White Elephant Gift Ideas for Teens They'll Actually Want

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Looking for a white elephant gift for a teenager? I know how tricky it can be to find something that’s fun enough for a gift exchange but also something a teen would actually want to take home.

Whether you’re shopping for a teen boy, teen girl, or a gift that could work for anyone, I’ve rounded up more than 50 white elephant gift ideas for teens to help make your shopping a little easier. You’ll find funny gifts, useful gifts, inexpensive ideas, food and snack gifts, and plenty of options for those times when you have no idea who is going to end up with your gift.

I’ve also included ideas at different price points, because every white elephant exchange seems to have its own rules! Just make sure you check your party’s spending limit before you buy.

Now let’s find a gift that will have everyone hoping they get to steal it!

Two teenagers exchanging a Christmas gift in a snowy winter scene

Looking for a Specific Kind of Gift?

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find a gift, I’ve broken these ideas into a few different categories to make shopping a little easier.

Funny White Elephant Gifts for Teens
White Elephant Gifts Under $10
White Elephant Gifts Under $20
White Elephant Gifts Under $30
Useful Gifts Teens Will Actually Use
Gender-Neutral White Elephant Gifts
White Elephant Gifts for Teen Boys
White Elephant Gifts for Teen Girls
Games & Entertainment White Elephant Gifts

What Makes a Good White Elephant Gift for a Teen?

Let’s be honest, teenagers can be a little tricky to shop for. And when you don’t even know which teenager is going to end up with your gift, it can feel even harder!

The best white elephant gifts for teens are usually fun, useful, funny, or something everyone will want to steal. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to find something they’ll enjoy, either.

Before you buy, here are a few things I’d keep in mind:

Check the spending limit. Some exchanges have a $10 limit while others might be $20 or $30, so make sure your gift fits the rules.
When in doubt, keep it gender-neutral. If you don’t know who will end up with your gift, choose something that works for a variety of teens.
Funny is good, but useful is even better. A silly gift can be a lot of fun, but a gift they can actually use may end up being the one everyone wants to steal.
Food is usually a safe bet. Teenagers and snacks? You really can’t go too wrong there. 😉
Think about the age range. A gift that’s perfect for a 13-year-old might not be nearly as exciting to a 17- or 18-year-old.
Don’t overthink it. This is supposed to be fun! You don’t need to find the most impressive gift in the room—just something that fits the budget and makes people smile.

Funny White Elephant Gifts for Teens

Let’s start with the fun stuff!

Funny gifts are always a good choice for a white elephant exchange because half the fun is watching everyone open their gifts and seeing what gets passed around the room.

These are the kinds of gifts that can get a laugh but aren’t completely useless once the party is over.

And if you need a good white elephant gift exchange game, check out this Left Right Across Christmas Gift Exchange Game with a Free Printable.

Runaway alarm clock with wheels for heavy sleepers

1 Animal Paw Socks

Okay, these are just ridiculous enough to be fun. They’re the kind of gift that might get a few laughs when they’re opened, but the person who gets them can actually wear them too.

2. Tortilla Blanket

Who wouldn’t want to be wrapped up like a giant burrito? 😂 This is one of those goofy gifts that’s actually useful, which makes it a fun choice for a white elephant exchange.

3. Mini Inflatable Waving Guy

I don’t know why, but there is something hilarious about having one of these little guys flailing around. It’s completely unnecessary, which is exactly what makes it such a fun white elephant gift.

4. Magic 8 Ball

A classic! Give it a shake, ask your question, and let the Magic 8 Ball make all your life decisions for you. 😂 This is a fun little gift for a teen because it’s silly, inexpensive, and doesn’t require knowing anything about the person you’re buying for.

5. Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray

Okay, this one is going to get a laugh when someone opens it. It’s also one of those funny gifts that is actually useful, which is my favorite kind of white elephant gift.

6. Spider-in-a-Box Prank Gift

If your gift exchange is full of prank-loving teenagers, this one could get a pretty good reaction. Just make sure the group can handle a little jump scare before choosing this one!

7. Run-Away Alarm Clock

If you know teenagers, then you know they are not exactly morning people, so this one could be hilarious! The alarm clock literally runs away when it’s time to get up, so they have to get out of bed to turn it off.

8. Head Massager

This one is might seem boring when you first open it, but then somebody tries it and suddenly everyone wants a turn. It’s one of those white elephant gifts that’s useful enough that someone will actually take it home and use it.

9. Toilet Night Light

This is another one that’s going to get some laughs when it’s opened, but it’s actually useful once it gets home. It’s especially fun for a teenager who appreciates a little bathroom humor.

10. Funny Cup or Tumbler

A funny cup or tumbler with a silly saying is an easy white elephant gift. Look for something with a teenager-friendly joke or design rather than anything too specific.

