It’s the time of year where last minute Christmas parties and casual get-togethers can become quite the burden.  As these holiday hassles pile up and your to-do list grows longer even than Santa’s, seek refuge in the following white elephant gift suggestions.  Hopefully this list will help make the holiday process easier, and your get-togethers more enjoyable.

First and foremost, the following gift suggestions are intended for the casual Christmas party or get-together, so these ideas may not be of assistance when it comes to your office Christmas party.  Also, these gifts range in price from $0.00 to $15.00, so keep your budget in mind as well.  And remember:  white elephant gifts are intended to be slightly humorous, so feel free to use your imagination.

1. Stuffed animals: 
   

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   We all have old Beanie Babies or useless relics of the past lying around the house.  Give them one last moment of glory before dismissing them forever.  Also, a vast number of various stuffed critters will be available at any major department during the Christmas season.

2. Hygienic supplies: 
   

   Soaps and lotions make great presents.  They are small, inexpensive, useful, and certain items within this category can be humorous as well.  Some examples of this humor include items such as children’s toothbrushes, laxatives and hair growth products.  They need not be practical to be a good gift.

3. Inside jokes: 
   

   This one is less specific, but depending on your relationship with the host/ guests, it may be the perfect opportunity to bring back fond or funny memories from the past.  The creativity is left to you on this one, but find a mutual theme between you and your fellow gifters and take it from there.

4. A white elephant: 
   

   In my experience, it has always been a huge crowd-pleaser to present a white elephant of some sort to the white elephant party.  NOT a real elephant, naturally, but either a stuffed animal or a figurine or an ornament.  Believe me, small white elephants ARE out there, and the response you will receive with such a gift is well worth the hassle of acquiring this gift.

5. Snow globes: 
   

   These are abundant during the holiday season and can be acquired easily and for little cash.  Also, they are festive and fun.

6. Cookie cutters: 
   

   These are also abundant and cheap during the holiday season, and can be put to good use before the holidays are over.  These little guys come in all shapes and sizes and can be funny as well.  

7. Old relics: 
   

   If you aren’t in the mood to go shopping, search in your basement, attic, or other similar storage area for antiques/collectibles that have little value or purpose.  Often, these make the most interesting gifts, anyway.

8. Mugs: 
   

   These are perhaps one of the most abundant and diverse manufactured goods around during the holiday season, let alone any other season.  They range in shape, color, style, price, and can often be found with certain phrases or images on the side.  Find a mug that fits the style of gift you are seeking and you should be in good shape.  After all, everyone loves mugs.  Very few people don’t drink some sort of hot beverage, and hot chocolate is a common holiday treat.

9. Candy/Treats: 
   

   Hot chocolate, candy canes, chocolate covered cherries, mints, etc.  Any sort of goodie will always be well received.  Plus, these items often have more value placed upon them or are simply more popular during the holiday season.

10. Small children’s toys: 
    

    Cheap gizmos and gadgets, card decks, flashlights, model cars/ hot wheels, baseball cards, children’s books, sports equipment (like golf balls or kick balls, not large extravagant items such as golf clubs), card games (different from a card deck), etc.

Hopefully this list was helpful in either triggering thoughts or directly solving your gift finding dilemma.  One last word of advise: as a general rule for white elephant gifts, just keep it simple and keep it cheap.  You’ll enjoy it more.