According to legend, the term “white elephant” has been used for at least 100 years in reference to a “less than desirable gift.” Supposedly, the King of Siam, which is now Thailand, gave an actual white elephant to anyone he disliked. The reason? The white elephant was not only rare, but their care was quite expensive. Added to that was the fact that the white elephant was also a respected symbol so you couldn’t just regift it or let it go free you had to keep it – a rather expensive present!
Myth or fact, white elephant parties have become quite popular. And for good reason: it’s not only fun to seek for the perfect gift that is wonderfully unique, but it’s a hoot to watch guests unwrap them. Still, searching for the perfect gift that will make people laugh and want it but that is also not a total waste of money can be stressful. But don’t worry, we have some great ideas for the teens in your life.
What to Consider for a White Elephant Gift for a Teen or Tween
There are several reasons you might be in the market for an extra fun gift: you’ve been invited to a Christmas party and have been asked to bring a white elephant gift, you are having a party yourself, you are helping your teen get that just right gift for her party, or Santa needs your help to fill some stockings this year. Whatever the reason, below are some tips for picking out the perfect white elephant gift.
- Make it funny. If it’s a gift exchange, you never know what to expect and that’s what makes it fun. If it’s for a stocking, the look on their face will bring a smile to yours. So try to find a gift that is funny but still practical for everyday use in someway.
- Keep within a budget. The host/hostess will usually set a budget for the party; be sure to stick with it. If there isn’t a set budget, set one yourself so your child can learn to budget as he chooses the perfect gag gift. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great gift.
- Make it unique. These are the ones that will bring the laughs, so don’t be afraid to go with something weird, silly, or strange.
- Have fun. Let your personalty (or that of your teen) come out and enjoy every moment!
10 Funny Gag Gifts Kids Will Love
| Model | What Makes It Great |
|---|---|
Fishy Feet Socks | |
Nose Pencil Sharpener | |
Bacon Bandages | |
Pizza Blanket | |
Tattoo Arm Sleeves | |
Reindeer Farts Cotton Candy | |
Bean Boozled Jelly Beans | |
Reindeer Snot Fidget Putty | |
Instant Underpants | |
Inflatable Tube Guy |
Fishy Feet Socks
These cute socks are sure to bring a smile to anyone. They are a one size fits most so there is no need to guess on a size. They are super soft and comfy. And of course they are machine washable and will stay colorful, soft and comfortable for years or until the washing machine eats one of them . . . whichever comes first. And you get all that for less than $15 (but really, the uniqueness of these socks is unmatchable).
But best of all, you can show these off anytime – you can even wear these with shoes, sandals or even flip-flops! Does it get any better?
Nose Pencil Sharpener
This is hilarious! Who can pass up sharpening a pencil with a nose?
Did I mention that it is life-size and lifelike? Yep, totally the size of your nose – the only difference is that you can put a pencil up this nose which is something should never be done with a real one.
This is a great stocking stuffer but would also make a great gag gift for teens; dynamite comes in small packages or wrap it in a large box. Either way it is sure to bring a laugh when it’s open and maybe a giggle every time she sharpens her pencil in school.
Bacon Bandages
I don’t know about your son, but my son loves everything bacon. We have had bacon chapstick, bacon soap, a bacon candle so of course this would be right up his alley. I am reminded of “The Office” episode when Michael Scott burns his foot on a Foreman Grill: “I like waking up to the smell of bacon. Sue me.” So classic!
These bandages are sure to bring a smile to whoever unwraps it and lots of ogling from everyone! Seriously, what’s not to love about having a bacon bandage to cover an owie? And as an added bonus, it comes with a small prize . . . just like in Cracker Jacks!
A word of caution: while these bandaids are sufficient to cover a small cut, they are not made for serious injuries.
Pizza Blanket
If your teen loves pizza (and what teen doesn’t?) this blanket is for him! It looks just like a pepperoni pizza! All I would need is an air freshener that smells like a pizza and I would be in heaven!
It costs a little more than some white elephant gifts, but it’s definitely worth it. Made made from a soft flannel that is warm and cozy but lightweight, it’s the perfect combination for a blanket. And it doesn’t wrinkle or fade; it really is well made and will last for years to come. It comes with a portable drawstring storage bag, making it easy to take on a trip or to the football game, keep on a bed or on a couch, take on a camp out, or use at an outdoor movie!
