White Elephant Gifts Under $25

Watching Bob Ross's famous afro sprout into green chia is pure joy, and it's a nostalgic gag gift that's genuinely fun to grow on a desk. It reliably gets the biggest laugh of the night.

Worth knowing: It needs regular watering and a sunny spot, and the sprouts only last a few weeks per seeding (extra seed packs are available).

This tiny waffle iron makes a single waffle in minutes and is great for hash browns, paninis and 'chaffles' too. It's cute, useful and one of the most-stolen gifts at any swap.

Worth knowing: It makes small, 4-inch waffles one at a time, so it's slow for a big family breakfast.

A flameless heating element lets you toast marshmallows at the table, with trays for graham crackers and chocolate. It turns any winter night into a little campfire party.

Worth knowing: It's slower than a real fire and makes a bit of a mess. Supervise kids, as the heating element gets very hot.

Each pair of look-alike jelly beans hides one delicious flavor and one disgusting one, and the spinner decides who eats what. It's a gift that becomes the party's main event.

Worth knowing: Some flavors are genuinely gross, which is the point, but it's not for picky eaters. Check for allergies.

It's a famous gag gift that people secretly take home and keep using, thanks to its viral reputation. The reveal always gets a laugh, and the curious usually steal it.

Worth knowing: Bathroom humor isn't right for every office. Know your audience before wrapping it.

Invented by a seven-year-old, this quick, silly strategy game is easy to learn and surprisingly cutthroat. Players can open it and start a round right away.

Worth knowing: It's best with two to four players, so it's a family game more than a big-party game.

A fast, funny game of luck and strategy (essentially Russian roulette with cats), with art by The Oatmeal. It's one of the best-selling party games of the last decade for good reason.

Worth knowing: Some people already own it. The original edition is family-friendly, but avoid the 'NSFW' version for office swaps.

This brutal UNO variant adds draw-10 cards and a mercy rule that knocks players out with too many cards, and it became a viral hit. It's cheap, familiar and guaranteed to cause dramatic moments.

Worth knowing: Games can run long and get heated. The cards are paper, so a deck may not survive a spilled drink.

Jenga needs no explanation, works for any age or language, and can be played right after the gift swap. It's a dependable choice when you know nothing about the crowd.

Worth knowing: It's a classic, so some people already own a set. Write a few silly dares on the blocks to make it feel new.

A mini putting green and putter that sits around the toilet base is a classic gag that gets an instant reaction. Golfers secretly love it.

Worth knowing: It's another bathroom-humor gift, so judge your crowd. Quality varies across sellers, so check reviews.

Small Creator sets build three different models from the same bricks, so they offer a surprising amount of play for the price. LEGO is a crowd favorite at mixed-age gift swaps.

Worth knowing: Specific sets rotate often, so pick one under your budget; prices vary by set. Small parts aren't suitable for toddlers.