Gift ideas · 7th annual list · updated November 2026

White elephant gifts for adults

For friend groups and family swaps where everyone is over 21. A few of these, like Cards Against Humanity, are a risky pick at the office, where someone from legal may be playing.

1. 1

   Heated throw blanket

   Up to $40
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★★★

   A heated throw. By the second round, coworkers who have never disagreed about anything are negotiating over it. If your budget is $50, it's the safest bet you can bring.

   Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

2. 2

   Weighted blanket (10-15 lb)

   Up to $50
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★★☆

   The box is heavy enough that people pick it up, frown and put it back. Whoever finally opens it gets a blanket that weighs about as much as a toddler.

   Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

3. 3

   Oversized wearable blanket hoodie

   Up to $40
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★★☆

   Funny to open. Whoever ends up with it is usually wearing it, hood up, before dessert.

   Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

4. 4

   A small LEGO Botanicals set

   Up to $30
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★★☆

   An hour of building, then a plant that never needs watering. Good for anyone with a windowsill of dead basil. The smaller sets are around $30.

   Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

5. 5

   A bottle you'd actually drink

   Up to $25
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★★☆

   Wine, bourbon or a good six-pack. At adult swaps it's often the gift that changes hands most, occasionally a little lighter each time.

   Any liquor or grocery store (21+)

6. 6

   $10 in scratch-off lottery tickets

   Up to $10
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★★☆

   It might be worth $1,000. It's probably worth $2. People steal it for the suspense and scratch the tickets at the end, which is as close to live sports as most office parties get. You have to be at least 18 to buy them, and older in a few states.

   Any gas station or grocery store

7. 7

   Charcuterie board with knife set

   Up to $30
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★☆☆

   Looks more expensive than it is. Anyone who hosts a lot will go after it, and you may get invited to the next thing they host.

   Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

8. 8

   Craft cocktail infusion kit

   Up to $30
   Allow ~1 weekSteal factor ★★★☆☆

   Jars of dried fruit and spices: add liquor, wait a few days. It looks fancy on a shelf, and nobody has to know how little effort it took.

   Find it: Amazon

9. 9

   Cards Against Humanity

   Up to $30
   In stores todaySteal factor ★★★☆☆

   Good for a group of friends. At the office it's a gamble, and HR is the house.

   Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

10. 10

    Electric wine opener

    Up to $25
    In stores todaySteal factor ★★★☆☆

    A gadget that gets stolen at most adult swaps. Add a $10 bottle if the budget allows, so the winner can test it before they leave.

    Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

11. 11

    "If you can read this, bring me wine" socks

    Up to $10
    1-2 day shippingSteal factor ★★☆☆☆

    The classic "bring me wine" socks. The "coffee" and "tacos" versions are the ones to bring if someone from HR is playing.

    Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

12. 12

    Shower beer or wine holder

    Up to $10
    1-2 day shippingSteal factor ★★☆☆☆

    A suction-cup holder for a can or glass in the shower. It sounds like a bad idea, and people who own one will explain, at length, why it isn't.

    Find it: AmazonTargetWalmart

Budgets are what the gift typically costs at US stores, not a quote from any retailer, and prices move a lot around Black Friday. Check the price before you buy. Delivery speeds assume you're in the continental US and order before mid-December, when carriers slow to the pace of a group choosing a restaurant. Links go to retailer search results so you can check what's in stock near you.

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