21 White Elephant Party Ideas All For Under $25
The first time I went to a White Elephant party, I was surprised by the whole thing. To be honest, I thought I had read my amiga’s invitation wrong — but I was delightfully surprised that it turned out to be even better than I could have initially imagined. For those that aren’t aware, a White Elephant party is a gift exchange party in which everyone brings a gift to add to a “common pool” and then take turns picking based on whatever number you are assigned. Here’s the rub, though: If your gift opening comes after someone else’s, you can actually “steal” their gift and force them to take something new.
Sometimes also called a Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa, the fun of a party like this is that you never really know what you are going to get. You might have your eye set on an awesome makeup set that your girlfriend #2 opened (and since you’re #5, you can totally steal it) but then your amiga #12 ends up steaking THAT from you. Either way, though, it’s a pretty fun way to spend the holidays with your friends. So, for some inspiration, here are 21 White Elepahnt gifts that you can get for under $25.
1. Completely Foxy Lip Gloss, $22
belleenargent.comBelle en Argent was founded by Christina Kelmon, a Latina and new mom, who hoped to keep old world glamour while also honoring the creative legacy of women in the art industry. You can feel good about getting this gift since the brand has several partnerships that empower women, such as their partnership with Bulletin.co, an online store that features products from female-led brands and who contributes 10% of all store proceeds to Planned Parenthood of NYC.
2. Mamá Didn’t Raise No Mensa T-Shirt, $25
mitú shopOur mitú shop has some great presents for any time of year but if you really want to impress your friends at the next White Elephant party, then definitely get this shirt. Just don’t be surprised if your friends fight over this one. We did warn you.
3. Bodega Cat Mug, $22
peraltaproject.comEveryone knows and loves the Bodega Cat and now your friends can show off how much they love her, too. This mug from The Peralta Project is popular for a reason and will be one of the most sought-after gifts during your White Elephant party. Seriously, who wouldn’t love this adorable cup for your cafecito?
4. Rise & Grind Travel Size Candle, $12
the125collection.comIf you want to inspire your chicas with their very own mantra candles, then look no further than 125 Collection. They have a pretty amazing Latinx Collection that includes candles that smell just like spice and some dulce, plus feature fun phrases such as “More Amor Por Favor.” Those are $35, though, so you might want to get them for yourself… and bring this awesome travel-size candle to your White Elephant party.
5. I Eat Arepas Leather Roses Hat, $25
pontelanow.comWhat’s a party without everyone fighting over a really fantastic hat? That’s where this “I Eat Arepas” cap from Pontela comes in. Not only is it affordable but anyone who scores it at the White Elephant party is going to look fly AF when their head is adorned by these gorgeous roses on leather.
6. Selena Graphic Tee, $18
forever21.comLet’s say it together: Anything for Selenas! It’s almost as if Forever 21 knows what is deep in our hearts thanks to this amazing “Como La Flor” shirt. Whoever ends up with this one at the White Elephant party is going to consider herself one lucky lady… Though we won’t be surprised if you buy one for yourself, too.
7. Conchita Air Freshener, $5
fuchilafresheners.comThis one is for all of your friends who love their car almost as much as life itself. We all have that one (or two or five) friends, so get a set of different amazing Fuchila Fresheners and they will be set. The Conchita one is, of course, a personal favorite.
8. Calladitas No More Pin, $20
mitú shopHelp your friends show off their Latina pride and remind everyone in their circle that they will be “calladitas no more” with this awesome pin from the mitú shop. Whether they decorate their hat, favorite scarf or tote bag with this one, it’s a memorable gift and something that will be quite popular.
9. Feel Pure Anywhere Balm in Coral, $15
Madewell has some pretty great products and this lip balm is definitely high on the list. Sometimes, all a girl needs is some lip balm to make her feel pretty. This shade in coral is perfect because it adds a touch of color while also moisturizing your chapped, winter lips. Your friends will love it.
