A white elephant gift exchange can be one of the most fun ways to buy and receive holiday gifts among friends, coworkers, or your community. But more often than not, the gifts you give and receive at a white elephant party will end up in the re-gift pile.
Generic gifts like coffee mugs and gift cards aren’t personable — and neither is a gag gift. But how can you know what to buy for someone when you don’t know who they are yet? It’s time to gift something that your white elephant group will actually want.
Socks, scarves, and tacky decorations are out — and tech gifts are in. In this guide, we’ve identified some of the best white elephant gift ideas under $50.
Clocky Runaway Alarm Clock on Wheels
Is your giftee the coworker that always sleeps through their alarm, or the family member who always wakes up late? The Clocky Runaway Alarm Clock on Wheels is an alarm clock that leaps and runs when it goes off, meaning that you have to get up and out of bed to turn it off. It’s loud, fun, and will help the recipient get up on time.
STM Grace PowerBank 5000mAh Portable Charger
In the connected world we live in, you can never go wrong with more power. The STM Grace PowerBank is a portable charger that will triple the battery life of your phone. It’s compact and lightweight, and it quickly charges all of your portable devices. Compatible with Apple, Samsung, and most other major brands, this portable battery charger is a must-have for all smartphone users.
JOBY Impulse 2 Remote Trigger
For the giftee that’s always taking photos and video, the JOBY Impulse 2 Remote Trigger is probably a gift they haven’t heard of. But once they do, they’ll never leave home without it. This remote trigger allows you to trigger your smartphone to record from up to 25 feet away. It works with most of the latest smartphones and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Pictar Smart Light
The key to great photos or video is lighting. Your photo or video-loving giftee will adore the Pictar Smart Light. This is a compact LED lamp suitable for a camera or mobile phone that produces high-quality light t0 make photos and videos look even better. The built-in battery powers the light at full brightness for two hours when fully charged.
SmallRig simorr Vigor VK-30 Vlog Tripod Kit
Multi-use photographic accessories are a fantastic white elephant gift. The SmallRig Tripod Kit is a compact phone tripod that works in both vertical and horizontal shooting orientations. With the legs collapsed, it even doubles as a short selfie-stick or monopod. Even if the recipient isn’t a content creator, this tripod works well as a countertop or tabletop phone stand. Plus, let’s be honest, they’ll probably use it to take plenty of selfies.
Sirui TSH-01 Mini Tripod with Clamp & Selfie Stick
This professional mini tripod helps turn your smartphone into a high quality camera. The tripod is great for photos and videos, especially long exposures and low light conditions. It’s also great for video conferencing and perfect as a selfie stick or table stand. If your giftee loves to pack light and capture content with their phone, this is the perfect gift for them.
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Lightstrip Starter Kit
Transform any space with this lightstrip. These lights help increase productivity and comfort as they change color temperature to complement the body’s natural time clock. If you have a giftee who loves creating beautiful-looking work or home spaces, this lightstrip could be the perfect gift for them.
SmallRig Universal Smartphone Holder
The perfect white elephant gift will work for anyone. That’s why it’s important to pick a universal product like the SmallRig Universal Smartphone Holder. This small and flexible phone stand works well with both Android phones and iPhones. When not in use, it folds out of the way to fit in any pocket or purse. It’s even Arca-swiss compatible for use with a larger tripod!
Zildjian 5A Acorn Wood Neon Pink Drumsticks
Not all last minute gifts have to be complicated gadgets. In fact, basic is often best. If you’re going to a white elephant event with musicians, a pair of Zildjian drumsticks is a solid choice. These sturdy drumsticks feature wood tips and they even glow under a blacklight.
Fotodiox Set of 5 Lens Replica Coaster
This clever lens replica contains five beverage coasters that, when put together, looks just like a camera lens. Any photo lover will love to use these at home as coasters. Imagine the surprise on their face when they see that this “lens” actually comes apart to be beverage coasters. Silicone on the top and bottom helps to keep both the coaster and your drink from sliding around.
Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 Flight Stick
The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS 4 Flight Stick has plenty of features that any gamer will love. With a stable base, detachable full-size throttle lever, and adjustable stick resistance, the recipient will get the exact gameplay experience they prefer. Plus, it’s compatible with both the PlayStation 4 and PC.
Sawtooth Basswood Soprano Ukulele
If you think a musical instrument is beyond your white elephant budget, think again! The Sawtooth Basswood Soprano Ukulele is an actual beginner ukulele with a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, plus geared tuning keys for precise tuning. Even if your recipient doesn’t play any instruments, they’ll be excited to learn with this uke in their hands.
Logitech MK345 Wireless Combo
It’s hard to go wrong with a quality tech gift. The Logitech MK345 Wireless Combo is the perfect gift set for work or home use. The full size keyboard features an integrated palm rest and low-profile, whisper-quiet keys. A single USB dongle connects the keyboard and mouse to any computer for a streamlined user experience.
Tasco 16×32 Essentials Series Weather Resistant Roof Prism Binocular
These Tasco 16×32 binoculars are an excellent and practical gift for birders, travelers, and general everyday use. With a 32mm objective diameter, a 3.5-degree angle of view, and 16x magnification, these weather-resistant binoculars are a useful, compact, and lightweight accessory.
AmazFit 28mm Band 5 Fitness Tracker
The AmazFit 28mm Band 5 Fitness Tracker is an inexpensive yet fully functional sports tracker watch that connects to the leading fitness apps. The rechargeable internal battery lasts for up to 15 days of use, while helpful settings track sleep, heart rate, and stress level. The watch even provides reminders to drink enough water during the way!
Preparing for Your Next White Elephant Exchange
Gathering white elephant gift ideas that a recipient will actually enjoy has never been easier than with this guide. Gone are the days of generic gifts and shopping the night before the party. Your giftee will love their new tech gift and be shocked when they realize that their white elephant gift is actually something they’ll use.
