The Weirdest White Elephant Gifts That You'll Want To Keep For Yourself

Bookworms will appreciate this one-handed "book buddy," a wooden gadget that holds the book open so they only need one hand to read. Reviewers say it can help with hand cramps, as well as make it easier for your recipient to grab a sip of their drink or use their free hand without losing their place. You can choose between two book-themed quotes to be engraved in the wood, and the dual-sided design makes the tool suitable for both hardbound and softbound books.

These kitschy magnets feature VHS tape covers of classic, cult-fave movies from the '90s. You can select your film of choice so your loved one can pay homage to their favorite movies. The magnets are made from wood and printed paper and hand-distressed to look worn in — just like our VHS tapes used to. We anticipate a lot of competition for this one.

Your friends will definitely fight over this nifty back scratcher, which comes with enough attachments to rival everyone’s favorite maker of luxury home appliances. Whether you need to reach that impossible spot on your back or use it to massage your scalp, this device will come in handy – the handle is even retractable, making it easy to travel with.

This magnetized gel nail polish has miniscule metallic particles suspended in the lacquer and will look like a cosmic masterpiece when applied, creating gorgeous shades and patterns that never look the same under two lights. To make this gift even cooler, add a this 3-in-1 magnetic wand that can help manipulate the pattern by moving the particles around. It will be like catnip for your artsy friends.

While certain canine owners may insist that they don’t need this dog-decoding deck because they can already read their pet’s mind, this easy-to-digest set of cards provides a snapshot of dog behaviors that could lead to an increased understanding between you and your pup (or any pup, for that reason). “Great stocking stuffer for my wife,” wrote reviewer Pete J. “We own 3 dogs (senior, 1.5 year old, and a 6 month old). She loves reading the cards and getting bits of education each day.” (FYI, you can find a “How To Speak Cat” deck here.)

At just $10, it’s a no-brainer white elephant contribution that’s likely to get a lot of attention.

There are five emotional support Highland cows in this set, along with a neat container to hold them. They’re plush, cuddly, and whether your friend wants to place them on their desk or couch, they’ll know you’re always thinking of them. (If you, like us, needed a little more context on Highland cow memes, this Reddit thread provides some helpful insight.)

Who doesn’t want a candle that just happens to look like a breakfast item? This açaí bowl candle will cheer up even the most mundane mornings and actually smells good enough to eat. Just don’t leave it in your kitchen — someone in your household might actually try to eat it.

The name says it all – this edition of the beloved community board game will also acquaint with the appearance of solid waste from animal like ants, bears, civets and more.

These 3D craft kits are meant for kids, but we think creative folks at any age will be charmed by these little cardboard puzzles that feature a genuinely cool and unexpected assortment of animals. Choose from three sets: the chameleon and red panda, dodo and capybara or narwhal and anglerfish.

Most people grew up watching “Home Alone”, and if your friend group is a fan of the movie, this collectible gift set will be highly sought after. It features Kevin McCallister and burglars Harry and Marv, each standing at 2.5 inches tall. Your friend can keep them on their windowsill, use them to decorate their office desk, or stack them on their bookshelf.

These holographic ballpoint pens simultaneously useful, beautiful and odd – the perfect combination for a winning white elephant gift. Each has a .7-millimeter tip.

Have you or your friends ever wanted to be wrapped in a giant tortilla? Well, you can finally make that dream a reality with this 7-foot lightweight tortilla blanket. It’s soft, comfortable, and the only acceptable gift if you’ve ever wanted to be a human burrito.

What looks like a normal novel at first is actually a hidden puzzle. Solve a mystery by linking the puzzle pieces — literally — and uncover the true murderer. This makes a great gift for mystery lovers, and each 500-piece puzzle will keep anyone occupied for hours as they figure out the solution. As far as interactive experiences under $20 go, this is one of the best.

I bought this plushie for myself about three years ago and still sleep with it every night. It’s fluffy, lightweight, and can even be taken with you while you travel. The seal shows up compressed in its packaging when you order it, so there’s a good chance your friends won’t even know what the product is when they first unbox it – but the one who walks away with this rotund surprise won’t be disappointed.

Reviewers say that the loose coffee beans embedded between the layers of this 11-ounce borosilicate glass much really do keep their beverages warmer. “ I love hearing the beans swoosh every time I take a sip,” wrote reviewer I am the Baker.

This beaded dog ornament is available in four dog breeds and will look great atop any holiday tree. It’s sturdy, handcrafted, and sold exclusively at Anthropologie. You can never have enough new ornaments for your tree, and this adorable beaded masterpiece will be the center of attention at your White Elephant party.

These light-up lightsaber-themed chopsticks are just what the “Star Wars” fan in your life needs. They're available in multiple colors, and the light-up part can even be switched off for a low-key dinner. They’re BPA-free too and come with batteries included, so your friend can use them straight out of the box.

Exploding Kittens takes just two minutes to learn, according to the brand, and makes a great gift pick for nearly every age. It’s a quick 15-minute game where players draw cards until an explosive kitten shows up — at which point they have to figure out how to diffuse the bomb. Even non–board game lovers will enjoy this one.

I grew up with one of these Magic 8 Ball fortune-telling toys, and it was the most fun toy I ever had. It’s silly, whimsical, and hey — sometimes it actually tells the truth. You ask it a question, turn it three times, and see the answer pop up on top. Don’t take it too seriously, but it’s definitely one to elicit a few laughs in your friend group.

Every gamer knows the value of an SD card, but if you gift this in a plain envelope with no indication of what’s inside, it’s sure to confuse your white elephant group. Most might immediately pass on it, not realizing it’s actually the one accessory that will keep their Nintendo Switch from constantly running out of space. Best part? You can choose between various Nintendo-themed designs, including a Mario-themed SD card and a “Legend of Zelda”–themed one, too.