11. Hopper Ball

Remember these? A hopper ball is one of those goofy gifts that can bring out the kid in just about anybody. It’s especially fun if the exchange includes younger teens.

12. Toilet Timer

If your gift exchange appreciates a good bathroom joke, a toilet timer is definitely going to get some laughs. It’s silly, inexpensive, and exactly the kind of random gift that makes a white elephant exchange fun. Plus, if we are being honest e v e r y o n e could use one of these!

White Elephant Gifts Under $10

Sometimes the exchange has a strict $10 limit, and that’s where things get a little tricky. Thankfully, there are still plenty of gifts that can work without looking like you grabbed the first thing you saw at the checkout counter.

1. Bath Bombs

Bath bombs make an easy inexpensive gift.

2. Hair Claws

A pack of cute hair claws can make a surprisingly good white elephant gift for a teen girl. They’re inexpensive, useful, and easy to wrap.

3. Hidden Pocket Scrunchies

These are a fun little gift because they’re more useful than they look at first. A scrunchie with a hidden pocket can be handy for carrying a little cash, gum or another small item.

4. Sticker-by-Number Brain Games

For the teen who likes puzzles and creative activities, a sticker-by-number book can be a fun change from the usual candy and gift cards.

5. Wool Socks

You really can’t go too wrong with a pair of cozy socks during a winter white elephant exchange.

6. Date Night Food Decision Dice

This is such a good one! These dice take the whole “What do you want to eat?” conversation out of the equation by helping you decide where to go or what to eat. It’s inexpensive, and a little random.

7. Would You Rather? Teen Challenge Edition

This is a fun little gift for a teenager who loves asking ridiculous “would you rather?” questions. It’s an easy game to pull out with friends, or during a family get-together, and it doesn’t require knowing anything about the person you’re buying for. For an inexpensive white elephant gift, I think this one works really well.

8. Car Cleanning Putty

This is one of those oddly satisfying gifts that you don’t realize you need until you have it. It’s great for getting crumbs and dirt out of those little cracks and hard-to-reach spots in the car. Perfect for a teen who has their own car.

White Elephant Gifts Under $20

If your budget is around $20, you have a lot more room to find something a teenager will actually get excited about.

1. Kanoodle Brain Teaser

A fun little brain teaser that doesn’t require a screen. This would be a good choice for a teen who likes puzzles, games, or anything that gives them a little challenge.

2. Temporary Tattoo Markers

These are a fun choice for creative teenagers and doesn’t require knowing someone’s clothing size or personal style.

3. Mini Cornhole Game

A mini version of a game everyone knows can be a fun gift for a teen. It’s something they can actually pull out and play rather than another decoration that ends up sitting on a shelf.

Brick-style build-on mug with colorful building blocks

4. Build-on Brick Mug

This is such a fun combination of useful and goofy. It’s a mug with mini lego style bricks they can play with, so it’s a little different from the usual coffee mug.

5. Belt Bag

A belt bag can be a practical gift for teens because they can use it for carrying their phone, wallet, keys, and other little things without having to carry a full backpack or purse.

6. Tabletop Mirror With Lights

A lighted tabletop mirror is a useful gift for a teen who likes getting ready, doing makeup, or just having a mirror on their desk.

7. Portable Table Tennis Set

A portable table tennis set is a fun option for teens who like games and activities. It’s also something they can use with friends after the white elephant exchange is over.

8. Portable Fan with Power Bank

This one is useful without being boring, and the power-bank feature makes it feel a little more interesting than just a small fan. It can keep them cool while also giving their phone a little extra juice when they need it. Perfect for summer, sports, travel, or just hanging out.

9. Cleaning Putty & Precision Tools – Earbud, Port & Phone Cleaning Kit

It’s the kind of random-but-useful gadget that works well for a teen white elephant exchange, especially since phones and earbuds are basically attached to teenagers. This is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it! It’s handy for cleaning earbuds, phone ports, and all those little places that are impossible to clean with a regular cloth. A practical little gadget that would work for just about any teenager.

White Elephant Gifts Under $30

If your exchange allows gifts up to $30, you can find some really useful gifts that teenagers may actually be excited to take home.

I think these are great. Some of these gifts would also make great stocking stuffers or stand alone gifts!

1. Oversized Wearable Blanket Hoodie

This is one of those gifts that no one will complain about when it’s cold outside.

2. Breakfast Sandwich Maker

A breakfast sandwich maker is a fun gift for a teenager who is starting to make more of their own meals. It’s practical without being boring.

3. Cell Phone Holder for the Car

For older teens who drive, a phone holder for the car can be a really useful gift. It’s one of those things they might not think to buy for themselves but will probably use.

