40 White Elephant Gift Ideas for Every Member of the Family

Kristin Egan

Kristin is a Chicago-based freelance writer who is trying to "adult" as much, or more so, than the next girl. She studied at UW-Milwaukee and also attended "funny school" at comedy institutions like Second City and Improv Olympic. When she's not writing, she spends her time hunting for the perfect iced coffee, listening to too many podcasts and hanging out with her cat, Lou.

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Dec 14, 2018

40 White Elephant Gift Ideas for Every Member of the Family

Family holiday parties can be awkward: You’re dealing with potential out-of-left-field remarks from your one outspoken relative, you’re surrounded by lots of ugly Christmas sweaters, and you just can’t remember your cousin’s girlfriend’s name for the life of you. That tension can be hard to break (we try with the wine, we fail with the inevitable hangover), but a guaranteed goofy way of keeping things lighthearted is a good old-fashioned game of Yankee Swap — AKA White Elephant. The goal here is to find the weirdest ways to make your family laugh while getting them something that’s still sort of cool and to avert attention from the grumblings over no open oven space. Scroll through for our list of 40 perfectly wacky white elephant gifts to give every member of your family.

White Elephant Gift Ideas for Your Mom

Muuto Balance Vase

You look up to your mom for balancing everything. Show her love by helping her balance some poinsettias on the mantel.

The Handbag Raincoat

She’ll look goofy, but she will absolutely use it all the time (perfect for rainy grocery store trips).

Uncommon Goods Wine Pearls

Keep that vino chilled without watering it down.

Baker’s Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan

Let’s face it — the corners are the best part! This pan knows what’s up.

Archie McPhee 3D Chandelier Air Freshener

Turn that minivan into a mini ballroom.

50 Shades of Bacon Cookbook

Combine your mom’s favorite book (which you really hate to admit) with your love of bacon (which you aren’t afraid to admit, because, duh, bacon is amazing).

Bad Ass Candles Bad Ass Bitch Candle

Give props to your mom by letting her know she’s your original Girl Boss.

Logitech Keys-to-Go Portable Keyboard

Now moms everywhere can Facebook and wine safely.

Antler & Co. Campfire Cologne

How dad can smell like summer bonfires all year long.

White Elephant Gift Ideas for Your Dad

Witty Yeti Fake Mold Sandwich Bags

For office gross-outs/gags and the ultimate sandwich protection.

Ideas in Life Jumbo Band-Aid Car Magnet

Even fender benders should have a sense of humor.

Chef Buddy Self Stirring Mug

For the dad on the go who has no time for silly spoons.

Reed Wilson Design Club Neighbors Doormat

This doormat makes the dad joke so your dad won’t have to.

Freaker Noonan Gopher Caddyshack Socks

Your dad’s love of Caddyshack and golf shouldn’t have to stop at T-shirts.

Cardboard Safari iPad TV Stand

This is the magic that can happen when millennial technology dresses up as a retro TV set.

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Big-Bad-Book-Bill-Murray/dp/1594748012/" target="_blank">The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray</a>

Let’s face it — even your dad wishes Bill Murray was his dad.

Doly Fixie Bike Pizza Cutter

Handlebar mustache and messenger bag not included.

White Elephant Gift Ideas for Your Brother

Zimo DIY Ukulele Kit

Encourage craftiness and some sweet tunes with this kit (just no smashing, because mom would get soooooo mad).

Nintendo Super Mario Bros Can Cooler

Take every canned drink up a level.

MiiR Bottles Stainless Steel Tall Boys

These tallboys aren’t just a grown-up college throwback; they’ll be crazy useful during a weekend camping getaway.

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Know-How-Cook-Book/dp/1440584753/" target="_blank">The “I Don’t Know How to Cook” Book </a>

With this handy book, there will be no excuse for nightly frozen pizzas.

DODO Case Pop-Up Virtual Reality Viewer

P2-Virtual-Reality-Cardboard-Pop-Up-Viewer-05

As kids, virtual reality seemed like the craziest cool science stuff we can imagine. Even in the age of smartphones, you can still live out that childhood magic (through cardboard, no less).