Finding standout white elephant gifts for 2017 meant balancing humor, practicality, and price. This overview highlights memorable options that worked well in office drawers and living rooms during that holiday season.
Below is a quick reference comparing price range, size, theme, and group suitability to help you choose the right novelty item fast.
| Gift Name | Price Range | Size | Theme | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer Head Mini Guitar | $10–$15 | Small | Music | Coworkers, music fans |
| Selfie Smile Mirror | $8–$12 | Medium | Beauty | Female colleagues, lighthearted gifting |
| Emoji Stress Balls (set) | $12–$18 | Small | Novelty | Large groups, playful offices |
| Useless Machine | $20–$35 | Medium | Gadget | Tech enthusiasts, curious teams |
| Forehead Lip Balm | $5–$8 | Small | Funny | Close friends, light roast exchanges |
Playful Gadget Options
White elephant exchanges thrive on gadgets that spark laughter rather than long-term utility. In 2017, compact novelties like automatic phone chargers and mini fans were popular because they looked techy but functioned mainly as conversation pieces.
Small teams and home gatherings appreciated items that invited friendly teasing without crossing into inconvenience. These gifts kept desk spaces lively and encouraged playful storytelling during the opening rounds.
Nostalgic and Retro Picks
Retro designs dominated many 2017 white elephant piles, tapping into shared cultural memories. Think Tamagotchi keychains, pixel-art mugs, and tiny Game Boy decals that hinted at childhood without requiring batteries.
Such items worked especially well for coworkers who traded stories about old consoles and mixtapes, turning a simple swap into a reminder of how much habits and technology had shifted over the previous decade.
Practical Yet Funny Essentials
Office-ready white elephants in 2017 leaned toward practical objects with a twist, like colorful cable organizers shaped like snakes or coffee mugs with exaggerated motivational slogans.
These gifts survived beyond the party because they solved minor daily frustrations while still signaling humor. Clear domains, such as desk accessories and kitchenware, were easy to personalize with inside jokes or team-specific references.
Where to Shop and Set Limits
By late 2017, major retailers and online marketplaces offered curated novelty sections that simplified hunting for white elephants under twenty dollars. Filtering by price, theme, and shipping speed helped givers match expectations to budget without last-minute panic.
Setting a clear price cap and sharing a shortlist of approved stores prevented duplicate gifts and kept the exchange fair for participants with varying spending comfort levels.
Smart Selection for Future Exchanges
Planning ahead for future white elephant events means collecting inspiration year-round, noting which jokes land well and which items actually get used.
- Set a firm price cap to keep the exchange light and inclusive.
- Theme the round around a specific year, meme, or office inside joke.
- Choose items that travel well and arrive in durable packaging.
- Balance tech gadgets with low-tech laughs to suit diverse tastes.
- Track re-gifting potential to avoid duplicates in recurring exchanges.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are white elephant gifts expected to be useful or purely funny in 2017?
The best 2017 white elephants strike a balance, offering light humor while remaining reasonably functional at desks, game nights, or classrooms.
What is a safe price range for a 2017 white elephant gift at work?
Around five to fifteen dollars is typical, enough to feel thoughtful without creating pressure to outspend colleagues.
Can food items work as white elephant gifts in 2017?
Yes, individually wrapped treats with funny packaging or unusual flavors are popular, as long as allergens and office policies are respected.
Are digital or printable gifts acceptable for a 2017 white elephant exchange?
They can be, especially when paired with a small physical wrapper, but tactile items usually generate more excitement during live swapping.