White Elephant Gifts Under $30 That’ll Be a Hit

Raise your hand if you’re sick of having the same old arguments about what to watch — just to choose a movie you’ll fall asleep to three minutes later. Not anymore. Your giftee can roll these dice to determine what they’ll stream, down to the genre and format (TV, movie, etc.). They’ve got 216 possible combos, so you know they’ll never get bored. You’re welcome. And for more great holiday gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. ($18, Uncommon Goods)

You spent the pandemic finding the best memes online…now you can have fun with them in person. In this game (for ages 17+), players match caption cards to meme-worthy photos. Perfect for three or more players — so you can all dive right in after you open every gift. Laughs, incoming. And for more great holiday gifts from Amazon, check out our storefront. ($29.99, Amazon)

This gel cream is a hydrating dream. It leaves skin feeling cool and calm. And looking plump and dewy. Bonus: It smells like vanilla marshmallows. Plus the plant-based formula is clean, cruelty-free, and vegan. Don’t mind if we dew. ($26, Kinship)*

These lil’ guys last up to 12 hours and are made with ingredients like caffeine, yerba mate, and vitamin B12. All they’ll have to do is apply it to the inside of their wrist — it’s that easy. It’s like a cross between a face mask and a latte, sans a trip to the café. For our full review of all The Good Patch varieties, click here. ($22/8 patches, The Good Patch)

You’ve seen those decks of conversation starter cards made for family dinners or long car trips. Well, this is kinda like that, just with prompts designed with self-care in mind. They’ll help your giftee start a meaningful dialogue slash pep talk with themself. Plus, the designs on each card are adorable. And who wouldn’t want that? ($19.95, Ban.do)

Nostalgia…so hot right now. We’ll be honest, we haven’t seen the OG paper version of this Greek-inspired coffee cup around too much lately. But it’s still instantly recognizable, and sure to bring a smile to any coffee lover’s face. Plus, this reusable ceramic version is a welcome upgrade to the original because it’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Win. ($15, Uncommon Goods)

Whether your giftee has had a “journaling stage” or not, you can’t go wrong by offering this easy, minimalist book up for grabs. The non-intimidating (or time-consuming) journal makes it easy to reflect with short, straightforward daily prompts. And who knows? This simple white elephant present might turn into someone else’s lifelong habit. ($28.99, Amazon)

Because everyone appreciates a new pair of socks. This four pack will brighten up their drawer (and their day) — whether they’re a foodie or just love a good taco Tuesday now and then. You can also choose from other themed designs, like veggies, animals, and sports. Sock yeah. ($14.99/4 pack, Amazon)

It’s hard not to smile when you first see one of these. They’re just that cute. But they’re also the coziest koozies we’ve ever seen. Unless you count these beer flannels or beer sleeping bags from the same artist. Drink up. ($13/each, Uncommon Goods)

Charming? Check. Colorful? Check. Practical in a time of seemingly unending stress? Also check. It’s available in five quirky shapes, so why not pick one up for yourself while you’re at it. ($8.95, Ban.do)

When everyone on your A-team (or in your group chat/friend group/book club…) is a bad*ss, you can’t go wrong with this gift. At 6.5 inches, it’s short, but mighty. Good things come in small packages, right? ($24, Jenni Earle)

Anyone who appreciates a well-placed curse word will get a kick out of this swear-word-themed adult coloring book. Throw in a set of crayons or colored pencils…and maybe some wine or chocolate for a complete self-care package. 10/10 recommend. ($9.69, Amazon)

Whether it’s warm or freezing where you are, these glass tile coasters (which are hand-crafted in California) will add a summery cheer to your gift bag. They’re $18 each, so a two-coaster set (or one coaster plus a mug) makes for a perfect present. Just don’t be surprised if the recipient follows up to ask where they can buy more. ($18, Urban Outfitters)

Whether or not there’s a known cauliflower enthusiast in your group, this irresistible toy is bound to warm people’s hearts. We can pretty much guarantee someone will want to take it home. Broccoli toys everywhere are shaking. ($28.50, Nordstrom)

Yes, technically these are Christmas tree ornaments, but they’re so cute and detailed that we’d just hang them up around the house any time of year. There’s a delightfully huge selection (from black-and-white cookies and bagels to poke bowls), to the point that you’ll probably want to buy yourself one, too. ($16+, Food52)

These essential-oil-scented cubes (the set of five includes lavender, eucalyptus, mint, and lemongrass) can be used either as body scrubs or shower steamers...aka perfume for their bathroom. Other perks we love? They’re handmade, all natural, and paraben-, sulfate-, and synthetic-chemical-free — not to mention they come from an all-woman team. ($28/pack, Uncommon Goods)

Oh, to be a part-time adult…truly the dream. This funny mug with a distinctive pedestal shape comes in a gift box and is dishwasher-safe, so they can save that extra few minutes for non-adulting. Phew. ($15, Amazon)

Skip the succulents. These cactus- and poppy-inspired scented candles are even easier to take care of. And they’re pretty darn cute, too. ($27, Uncommon Goods)

While some may burn through a book of puzzles in a couple days, this colorful and travel-friendly set brings the fun off the page (or phone) and will let them play and replay it for years to come. This set uses mini painted wooden balls instead of classic numbers for a fun twist. Comes with a book of instructions for setting up lots of different puzzles too. Game on. ($22.53, Amazon)

Chances are there’s at least one person in your group who could use a hand with not, well, losing stuff all the time. Keys, laptop bags… whatever they have trouble keeping on hand, this will help them find it. ($29, Apple)

Consider this a gift for the whole team and hope someone leaves ’em behind in the restroom when the gift exchange is over. The oils will create a fizzy fragrant reaction that’ll keep odor to a minimum. Plus, they’re nontoxic, biodegradable, and septic-safe. ($15, Uncommon Goods)

Get a fun mixology-adjacent gift without having to spend the extra money for liquor. These freezable sets are designed to go with specific spirits like gin, rum or tequila, and come in pretty giftable boxes. All your giftee has to do is shake ‘em up with their spirit of choice — or let ‘em dissolve slowly for a cool drink on the rocks. Cheers. ($20, Uncommon Goods)

We could sure go for a spoonful of cookie dough right now. And that’s an achievable goal for just about everyone thanks to this oat-based spread that’s allergy friendly — beyond just nuts and gluten, you won’t find any of the top 14 allergens in Oat Haus’s products. Another plus? You’re supporting a woman-led company. We’re not drooling, you are. ($12.95, Oat Haus)