The 28 Absolute Best, Wirecutter-Approved White Elephant Gifts Under $25

DivvyUp Custom Socks (from $25 at the time of publication)

A person can never have too many socks, especially if they feature the face of a friend or pet. At DivvyUp, the process is easy: Upload an image of your favorite visage, select your background color or print, and let the company handle the rest. Consider different faces depending on whom you’re Yankee-swapping with: Friends from work? Maybe it’s someone’s particularly hilarious ID photo. Pals from college? Slap on the mug of everyone’s favorite professor. A group of neighbors? They’ll love a pair that calls to mind the squirrel that keeps attacking your bird feeders. Customize them further with one of 10 available colors and four size options. Made from a durable blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex, DivvyUp’s aren’t the softest socks we’ve ever worn—but they hold up well, and the photo-realistic faces don’t pull or snag.

Sugarfina Martini Olive Almonds ($9 at the time of publication)

Sometimes the creation of whimsy requires nothing more than making one food look like another. Here, white-chocolate-covered almonds masquerade as martini olives—and we are smitten. But unlike so many other novelty sweets, these are certified kosher and don’t include artificial flavors. And while they shouldn’t necessarily garnish a martini, they will pair well gifted alongside a nice bottle of vodka.

TabEnter Decorative Refrigerator Magnets (12Pcs Cactus) ($8 at the time of publication)

Real plants make risky presents. They require sunlight, water, attention—and they still might die on your recipient. But plant magnets? Now there’s a gift. Not only do they serve an important utility, holding up photos and grocery lists on the fridge, they also require no care whatsoever. These cacti magnets are especially cute and, according to user reviews, strong for their diminutive size.

The Hoptimist (about $20 at the time of publication)

Danish woodturner and counterculture icon Hans Gustav Ehrenreich designed this cheery figurine as part of the late-1960s happy movement. A decade ago, The Hoptimist expanded its smile-sharing duties by becoming the face of Danish Hospital Clowns, a nonprofit focused on bringing joyful entertainment to sick kids. This figurine will create joy wherever it’s placed, whether on a windowsill, a bookshelf, or a desk.

Kidwill Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone ($20 at the time of publication)

True, there’s no replacement for a proper karaoke night—it should be impromptu, after too many drinks with friends, and held in a packed bar—but the lucky recipient of this portable karaoke microphone can at least re-create the party at home, albeit on a smaller scale. Kidwill’s wireless karaoke mic, which connects to a music source via Bluetooth or a 3.5 mm audio cable, has a long-lasting battery to amplify voices for several hours of crooning fun. A lot of cheap karaoke mics are sold online, but of those priced under $25, this mic has some of the best reviews we’ve found.

bouti1583 Shrimp U-Shape Neck Pillow ($17 at the time of publication)

When it comes to getting some shut-eye on long car rides and during plane voyages—or even in an out-of-the-way chair at home you’re not used to napping in—a comfortable neck pillow can be the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up in need of chiropractic treatment. This shrimp-shaped pillow is not made from the same machine-washable memory foam as our usual travel-pillow recommendations, but its cotton fill gets high marks from reviewers for comfort. And we think the laughs it’s sure to provide will make the quality sacrifice worth it.

30 Watt Shower Drink Holder for Wine ($15 at the time of publication)

I’ve been saying it for years now, but it still holds: There’s no time like the present to drink in the bathroom. This silicone wine holder affixes to dry, nonporous bathroom tile or a shower door—or, hell, the window by a desk. (We’re not judging!) It holds a glass and, hopefully, keeps relaxation—or at least a nice pinot—close at hand.

Sugru Mouldable Glue ($18 for a pack of eight at the time of publication)

Sugru works like something you’d expect to find in a sci-fi novel: Just roll and squeeze the silicone rubber into the desired shape and place it where you want it, and in 30 minutes the putty hardens. The recipient will be able to fix broken parts, make new components, or DIY whatever they can imagine. Wirecutter supervising editor Winnie Yang has used this glue to mend a broken ceramic plate and a plastic knob on an old AC unit—by her own admission “not particularly sexy or exciting” projects. But those seeking inspiration can find even more ideas online for what to do with the glue.

Rainbow Socks Sushi Socks Box ($20 for two pairs at the time of publication)

Socks are an objectively good present. Those who disagree have never pulled on a pair fresh from the dryer on a cold day. And though plain crew socks would probably be the least-desired present at a white elephant exchange, socks in the shape of sushi rolls? That’s a different matter entirely. With cute designs that are fun but not garish, these sushi socks look as good in their packaging as they will on your loved one’s feet.

