What exactly is a white elephant gift? Well it’s a relatively new holiday tradition that involves giving a gift that either you received last year, or something new, that is outlandish and completely crazy. Some people give wanted gifts, or gifts for a man and women. I personally like the idea of giving a completely useless gift. Sometimes the gift is regifted over several years, such as in my family’s case, we have been giving the same crappy Christmas tree ornament from the commemoration of our local mall’s grand opening, for over 10 years. In some cases, a group or family has to start from scratch and traditions begin anew. Some preselect a recipient, or preselect a price range for all the gift givers, so as to let each person receives a white elephant gift.
Each year, one of our lucky family members gets to regift this lovely gift, and each year it’s mailed off to another family member. Due to the death of our grandmother, who invented this tradition in our family, we have been forced to retire our “white elephant gift”. I have decided to bring back this tradition in our family, and so my work began in finding the perfect white elephant gift idea. So now the work is done, research completed, and I have compiled a list of 7 of the best ideas for white elephant gifts.
7. Beer steins
There are many, many styles, shapes, sizes and designs available for a beer stein. From the traditional German stein, to the off the wall replica of your favorite movie star or sports hero, there are numerous ideas and selections available. I found one on www.aspencountry.com that is the helmet of Darth Vader from star wars.
6. Chia head
There are some really great faces and designs for Chia heads. Of course www.chia.com has the original products and probably the best selection, but not the best prices online. Shop around for the best deal. Who wouldn’t want a Homer Simpson head for a present?
5. Spencer’s
Spencer’s is a mall favorite and has some of the best gag gifts anywhere, and almost everyone knows where one is or is close to it. For those who would rather shop online, go to www.spencersonline.com for that perfect gift of fake dog doo, or some of the funniest tee shirts ever written.
4. Garden gnome
Garden gnomes are some great gag gifts and come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. A great online site to visit for garden gnomes is www.outdoordecor.com They have countless gnomes at reasonable prices to expensive. Most major hardware stores and retail carry garden gnomes.
3. Pink flamingoes
Pink flamingoes have been around for years and come in a large variety of designs as well as colors, not all are pink you know! What could be gaudier than a lovely fluorescent pink lawn flamingo? Visit www.flamingomania.com for one of the best selection from mugs and shirts from flags to the original outdoor plastic flamingos.
2. Fondue pot
Remember the seventies? Whether you do or don’t, you can relive them with a fondue pot. Who wouldn’t want a bowl that warms sauces for dipping things into? www.fonduefoods.com has some really delicious items for that sweet tooth chocolate dipper.
1. Homemade gifts
Homemade gifts are the best bet for a white elephant gift. Some great ideas can be made with simple and inexpensive items. For instance a plunger and an electric cord can easily become an electric plunger. Simply drill a hole in the handle, insert the cord with some glue, and presto! Buying a loaf of bread a knife and paper plates, complete with peanut butter and jelly becomes, a peanut butter and jelly making kit. Simple yet effective. The best yet idea, I think, is buying batteries and including a card “Gift not included”. Simple is sometimes the best and cheapest way to get a great gift for white elephant parties. Good luck and have fun choosing the right gifts for that special someone’s white elephant gifts.
