The top white elephant gifts for men that will last past February include: a beanie for those freezing cold mornings; a chest pack for when he goes on runs; and a lifting belt for when he hits the gym. We picked seven gifts from our lineup. Six cost less than $30, and we've included the prices for each. There aren't any rubber chickens, novelty mugs, or other junk that will end up in the garbage by the time New Year rolls around.
What makes a good white elephant gift for men?
Men want practical gifts that help them get things done.
A great white elephant gift is something he'd actually buy for himself.
Here's what to look for:
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Every week he'll be using this. This is for his daily workouts (gym gear), his everyday carry items, and his basic cold weather apparel. He can find a good laugh from the joke gift and then store it away in a drawer.
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One size fits all for most people. When you don't know who will receive your gift, one-size items and gift cards are generally the best options.
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It stays under the cap. Most swaps set a limit between $20 and $50. Check the price before you wrap.
And the gifts that get stolen the most? Usually the practical ones people secretly wanted.
Quick picks: white elephant gifts for men under $50
|
Gift |
Price |
Best for |
Why it gets stolen |
|
$15.99 |
The guy who lifts |
Gym gear at a stocking-stuffer price |
|
|
$19.99 |
Anyone, really |
One size, two colors, zero guesswork |
|
|
$21.99 |
Gym bags, rucks and workbenches |
Ends the bottom-of-the-bag mess |
|
|
$22.49 |
Runners and ruckers |
Phone and keys off his hands |
|
|
$24.99 |
Gym regulars |
A training shirt he'll actually wear |
|
|
$25 or $50 |
Hard-to-shop-for guys |
He picks his own gear |
|
|
$29.99 |
Training and weekends |
Works at the gym and off it |
White elephant gifts for men under $20
Two picks under $20, both easy to wrap and hard to give back.
Weightlifting Belt ($15.99): for the guy who lifts
If he speaks of "squat day" like most guys speak of "football", then that is his gift. This 4-inch wide nylon weightlifting belt features a quick-release buckle and laser-cut MOLLE webbing on the backside. It's light enough to be thrown into a gym bag, and it comes in black, grey, or tan.
It's great for squats, deadlifts and other cross training days when he typically uses a belt.
Sizing tip: The belt is available in sizes XS (23 - 27") to XXL (45 - 50").
A safe bet for a gift that will fit many people is to choose a medium (31 - 36") or large (36 - 40") size.
Beanie ($19.99): the one-size safe pick
A nice beanie makes a great present to receive in December. The Wolf Tactical Beanie is made of 100% Acrylic, with a Double Layer Rib Knit. It measures approximately 8 inches (length) by 3 inches (cuff). It has a Wolf Patch centered on the front.
Choose either Black or Olive. This item comes in one size which means anyone that wins can use it.
He'll reach for it on cold morning runs, walks with the dog, or long days on the job site.
White elephant gifts for men under $30
The right gear won't do the work for him, but it can make the job easier. Here are a few of our favorite picks under $30.
MOLLE Dump Pouch ($21.99): for the guy whose gym bag is chaos
The lower level of every gym bag contains a jumble of unrolled chalk, tangled weightlifting straps and at least one misplaced earbud. This is where the MOLLE dump pouch comes into play. It is a 6" wide by 3" deep by 8" tall nylon pouch that features a drawstring opening at the top, a single large main compartment, two additional side compartments, and a front compartment for smaller items.
It also attaches to MOLLE webbing on his rucksack, keeping essentials like snacks and a headlamp within easy reach. When he gets home, it serves as an excellent place to store screws, drill bits, and other small tools that seem to disappear from time-to-time.
Compact Chest Pack ($22.49): for the guy who runs, rucks or trains
The compact chest pack will allow him to place his phone and keys on his chest rather than running with them in each of his hands. The compact chest pack has dimensions of 4 inches wide by 7 inches long and approximately 1 inch thick. The compact chest pack features a zipper-closed main compartment as well as a zipper-closed front pocket which can hold his phone, keys, and a few credit cards.