Uncommon Goods Food Face Plate ($17 at the time of publication)

Even the simplest at-home meals will get new life arranged atop the bald, smiling face of this ceramic plate. Whether the lucky winner gives Mr. (or Miss!) Food a macaroni-and-cheese perm, a mashed-potato beard, or mesclun-salad curls, they will smile while eating it all away, leaving Mr. or Miss Food bald all over again. And for smiles that won’t crack, the Wooly Willy-inspired plate is dishwasher and microwave safe.

W&P The Personal Popper ($20 at the time of publication)

There’s no wrong way to make popcorn. But for those who don’t want to deal with space-hogging air poppers or annoying-to-clean stove-top methods, a dedicated microwave bowl might be just the thing. A favorite among the popping methods we’ve tried, this silicone bowl is dishwasher safe and collapses down to about 2 inches for easy storing—and it can pop up a bowl of the good stuff in just about 2 minutes.

Dash Mini Waffle Maker ($20 at the time of publication)

Wirecutter has recommendations for great waffle makers, but on occasion everyone just wants something adorable and small (about the diameter of an Eggo). This mini Dash waffle maker is nonstick for easy waffle extraction, and small enough that storage isn’t a problem. It also comes backed by a one-year warranty.

The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Constellation Mug ($17 at the time of publication)

Perfect for fans of astrology, lovers of Greek mythology, or anyone who simply likes beautiful things (surely your friend group includes at least one person who fits one, if not all, of those descriptions), this mug holds 10 ounces and reveals 11 constellations after hot liquid is poured in. And this mug is microwave safe, so when your recipient’s coffee cools, they can nuke it to bring back the lost stars.

Maldon Salt Sea Salt Flakes ($14 for 20 ounces at the time of publication)

Salt may seem like the last gift someone would want to trade for. But one taste of Maldon’s delicate, crunchy flakes will shatter that perception. A cult favorite among home cooks, celebrity chefs, and members of our own kitchen team (one of our kitchen editors even has a tattoo of the flakes on her forearm!), Maldon sea salt is just prettier and tastier than the normal stuff. Wirecutter staff writer Sarah Witman has been a fan for years too, and she especially likes sprinkling it on caprese salad for extra crunch.

Circle Air Plant Magnet w/ Air Plant ($15 at the time of publication)

Artist Savannah Cotter’s Circle Air Plant Magnets are the polar opposite of the kitschy and boozy gifts you’ll usually find at a white elephant exchange. They’re stylish and refined, and will attract anyone with an eye for design. This planter has a powerful magnet on its back (you can also request a magnet-free style), so the giftee can stick it on a fridge, filing cabinet, or other metal surface. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and wood finishes—and since this includes its own air plant, it’s at least a little harder to kill.

Pikachu AirPods Case ($11 at the time of publication)

Though we have better earbud picks, AirPods remain ubiquitous for most iPhone users—their uniform white shapes nestled in so many ears, their boring white cases shoved in so many pockets. We can’t stop the cult of AirPods, but we can at least help your loved one’s pair stand out. This silicone keychain emblazoned with Pikachu’s smiling face stretches around an AirPods case, ensuring the recipient will never mistakenly grab someone else’s pair again.

Smoko Tayto Potato Ambient Light ($25 at the time of publication)

When you pat this little potato on its round head or chubby tummy and watch it light up, you can’t help but smile. The darling spud emits a soft glow in one of three brightness levels and operates via a USB-rechargeable battery. It is cute and perfect and sweet, and must be protected at all costs.

Lucky Cat Ceramic Chopstick Rest ($10 for a set of six at the time of publication)

These cute porcelain cats perform a small but important task: keeping chopsticks off the table. That might not seem like a hugely important job; after all, one can always wipe a table clean of whatever sauce a chopstick might track. But these cats are so adorable, anyone you give them to will look for excuses to whip them out—as a rest for spoons, forks, or even pencils. (And speaking of eating utensils, this set also includes a stainless steel spoon.)

Rik Lee Music Genius Playing Cards ($10 at the time of publication)

These music-themed playing cards aren’t just gorgeously illustrated, they’re also great conversation starters. Divided by genre (hearts for pop music, spades for rock ’n’ roll, diamonds for folk and country, and clubs for soul, blues, and R&B), this deck features beloved musicians like Madonna, Kurt Cobain, and Johnny Cash, plus Björk and David Bowie as genre-bending jokers. It’ll surely inspire the recipient to play new songs, as well as oldies they may not have heard in ages.

