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With the Christmas season officially upon us, this happens to be when some of us procrastinate on buying gifts or feel totally lost roaming the mall while on the hunt for the best white elephant gift. I get that, and I see you. Last year, my family hosted our first white elephant gift exchange. I ended up gifting cash, which I thought would be a total hit but was only stolen once. This year, I want to bring the best gift to the party. I know a lot of people feel the same way, so I thought I’d share my personal list of white elephant gift ideas that are $30 and under.
apple airtag $30
An Apple Airtag, in my opinion, is a great gift to bring if you aren’t really sure of the crowd that will be at the exchange. As humans, it’s in our nature to lose things every now and then. An Apple Airtag is definitely a valuable item, one that I did not expect to be just $30. This is also a great gift to give if you are looking to bring something practical to the exchange. If you’re still not sold, may I remind you that in TSITP season 3 Belly was able to track her stolen bag in Paris through the Apple Airtag Steven gave her? Sure, this was fictional but a great advertisement for the girlies. I would definitely put one in my luggage or carry-on while traveling in the event something were to happen.
disposable camera $20
I don’t know about you guys but I love physically encapsulated memories. On the back of my bedroom door are tons of photos I’ve taken with friends and family. Bringing a disposable camera to your gift exchange is perfect for a crowd that loves to cherish each and every memory. Maybe this could be the gift that makes someone cherish physical memories more often? Either way, I feel this is the kind of gift anyone would enjoy. The very act of taking a photo on a disposable camera is fun and nostalgic! This is such a unique gift idea and I urge you to bring this to your gift exchange. Be the cool cousin!
jellycat $20-$30
Last year, there was an almost overwhelming amount of Jellycat gift exchanges on my Tiktok fyp. I’m not typically the type of gal that gets FOMO but this definitely did the trick. Bringing a Jellycat to your gift exchange can be perfect for anyone, not just kids. Imagine someone getting an Amuseables Espresso Cup or Amuseables Mia Macaron. They make the perfect little buddies to sit on someone’s bed or desk. You could even get the Amuseables Boiled Egg Chic, she’s so silly and diva. Personally, I will be getting Bashful Beige Bunny ‘Petal’ when I go to the new Jellycat store in Chicago over break. If you want to bring the cutest gift to the gift exchange, definitely get a Jellycat.
wall calendar (approximately $12-$22)
Wall Calendar (Approximately: $12-22)
While I don’t have any specific recommendations for good wall calendars, this is definitely a route to be considered for white elephant gift giving. Think about it: the year ends in a month and everyone is going to need a new calendar soon. Even if there aren’t really calendar-using people in your family, they make great wall decor. Or this could be the gift that makes someone into a calendar person. If you are looking to do a gag gift, there are plenty of silly wall calendars you can give someone. I believe I bought my dad a “nuns having fun” wall Calendar for 2023. My dad is a silly guy and loved it.
LAFUFU (Prices vary)
Listen guys, I do not have a specific recommendation for these either but a Lafufu is a hilarious gag gift. Labubu’s were so relevant this year. Everyone will know what it is when the unfortunate party goer unwraps it. Even your grandparents will know by now if they are Macy’s Day Parade grandparents. Definitely don’t spend Labubu prices, get a knock off or a Lafufu. I’ve actually seen a booth at Bulls Market on Wednesdays that sells Lafufu’s for under $15. So you can even support Bulls Market with this purchase or go to your local thrift store. Rumor on the screen is that they are being donated by the masses.
While gift giving can be stressful, try to have fun with it. I had a lot of fun curating this list. I hope that you were able to find something or were able to be directed in the right direction from reading this list. I am wishing you all a smooth sailing finals week and a relaxing winter break!