7 Budget-Friendly Secret Santa And White Elephant Gift Ideas

Shopping for a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift can prove to be a challenge. It's hard to know how whether or not your gift will bring a smile or frown ..

Originally Published Dec. 24, 2015

Shopping for the right Secret Santa or White Elephant gift can be challenging. It’s hard to know whether or not your gift will bring a smile or elicit a frown from hard-to-please scrooges. The task may seem impossible, but there are plenty of fun and practical items that will excite even the biggest scrooges in your circle of family or friends.

Instead of agonizing this year, let’s aim to splurge on something perfect and save when possible. Be creative, but remember that very few people like novelty scarves or soap that looks like bacon. Avoid anything you can easily envision at a garage sale, and, seriously, don’t buy DVD box sets unless someone has specifically mentioned it’s a must-have on their wish list. To help make your shopping a little more joyful, here are 10 time-tested holiday Secret Santa and White Elephant gift ideas. With these crowd-pleasers, you almost can’t go wrong.

Dammit Doll

There’s no question that life can be stressful, even for the most tranquil among us. If you’ve been charged with giving to someone who looks like they’re ready to blow off some steam, the Dammit Doll may be just what the doctor ordered. These simple rag dolls come in a variety of outrageous colors and prints, and each doll is embroidered with a patch bearing a passage that can be an alternative to visiting the shrink. These dolls are made to be shaken until rage turns to relief and amused chuckling. And when the anger has subsided, they are adorable work companions perched on your desk or shelf.

Deep-Dish Cherry Pie From Sweet Jane

Who doesn’t love a scrumptious cherry pie? One of Oprah’s favorite things, California bakery Sweet Lady Jane has created a very merry, soon-to-be legendary, dare we say necessary, simply extraordinary deep-dish cherry pie. A golden latticework top crust reveals the sweet-tart cherry filling, simmered to the ideal level of goodness.

Prank-O

Don’t be fooled, the Prank-O isn’t a real stand-alone product. But it’s a funny parody box that you can put the real gift inside. Its cuteness lies in the ability to turn any gift into a hilarious or surprise gag. The playful sense of mystery— what’s really inside?—adds a fun touch.

High Heel Tape Dispenser

When you think of funny or exciting gifts, a tape dispenser probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, this is no ordinary ta pe dispenser.

Big Head Squirrel Feeder

This squirrel feeder gives the impression that the squirrel has a big head when he’s eating from it. You’ll agree it’s the nutt iest squirrel feeder ever! You just hang it from a tree or any other object in a well-populated squirrel area.

Tony Pigg’s Pepper Sauce Three-Pack Set

Hot sauce lovers, this i s for you! The fresh ingredients add the perfect blend of smoking hot and tangy for the most seasoned and exacting taste buds for flavor that’s just as intense as the heat. Bring on the catfish and po’ boys.

Gourmet Jam Set

You can’t beat the spectacular taste of all-natu ral jams. taking this delectable treat to an elevated art form. Perfect in the morning with a biscuit or with an afternoon snack. The flavor will keep you licking the spoon long after the holidays have passed.