4. LED Strip Lights

A fun choice for a teen’s bedroom or gaming setup. These are especially nice if you’re shopping for someone whose personal style you don’t know very well because they can use them to change up their space.

5. Full Body Pillow

A giant body pillow is a fun gift for a teen’s bed or room.

6. Popcorn Maker

Pair this with some popcorn kernels or favorite movie candy and you’ve got a fun little movie-night gift.

Useful White Elephant Gifts Teens Will Actually Use

Not every white elephant gift needs to be a joke.

Sometimes the gift everyone wants to steal is the one they can actually use. If you’re not sure what kind of teenager will be at the party, these are some safer choices.

Wireless Cell phone charging staion plus bluetooth speaker

1. Wireless Charging Station + Bluetooth Speaker

A gift that combines a phone charger and Bluetooth speaker is a pretty handy option for a teenager. The added lights make it a little more fun than a plain charger.

2. Insulated Water Bottle

A good water bottle is one of those gifts that can work for almost anyone. Teens can take it to school, sports, work, or just keep it in the car.

3. Flipstick Phone Mount

These are pretty cool! They let you stick your phone to certain flat surfaces without using an adhesive that stays behind. They’re handy for watching videos, taking photos, or just having your phone propped up where you can see it.

4. Life Skills for Teens Book

Because they need to know how to do things besides charge their phones and find the snack cabinet.

5. Massage Gun

A massage gun is a more practical option if your gift exchange has a higher spending limit. It can be a good fit for teens who play sports or spend a lot of time being active.

6. Carhartt Beanie

A warm beanie is a practical winter gift and doesn’t require knowing someone’s clothing size, plus Carhartt is a pretty cool brand which is a plus!

7. Charging Cable or Accessory Kit

You know that charging cables somehow disappear around the house. A useful charging accessory can be one of those gifts that seems boring until they actually need it.

Gender-Neutral White Elephant Gifts for Teens

If you truly have no idea who is going to end up with your gift, I’d stick with something that doesn’t depend on someone’s clothing size, favorite color, or personal style.

Rather than repeating gifts from the sections above, here are some additional ideas specifically for this situation.

1. Teen Snack Box

You really can’t go wrong with food when you’re shopping for teenagers. Grab a variety of chips, candy, cookies, drinks, or other treats and pack them into a fun box or basket.

You can easily customize this one to fit your budget.

2. Movie Theater Gift Card

If you don’t know what they like, letting them choose the movie is a pretty easy way around the problem.

3. Visa Gift Card

When you really don’t know what the teenager likes, letting them choose their own gift takes a lot of the guesswork out of shopping. Just make sure your gift exchange rules allow gift cards.

4. Apple Air Tag

For the teenager who is always losing their keys, backpack, wallet or basically anything else they own, an AirTag could be a pretty handy gift.

5. Solar Power Bank

This is one of those gifts that may not seem super exciting at first, but it’s handy for camping, traveling, sports, or those times when their phone battery is getting dangerously low and there isn’t an outlet nearby.

6. Inflatable Couch

Okay, this one is just fun! An inflatable couch would be a fun addition to a teen’s bedroom, hangout space, or camping trip. It’s definitely one of those gifts that could have everyone asking, ‘Wait, where did you get that?

7. 3D Printing Pen

This is a fun creative gift for a teenager who likes making things. It’s a little different from the usual games and gift cards, too.

White Elephant Gifts for Teen Boys

If you’re shopping specifically for a teenage boy, these are a few ideas that can be fun without getting too specific.

And as a mom of all boys, I can tell you that food and anything remotely entertaining usually gets their attention.

1. LED Frisbee

A light-up frisbee is a fun gift for an active teen and can be especially fun for playing outside after dark.

2. RC Stunt Car

An RC stunt car is a fun choice for a teen who likes gadgets, cars, or just making something do ridiculous things around the house.

3. Nerf Gun + Extra Foam Darts

If the gift exchange is appropriate for it, a Nerf blaster with extra foam darts can be a fun choice. Just make sure the party rules—and the parents—are okay with it first.

4. Teen Boy Food Gift

If you know teenage boys, you know they are ALWAYS hungry! 😂 Wrap up a frozen pizza, a box of doughnuts, their favorite cereal, a giant bag of snacks, or even a whole pile of Otter Pops.

It might sound silly, but I have a feeling this gift will get plenty of attention.

5. Dr. Squatch Soap 3-Pack

A nice soap set can be a fun practical gift, especially for an older teen and bonus, this is a low-tox soap if you care about that kind of thing.

White Elephant Gifts for Teen Girls

Of course, you don’t have to shop specifically by gender. A lot of the gifts throughout this list would work for teen girls too.

