The Ultimate Guide to White Elephant Gift Ideas for the Office

The big fat holiday season is here, and with it comes one of the most hilarious and often nerve-wracking office traditions, like the White Elephant gift exchange. Whether your goal is to entertain, impress, or subtly promote your brand, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you select the perfect gift.

White Elephant gift exchanges are a holiday favorite, witty, surprising, and perfect for sparking laughter among teams. In corporate and B2B settings, these exchanges play a bigger role than simply swapping presents. They boost camaraderie and foster positive team culture. Whether it’s employees, clients, or remote teams, the right White Elephant gift can strengthen relationships and enhance your brand’s personality.

Before diving into the latest trending gadgets or quirky office items, consider who will be participating. Are your colleagues playful and adventurous, or do they prefer practical, useful gifts? Tailoring your White Elephant choice to the crowd ensures your gift lands with a smile—and maybe even sparks some friendly competition. We offer a wide range of funny white elephant gifts.

Find below a quick list of some of the popular Christmas gift ideas for employees in various categories and price ranges to make it easier for you to choose.

Trending Ideas This Season

Some of the most popular White Elephant gifts include hot chocolate kits, heated coffee mugs, Bluetooth speakers, stress toys, and customizable drinkware. Interested in more gift options? Explore our complete line of corporate gifts to enhance your holiday gift experience. 

White Elephant Gift Categories

By Price

• Budget Picks: Think gifts under $15; novelty mugs, wireless chargers, and cooler bags are perfect options. These are fun, affordable, and above all universally appreciated.
• Mid-Range Picks: In the $15–$40 range, you’ll find duffel bags, drinkware, desktop organizers, wireless chargers, or game sets that add everyday value
• Premium Picks: For leadership groups or VIP clients, consider plush blankets, branded earbuds, or executive pens that feel special without overspending.

By Type

• Desk gadgets like LED light pads, wireless speakers, or multi-tools are always a hit.
• Edible Gifts: Gourmet popcorn, cookies, or chocolate sampler boxes never disappoint.
• Fun & Quirky: Meme-inspired items, funny office stickers, or silly fidget toys keep the game lively.
• Eco-Friendly: Reusable tumblers, bamboo utensil sets, or seed-growing kits reflect your sustainability-theme

By Recipient type

• Employees: Practical yet fun items like planners, tech gadgets, or cozy apparel surely win every time.
• Clients: Choose premium yet neutral branded gift sets, elegant drinkware, or gourmet treats.
• Remote Teams: Digital gift cards, self-care kits, or compact virtual-friendly gadgets are ideal.

Tips for Office Exchanges

Organizing the Event: Set a clear price limit, encourage creativity, and decide whether the exchange will follow the classic steal format or something more collaborative.

Virtual Exchange Ideas: Use video calls and ship gifts in advance, or let participants reveal items online and send them post-event. Digital scratch cards and e-gifts are other options.

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Choose gifts that are workplace-appropriate

• Do consider items with universal appeal and utility

• Don’t choose anything overly personal or controversial.

• Don’t spend beyond the agreed limit 

Let Fun be Your Watchword

White Elephant is all about laughter and fun, so your stealworthy gifts should ideally be entertaining rather than controversial. Think desktop stress relievers, witty coffee mugs, or quirky office gadgets.

Custom Gifts Work Wonders

Custom corporate gifts like branded cozy blankets, drinkware, or stress balls are indeed perfect. They’re practical and long-lasting. In addition, they carry your logo in a playful context, making it part of the holiday cheer.

Set a Budget

The best White Elephant gifts are affordable, portable, and universally appealing. Refer to our blog on white elephant gifts under $10 for more inspiration. Oversized or overly expensive items can intimidate participants. So, it is always better to choose smaller, thoughtful gifts, which tend to get more attention and giggles.

Memorable Presentation Matters

Make your gift stand out with colorful wrapping. You can also add a fun tag or a handwritten witty note. The unwrapping moment should also be as unique as the gift itself, to leave a lasting impression.

White Elephant exchanges are also more than a holiday ritual, as it is an opportunity to celebrate your creativity and your brand. So, elevate your office gifting this year with these memorable white elephant gift ideas. Browse our wide selection of branded giveaways that are perfect for White Elephant exchanges—guaranteed to spark laughter and holiday cheer!