Fred & Friends Social Climbers Chameleon Wine Markers ($12 for a set of six at the time of publication)

When you’re drinking wine with a group, there’s nothing more annoying than setting down your glass and then realizing you have no idea which is yours. (It’s doubly annoying when you discover the mistake the hard way—say, when you expect a taste of dry pinot grigio but are greeted by cloyingly sweet moscato instead.) Sold in a set of six, each silicone chameleon charm is a different color, so everyone will be able to tell which glass belongs to them. And these markers make for cute companions even when the giftee is sipping solo, with no risk of a drink mix-up.

Fred & Friends Novel Idea Bookmarks ($6 at the time of publication)

One of the best parts of ordering Chinese takeout is opening up the fortune cookie after the meal and attempting to interpret the message within. Cracking open a new book invokes the same anticipation and joy, which is one of the reasons we love this simple and sweet Novel Idea bookmark set. “The best chapter is yet to come,” says one; “Think before you speak. Read before you think,” reads the other. Sounds like sage advice to us.

Edgar Allan Poe: An Adult Coloring Book ($10 at the time of publication)

Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and poems are notoriously macabre, but they also make for great visual storytelling (think spooky ravens, masquerade balls, and beating hearts hidden beneath floorboards). Featuring scenes and quotes from some of Poe’s most beloved works, this adult coloring book by Odessa Begay is perfect for a horror fan, literary buff, or coloring devotee. Will it be regifted? Nevermore!

Jeasona Women’s Funky Novelty Cat Socks ($14 for five pairs at the time of publication)

A dear friend sent me this five-pack of cat socks and some other goodies when she asked me to be her maid of honor. And if I’d been on the fence before, this pushed me to the side of virtue. (Just joking! Every maid of honor lives to serve.) Each sock features a sweet cat face at the top and paw prints at the bottom, and the stretchy cotton stays soft and comfortable even after months of wear. And if your giftee isn’t into cats, you can also choose an owl, dog, llama, panda, or sloth print.

Shakespearean Insults 2022 Day-to-Day Calendar ($16 at the time of publication)

As a former lit student and eternal rampallian, I’ve long admired the Bard’s colorful and creative insults. This page-a-day calendar has 365 of the best of them, so you can read through long-forgotten lines from Shakespeare’s plays while you check the date (which I find remembering even more challenging than deciphering Old English). And should your honor ever be challenged, you’ll be ready to tell that “threadbare juggler” or “poisonous bunch-backed toad” just what a “lump of foul deformity” they are.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.

Dr. Fauci Ornament ($20 at the time of publication)

The dogged Dr. Anthony Fauci will long be revered as a man whose presence inspired calm and gratitude, even when rendered a 4-inch bauble. For this sparkly little ornament, the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden wears his signature optimistic eyebrows and slings a stethoscope over his shoulders, surely finishing up a long day spent trying to rescue America. He’d be a welcome addition to anyone’s Christmas tree—or a rearview mirror, which is exactly where we wish the pandemic would appear, too.

New York Coffee Cup ($15 at the time of publication)

Whether your white elephant exchange includes New Yorkers or just lovers of design history, this ceramic facsimile of the ubiquitous Big Apple paper coffee cup will make a welcome addition in whatever latitude it lands. As a recent Big Apple expat, drinking from this ceramic cup doesn’t have the same je ne sais quoi on my quiet porch in Los Angeles as it does during those harried to-go moments in the city, but it’s certainly the more environmentally friendly (and dishwasher- and microwave-safe!) vessel.

Whoosh Shower Jelly ($17 at the time of publication)

This shower jelly from Lush is both luxurious and hilarious. With the wobbly, jiggling consistency of Flubber but an elegant scent profile of citrus, rosemary, and geranium, it’s as moisturizing as it is entertaining. It can be used like a bar of soap (sudsed in the hands and then transferred to the body), or broken off and smushed into a loofah. And in case you’re curious, this strangely sensual video shows just what this idiosyncratic soap can do.

World’s Smallest Uno Card Game ($6 at the time of publication)

Sometimes the opportunity to play a game of cards arises unexpectedly—the train home is delayed two hours, the soccer game is rained out, dinner party attendants reveal themselves as unbearably dull. If your recipient is wise, they’ll keep this itty-bitty Uno set close at hand, infusing any situation with friendly competition, one 3-inch wild card at a time.