With a large extended family coming together for holidays like Christmas, we have some of our own traditions, much like I’m sure your families all do. Rather than buy presents for everyone, which can quickly get expensive and overwhelming, we do a gift exchange instead.
To find the quirkiest and most unexpected gift, I headed to Value Village where they have unleashed all of their seasonal holiday merchandise, both new and gently used. I picked up this dancing and singing Santa for my white elephant gift as well as some decor pieces for our home: a wreath for the door, a bow for our tree topper, and a couple cute Santa and snowmen mugs. There were tons of options for white elephant gifts at my local Value Village, it was a struggle to decide on the final item but dancing Santa won in the end.
Some other great white elephant gift ideas are
- a live goldfish – generally $1-2 at your local pet store
- small statuettes of Santa/Snowmen (singing and dancing optional)
- Grow a Boyfriend/Girlfriend novelty items
- stick on moustaches
- novelty bandaids
- wigs
- anything bacon related
The key with white elephant gift exchanges is to make your gift look like something totally different than it really is. I wrapped up dancing Santa in a shoe box with some padding so he won’t rattle around (no shaking hints), then placed him in a Nordstrom gift box, and finished with some snowman wrapping paper. I can’t wait to see him be opened up!
Do you celebrate with white elephant gift exchanges either with friends or co-workers? Make sure to head to Value Village to find a crazy gift! Happy Thriftmas!
*Thank you to Value Village for sponsoring this post
Live goldfish is PERFECT! Haha!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I like most of the gift ideas but honestly, a live animal is not a good surprise gift idea. Whether goldfish, cat, lizard, or other, the pet is a living being who requires care, food, and love. Unless the person said they wanted a pet fish, the recipient may not have the time or willingness to care for them.