20 Cheap & Clever DIY White Elephant Gifts Under $10
White Elephant gift exchanges are all about fun, creativity, and sometimes a little silliness. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. In fact, some of the best gifts are handmade and under $10!
Here are the most clever DIY White Elephant gifts that are cheap, funny, and even uniquely useful (and are guaranteed to be stolen more than once!).
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Funny DIY White Elephant Gifts Under $10
1. DIY Grinch Pills
Inspired by everyone’s favorite green grump, this clever DIY “Grinch pills” gift is made with green candy and a free printable tag that’s sure to make anyone laugh (and maybe even grow their heart a few sizes).
2. “Gift Not Included” Battery Set
Gift a package of batteries with a label that says “Gift Not Included”. It’s silly, affordable, and guaranteed to get a laugh.
Money-Saving Tip: Buy batteries in bulk and divide them into smaller packs. You’ll get several white elephant gifts out of one purchase.
3. Lottery Christmas Ornament
Make a simple, but festive holiday ornament. Fill it with a couple of scratch-off lottery tickets for the lucky winner.
4. DIY Lump of Coal Soap
These lumps of coal soaps make a hilarious gag gift that’s also practical.
Gift To Your Wallet: No need to buy a special coal-shaped mold. Just use any mold you have on hand, then cut and shape the soap to get that “lump of coal” look.
5. Mini Bar In A Jar
All you need for this fun party gift is a mason jar, mini liquor bottles, mixers, and this Mini bar in a jar free printable label. It’s a grown-up crowd favorite!
Variation: Swap liquor for mini hot cocoa mixes and marshmallows if kids are in the exchange.
6. Cash In A Can
From It’s Always Autumn, this idea is mischievous and brilliant! Hide a roll of cash inside a can of pears, green beans, or whatever canned food your teen hates most. Wrap it like a normal gift. No one will guess it’s anything but beans inside.
Another fun twist: A family favorite of ours was gifting a brick with cash taped to the bottom!
Foodie-Inspired Cheap DIY White Elephant Gifts
7. Emergency Chocolate
“In Case of Emergency, Break Glass!” Create a funny (and practical) gift by filling a dollar store shadow box or a photo frame with a chocolate bar and a cheeky sign featuring these instructions.
8. Self-Tanning Kit
This “self-tanning kit” is the perfect, clever, last-minute gag gift for any white elephant occasion. Print the free label and wrap it around cheese balls and Easy Cheese!
9. “Hot Stuff” Mitt
Fill a dollar store oven mitt with spicy items like mini hot sauces, spicy chips, red pepper flakes, or cinnamon candy. Add a tag that says “Hot Stuff”.
10. Ramen Gourmet Kit
Bundle together a few packs of ramen, chopsticks, soy sauce packets, and a mini bottle of hot sauce.
Funny Tag Idea: “Fine dining… on a dime.”
11. “Nacho Average Gift” Basket
Fill a basket with chips, salsa, queso, and taco seasoning mix. Wrap it up with this free cheesy tag that says “Nacho Average Gift.”
12. DIY Candy Sleighs
These adorable candy sleighs are perfect white elephant gifts for kids or chocolate-loving adults. The gift card is optional!
13. Candy Cane Puzzle
Use this free candy cane puzzle tag and a broken or crushed candy cane to make a hilarious and simple gag gift!
Cute & Cheap DIY White Elephant Gifts
Add a touch of class while keeping things fun and unique with these homemade DIY white elephant gift ideas.
14. Holiday Stovetop Potpourri
Mix up this stovetop potpourri in a jar to spread the smells of Christmas. Add a printable label with simmering instructions.
15. Homemade Lip Balm
A natural lip balm is a simple, fun DIY gift that anyone can use. Try this easy holiday homemade lip balm recipe that uses only four ingredients.
16. DIY No-Sew Hand Warmers
These no-sew hand warmers are the perfect winter gift. Heat in the microwave for instant coziness.
17. Smile Jar
Spread joy with a Smile Jar! Fill it with colorful notes of happy thoughts, uplifting quotes, silly jokes, positive affirmations, or Bible verses. Anytime the recipient needs a pick-me-up, they pull out a smile.
18. Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Cubes
Whip up a batch of gingerbread sugar scrub cubes for a sweet-smelling spa gift. One batch makes several gifts!
Or try our sugar scrubs in a jar!
19. Unique Plant in a Jar
Gift a paperwhite bulb tucked in rocks inside a jar. It will bloom just in time for the holidays and feels extra thoughtful.
Related: Cheap Christmas Wishlist Ideas Under $20
20. Christmas Coffee Mug Cozy
Crochet (or learn to crochet) Christmas Tree mug cozies. Free beginner patterns make this both cheap and personal.
Related:
- Secret Santa Gifts Under $20
- Best No Clutter Christmas Gift Ideas
- Cheap Christmas Gifts for Neighbors
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