10 White Elephant Gifts Under $25 That People Will Actually Fight For

It’s that time of year. You’re standing in a circle with your coworkers or family, eyeing a pile of wrapped boxes. The rules of White Elephant (or Yankee Swap, or Dirty Santa) are simple: you pick a wrapped gift, or you steal an open one from someone else.

We all know the anxiety of this game. You don’t want to be the person who opens the weird, singing plastic fish that nobody wants. And you definitely don’t want to be the person who broughtthe gift that gets left behind, untouched, at the end of the night.

You want to bring the gift that gets stolen three times until it’s frozen—the ultimate sign of victory.

The secret? Stop trying to be funny with gag gifts and start being strategic. Here is how to dominate the gift exchange this year using the power of choice (and smart shopping).

The Problem with Gag Gifts

Let’s be honest: that novelty mug or the kit to "grow your own boyfriend" is funny for exactly 30 seconds. After the laugh dies down, it becomes clutter. Most gag gifts end up in the trash or the donation bin by January 2nd.

In 2025, people are practical. They value gifts that they can actually use. In a game where you don’t know if the recipient will be the 22-year-old intern or the 50-year-old manager, buying a specific item (like a scented candle meant for a specific taste) is risky.

The Psychology of the Swap (Why Gift Cards Win)

In a room full of mixed personalities, Gift Cards are king. Why? Because they represent potential.

When someone unwraps a $25 Gift Card to a popular store, the entire room immediately does the math: "I could use that for a new lipstick," or "I could use that towards those sneakers I want." It has universal value.

A carefully chosen Gift Card is usually the most "stolen" item of the night because it fits everyone. But you have to pick the right brands.

The Curated "Steal List" by Vibe

Based on the strict "Under $25" budget usually set for these parties, here are the cards that generate the most heat in a swap, available right now on the Inter&Co Marketplace.

1. The "Glow Up" Bait (Beauty & Self-Care)

Beauty products are expensive. A $25 contribution towards a high-end product is highly coveted, especially by the women in the group.

● The Strategy: Sephora or Ulta Beauty cards are gold dust. They allow the winner to pick their specific shade or brand.

● The Cozy Option: For a safer, gender-neutral "spa vibe," go with Bath & Body Works. Everyone needs hand soaps or a new winter candle.

2. The "Treasure Hunter" Pick (Department Stores)

There is a specific thrill in finding a designer item for cheap.

● The Strategy: Brands like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Burlington are perfect for this. $25 at these stores goes a long way. The recipient knows they can walk in and leave with a full outfit, home decor, or gourmet snacks. It feels like getting "more" for the money.

3. The "Mall Rat" Nostalgia (Fashion)

Everyone needs basics or a new hoodie for the winter.

● The Strategy: A card for Gap, H&M, or American Eagle is extremely safe and stealable. It’s practical. If you want to aim for a slightly younger crowd, throw in Hollister or Aeropostale.

H3: 4. The "Gamer’s Gold" (Entertainment)

If you are at a party with guys or a tech-savvy crowd, this is the one to beat.

● The Strategy: A $25 PlayStation or Xbox card is instant currency. It buys skins, battle passes, or downloadable games. It disappears from the pile instantly.

H3: 5. The "New Year, New Me" Motivation (Fitness)

With January approaching, everyone is thinking about getting back in shape.

● The Strategy: Nike, Adidas, or Under Armour. Even if $25 doesn't buy a pair of shoes, it makes a great dent in the price. It’s a gift that supports their goals.

Packaging Hacks: Making Small Look Big

The only downside to a Gift Card? Physically, it’s small. In White Elephant, people are visually drawn to the biggest boxes. You need to hack the system.

● The "Russian Doll" Method: Put the printed digital gift code inside a small box, inside a medium box, inside a huge box. The unwrapping process builds suspense.

● The Candy Trojan Horse: Tape the Gift Card to a king-size chocolate bar or a bag of candy. They pick it for the sugar, but they keep it for the shopping spree.

The "Insider" Budget Hack

Here is where you really win. White Elephant parties have strict price limits (usually $25). You can't spend more, or you break the rules.

But nobody said you can't earnwhile you spend.

By purchasing these digital gift cards through the Inter super app, you stick to the $25 limit perfectly, but you earn cashback on the transaction. You bring the best gift to the party, look like a genius, and put a little money back into your own pocket.

Become the MVP of the Party

Don’t stress about shopping for hours. Open the Inter app, grab a card from Macy’s, Sephora, or Nike, and get ready to watch people fight over your gift.

Ready to bring the most popular gift of the night? Browse the options in the Inter super appand start stacking your rewards.

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Inter (NASDAQ: INTR) is the pioneer financial super app serving over 40 million consumers across the Americas. The Inter ecosystem offers a broad array of services, including banking, investments, mortgages, credit, gift cards, and cross-border tools. The super app also boasts a dynamic marketplace, linking consumers with shopping discounts, cashback rewards, and exclusive access to marquee events across the globe. The company is expanding rapidly in the United States, as evidenced by its naming rights sponsorship of the Inter&Co Stadium that hosts soccer teams “Orlando City” and “Orlando Pride”. Focused on innovation and captivating member experiences, Inter&Co delivers comprehensive financial and lifestyle solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern consumers.

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