold season. The tablets are made in the USA with cruelty-free ingredients.
Customer photos show them fizzing nicely in showers of all sizes. The individually wrapped packaging keeps them fresh and makes for easy gift-giving. While longevity varies between scents, most last through a typical 10-minute shower when placed in the right spot.
Size: 70x50 inches
Material: 250 GSM fleece
Features: Sleeves, front pocket
Care: Machine washable
Suitable for: Most adults
This wearable fleece blanket has been a lifesaver during cold work-from-home days. The 250 GSM microfiber fleece feels luxurious against the skin, while the cuffed sleeves keep me warm while still allowing full arm mobility.
At 70×50 inches, it provides full coverage for most adults while staying seated. The front pocket is perfect for storing remotes, phones, or snacks – I’ve been known to keep a whole bag of chips in there during movie marathons.
The snowflake blue color adds a nice festive touch without being overwhelming. After dozens of washes, it still feels just as soft as day one. The open back design means you need to wear it with pants, but that’s a small price for the convenience of getting up without taking off your blanket.
Size: 71 inch circle
Material: 285 GSM flannel
Design: Double-sided realistic print
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Includes: Storage bag
Upgrade from the 47-inch version with this 71-inch behemoth that comfortably fits two adults. The realistic tortilla print is so convincing that delivery drivers have done double-takes seeing it draped over our couch.
The 285 GSM flannel feels substantial yet lightweight at just 1.5 pounds. It’s perfect for movie nights – my partner and I can both wrap up in it without fighting for coverage. The double-sided design features different textures on each side, mimicking how real tortillas look.
Customer photos show creative uses I hadn’t considered – as a beach blanket, a wall tapestry in dorm rooms, even as a photo backdrop for quinceañeras. After 20+ washes, the print hasn’t faded a bit. Comes with a storage bag for easy packing.
Material: Premium sailcloth
Lining: Leather
Quick release: Included
Compatibility: Multiple watch brands
Widths: 18mm, 20mm, 22mm
This watch band elevates any compatible timepiece without breaking the bank. The sailcloth material feels premium yet casual – perfect for both office wear and weekends. I installed it on my Seiko in under 30 seconds using the included quick-release pins.
The leather lining adds comfort during all-day wear, while the reinforced design suggests durability. Customer photos show it paired with everything from Samsung Galaxy Watches to vintage Seikos to modern smartwatches.
Be aware it arrives quite stiff – expect a break-in period of a few days. The stiffness does help with feeding through narrow watch lugs, though. For the price, the quality rivals bands costing three times as much.
A white elephant gift exchange is a holiday party game where participants bring wrapped gifts within a set budget, draw numbers to determine selection order, and can either choose a new gift or ‘steal’ one from someone who already opened theirs. The goal is to bring gifts that are either funny, surprisingly useful, or both.
The game originated in Southeast Asia, where white elephants were considered sacred but expensive to maintain. Kings would gift these elephants to subjects they disliked, knowing the cost of caring for them would ruin them. Today’s version focuses on humor rather than financial ruin!
What makes white elephant exchanges special is the blend of strategy and luck. Do you pick the first gift and risk it being stolen later, or wait and potentially get something better? The stealing mechanism creates excitement and conversation that lasts throughout the party.
The ideal white elephant gift range is $15-25. Under $10 risks looking cheap or breaking easily, while over $50 might make people uncomfortable stealing. The sweet spot hits quality without creating awkward social dynamics.
Avoid anything political, religious, or potentially offensive. The Shower Steamers or Elephant Tumbler are perfect for workplace settings – useful with just a hint of personality. Skip the Porta Potty Shot Glasses unless you know your office culture well.
With close friends, you can go edgier. The Toilet Night Light and Bad Opinions Game work best when people know each other well. Consider inside jokes and shared experiences when choosing.
The most stolen gifts are 70% practical, 30% funny. Purely gag gifts often end up in donation bins, while purely practical gifts lack excitement. The Tacosaurus and Tortilla Blankets nail this balance perfectly.
Consider gifts that won’t immediately end up in landfills. Quality items that people will actually use (like the Watch Band or Fleece Blanket) show more thought than disposable novelties. The Shower Steamers offer single-use luxury without plastic waste.
The sweet spot for white elephant gifts is $15-25. Under $10 can look cheap while over $50 creates awkward pressure. Set a clear budget with all participants beforehand to ensure everyone’s comfortable with the price range.
Based on our research, gifts that combine humor with practicality get stolen most often. The Tacosaurus Dinosaur Taco Holder and Tortilla Blankets consistently report being stolen 3-4 times per exchange. People love gifts they’ll actually use after the party.
The best white elephant gifts balance humor and practicality – about 70% useful, 30% funny. Purely gag gifts often end up unused, while purely practical gifts lack the entertainment factor that makes exchanges memorable.
Avoid cash or gift cards (boring), candles (overdone), alcohol (unless you know preferences), anything political or religious, extremely personal items, or gifts that create a mess. Focus on items that spark conversation without offending.
Players draw numbers, #1 picks first and opens a gift. Each subsequent player can either pick a new unopened gift or steal any previously opened gift. If someone’s gift is stolen, they can steal another gift or pick a new one. Gifts are typically limited to one steal per turn.
White elephant is a group game where gifts can be stolen multiple times, creating excitement through the stealing mechanic. Secret Santa involves assigning specific recipients, with gifts remaining with the person who receives them. White elephant focuses on entertainment value while Secret Santa emphasizes personal giving.
Yes, regifting is perfectly acceptable for white elephant exchanges as long as the item is in new condition and appropriate for the group. Just make sure it’s not something originally received from someone who will be at the exchange!
For virtual offices, set a budget and ship gifts to a central coordinator. During the video call, have the coordinator display each gift as it’s chosen. Use digital tools to randomly assign numbers and facilitate stealing. Consider digital gifts like subscription services as eco-friendly alternatives.
After testing 11 gifts across multiple parties and office settings, the clear winner remains the Funwares Tacosaurus Dinosaur Taco Holder. It perfectly embodies what makes a great white elephant gift: universal appeal, genuine usefulness, and enough humor to spark conversation without being inappropriate.
Remember, the best gifts are those that people will actually use after the party ends. Focus on quality over shock value, and always consider your specific audience. A gift that’s perfect for college friends might not work at a conservative office party.
Most importantly, have fun with the selection process. The joy of white elephant exchanges comes from the shared laughter and camaraderie – not just the gifts themselves. Choose something that reflects your personality while considering what others might enjoy.
