The Best White Elephant
Gifts for Your Office Party
Finding the right gift for a coworker can be tricky: you want something thoughtful but not too personal, fun but still HR-approved, and affordable enough to fit most team budgets. Whether you’re shopping for an office Secret Santa, a White Elephant exchange, or just showing appreciation to someone you collaborate with daily, these picks are universally safe, practical, and easy to wrap.
Here are some crowd-pleasing coworker gifts from our White Elephant Gift Idea Generator that work for office teams, hybrid groups, and remote colleagues alike.
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⭐ Top Picks For Your Office Crowd
Mini Highland Cows Paper Desk Herd
Why it’s great…
This tiny herd is the perfect mix of unexpected, funny, and office-friendly: exactly what makes a standout White Elephant gift. The kit includes 50 pre-printed sheets your coworker can fold into adorable pint-size Highland cows, giving them a quick creative break during their workday. It’s quirky without being impractical, inexpensive without feeling cheap, and guaranteed to spark conversation when it gets unwrapped. A great pick for any exchange where you want something fun that won’t violate HR guidelines.
Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Why it’s great…
If your office runs on caffeine, this is the kind of White Elephant gift that gets stolen fast. It’s a sleek, reusable pour-over brewer that makes noticeably better coffee than the sad break-room drip machine — without taking up counter space or requiring any barista skills. The cork grip gives it a polished, modern look, and the stainless-steel filter means no paper refills. It’s the perfect mix of practical and “ooh, I actually want that,” which is exactly what makes a White Elephant gift memorable. Great for coworkers who love their morning ritual… or anyone tired of fighting over the last K-Cup.
Funny Christmas Magnetic Socks
Why it’s great…
If you want a White Elephant gift that’s cheap, cheerful, and almost guaranteed to get stolen, go for these. The bold, silly design makes them a fun ice-breaker when they’re unwrapped, but they’re also practical enough that someone might actually wear them. Because socks are a “safe but snappy” gift, they’re perfect for coworkers you don’t know super well. Ideal for teams, Secret Santas, or hybrid-office exchanges. A lighthearted crowd-pleaser that hits the “office-appropriate + amusing” sweet spot.
Bonsai Tree Growing Kit
Why it’s great…
For the coworker who’s always complaining their desk is lifeless (or secretly wishing their apartment had more greenery) this Bonsai Starter Kit is a White Elephant dark-horse winner. It’s a “gift that surprises” rather than a safe default: the kit comes with everything needed to grow miniature trees indoors (seeds, soil, pots, tools, instructions). It’s unique, slightly unexpected — the kind of gift someone jokes about “stealing” then actually ends up wanting. Compact, easy to gift, and office-appropriate it hits the sweet spot between novelty and long-term usefulness.
Goat Sound Button
Why it’s great…
This little goat-sound button is the kind of gift that gets stolen almost immediately: it’s loud, silly, and totally harmless, which makes it a White Elephant winner. It fits easily in a gift bag or under a tree and immediately becomes a desk-party centerpiece once unwrapped. Coworkers will press it just to hear the weird goat bleat, and someone’s going to walk away with the “funniest gift of the year” badge. It’s a low-cost, low-effort way to guarantee laughs. Exactly the right vibe for your office gift exchange.
Want more options tailored to your group’s vibe, price limit, or party type?
FAQ: Best Gifts for Coworkers
What makes a good gift for a coworker?
Look for items that are practical, office-friendly, and not overly personal. Think desk accessories, cozy comfort items, and small treats. If you’re unsure of someone’s preferences, useful or shareable gifts are always safe choices.
How much should I spend on a coworker gift?
Most workplace gift exchanges stick to a $10–$25 budget. If it’s a personal thank-you gift for someone you work closely with, anything up to $30–$40 is common. When in doubt, check your team’s guidelines or match what others typically spend.
What gifts should I avoid giving coworkers?
Skip anything too personal (skincare, clothing), polarizing (strong fragrances), or humor that might not be HR-safe. Food gifts should avoid common allergens unless you know their preferences. When shopping for a group exchange, neutral is always best.
Wrap-Up
Coworker gifts don’t have to be complicated. Stick to items that work for every personality and you’ll land on something that feels thoughtful, appropriate, and easy to bring to an office or virtual exchange.
And if you’re planning a team celebration this year, White Elephant Online makes gift swaps fun and simple for remote, in-person, and hybrid groups. No wrapping paper required.
Try it for free today and get your whole office playing in minutes.