Gag Gifts That Are Actually Useful
The perfect White Elephant gift gets a laugh when it's opened and a fight when someone tries to steal it. These gags all have a real use, so they don't end up in a drawer.
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40 ideas
1. Bacon-strip bandages
A real tin of bandages that look like bacon. It gets a laugh and ends up in the first-aid drawer.
See options on Amazon ↗2. Motion-sensor toilet night light
Sounds like a joke, then everyone wants one for 2 a.m. bathroom trips.
See options on Amazon ↗3. Meat shredder claws
You look like Wolverine while pulling pork. Genuinely useful for barbecue fans.
See options on Amazon ↗4. Extendable back scratcher
The gift people mock for a minute and then use every day.
See options on Amazon ↗5. Cable organizer clips
Tames the charger mess on any desk. Boring and beloved.
See options on Amazon ↗6. Adjustable phone stand
For video calls, recipes and watching shows at lunch. Everyone uses one.
See options on Amazon ↗7. Hand warmers (bulk pack)
Winter-game and commute essential. A bulk box goes a long way.
See options on Amazon ↗8. UFO pizza cutter
A flying saucer that slices pizza. Works fine, and it's fun to pass around.
See options on Amazon ↗9. Large sphere ice molds
Makes drinks look fancy. A good pick for the whiskey or iced-coffee crowd.
See options on Amazon ↗10. Rechargeable clip-on book light
For readers who share a bedroom or read on planes.
See options on Amazon ↗11. Mini waffle maker
The White Elephant legend. Small, cheap and stolen every single year.
See options on Amazon ↗12. Handheld milk frother
Turns office coffee into a café latte. Small enough for a desk drawer.
See options on Amazon ↗13. Instant-read meat thermometer
The grill-master in the group will steal it on the spot.
See options on Amazon ↗14. Smart plugs (2-pack)
Control lamps from a phone. A practical gift that tech fans steal.
See options on Amazon ↗15. Wireless charging pad
A useful upgrade for the desk or nightstand.
See options on Amazon ↗16. Rechargeable headlamp
Power outages, camping, car trouble: someone always needs it.
See options on Amazon ↗17. Touchscreen winter gloves
Text without freezing your fingers. Useful for any commuter.
See options on Amazon ↗18. Beanie with built-in LED light
Looks silly, and it's brilliant for dog walks in the dark.
See options on Amazon ↗19. Gooseneck “lazy” phone holder
Watch videos in bed, hands-free. Ridiculous and genuinely handy.
See options on Amazon ↗20. Ice scraper with built-in mitt
Keeps hands warm on frozen mornings. Commuters will steal it.
See options on Amazon ↗21. Compact first aid kit
For the car or office drawer. A practical gift that everyone uses.
See options on Amazon ↗22. Retro belt bag (fanny pack)
Funny to open, but it's actually back in style for travel and concerts.
See options on Amazon ↗23. Magnetic tool wristband
Holds screws and nails while you work. DIYers love it.
See options on Amazon ↗24. Waterproof shower speaker
Shower concerts for the whole household. Everyone uses it.
See options on Amazon ↗25. Nose-shaped soap dispenser
Gross, hilarious and fully functional. The ultimate gag-but-useful pick.
See options on Amazon ↗26. Bamboo cutting board
A kitchen staple that looks nice enough to give.
See options on Amazon ↗27. Memory foam travel pillow
Holiday travelers will thank you on the plane.
See options on Amazon ↗28. Windproof compact umbrella
Everyone loses umbrellas. Nobody is sad to get a good one.
See options on Amazon ↗29. Phone camera lens kit
Clip-on wide and macro lenses. Fun for photo lovers.
See options on Amazon ↗30. Selfie stick tripod
Group photos where everyone's in the shot. Families steal it.
See options on Amazon ↗31. Insulated tumbler
Hot or cold all day. One of the most-stolen gifts in any office swap.
See options on Amazon ↗32. Portable power bank
Rescues dying phones at concerts, airports and long meetings.
See options on Amazon ↗33. Bluetooth beanie
Headphones built into a warm hat. Great for winter runners and commuters.
See options on Amazon ↗34. Wireless earbuds
Everyone can use a spare pair for the gym or office.
See options on Amazon ↗35. Adjustable laptop stand
Saves necks during long work days.
See options on Amazon ↗36. Electric salt and pepper grinders
One-handed grinding with a little light. Weirdly addictive.
See options on Amazon ↗37. Portable blender
Smoothies at the gym or desk. The fitness crowd will steal it.
See options on Amazon ↗38. Camping hammock
Packs into a pouch. Useful for backyards, parks and trips.
See options on Amazon ↗39. Microwavable or plush slippers
Warm feet all winter. A cozy gift that's easy to like.
See options on Amazon ↗40. Sunrise alarm clock
Wakes you with light instead of a scream. Helps on dark winter mornings.
See options on Amazon ↗
Tips
- Explain the joke on a little card inside the wrap.
- Pair a gag with a useful extra (snot dispenser and real hand soap).
- These work at every budget, so check the price on Amazon.
FAQ
What is a good White Elephant gift gag but useful?
Something that gets a laugh and is useful afterwards. From this list, bacon-strip bandages, motion-sensor toilet night light and meat shredder claws are reliable picks.
Why don't you show prices?
Amazon prices change many times a day, especially in November and December. Each link opens a live Amazon search, so you see today's prices and can pick an option that fits your limit.
What makes a gift get stolen?
It's useful to almost anyone, a little bit fun, and easy to see the value of when it's unwrapped. Cozy items (blankets), coffee gear and kitchen gadgets get stolen most.