White Elephant gifts you’ll want to keep for yourself
Let’s be real: Gifting season is both a delight and a nightmare. On one hand, seeing your loved ones enjoy the items you thoughtfully chose is definitely heartwarming. But getting there—the planning, the logistics, and braving the holiday rush to assemble these gifts? Quite a challenge, to put it lightly.
White elephant gift exchanges are popular among friend groups and office parties, and what makes them more special than your typical “exchange gift” is that they’re meant to be fun(ny), quirky, and a little rowdy, too, especially with the goal of stealing each other’s gifts.
This list includes a few themes you might want to try for your next party—along with gift suggestions to go with it, too.
Budol finds
Lean in to being chronically online and work with your FYP (for you page). Let the feed suggest the gifts—not only is it a fun peek into each other’s algorithms, but you might actually also find some items you never thought you needed.
1. Portable power extension cord
“May saksakan ba?” is the remote worker’s perennial question when they head out to work in coffee shops and other public spaces. This compact extension cord isn’t just cute (as it comes in colors like purple and sky blue aside from the typical black and white), it has multiple ports and sockets for various types of gadgets.
Orico Travel Power Strip (Mini/Portable), ~P800
2. Smart tape dispenser gun
We’ve all dreamed of achieving department store levels of perfect gift wrapping, and what better time for this tape dispenser to show up on our feeds than this gifting season?
Eagle AutoTape Dispenser, ~P400
3. Glue-free/magnetic eyelashes
With all the parties and events happening, getting glammed up will surely be another extra thought in your girlfriends’ minds. Make it easy for them by gifting glue-free eyelashes they can just pop on and snap off in a minute.
Elyzza Glue-free Lashes, ~P179
4. Handwarmer pillows
Cute and functional, these animal-shaped pillows have pockets to keep hands warm and snuggly. Perfect for friends who always get cold easily.
Handwarmer Pillows, SM Home, P429
Safe for work
For something a little more practical and HR-approved, these relatively inexpensive but useful items would make great gifts for your co-workers.
1. Cleaning gel
Make sure those keyboards stay crumb-free, especially for those who love multitasking—like munching on party food while finishing last-minute tasks. (Bonus is that they can squeeze on these gels as a stress-reliever!)
Miniso Cleaning Compound Gel, P119
2. Powerbank
Everyone needs one, no explanation needed.
Anker Power Bank (10,000mAh, 22.5W, 1C1A), P1,435
3. Anti-radiation/gadget-safe eyeglasses
Show how much you care for your co-workers with this thoughtful gift. You may not be able to lessen their screen time, but at least their eyes will be protected now.
Baobab Eyewear with Gadget Safe Lens, P800
Sunnies Anti-Rad Glasses, P995
4. Thermal mug
Coffee is life, especially at work, and to keep your drinks at the perfect temperature, even as you grind long hours, a thermal mug makes the ideal companion.
Atlantic Vacuum Mug, SM Home, P329
Stan party
Money comes back, but you’re only young once—so convince your friend to get those concert tickets. And for the rest of the fangirling package? This White Elephant’s got you covered.
1. Clear file for cards
Keep all those concert-freebie photocards organized (and easier to flex and look at) with a nice card file.
Selectable Pocket Collection Binder, P325-425
2. Mini Bluetooth speaker
Support your friends who work so hard to keep their faves at the top of the streaming charts. A mini speaker can help them enjoy their favorite artists’ music more—and can help them convert new fans, too.
3. Photocard holder
In this era of anik-aniks, the best bag charm will definitely be your fave’s face. Many craft stores make acrylic cases with chains or straps available, along with stickers, beads, and all sorts of designs to customize the case and make it truly personal.
Gift your friends a whole kit, or buy pre-made photocard holders at specialty stores. Craft stores like Common Room carry photocard cases made by their roster of local artists.
