Family Friendly White Elephant Gift Ideas

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Discover the best family-friendly White Elephant gift ideas that are fun, creative, and perfect for all ages. From laugh-out-loud games to cozy keepsakes, make your holiday gift exchange a hit!

Different white elephant gifts on table including book, Grinch socks, candies, and gift cards.

Every year, my extended family looks forward to our White Elephant gift exchange—it’s a tradition full of laughs, surprises, and a little bit of friendly competition.

Last year, we decided to switch things up and let the kids join in on the fun! Of course, this meant the gifts had to be family-friendly, which made shopping a bit more challenging—but also a lot more creative.

If your family is planning a similar exchange, I’ve rounded up some fantastic ideas that everyone, from kids to grandparents, will love. Let’s make this year’s gift swap the most memorable one yet!

White Elephant Gift Ideas

The Fergamerican National Anthem book on table with candy container and Target gift card nearby.

The following gift ideas were ones that we saw at our family white elephant. They are all family friendly and there’s a good mix of fun, and funny, options!

Gift cards – Gift cards are such a great option because it allows the receiver to pick whatever they want! Choose gift cards to places like Target, Amazon, or Walmart and your gift will get stolen all night!
Card games – Speaking of gift cards, we gave a gift last year that included a Crumbl gift card with the corresponding cookie card game and it was a hit! Popular card games like Cover your Assets or Skull King are so fun to play pretty inexpensive.
Themed Socks – Everyone could use a pair of socks especially if they are Christmas themed! You can even pick a fun option like these pizza socks!
Funny books – I feel like I won white elephant last year with The Fergamerican National Anthem! We printed out the QR code of the actual song and put it in the book so you can listen to it as you read.
Funny artwork – One of the funniest gifts at our white elephant was this Marie Catoinette artwork! One of my guy cousins won it and said he was going to put it in his bathroom!
Themed plates and bowls – TJ Maxx has the cutest Christmas themed sets for baking that would make perfect gifts or you can grab this Grinch chopstick and bowl set.
Personal care gift sets – Gift sets are abundant this time of year, so you can easily find one at your favorite place to shop.
Blankets – Who doesn’t want to cozy up in a soft blanket? You can grab a traditional blanket for a great price at Costco or get this funny burrito blanket!
Huge candy bars – Someone brought a yard size candy bar pack last year and it was stolen several times. This one is perfect for kids!
Holiday treats – Anything of these gifts would pair perfectly with holiday treats! You can grab your favorites from the store or make your own to save money!

More Gift Ideas

Here are additional family-friendly white elephant gift ideas in several different price ranges.

Up To $10

Collage of different family friendly white elephant gift ideas all under $10.

Toilet Paper – A funny yet practical gift that everyone can use, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Car Cleaning Gel – A unique and surprisingly useful gift for cleaning hard-to-reach spots in cars, keyboards, and more.
Wrapping Paper – A festive and handy gift during the holiday season, perfect for last-minute wrapping needs.
Candy Bandages – A quirky and hilarious novelty gift that’s sure to get laughs and be a favorite for all of the kids!
Coloring Book and Pencils – Choose a fun, themed coloring book and a pack of crayons or markers that kids and adults can enjoy.
Desktop Cornhole – This kit will be the perfect pastime or office distraction!
Hot Chocolate Gift Set – Include a cute mug and a pack of hot cocoa mix for cozy family nights.
Mini Puzzle – Choose a 100- or 200-piece puzzle with a family-friendly design.
DIY Slime Kit – Kids will love creating their own slime, and it’s a great hands-on activity.
Snackle Box – Include popcorn, candy, or other fun treats that everyone can enjoy.
Holiday-Themed Oven Mitt – Add a seasonal twist to a practical kitchen tool.
Mini Milk Frother – A practical yet fun gadget for hot chocolate lovers, adding a touch of café-style luxury to any kitchen.
Krispy Kreme Jelly Bellys – A playful and tasty treat inspired by the iconic doughnuts, perfect for candy lovers.
Mini Waffle Maker – A cute and functional gift that makes breakfast extra fun.

Up To $20

Collage of different family friendly white elephant gift ideas all under $20.

Board Games – Fun options like Connect 4, Guess Who?, or Exploding Kittens are great for family game nights.
LED Light Strip – Kids and teens love these to decorate their rooms with colorful lighting.
DIY Cookie Decorating Kit – Include pre-made cookies, frosting, and sprinkles for a festive family activity.
Bath Bomb Gift Set – Choose a pack with fun scents and colors for kids and adults to enjoy.
Family Movie Night Package – Add a DVD or streaming gift card, popcorn, and snacks for a fun night in.
Magnetic Building Tiles – A small starter set of these STEM-friendly toys is great for kids of all ages.
Reusable Water Bottles – Pick brightly colored or themed bottles the whole family can use.
Mini Diffuser – A compact and calming gift that’s perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere in any room.
Emotional Pickle – A hilarious novelty gift that’s sure to spark laughs.
Lightsaber Chopsticks – A quirky and unique item that’s perfect for Star Wars fans or anyone who loves a fun twist on dining.
Glass Cups with Straws – Stylish and reusable, these are a practical yet trendy gift for enjoying beverages at home or on the go.

Up to $30

Collage of different family friendly white elephant gift ideas all under $30.

Family Game Set – Popular options like Codenames, Throw Throw Burrito, or Telestrations.
Portable Karaoke Microphone – A Bluetooth microphone for family sing-alongs and party fun.
Art Supply Kit – Include markers, paints, brushes, and sketch pads for creative family time.
Popcorn Maker – A compact popcorn popper for movie nights that everyone will love.
S’mores Kit – Include marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers with a tabletop s’mores maker.
Foam Dart Blaster Set – A safe and fun toy for indoor or backyard battles.
Lego or Building Block Kit – Small sets that let kids and adults bond over building projects.
Cozy Slippers – Get a fun design that appeals to everyone, like animal shapes or seasonal themes.
Apple AirTag – Practical gift for keeping track of keys, bags, or other essentials, making it useful for everyone.
UV Toothbrush Cleaner – Ideal for anyone who loves gadgets.
Charcuterie Board Set – A stylish and versatile gift perfect for hosting or adding a touch of elegance to snack time.
Shark Blanket Onesie – A cozy and whimsical gift that’s both fun and functional, especially for kids or anyone who loves novelty blankets.
Vegetable Chopper – Time-saving kitchen tool that makes meal prep easier, appealing to busy families or home cooks.
Sushi Making Set – A creative and interactive gift that’s perfect for foodies or families looking for a fun activity to do together.

How To Save Money on White Elephant Gifts

Saving on White Elephant gifts is easier than you think with a little creativity and planning!

Start by shopping your own home—check closets, drawers, or storage for unused or like-new items that could make a perfect gift. Many of us have extra candles, gadgets, or games lying around that were never opened.

If you need to buy something, use cash-back rewards from your credit card or shopping apps to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. You can also look for deals at discount stores or shop clearance sections for hidden gems.

Planning ahead and being resourceful ensures you can join the fun without overspending!