Megan CurtinThe white elephant gift exchange will forever go down in history as one of the best ideas, especially after Michael Scott brought the iPod to the table and inspired people to mess with the gift exchange everywhere.
Don’t be like Dwight this year, and channel your inner Michael Scott. You don’t need to break your bank account on something expensive like an iPod, or in today’s age an iPad. You can, however, still think outside of the box and instead opt for a useful white elephant gift for your coworkers will love this year!
[content-egg-block template=custom/new_list_test]Don’t be the okayest coworker, be the bada** one you know you are. The gifts below will still follow the white elephant theme but will be something your coworker will actually use which means you aren’t just throwing your money away.
Did I mention these are all unisex?
Best For Those Who Love To Cook
A sushi-making kit might not be something one would normally buy for themselves, which makes it a perfect white elephant gift.
This all in one sushi kit provides everything one would need to make their own sushi at home.
It might take a bit of practice for users but after the first roll people tend to get the hang of it.
Kit Includes:
- 1 black sushi bazook
- 1 sushi knife
- 1 chopstick cover
- 1 green bamboo mat
- 1 natural bamboo mat
- 2 chopsticks
- 1 rice paddle
- 1 rice spreader
- 2 chopsticks holder
It also comes with a bonus avocado slicer which means you are really gifting two gifts instead of just one.
The sharp knife included in this kit is perfect for cutting the sushi and it won’t stick to the rice.
Best For Those Who Love Binge Watching Shows and Movies
Most people own blankets they like to snuggle up with but a weighted blanket can be great for those who have stress or anxiety.
If you have single coworkers they can use this for when they can’t get a date for Netflix and chill…great for those who actually want to watch the full season of a show.
This blanket comes in a wide range of sizes and weight ranging from 15lbs all the way up to 25lbs.
It helps people who have insomnia and provides 7 layers of comfort.
After one use people typically wonder why they haven’t used one of these sooner!
Best For Morning People
Can you cook eggs in a pot of boiling water, sure you can but no one wants to sit and watch water boil?
This gift is great for those coworkers who swear by having breakfast but are also the people who seem to be late for that 8 AM meeting.
This egg cooker comes in five different colors and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Kit Includes:
- Measuring cup
- Omelet bowl
- Boil tray (for 12 eggs)
- Poaching tray (for 7 eggs)
Not just for eggs, this can steam vegetables, dumplings, seafood, warm tortillas and more!
Best For Gadget Lovers
Having a clean mouth isn’t just good for hygiene, but it is good for social interactions.
People who have to work in an office setting talk to people every day and having a nice smile can really go a long way.
No one wants to be known around the office as the person who has bad breath.
Still not convinced this is a good white elephant gift? Well, maybe your work likes to order from the Thai place that uses a bunch of garlic, and… well… you’re sick of smelling Johnnys breath after lunch. See the genius of this gift now?
This water flosser has different strengths including normal, soft, pulse, and DIY.
This water flosser has a rechargeable battery and can be charged with a USB from a block, car charger, computer or cube.
This bad boy is portable so it can be used at home or at work!
Best For Tech Lovers
Bluetooth headphones are the way of the future and with so many options on the market, they are way more affordable than you probably think.
Great for those who walk or take the bus to commute to work and are excellent for those who love to work out.
These Bluetooth headphones are waterproof and one charge can last 4-6 hours.
It comes with small, medium and large earbuds.
Best For Those Who Love Comedy
Malicious women candle company makes some of the funniest candles ever! They have a large variety of funny labels you can choose from and the scents are actually super flavorful.
Each label is actually made from recycled kraft paper which is an added bonus for those who love the earth.
Each candle is 100% organic and made from soy wax.
When the candle is done you can keep the jar and medal lid to use for years to come.
Total burn time is about 45-50 hours!
Best For Foodies
This smoking gun is great for foodies, those who love to cook and people who enjoy spending time in the kitchen.
This smoking gun instantly adds flavor to any drink or food you desire! I personally love this gift because I’m vegan and it brings some new unique flavors to my meals.
The dome is big enough to go around individual plates or bigger dishes for family meals which makes it perfect for individual use or those who need to cook for an entire family.
Kit Includes:
- Smoking wood chips
- Dome
- Flexible hose
- Smoking gun
One button easily turns the device on and you can pick between two different speeds.
Best For Those Who Love Coffee
Almost every type of office has a communal coffee pot that is used throughout the entire day. What better white elephant gift to give than a funny coffee mug.
While there are plenty of funny office coffee mugs out there, this one is my personal favorite because it is so true.
This mug is dishwasher and microwave safe!
Best For People Who Online Shop
We’ve all seen the commercials or know someone who owns some type of doorbell video device.
With a product under $100 this makes it a perfect surveillance gift for those who love to online shop. We all know someone who would rather shop online than go to a store, and we all know at least one person who has packages getting delivered daily. These same people are often getting packages delivered while they are at work which makes a device like ring so useful.
With over 40,000 reviews this is a white elephant gift as close to the iPod Michael Scott brought to the office. Once someone opens this gift the whole white elephant gift process is going to change and you can sit back and enjoy the show.
Available in silver and black! Great for people during the holiday season since so many people get packages delivered as their gifts.
Best For Those Into Health and Fitness
Christmas is a time right before New Years and that means resolutions. Nearly half of all Americans drink soda daily and these sugary drinks are not doing any favors in the health and weight department.
A soda stream is an ideal alternative for those who are trying to cut back or quit drinking soda every day by providing carbonated water instead.
This soda stream is available in black, mint, blue and white.
This soda stream bottle can reduce more than 3,000 single-use bottles / cans.
Conclusion
Sure, you can go with a classic white elephant gift that the receiver is sure to throw out or you can bring something that will actually be used. Bringing funny gifts is fun in the moment but not so much after the fact when you realize you could have used your money elsewhere.
If you do a communal office white elephant gift exchange bringing something that people actually want can be a real treat to watch and see how everyone acts. They say you never really know someone until you watch them fight over gifts.
Megan Curtin
