The 50 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $50

Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet

Orig. $25 $24 at Amazon $30 at Target $22 at Wayfair

Cast iron skillets are a heritage piece of cookware that cooks can pass down for generations, and Lodge makes some of the best. These tools don’t have to be expensive to perform exceptionally well, and this option from Lodge is proof of that. These versatile pieces are heavy-duty and durable, and they’re the answer to crispy chicken skin and crusty baked mac and cheese. Regardless of a home cook’s skill level, these workhorse pans are an easy way to elevate any meal.

OXO Good Grips Triple Timer

$27 at Amazon $27 at Oxo $27 at The Container Store

Even the most advanced home cooks could use some support in the kitchen, and a reliable kitchen timer means you can achieve more precision in your cooking and baking projects. We evaluated some of the leading models, and this option from Oxo was far and away the best, thanks to its versatility and easy-to-read digital interface.

Libbey Signature Kentfield Stemless Wine Glasses

$45 at Amazon $45 at Target $45 at Wayfair

Stemless wine glasses tend to be more durable than fancy stemware, so they’re perfect for busy households with active kids. Any wine lover will appreciate a set of elegant and universal glasses from a trusted brand like Libbey. This set of four white wine glasses is dishwasher-safe and resistant to scratching or clouding. Best of all, we love that the versatile glasses are suitable for various occasions and can serve as wine, cocktail, or water glasses.

Great Jones 2-Cup Measuring Cup

View on Greatjonesgoods.com View on Bespokepost.com

This gorgeous measuring cup is a fun way to upgrade your kitchen supplies—it adds vibrant personality while remaining perfectly functional. The 2-cup borosilicate glass measuring cup has printed measurements in ounces, cups, and millimeters. These little cups are so pretty they can double as a serving pitcher, making them perfect for gravy or vinaigrette.

Big Red House Oven Mitts

Orig. $27 $21 at Amazon $15 at Walmart

Whether you’re a professional chef or just starting in your home kitchen, every cook needs a reliable set of oven mitts. While hunting for the best oven mitts available, we tested eight varieties, and this set won out as the best overall. They’re comfortable to wear and offer a slip-free grip with a high thermal capacity, which means they stay cool under high temperatures. Try them in any of the eight different colors.

Quince Linen Napkins

$30 at Onequince.com

Quince works directly with manufacturers to source high-quality products and sell them at affordable prices. These expertly crafted napkins are European flax, making them equal parts soft and durable. Available in six colors and three different sets, they make a gorgeous and functional addition to a holiday table. They’re neutral enough for every day, but the material is soft and beautiful enough for special occasions, too.

Budmo!: Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen

Orig. $40 $26 at Amazon $40 at Barnesandnoble.com

Aptly translating to “cheers!” in Ukrainian, “Budmo!” is a celebration of the beauty and bounty of Ukrainian cooking. Ukrainian cuisine is deliciously depicted in this list of traditional recipes, all with a fresh, contemporary approach. California-based and Ukrainian-born chef Anna Voloshyna highlights rich, vibrant dishes like Borscht and Pkhali throughout the book. Pick one up for your guests and grab a copy for yourself this holiday season.

The Wine and Cheese Board Deck

Orig. $20 $15 at Amazon

Everybody loves a cheeseboard, and this set of 50 cards will help you assemble them like a pro. This second iteration of the original Cheese Board Deck suggests the ideal wine to pair with each type of cheese. Just flip through the deck, grab a card, and bring it straight to the grocery store—every card is printed with a gorgeous image on the front and a set of ingredients on the back, just like a shopping list. With cards like the ​​Cheesy Fondue with Pinot Gris and Deconstructed Mozzarella Stick with Lambrusco, this fun set makes the perfect gift for any food lover.

Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler

Orig. $35 $34 at Amazon View on Hydroflask.com View on Campmor.com

A sturdy water bottle is priceless—and we love that this one is extra large but still fits in your cup holder. A quality bottle that stays cold will ensure you stay hydrated all day, so it’s a universally appealing gift and a great option if you don’t know who you’re shopping for. Hydro Flask makes some of the most durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing water bottles out there. This one is available in over nine colors. The flex straw lid makes it easy to sip without spilling, and the insulated body keeps drinks colder for longer.