Oh, did I mention that it is 60 inches in diameter? A circular blanket – how unique is that?
Tattoo Arm Sleeves
I once waited for over an hour for my son to get a temporary tattoo that cost a lot more and lasted only for hours. . . if only I had known that these were out there!
You get 6 different tattoo sleeves and each is packaged in a poly bag. While it is a “one size fits most,” they are easy to put on and take off and unless you have huge arms they should be fairly comfortable. Why, you ask . . because they are stretchable.
And the material is made of 92% nylon and 8% spandex so the sleeve blends in with your natural skin color and looks so realistic that it makes people take a double take! But wait! Because its elasticity is so high it won’t fall down. Great value!
And as an added bonus it also serves as sun protection – no joke! What would this not be good for? It serves as a tattoo, sun protection and cooling, outdoor sports, parties, stage performances, or my favorite – an April Fool’s prank on the ole grandparents.
Reindeer Farts Cotton Candy
Remember walking around a fun park or maybe a county fair and smelling the cotton candy? Pleading with your parents to get some? For me, I still get tempted to get some whenever I smell it or even see it. Really, what’s not to love about a mouthful of sugar?
Everyone at the party will want this because the only thing better than cotton candy is peppermint cotton candy! And the only thing better than that is peppermint cotton candy in a bag that says “Reindeer Farts” on it! We all know that boys never really outgrow the humor of farts, so it’s a great gift for boys, or boys that grew up to be men or really anyone who wants cotton candy whenever they smell it.
For less than $10, it’s well worth giving into that temptation. Or am I the only one that loves that smell?
Bean Boozled Jelly Beans
Can your teen be bamboozled by a jelly bean? There is only one way to find out . . . and that’s with some of these Bean Boozled Jelly Beans.
Each bag comes with 20 flavors – 10 weird flavors that look like tasty flavors. Is the blue one toothpaste or a tasty berry? Maybe it’s a tutti-frutti but then again maybe it’s a stinky socks. It could be buttered popcorn or rotten egg. Or is it canned dog food or chocolate pudding?
The bag might be eaten before the party is even over because everyone wants to see if they will be bamboozled by a weird flavor. And then they will need to try another one to see if they can get the taste of rotten eggs out of there mouth.
You can get a 1.9 oz bag for under $5, which is a great deal. As an added bonus, you don’t need to worry about your gluten free friends because all jelly beans are gluten free, peanut free, dairy free, fat free and vegetarian friendly.
Reindeer Snot Fidget Putty
What teen doesn’t want to squeeze and knead some reindeer snot? (Who am I kidding? I am talking about myself! I mean, it just looks too tempting and once you start it’s so hard to stop.)
Everyone will be drawn to the irresistible urge to see what reindeer snot feels like and it will bring a smile even to the Grinch. As a bonus it’s a way to reduce stress – which is what the Grinch really needs. It’s affordable enough you can put one in every stocking so no one has to share; they can each have their own reindeer snot.
Instant Underpants
What is about underwear that causes everyone to giggle? These are under $10 and well worth it.
Think of the situations where they might come in handy . . . And these are sure to bring on the giggles . . . as the imagination goes to work on when a person would ever use them! The real question is, how long will the kids wait before getting a bowl to soak them? Guaranteed that it won’t take long – everyone will be too intrigued and will be gathered around a bowl of water in no time!
Inflatable Tube Guy
I absolutely love this! We see the Tube Guy all around town advertising this sale or that business, but this little cute little guy fits on a desk, nightstand, or in a dorm room. What a conversation starter!
It’s a 18-inch waving tube man that comes with a fan (be sure and get batteries for him) that lets him dance, wiggle, and move just like the original one!
It makes me wish I had one in my dorm when I was in college to go along with my life-size cutout of the very cute quarterback, but that’s a story for another day.
Conclusion
If you’re feeling really ambitious, maybe you and your tween want to make a homemade white elephant gift!
A White Elephant Gift Exchange is so much fun! The point is to laugh with friends and family, not to end up with the best gift. Yes, it would be awesome to end up with that sweet flashlight that can break a car window if you happen to go under water, but if you don’t, don’t give it another thought. From my favorite Christmas story, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more.”
Just remember that white elephant gifts are just like teen and tweens: goofy, yet desirable enough that everyone wants to be around them . . . well, most of the time. Trust us. It makes it more fun!
