Hello! My office is holding its annual white elephant gift exchange on Thursday. This just consists of bringing a random gift and people pick out a number from a hat, pick an unknown wrapped gift from the table when their number comes up, and so forth. The larger numbers get to see what others picked and can then steal their gift if they want, and give them whatever they got, so those with smaller numbers end up being stuck and those with the larger numbers are at an advantage. The reason I say all this is because apparently, some white elephant parties consist of funny or vulgar gifts, but that is not the case here. The age range of my office is from the early 30s all the way to the 70s, though most employees are in their 60s. The majority of employees are female, if that matters.
Our limit for shopping is $25 and under. I was considering purchasing an Amazon Echo Dot as my contribution. It is currently close to $23, so well within the price range. It seems everyone and their mother is buying alcohol 
Sorry, but to me this shows no originality and seems to be the go-to gift in the office. I don’t drink, and I assume some of the others don’t, and may want something different. One year I was gifted an office heater, for example. Last year it was 2 tumblers, one for hot drinks, the other for cold drinks. I brought in a charcuterie board with an assortment of serving knives last year, but 90% of the office had booze in the gift exchange.
Anyway, I feel like the Dot is an item that both men and women can enjoy, as well as kids. I got one for myself earlier this year. Do you think this is a good gift idea? My other option was just to get an Amazon gift card and let the recipient buy whatever they wish, but I have seen comments on this site about gift cards being seen as impersonal. Ideas/thoughts? Do I just do like everyone else and buy booze? We also have the option of regifting a prior year’s gift, but I find this to be tacky and could offend the person who bought the gift.
UPDATE: My daughter told me last minute that she wanted to come with me as her college campus is about a mile away or so from my office, and they had a college event. I ended up coming in late and missing the gift exchange, but most of the gifts tended to be alcohol, those that weren’t included a candle and a zen desktop fountain. I ended up returning the Dot speaker, since it might be outdated by next year if they come up with a new model. Thanks for the suggestions, I will hopefully be able to put them to good use next year!
Hi Natalie! It’s hard to buy a personal gift when you’re not buying something for anyone in particular, so I would say don’t worry about that criteria. Similarly, I don’t see an issue with regifting a prior year’s gift–it’s not as if the person bought it for you and you therefore seem to be rejecting their gift; it randomly ended up with you, and you can legitimately say you found you didn’t use it. Also, I’d encourage you to get something you WANT to give (not alcohol, since that isn’t what you want to give). What about getting a gift card to a local business which a good number of people like? That will be unique, support the business, and be enjoyed?
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I would avoid alcohol. That doesn’t involve much creativity. I think the best gifts in these situations are actually the ones that are the most creative and unexpected. For example, I remember one year I received a crystal bald eagle with a clock in its chest. I think it was from Marshalls and probably well below the $25 threshold. The point is it was ridiculous but pretty funny and I think I even still have it.
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Also, here is a search with a bunch of great topics over the years on this subject!
White Elephant Gift Exchange Ideas
Good point on the regifting. Local business is a great idea too! Makes the gift card more thoughtful compared to a box store or Amazon.
I love a good white elephant!
@Natalie_L1 I agree with you and @JakeAtGetIt—no booze. Gift cards aren’t bad, but I love @alewinson’s suggestion to make them local. It feels much more thoughtful.
Amazon Dot: That’s a nice gift! Maybe include a printout of “Most Popular Ways to Use an Amazon Dot” to help someone less tech-savvy (like me 
).
If you don’t go with the dot, go for unique! Something that stands out and is memorable. One of my friends always brings something BIG, sparking everyone’s curiosity—it’s usually picked first.
Based on your work crowd, here are some work-friendly ideas. Have fun, be yourself, and not only will your gift be memorable…but so will you!
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Desk Plant: Something real or nostalgic like a chia pet (big hit at my last white elephant). Chia Pet on Amazon
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Desk Accessories: Mini desk vacuum, which can also be used for car! Desk Vacuum, computer light ring for video calls, coffee warmer. Coffee Warmer
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Veg-Out Kit: Cozy socks, a box of tea (like Sleepytime), and an Audible gift card for one book.
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Cold-Weather Gear: Heated socks or a vest to wear under a jacket.
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Cozy Blanket: Find holiday-themed or sports-team blankets under $25 on Amazon. We love this one! NFLWashington Commanders Plaid Blanket
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Big & Funny: Foam roller (a BIG one!)—great for aging bodies and sure to get laughs.
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Silk Pillowcase/Sleep Mask: Surprisingly popular (yes, men use these too).
Lots of fun options, good luck! I think I’m gonna do the foam roller for my white elephant😂
Let us know what ends up being the “favorite”, the one with the most steals. Happy holidays!
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Hi @Natalie_L1 . My husband’s office did this for years at their annual holiday party and it was the same that 70 % of the gifts were alcohol. The first year my husband put together a snow emergency kit - shovel, ice scraper with mitt, and flashlight and the recipient kept looking for the gift card. Someone else took it from her on his turn. Some people made crafts but we are not crafty people. Some gifts that were appreciated by the women were a nice wallet, a nice scarf, holiday hand towels, cloth napkins. I think your charcuterie board idea was brilliant. So I say, you do you and I find it hard to believe that someone will not want that gift.
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@Natalie_L1 maybe a little late at this point but just came across this article, seems like it could have some good ideas!
https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/gifts/white-elephant-gift-ideas