Misen Paring Knife

$44 at Amazon $40 at Misen.co

Every chef knows that a paring knife is an essential piece of cutlery. It makes prep tasks—like hulling strawberries or mincing shallots—easier and faster. We tried a few of the leading models, and the Misen paring knife proved to be one of the best of all the knives we tested. It’s nimble, sharp, and balanced, which makes tedious tasks easier to maneuver.

Olipac Olive Oil Dispenser

$37 at Amazon $25 at Sur La Table

Forget sticky bottles of olive oil that drip down the sides and pool at the base of your cabinets—this dispenser is a chic way to store olive oil in a clean, efficient bottle. A functional and decorative piece all at once, the elegant copper is non-porous, so oil retains its freshness and flavor. It’s one of the best we tested, and our editors love that the wide mouth makes it easy to refill.

Zwilling Henckels Knife Set

Orig. $60 $45 at Amazon $90 at Wayfair $45 at Walmart

Steak knives are one of the most important pieces of cutlery a host or hostess can have, and ironically, many people forget about them! This set from Zwilling Henckels includes eight high-quality knives with super-sharp edges, so they’re the perfect gift for someone who likes to entertain or host dinner parties. These are some of the best sets of steak knives our team has tried, and we love that the micro-serrated edge helps cut through even tough pieces of meat.

Jacobsen Salt Co. Infused Salt Set With Stand

$42 at Amazon $40 at Williams-Sonoma View on Jacobsensalt.com

Jacobsen Salt hails from the coast of Oregon, where each flavor begins with slowly evaporated water from Netarts Bay that leaves behind delicate, flavorful salt crystals. After that, the all-natural salt is blended with herbs and spices to develop even more flavor. This set includes six vials of Jacobsen’s most popular flavors, like Pinot Noir, Habanero, and Rosemary, and a wooden block to display. Perfect for seasoning or finishing, this is a universal gift that any home cook will be thankful for.

Quince Table Runner

$35 at Onequince.com

One of the challenging parts about buying table linens for a White Elephant gift is that you don’t know the size or the shape of your recipient’s dining table. That’s why table runners are an easy option—the versatile design easily fits various styles. Available in six neutral colors like Terracotta, Charcoal, and Mist, this stylish and high-quality linen runner is an easy way to dress up any table.

NEEPA HUT Collapsible Food Tent

$38 at Food52

Nothing ruins a buffet more than flies or bugs swarming around the food, especially in the summer. Any host or hostess will appreciate this set of two collapsible food tents—they keep food safe from pests and fold up to tuck away when not in use. Available in two colors, Cream or Natural, the handmade tents let air circulate through the mesh fibers, keeping food fresh all party long.

Burlap and Barrel God’s Love We Deliver Blend Set

View on Burlapandbarrel.com

Burlap and Barrel’s array of equitably sourced spices have been some of our editors’ favorites for years. We’re thrilled that 20% of all sales from the brand’s latest collection will benefit those in need. For this trio of blends, Burlap and Barrel partnered with the nonprofit God’s Love We Deliver to develop three salt-free blends: Smoke and Garlic, Herbs and Sumac, and Cocoa and Spice. God’s Love We Deliver provides nutrition therapy and home-delivers free medically-tailored home-cooked meals for severely ill people in New York City.

Epicurean Cutting Board

$40 at Amazon $67 at Macy's $40 at Bloomingdales

A sturdy cutting board is a welcome addition to any home kitchen, and we firmly believe you can never have too many. This sustainable option is one of our favorites because it’s made from recycled paper compost, which means it’s solid and sturdy but gentle on your knives. Available in different sizes and colors, the non-slip feet keep it firmly in place. It’s also heat resistant up to 350 degrees, which means it’s also great for carving big cuts.

Uncommon Goods Himalayan Salt BBQ Plank

$30 at Uncommon Goods

For the BBQ-lover looking to add extra savory flavor to grilled goods, consider a Himalayan Salt BBQ plank. This plank allows you to cook everything from vegetables to salmon to steak on the grill while infusing it with extra salty flavor. If grilling isn’t your thing, chill it down and use it as a base for homemade sushi. The construction of the salt allows it to tolerate high temperatures, and the crystal structure is naturally antibiotic. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth in between uses.

Uncommon Goods Funny Food Plastic-Free Produce Bags

$15 at Uncommon Goods

These super cute bags make eco-friendly grocery shopping a little bit more fun. Perfect for the vegetable-lover in your group, these bags are plastic-free so you can shop and store vegetables more responsibly. The 100% cotton bags are airy and breathable, so vegetables can stay as fresh and flavorful as they were when you picked them up from the farmstand. Each set comes with three bags.

