Men's Health has published its annual white elephant gift guide, featuring 36 editor-tested selections aimed at striking the elusive balance between comedy and utility. Senior Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, alongside Portland-based writer Mark Stock, assembled the list with an eye toward gifts that recipients will actually use beyond the initial laugh.
The guiding principle, according to the editors, is that a winning white elephant gift should inspire a trade war. Items that try too hard risk alienating participants, while safe choices gather dust. The sweet spot delivers novelty without crossing into awkward territory, suitable for coworkers and supervisors alike.
Several entries play with scale. Stackable Yeti mini-cups serve espresso or shots, while a pocket-sized Uno set condenses the classic game for travel. A tabletop cornhole kit includes eight bags and scorekeepers, and a retro 3D viewfinder offers tactile nostalgia amid virtual reality headsets.
Pop culture parodies feature prominently. "Snoop on the Stoop" reimagines the Elf on the Shelf tradition with the rapper's likeness, capitalizing on his recent mainstream resurgence. A reversible celebrity pillow cover series lets recipients pretend to lounge with movie stars, and a Waffle House camo visor layers Americana branding with ironic headwear.
Home goods lean into absurdity. A floppy-necked duck lamp provides both illumination and winter "luminous therapy." A giant baguette pillow mimics a fresh loaf down to the crust. An incense burner bundle offers five sculptural designs — snake, volcano, skull, bear, or bison — doubling as desk decor.
Practical gifts round out the list. A JBL waterproof speaker targets poolside gatherings. A recycled-material power bank charges laptops and phones. The Wander Club's national park tokens attach to a clasp, building a travel record over time. A telepathic party game described as a bizarre Codenames variant encourages wavelength-matching among players.
Food-adjacent novelties include a Christmas cookie-scented candle, a Margarita machine positioned as a fake-out gift with genuine utility, and a basketball-themed drinking card game keyed to live game events. A Walmart-inspired activity book aims to pry eyes from phones, while a multi-beverage tailgating table caters to pregame excess.
Thompson, formerly of BroBible and TheManual.com, covers fashion, grooming, and technology. Stock, a formally trained journalist turned wine industry veteran, contributes across Men's Health, Women's Health, and trade publications including VinePair and SevenFifty Daily.