10. Saint + Sinner Mini Set, $25
katvondbeauty.comKat Von D Beauty has been making waves in the industry ever since the Mexican-American tattoo artist first came out with her line of beauty products. These days, you can even indulve in her “Saint” and “Sinner” series of scents, whcih are perfect to bring to that White Elephant party. This mini set includes both, so your friends can fight over which one they truly are deep down.
11. Frida Kahlo Self-Portrait Cotton Pillow Case, $15
amazon.comThank you, Amazon gods, for being the provider of easy-to-find Frida Kahlo products, like these absolutely AH-mazing pillows. Everyone at the White Elephant party will be absolutely fawning over these. Don’t forget to put these on your own Christmas Wish List, too.
12. La Afro-Latina Pin, $13
peraltaproject.comThis one’s for all of you proud Afro-Latinas out there. It’s difficult sometimes to get the recognition that you deserve since so much Latinx culture can forget that you, um, exist (ugh). But this pin from The Peralta Project helps you wave your pride everywhere you go.
13. Women’s Leopard Union Suit, $20
target.comDuring the cold winter months, we sure could use a onesie to sleep in. This one from Target might just be the perfect gift to bring to your next White Elephant party since it’ll help keep your winning friend warm through the freezing time of year. You’re welcome.
14. Millennial Loteria, $23
Courtesy of Millennial LoteriaDid you love playing Loteria as a kid? Well, now you and your girlfriends can indulge in the modern version of the famed Mexican game. Even if you never played it, though, you will absolutely LOVE Millennial Loteria (which you can get easily on Amazon). Don’t be surprised if you’re all fighting for the chance to take a photo with “La Selfie” card after the White Elephant party ends.
15. Mujer Power T-Shirt, $25
mitú shopShow your chicas that they’re forever powerful thanks to shirt t-shirt from the mitú shop. Anyone who ends up with this gift during the White Elephant party will be proud to wear it. It even comes in three different colors so you can pick and choose what style will suit your ladies best.
16. Cruzin’ Tee, $23
marthaofmiami.comCelia Cruz is forever the Queen of Salsa for a reason, and you can now remember her forever with this amazing shirt from Martha of Miami. She’s an icon just like our beloved Selena and there’s no better way to remember her. Just make sure that you’re loudly playing “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” while your friends open this White Elephant gift.
17. Kat Von D Fetish Blush + Highlighter Palette, $22
katvondbeauty.comWe couldn’t end this list without at least one more Kat Von D Beauty product. This highlighter and blush palette is a great White Elephant gift because it can work on basically any skin tone. Whether your friend who’s lighter skinned or your proud Afro-Latina bestie gets this one, she’s sure to love it.
18. Latina Thangs Pencils, $2 each
etsy.comIf you have at least one creative friend amongst the group, then you should definitely get these Latina pencils from Etsy. They’re pretty hysterical and come with various different phrases, so get a set so that your friends who are wordsmiths can fight over. And since they’re only $2, don’t be afraid to get an extra one for yourself to keep.
19. Frida Kahlo Secular Saint Candle, $14
amazon.comDo you pray to the artistic goddess that we know as Frida Kahlo? Me, too. Then you will want to honor her with her very own Secular Saint Candle from Amazon. Or, at least, allow your friends to take part in the worship by letting one of them win her during your White Elephant party.
20. Mejor Sola Pin, $10
mitú shopLet’s say this one again for all of you proud single ladies: Mejor sola que mal acompañada. The saying is forever true and now your single girlfriends can proudly wear this pin from the mitú shop. Make sure you have that White Elephant party before the holidays, too, so that they can wear it to their family holiday gathering to, ahem, remind abuela of this simple fact.
21. e.l.f. Holiday 48 Color Eyeshadow, $10
target.comFor your chica who loves color above all else, you can now get a whopping 48 color eyeshadow set from Target. Thank our lucky stars, too, because this friend usually helps you do your makeup, amirite? Now there’s a White Elephant gift that helps us all.
Recommend this story by clicking the share button below!
Notice any corrections needed? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com