Made In Oyster Shucker

View on Madeincookware.com

If you’re looking to surprise your guests with a functional gift they might not already have, an oyster shucker makes a fun and creative gift. Any seafood lover will appreciate the opportunity to shuck fresh oysters, and this sturdy knife makes it easy. The walnut wood handle is durable, elegant, and easy to hold.

Fly By Jing Triple Threat

$28 at Amazon View on Flybyjing.com

These expertly crafted condiments bring intense heat and deep flavor, making them the perfect gift for anyone looking to test their taste buds. This festive collection combines the brand’s most popular flavors—like Sichuan Chili Crisp, Mala Spice Mix, and Zhong Sauce—for a bold lineup bursting with flavor. The limited edition package even comes with a wooden spoon for easy drizzling.

West Elm Jupiter Beaded Glass Martini Glasses

$41 at Target $40 at Williams-Sonoma $10 at Wayfair

A festive set of glasses is a fun way to make dining at home feel fancier, and these beaded martini glasses make us feel extra elegant and cool. Whether you’re toasting with a dirty vodka martini or an espresso martini, the short glasses are easy to hold and sip. Available in three colors and sold in a set of four, they make an elegant statement piece to add to your glassware collection.

Dearfoams Shearling Scuff Slipper

Orig. $89 $58 at Amazon $38 at Macy's View on Jcpenney.com

Wearing a pair of non-slip shoes is essential for cooking safely, but why not choose something a little more comfortable when cooking at home? These cozy slippers from Dearfoam have a shearling lining but a durable rubber sole that keeps you safe and sturdy on your feet, too. Available in 15 neutral colors, this is an easy gift for any home cook who spends hours on their feet whipping up the perfect meal.

JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker

$45 at Amazon $40 at Walmart Orig. $70 $60 at Best Buy

Cooking at home is much more fun when you can blast your favorite songs or podcasts, so a durable, long-lasting Bluetooth speaker is a crucial kitchen gadget. JBL Clip Bluetooth Speakers are waterproof, portable, durable and offer 10 hours of playtime for every charge. That means you can blast your favorite songs while you prep your meal, then bring the speaker into the dining room to set a subtle ambiance once guests arrive.

Kohler Collapsible Wine Glass Drying Rack

$33 at Amazon $30 at Walmart View on Kohler.com

Any party host knows that drying wine glasses is a hassle. Leaving them out on the countertop is a recipe for disaster; drying each one by hand is tedious and time-consuming. This drying rack offers the perfect solution—it safely hangs each glass upside down to let water drip right off. Better yet, it folds up to tuck away when not in use. This efficient gadget gives your friends the gift of safe, dry wine glasses.

Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Grow Kit

$22 at Amazon $13 at Target $22 at Walmart

Growing your food is fun and empowering; this grow kit makes it easy to do right in your kitchen. Simply place the box near a window with indirect sunlight, mist it twice a day, and wait for gorgeous, hearty mushrooms to bloom. Each grow kit is 100% organic and non-GMO, so there’s no concern for contaminants in each box.

Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Orig. $35 $19 at Amazon $35 at Williams-Sonoma

Even seasoned home cooks need a little inspiration once in a while, and who better to take it from than the queen of simple cooking herself? Ina Garten’s latest cookbook is packed with her trusted repertoire of easy recipes guaranteed to result in perfect dinners every time. The list of 85 unfussy recipes is an ideal gift for advanced and beginner home cooks. Following Ina’s simple yet elevated cooking style is a fantastic way to get a delicious dinner on the table every night.

Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co. The Classic Smoky Trio

$39 at Amazon $33 at Eatfishwife.com

Fishwife makes ethically-sourced, premium-quality tinned seafood that’s a delicious addition to cheese boards, charcuterie plates, or appetizer boards. This smoky, flavor-packed trio features three flavors: Smoked Rainbow Trout, Smoked Atlantic Salmon, and Smoked Albacore Tuna. Though they make the perfect white elephant gift for the seafood lover in your life, these would also be fantastic stocking stuffers.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

$35 at Amazon $31 at REI View on Yeti.com

Early risers know how important a hot cup of coffee is, and if you find yourself microwaving your mug every half hour, it’s time to invest in an insulated cup. Yeti’s line of tumblers stands out among the rest. Available in up to 45 colors, the sleek mug holds 20 ounces of coffee and fits perfectly in a car cup holder.

