25 White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $20 (Funny, Useful, Unisex)

Taco, pizza or sushi print socks get a laugh when they're opened and then get worn all winter. Gift boxes of 2 to 4 pairs are often $10 to $18. Pick a fun food print over anything with a crude slogan for a work party.

An oversized mug that holds three normal cups is silly and useful at the same time. Most are $12 to $20. Fill it with wrapped candy or cocoa packets so it feels complete.

A tabletop hoop that clips to a trash can or sits on a desk turns into an office tournament by lunch. Mini hoop sets are often $10 to $20.

Pickle-shaped bandages, bacon-scented air fresheners or bacon print duct tape are cheap, harmless and very stealable. Most are $6 to $12, so pair two together to reach your cap.

Plush pillows shaped like a taco, a cup of boba or a slice of toast are soft, silly and end up on someone's couch. Mid-size ones are often $12 to $20.

Put a $15 to $20 gift card to a coffee shop or big-box store inside a huge wrapped box filled with tissue. The size gets it picked, and the gift card gets it stolen. It's the oldest trick in white elephant for a reason.

Compact 4-inch waffle makers are the classic white elephant steal: cheap, cute and actually used. They're often $10 to $20 in November and December sales.

A 20 to 30 oz insulated tumbler with a lid keeps coffee hot on the commute and water cold at the gym. Store-brand and lesser-known brands are often $12 to $20.

Rechargeable book lights help night readers who share a room, and they're cheap to ship. Most are $8 to $16.

A slim 5,000 to 10,000 mAh portable charger saves anyone with a dying phone. Basic ones are often $12 to $20. Check that it comes with a cable.

A 3-in-1 cable that charges iPhone, Android and older USB devices ends the 'who has a charger' question. Many are $8 to $15, so add a cable organizer to fill the cap.

A handheld frother makes cafe-style lattes and cocoa at home. Most are $8 to $15, which leaves room to add a bag of coffee.

Rechargeable or click-to-heat hand warmers are a winter hit for anyone who commutes, walks the dog or sits at a cold desk. Packs are often $10 to $20.

A plush sherpa or fleece throw is the gift that gets stolen right before the game ends. Store-brand throws are often $12 to $20 in the holiday season.

Popcorn tins, cookie samplers or mixed snack boxes go fast at office parties. Many are $12 to $20. Check for nuts if you know someone has an allergy.

Small-bottle hot sauce sets are a fun steal for anyone who likes heat. Sets of 3 to 6 bottles are often $12 to $20.

Pair a box of cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and a candy cane in a mason jar or a mug. You can build one for $6 to $12 with grocery store basics, which makes it a strong pick for a $10 cap.

LED pillar candles with a remote give the glow without the fire risk, so they're fine for dorms, offices and homes with pets. Sets of 3 are often $12 to $20.

Wrap a used paperback from a thrift store, a pair of fuzzy socks and a tea sampler together. You can often build this for $10 to $15, and it looks like a lot more.

Group card games about trivia, drawing or silly questions are often $10 to $20. Pick a family-friendly one for work and save the adult versions for friend groups.

Puzzles are a calm winter hobby for all ages. Many are $10 to $18. A cozy winter scene or a map puzzle works for most people.

A mini wooden block stacking game fits on a desk and gets a crowd. Mini sets are often $8 to $15, and full-size ones run a bit more.

A potted succulent or a grow-your-own herb kit brightens a desk and costs $6 to $15. Many common houseplants aren't safe for pets, so choose a pet-safe plant if you're not sure.

Decks of 'would you rather' or table-talk questions get used at family dinners and road trips. Most are $10 to $16.

Pair a box of microwave popcorn, two boxes of theater-size candy and a $10 streaming or movie rental gift card. The bundle often lands at $15 to $20 and feels like a full night out.