White Elephant gift exchanges may be one of the most divisive parts of the season — aside from arguments over which holiday flick to watch. Whether you love ’em or hate ’em, there’s one undeniable fact about White Elephant events: you want to be the one who brings the best gift of the bunch.
There’s a strange sense of pride when your present is the one everyone fights over. And it’s even better when that seriously sought-after gift is easy on your wallet.
So what’s the trick to winning the day? The best White Elephant gifts are universally loved — and useful for more than just collecting dust in the back of the closet. Top gifts also seem pricier than the agreed-upon budget (even though they’re not). And a good dose of fun or quirky appeal is the cherry on top.
That’s where Walmart comes in. The retailer is packed with fabulous options, whether you’re working with a $10 limit for a coworker swap or $30 for close friends. You might even want to take home your own gift when all the swapping is over!
For a gift that seems more expensive than it actually is, wrap up this personal Frigidaire mini fridge. It’s roomy enough to fit six soda cans or a whole lot of skin care. If you work in an office, it’s the perfect place for your coworkers to keep their lunch — and not have it stolen.
Tech gifts are always wow-worthy — even if they cost a mere $15. This portable, splash-proof Bluetooth speaker can be used indoors or out, and has flashing LED colors that get the party started! Trust us: People will be clamoring for this one.
Pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years — and a starter set makes for a sports-oriented gift anyone can enjoy. The lucky recipient will get two lightweight wooden rackets with grippy rubber handles, four outdoor pickleball and a mesh bag to keep it all in — perfect for hitting the court stat.
Another showstopper gift, this compact air fryer clocks in just $25 — and delivers on performance. With 3,300+ five-star ratings, the bestseller has all the stuff you’d want: dishwasher-safe parts, auto shutoff for safety and a roomy basket. With a sleek look and a practical countertop footprint, it’ll be the star of any White Elephant exchange. Also in sage green.
One of the most versatile pans in the kitchen, a Dutch oven is a must-have for even the most casual cook. Use it to boil pasta, make a stew, bake a casserole, deep fry and more. This version is made of enamel-coated cast iron, allowing for even heat distribution and no sticking. Its 4.75-quart size is roomy but functional, making it the literal hot ticket item at any swap.
No one ever complained about having extra Bluetooth earbuds around. A particularly great gift for coworkers, this can be the pair they leave at the office. Or maybe your pal is down to one working earbud and could use a new set — we’ve all been there. These Skullcandy bestsellers have a 20-hour battery life and are sweat- and water-resistant.
The beloved digital game Wordle has now morphed into a board game that makes for a terrific White Elephant gift. One team creates the secret 5-letter word and the opposing team tries to guess it. Swap back and forth writing and solving puzzles — the team that guesses in the fewest tries wins. For 2-4 players.
We love a cute and useful kitchen gift. Each bowl features a handy measuring line and a pour spout for easy transferring of liquids and more. The classic black-and-white design should suit any kitchen decor.
You’re never too old to enjoy Legos. This bestselling colorful set with 355 pieces is great for a gift exchange because it lets you build one of three models: a peacock, a butterfly or a dragonfly. No matter who you are exchanging with, they’ll love the chance to embrace a little fun (and stress-relief!) during the holidays.
Give the gift of hydration… and an incredibly trendy water bottle. We love this one because it offers two ways to hydrate: sip (via straw) or swig (with the wide-mouth opening). It’s a useful present, especially in a bright, fun color that won’t get lost in a deep tote. This baby keeps water cold for 24 hours too.
Here’s a gag gift that they’ll actually use. This genius retro-style toaster is designed for two hot dogs and buns. Every day can be the 4th of July! The easiest meal just got even easier, and it’ll look adorable on their countertop to boot.
In our tech-obsessed world, there’s nothing worse than a dead phone. This holiday, give your friends the gift of never losing charge again. This Anker power bank is super compact but packs an energizing punch, holding enough charge to power an iPhone 14 Max for up to 20 hours. A built-in lightning connector simply snaps onto a phone without needing an extra cable — talk about convenience.
For an on-theme holiday gift they’ll actually use, try this minimal and affordable mug set that’s anything but tacky. With festive sayings like “Be Jolly” and “Fa La La,” the stoneware will keep morning coffee or nighttime cocoa nice and warm. The mugs stack neatly in a sleek holder for easy storage.
This winner combines two universally loved things: coffee and nostalgic candy. The five brews have notes of favorite chocolate confections including Dove, Milky Way, M&Ms, Snickers and Twix. Forget the lottery tickets and socks — this is what people will be fighting over.
Want to save even more? Make sure you’re signed up for Walmart+. It’s easy to sign up for your free 30-day trial here. You’ll get free shipping and grocery delivery, savings on gas and prescriptions, exclusive access to major deals, and more. (And by the way, those without Walmart+ still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)