Top 6 White Elephant Gifts Everyone Will Want This Season
Here's a little holiday trivia for you: Did you know that the term "white elephant" is believed to have been in usage since 1828? It's based on a legend of the King of Siam - he gave rare albino elephants to courtiers who had done him wrong. His goal was basically to bankrupt them by gifting this extravagant animal, as the cost of their upkeep was crazy expensive.
Hence, we know white elephant gift exchanges today as potentially win or lose scenarios. You're just as likely to unwrap something awesome, as you are to bring home a not-so-appealing item. Well, if you want to have a reputation for giving white elephant gifts that everyone wants, we have a few unique ideas for you.
Gift Idea 1: Throw Blankets
Soft, stylish and the easiest way to add flair anywhere, throw blankets are a gift everyone can enjoy. Because they're offered in a variety of patterns, colors, materials and price points, there are also limitless options for you to choose from. Try going for a gender-neutral look, so guys and gals will be equally jazzed about opening this gift.
Gift Idea 2: Picture Frame
Throw blankets aren't the only type of pillow you can gift . . . why not a chic picture frame that they can use for their favorite photos? We all want to show off our most treasured memories, and something to preserve them in home decor is crucial for adding a little spark of joy in life. This is one that will surely be appreciated
Gift Idea 3: Game Set
Help friends create their very own at-home memories with family-friendly game sets. Because you don't know who the recipient will be, you have complete and total freedom to choose a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Whether that's a large-scale tic-tac-toe set or a chess board or a card game, it's utterly up to you.
Gift Idea 4: Cocktail Shaker
The gift perfect for the home bartender, a cocktail shaker makes mixing drinks stylish. The lucky person who gets to bring this home can place it on their kitchen counter, on their home bar or in their bedroom mini fridge for spontaneous celebrations when the mood strikes (or simply to enhance the ambiance). Leather shakers have been having a moment, but any material, size and style will do.
Gift Idea 5: Shelf Decor
Those who want to capture the perfect shelfie will love unwrapping a piece of decor that can be the star of a picture. From plants, to candleholders, to mini-sculptures, there are tons of small, chic items that have the power to transform a bookcase or wall shelf into an Instagram-worthy moment. The only thing left to worry about will be which filter to use.
Gift Idea 6: Jars, Bottles + Cups
Sure, jars, bottles and cups are decorative, but they're also functional - which makes them a truly great present. For your white elephant gift, choose a design (or designs) that can be filled with flowers or utilitarian items, like paper clips, coins and pencils for a piece that also offers aesthetically-pleasing organization.
White Elephant Gifts
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11" Teal + White Marble Globe Decor
$55![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/300000-399999/300000-309999/303000-303999/303300-303399/303324/303324_white_natural_candle_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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White Flameless Led Candles Set Of 3 With Remote
$39![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/0-99999/80000-89999/80000-80999/80100-80199/80184/80184_yellow_metal_clocksand_timer_signature_02.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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9 Inch Metal & Glass 30 Min Hourglass
$60![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/200000-299999/260000-269999/262000-262999/262100-262199/262131/262131_multicolor_metal_table_accessory_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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15 Inch Multi Aluminum Globe
$69![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/100000-199999/110000-119999/110000-110999/110500-110599/110547/110547_0.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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Accent Throw-Graphite Fur
$45![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/0-99999/70000-79999/76000-76999/76000-76099/76094/76094_brown_metal_sculpture_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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9 Inch Brown Vintage Style Metal Plane Sculpture
$65![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/200000-299999/260000-269999/261000-261999/261300-261399/261310/261310_silver_metal_wall_decor_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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Silver 12" Metal Led Bar Sign
$69![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/200000-299999/260000-269999/262000-262999/262100-262199/262132/262132_brown_wood_table_accessory_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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13 Inch Dark Brown Game Set Tic Tac Toe
$65![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/200000-299999/240000-249999/246000-246999/246300-246399/246313/246313_white_glass_table_lamp_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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Table Lamp-Sphere Bluetooth Speaker
$185![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/0-99999/90000-99999/99000-99999/99700-99799/99789/99789_0.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
Accent Throw-Maddie Beige
$130![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/200000-299999/260000-269999/269000-269999/269700-269799/269796/269796_brown_wood_picture_frame_signature_03.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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Wood 3 Photo Folding Picture Frame With Bead Trim Detailing
$65![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/300000-399999/300000-309999/303000-303999/303300-303399/303303/303303_blue_metal_barware_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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9 Inch Black Leather + Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker
$29![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/200000-299999/280000-289999/287000-287999/287100-287199/287122/287122_black_multi-media_table_accessory_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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6X6 Grey + Black Marble Tic Tac Toe Game Set
$19![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/200000-299999/260000-269999/261000-261999/261300-261399/261343/261343_brown_wood_table_accessory_signature_01.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
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Brown 14 Inch Metal Wood Globe
$65![](https://www.livingspaces.com/globalassets/productassets/0-99999/90000-99999/96000-96999/96500-96599/96571/96571_0.jpg?w=373&h=251&mode=pad)
Accent Pillow- Elisa Yellow Pixels 18X18
$45Read the Latest
Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.