Savory Baking by Erin Jeanne McDowell

Orig. $40 $23 at Amazon $23 at Target

If you’re tired of the same super-sweet baked goods, it’s time to explore some savory options instead. Think Stuffed Pretzels and Parmesan Palmiers—this recently debuted cookbook from Erin Jeanne McDowell is ideal for bakers with a savory interest rather than a sweet tooth. It’s stocked with innovative recipes that make the perfect gift for home cooks who think they don’t like baking just because they don’t like sweets.

East Fork Pottery Everyday Bowl

$96 at Food52 View on Eastfork.com $176 at Zola

A gorgeous grazing bowl is a welcome addition to any home kitchen, and it’s one that no host or hostess would ever turn down. East Fork Pottery’s collection of handmade goods is stylish and chic, and this bowl in particular makes a universally adored gift. Available in six vibrant and bold colors, it’s a perfect vessel to hold a bunch of grapes or a bag of pretzels.

Crate & Barrel Hue Coffee Mugs

$19 at Crate & Barrel

For some people, drinking coffee in the morning is a sacred ritual that deserves a special mug. Of all the mugs we’ve tried, our editors love these mugs the best, thanks to the functional design, lightweight feel, and stylish color options. Made from hand-glazed porcelain that’s dishwasher and microwave-safe, this set of four mugs is an affordable and classic gift for any coffee lover.

Kurt Adler Deli Food Ornaments Set of 4

Orig. $23 $21 at Amazon

Who wouldn’t want prosciutto, salami, provolone, and parmesan hanging from their Christmas tree? This set of four deli-themed holiday ornaments is a fun way to adorn any food lover’s tree. The hilarious holiday ornaments are reminiscent of a deli window, so any sandwich lover will appreciate the charm and humor of these special ornaments.

Le Creuset Champagne Stopper

$50 at Amazon $50 at Williams-Sonoma $50 at Wayfair

The problem with opening a bottle of champagne is that you have to drink it all in one shot so the bubbles don't lose their brilliance. No longer! This champagne stopper from Le Creuset helps seal in freshness and lock in carbonation so you can enjoy the bottle at your leisure. Any champagne lover will appreciate the opportunity to savor their favorite bottle a little longer.

Brightland Parasol

$29 at Amazon View on Brightland.co

For a bright and effervescent vinegar, try Brightland’s citrus-forward champagne vinegar. This vinegar is double fermented with California chardonnay grapes and Navel and Valencia oranges, perfect for salads, fish, or mixed in cocktails. Thanks to its bold flavor, the result is a fantastically zippy vinegar that will surely put other champagne vinegar to shame. Pair it with one of Brightland’s silky oils for an easy vinaigrette.

Ordora Pots and Pans Organizer

Orig. $34 $22 at Amazon

No matter how organized a kitchen, a stack of pots and pans makes everything feel messy. Every home cook could use some help streamlining their pots and pans cabinet; this efficient gadget is a great way to do it. The multifunctional and completely adjustable tool can adjust to three different styles, which allows it to fit into different cabinets, pantries, or drawers.

Haand Olive Tray

View on Haand.us

This skinny serving tray is a sleek solution if your host is notorious for overloading a tablescape with platters and plates. Perfect for presenting olives, nuts, or chocolate truffles, it’s a shareable way to enjoy light bites and can fit into tiny spots on the table. Available in four elegant colors, these dishes are handmade from lead-free, glazed porcelain. They’re microwave and dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.

Le Creuset Silicone Trivet

$20 at Amazon $29 at Wayfair View on Lecreuset.com

Say goodbye to hot dishes sliding around on slippery trivets—this Le Creuset silicone option is a safer serving method. Once you pull a hot dish from the oven, place it directly on the silicone, and the grooved print prevents it from sliding while keeping your countertops safe from heat. It’s heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, and the silicone is BPA-free and resistant to stains and odor.

Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker

$49 at Amazon $40 at Williams-Sonoma $49 at Walmart

A pour-over coffee maker is a fantastic way to make high-quality, delicious coffee without a machine. A pour-over coffee maker is perfectly customizable—you can make a cup or two on the countertop without brewing an entire pot. Plus, it takes up considerably less space on the counter. Our editors tested many leading models, and the Chemex glass pour-over took the top spot in our tests.

