10 Fun White Elephant Office Gift Ideas: Creative, Funny & Practical White Elephant Office Gift Ideas To Make Everyone Laugh

Last year, during our office holiday party, I witnessed the most outrageous White Elephant gift swap—someone brought a giant inflatable unicorn pool float. Mind you, our office doesn’t even have a pool. That moment reminded me that small, silly ideas can spark the biggest laughs. So today, I’m sharing my favorite 10 White Elephant office ideas inspired by both my design eye and those quirky party moments.

1. Desk Plant with a Twist

A cactus in a mug or a succulent in a mini paint bucket can brighten up any desk. They're playful, easy to care for, and double as a decor upgrade. A colleague once used room planner tools to see how plants would look in their workspace—it worked surprisingly well.

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2. Funny Coffee Mugs

Think witty quotes or personalized office inside jokes. They're budget-friendly, practical, and always in rotation in any office kitchen. Just make sure the humor suits your team culture.

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3. Mini Desk Vacuum

These tiny USB-powered gadgets suck up crumbs and dust. I brought one once and saw it passed around the office for half an hour of pure entertainment (and a bit of cleaning).

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4. Custom Bobblehead

Get one made to resemble your boss or your most talkative colleague. It’s a surefire conversation starter and totally unexpected.

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5. Tabletop Games

Mini Jenga, a desktop basketball hoop, or magnetic darts—perfect for break-time fun. I once tested one in my own home office using a free-floor-plan-creator just to visualize desk placement for game sessions.

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6. Desk Calendar with Memes

Daily giggles help lighten up even the most stressful deadlines. You can even DIY one with your team's funniest group photos.

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7. Food-Themed Office Supplies

Think donut-shaped sticky notes or ice cream cone highlighters. They’re whimsical and bring instant joy—though they might also make you hungrier.

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8. Reusable Smart Notebook

For that tech-loving coworker, a notebook you can write in, scan, and reuse. Slightly more expensive, but a wow factor gift that’s also eco-friendly.

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9. Scented Desk Candle

Choose light, non-overpowering scents like vanilla or fresh linen. It can make their workspace more inviting. When I staged one for a photo shoot using kitchen-layout-planner, it actually made the rendering feel cozier.

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10. “Emergency” Snack Kit

Pack fun snacks in a small tin with a witty label like “In Case of Meeting, Break Seal.” It’s a hit with anyone who works late or skips lunch too often.

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FAQ

1. What is a White Elephant office gift?

It’s a lighthearted gift swap where participants exchange humorous or quirky items, often through a game-style exchange.

2. How much should I spend on a White Elephant office gift?

Most offices set a limit between $10 and $25 to keep it affordable and fun.

3. Can White Elephant gifts be practical?

Yes, adding functionality can make them even more popular during the swap.

4. Should I wrap my White Elephant gift?

Absolutely—the surprise element is half the fun. Creative wrapping can even hint at the joke.

5. Are gag gifts appropriate?

They’re the norm, but avoid anything offensive. Keep it work-friendly and inclusive.

6. Can I bring homemade items?

Yes, especially if they’re unique or humorous—like baked goods in a quirky container.

7. What's the difference between White Elephant and Secret Santa?

White Elephant focuses on humor and stealing/swapping gifts; Secret Santa is more about personalized surprise giving.

8. Where can I find more creative office ideas?

You can browse interior and workspace inspiration through platforms like office layout planner for fresh concepts.