The 15 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50

A white elephant exchange—the fun holiday tradition where surprise gifts are drawn amongst a group of partygoers (think random Secret Santa!)—can happen in any setting, whether with coworkers, best friends, or family members. So when searching for a white elephant gift, it’s important to keep in mind who your audience is and shop accordingly.

More often than not, a white elephant gift is a lighthearted gesture versus a steep investment, which is why we’ve rounded up the best under-$50 options for any recipient. From wellness products to accessories and even chic kitchen essentials, check out our picks below.

Oak Essentials Balancing Mist

Oak Essentials is the beauty brand behind fashion-favorite Jenni Kayne that’s committed to creating clean, quality skincare. Balancing Mist is an antioxidant-rich tonic spray formulated with lavender, cedarwood, and aloe vera to give your complexion a refreshing wake-up call.

Crown Affair Microfiber Hair Towel

Bring the spa experience home by indulging in little luxuries whenever possible. This microfiber hair towel from Crown Affair carefully absorbs moisture and dries hair more quickly than air drying. It’s the perfect size for wrapping your hair comfortably no matter the texture or length.

KULE Take-Out Socks

Want to put a smile on someone’s face (and feet)? These cheeky socks from Kule certainly will. Socks are a no-fail gift, especially heading into chilly season. We love the pop of yellow on this pair, which comes in both black and white.

Slip Gelato Sleep Mask

Slip is a brand that knows all about beauty sleep. For those who dream of gelato (and those who simply appreciate it) this silk sleep mask is indulgence at its finest. We particularly love the festive combination of retro green gingham and red embroidery.

Brightland Olive Oil

Brightland’s delicious, best-selling olive oils are now MINI! Truly the ideal stocking stuffer, this sweet little bottle comes in four different varieties of olive oil infused with flavors like chili and lemon.

Snif Half Baked Gingerbread Smash Candle

What’s better during the holiday season than a home filled with the smell of goodies baking in the oven? Not much. This Snif candle created with food influencer Tieghan Gerard achieves just that—without having to clean a sink full of messy dishes.

Sézane Small Clutch

Nothing screams holiday like velvet, gold, and tassels. Sézane’s flat black clutch bag features polka dot embroidery on 100% cotton velvet. Take it out on the town or use it as a pouch to carry daily essentials.

Explorer Cold Brew Electric Frother Wand

Kitchen gadgets can be intimidating, but this cute battery-powered frother wand is the complete opposite. You can finally whip up coffee shop-level lattes and cappuccinos with minimal effort. The best part? It’s compact enough to fit in even the smallest of spaces.

Being Frenshe Body Serum Stick

There’s no shortage of celebrity-founded beauty brands, but after experiencing almost every product from Ashley Tisdale’s Being Frenshe, I can attest to it being one of the very best. This soothing body serum stick is meant to comfort, hydrate, and relax.

Typology Tinted Lip Oil

Just as French style has taken over the fashion world, it’s about to do the same with beauty—starting with Typology. A fan favorite is its tinted lip oil, which is 98% naturally derived and formulated without mineral oils or silicones.

Stanley Tumbler

Stanley became a TikTok sensation this year thanks to its pretty color combos and versatile utility (this editor personally owns two—one for office and one for home). There’s absolutely no doubt you’ll stay hydrated with one of these on hand.

Serenity Painted Taper Candle

Subtle details can make the biggest difference. This taper candle is a work of art, with every flower completely hand-painted for stunningly whimsical decor you’ll be tempted not to light (though if you do choose to, you’ll get seven hours worth of burn time).

CND RescueRXX Care Pen

We’re here to declare that nail care deserves your attention! As someone who goes sans toe polish in the winter, I’m all about restoring the health of my nails at every opportunity. CND created the perfect treatment containing jojoba oil and keratin to condition nails anytime, anywhere.

La Double J Palms Dishtowel

La Double J is a Milan-based label whose maximalist designs are shoppable in the form of swimwear, clothing, and home textiles. This 100% cotton dish towel in an abstract vegetable print is so gorgeous you’ll wish you could wear it.

Moonsisters Moon Calendar

Astrology lovers, this one’s for you. Track the lunar and astrological cycles of 2024 with this moon calendar, which could double as art. Display it on a desk, nightstand, or even on the wall while discovering tips for harnessing the energy of the cosmos.

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