Cuisinart Classic Waffle Maker

$30 at Amazon $30 at Target $30 at Williams-Sonoma

Waking up to fresh waffles is any breakfast lover's dream, so our favorite waffle maker makes the perfect gift. It cooked waffles to perfection during each one of our tests, and we love that it’s so easy to store, thanks to the vertical design. Five shade settings mean you can select the specific golden color waffle you like.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan

Orig. $40 $25 at Amazon $20 at Williams-Sonoma Orig. $36 $22 at Walmart

A high-quality grill pan makes a great addition to any home kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a grilled cheese or flipping burgers inside, a grill pan is a heavy-duty piece of cookware that mimics an outdoor grill's similar flavor and style. We love Lodge’s cast-iron cookware, and this square grill pan is no different. This is a solid choice if you’re looking for a great gift that will stand up to years of use.

Hedley & Bennett Chef's Towels

$30 at Amazon View on Hedleyandbennett.com View on Bespokepost.com

Hedley & Bennett makes some of our favorite cooking gear for chefs, like gorgeous aprons and durable oven mitts, and the chef’s towels are no different. These 100% cotton towels are absorbent and soft, and they’re also attractive to look at. Use them to wipe your hands, as a trivet for hot casseroles, or to adorn your cabinet. Either way, they’re a cute, functional gift that any home cook will love.

Boska Cheese Slicer with White Oak Handle

$16 at Sur La Table

You can’t serve a cheese board with any old knife—a beautiful cheese board needs an elegant cheese knife to go with it. We love the Boska Cheese Slicer for slicing hard cheeses like parmesan or Gruyere. The white oak handle looks great on the table and is easy to hold and maneuver. If you’re attending a cocktail party and need a quick, simple gift that’s sure to impress, this is a fantastic option for cheese lovers.

Runamok Organic Vermont Maple Syrup Sampler

$22 at Amazon

You can’t go wrong with a sweet, decadent gift packed with flavor. Runamok makes high-quality, deeply-flavored Vermont maple syrup that’s always fresh and flavorful. This ice cream pairing set lets you sample some of the brand’s best flavors without opening a large bottle. Four flavors, like vanilla, coffee, barrel-aged rum, and cocoa, make the perfect topping for a heaping bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Wabash Valley Farms Whirley Pop Color Changing Popcorn Maker

$50 at Amazon $39 at Wayfair View on Whirleypopshop.com

For a fun, inventive gift to please adults and kids alike, turn to our favorite popcorn maker. It’s a cute and affordable popcorn maker that makes a perfectly cooked snack every time. We love that the pot changes color as your popcorn cooks, so you can quickly tell when it’s ready for snacking.

Snacking Bakes

Orig. $25 $16 at Amazon View on Walmart $25 at Barnesandnoble.com

A fun cookbook is a great gift for any home cook—advanced or beginner. This fun book makes it easy to whip up accessible snacks like cakes, brownies, bars, and cookies. The easy-to-manage recipes tackle both sweet and savory bites, making for a perfect gift for any type of palate.

Terrain Antiqued Brass Candlestick

Orig. $28 $22 at Anthropologie $34 at Shopterrain.com

Any host or hostess knows that gorgeous candlesticks can instantly elevate a tablescape, so they’re an entertaining essential that you can never have too many of. We love a chic, simple candlestick that’s neutral and elegant at the same time, and this option from Anthropologie perfectly strikes that balance. Available in three sizes, it is a great gift to bring to any type of party.

Crate & Barrel Monogrammed Serving Board

$50 at Crate & Barrel

If you entertain a lot, you know you can never have enough serving boards. This chic and sleek serving board is perfect for serving any snack—from cheese to charcuterie to fruits and crudites. The mix of wood, gold, and marble is elegant enough for a dinner party but casual enough for the daytime.

Riedel Crystal Apple Decanter

$55 at Amazon

Decanters can get pricey, so we love that the industry-favorite Riedel option is under $50. Made from clear crystal, the universal shape and style make this decanter an all-purpose choice for all kinds of wine. Whether you like big, bold Bordeaux or light and fresh Pinot Noir, it’s a classic and elegant way to let wines open up and breathe.

MK Crew Appetizer Serving Tray with Handles

$30 at Amazon

Whether you’re hosting a party or arranging a personal snack tray, this ceramic, divided dish is great for serving things like olives, crudites, or dips. Five removable ceramic plates fit in a chevron pattern and help keep ingredients separate. It’s a versatile, customizable dish, so you can fill it with whatever ingredients you like—both savory and sweet.