The chest and shoulder straps are adjustable and laser cut MOLLE webbing on the front allows for future addition of small items. From running, rucking, to gym, to weekend errands: it will go everywhere with him and keep his hands free.
Men's Fitness Sleeveless Shirt ($24.99): for gym days
Most guys have that one workout shirt they always reach for. This could be his new favorite.
The men's sleeveless training shirt is made from 100% lightweight polyester (black), and has a relaxed/standard fit so it can be used during lifting, running, and other indoor/outdoor activities.
Sizes run S to 2XL. When the winner is a mystery, go with a large.
Men's Fitness T-shirt ($29.99): from workouts to weekends
This product is made from lightweight polyester interlock with a relaxed/roomy fit for the man that likes his shirts with sleeves. Comfortable enough for morning coffee and durable enough to wear during a long workout.
It comes in S to 2XL, and at $29.99 it lands right under a $30 cap.
White elephant gifts for men up to $50
With a $50 budget, you can either let him choose or stack two smaller picks into one gift.
Gift Card ($25 or $50): the no-size-risk pick
When you don't know who's going home with your gift, a gift card is a safe bet. Our Wolf Tactical Gift Card takes the guesswork out of choosing sizes or colors and lets him pick the gear he actually wants. Whether that's a new belt, a training shirt, or some extra money toward a bigger purchase, the choice is his.
Available in $25 or $50 amounts, our gift cards are delivered by email, making them a great last-minute option. Just print it out, put it in a box, and bring it to the gift exchange.
Make it a $50 combo
If a gift card feels too simple, pair two picks from this list:
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Weightlifting Belt + MOLLE Dump Pouch: $37.98. His gym bag, sorted.
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Beanie + Compact Chest Pack: $42.48. Cold-morning run, covered.
Both combos stay under $50 and fit in one box.
How to win the white elephant swap
The gift matters, but so does how you play it.
New to the game? White Elephant Rules covers how stealing and turns work. A few tips:
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Pick one-size gear or a gift card. A beanie or a gift card works for whoever wins it. Sized items are a gamble.
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Disguise the shape. A belt in a shoebox or a beanie in a mug-sized box keeps people guessing.
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Bundle two small things. Two useful picks in one box look like more than one big one.
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Skip the joke. It gets the laugh, then gets left on the table.
Shopping for more than one guy this season?
Our [practical stocking stuffers for men] and [more holiday gift ideas] have you covered.
FAQ
What is a good white elephant gift for a man under $50?
Practical equipment he uses each week is better than a novelty item. Great options include a weightlifting belt ($15.99), a beanie ($19.99), a MOLLE dump pouch ($21.99), a small chest pack ($22.49), a workout shirt ($24.99 - $29.99) or a gift card ($25 or $50), all of which can be purchased through Wolf Tactical.
What is a good white elephant gift under $25?
The items on this list (all of which are under $25) include: - Weightlifting Belt ($15.99) - Beanie ($19.99) - MOLLE Dump Pouch ($21.99) - Compact Chest Pack ($22.49) - Men's Fitness Sleeveless Shirt ($24.99) The Beanie is the most safe option since it fits everyone.
What do you bring as a white elephant gift for guys?
Find something that he may find useful and will not purchase for himself immediately. For example: gym equipment, an organizer for his gym bag, a hands free backpack for running, or a warm hat. If you are unsure of who will receive your gift, select a one size fits all option or a gift card.
Are practical gifts better than gag gifts for a white elephant?
Gag gifts provide the most laughs at a party when they are first given. However, practical gifts are usually traded among participants, and the person receiving the practical gift will often leave the party with it. Therefore, if you would like your gift to be pursued by others, then give a practical gift.
What white elephant gift works for both men and women?
All three items: the beanie, the compact chest pack, and the gift card will be suitable for everyone. Both the beanie and the gift card are available without sizing. The chest pack can be adjusted with the straps.