But if you’re looking for something specifically for a teenage girl, here are a few ideas.

1. Under Eye Patches Eye Masks

Because what teenage girl doesn’t love a little at-home pampering? Under eye patches are a fun little gift for a teen girl.

2. Waterproof Disposable Camera

I love this idea for a teen girl! A waterproof disposable camera would be fun for vacations, pool days, summer adventures, or just taking silly pictures with friends. It’s a little different from the usual teen gifts, too.

3. Phone Umbrella

Okay, this one is just fun! A tiny umbrella for your phone is the kind of random little gadget that will probably get some laughs when it’s opened—and then someone will actually want it. It will be especially useful to use at outdoor sporting events or beach vacations.

4. Ice Roller For Face

An ice roller is a fun little self-care gift for a teen girl who enjoys skincare and getting ready. It’s small, easy to wrap, and feels a little more special than your typical inexpensive gift.

5. Step Counter Watch – no app needed

This is a fun option for a teen girl who likes keeping track of her steps or daily activity without needing another app on her phone. It’s practical, and makes a nice little gift.

Games & Entertainment White Elephant Gifts for Teens

If your gift exchange is happening with a bunch of teenagers, a gift they can actually play with can be a great choice.

Since several of the game ideas have already been used in the other sections, I’ve left room here for new game and entertainment ideas rather than repeating them.

1. Catch Phrase Electronic Game

This is one of those games that can get everyone laughing pretty quickly. It’s fast-paced, easy to learn, and a fun one for teenagers to play with friends or family after the gift exchange is over.

2. Bop It! Extreme

Okay, this one can get competitive FAST. Bop It! is a fun throwback that teenagers can play with friends, siblings, or family. It’s the kind of gift that may get opened at the party and immediately put to use.

3. Twister

Some things never get old! Twister is a classic game that’s guaranteed to get people laughing, especially when everyone starts falling all over themselves. It’s a fun choice for a teen who likes games that get everyone involved.

4. Taco Vs Burrito Card Game

This is such a fun little card game for teens! It’s quick to learn, a little silly, and easy to play with friends. Plus, the taco and burrito theme makes it feel different from your typical card game.

5. The Best Friend Card Game

This would be a fun one for a group of teenagers. It’s all about seeing how well you know your friends, which can lead to some pretty funny conversations and answers.

6. Mini Projector

A mini projector is one of those gifts that can turn into a whole night of fun. Teens can use it for movie nights, watching videos, gaming, or hanging out with friends. It’s a little more of a splurge, but definitely a gift people may want to steal!

Frequently Asked Questions About White Elephant Gifts for Teens

What If You Don’t Know Which Teen Will Get Your Gift?

This is probably the hardest part of a white elephant exchange.

You might know that the party is for teenagers, but that’s about it. You don’t know if your gift is going to a 13-year-old boy, a 17-year-old girl, or somebody right in between.

If that’s the case, I’d skip anything too personal. Instead, look for something that is:

Gender-neutral
Within the spending limit
Useful or entertaining
Easy to enjoy without knowing someone’s hobbies
Something that doesn’t require a specific size
Something teens can share or use with friends

Food, gift cards, blankets, speakers, phone accessories, games, and practical gadgets are all good places to start.

What is a good white elephant gift for a teenager?

A good white elephant gift for a teenager is usually something funny, useful, entertaining, or something they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. Food, gift cards, games, phone accessories, blanket hoodies, and funny gadgets are all good places to start.

How much should I spend on a teen white elephant gift?

That depends on the rules of your gift exchange. Some groups set a $10 limit while others may ask everyone to spend $20 or $30. Always check the spending limit before buying your gift.

What is a good gender-neutral white elephant gift for teens?

If you don’t know who will receive the gift, consider a snack box, gift card, portable speaker, phone accessory, blanket, game, water bottle, or another useful gadget.

Are gift cards good white elephant gifts for teens?

Gift cards can be a great option, especially when you don’t know what the recipient likes. Just make sure gift cards are allowed by the rules of your particular exchange.

What is a funny white elephant gift for a teenager?

Funny socks, prank gifts, a Magic 8 Ball, funny bathroom gifts, silly gadgets, and unusual blankets can all make fun white elephant gifts for teenagers.

What should I avoid when buying a white elephant gift for teens?

I’d avoid gifts that are extremely personal, require a specific clothing size, or are so specific that only one type of teenager would enjoy them—unless you already know the group really well.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for teenagers can be tricky enough without trying to find a white elephant gift that someone will actually want.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Pick something funny, useful, edible, or entertaining, stay within the spending limit, and don’t overthink it. Sometimes the simplest gift ends up being the one everyone is trying to steal!

And if all else fails? Buy snacks. 😂