16 Books to Give as White Elephant Gifts

That are funny, offbeat, and affordable

It's always fun when we bring a popular item to a white elephant gift exchange. A good white elephant gift is something funny or quirky that will delight its recipient. It’s an added bonus if your gift adds lasting value to the life of the person who takes it home. They shouldn't be too spendy; a general rule of thumb is around twenty bucks, give or take. Here are sixteen offbeat, affordable titles that would all make great white elephant gifts.

Stranger Planet

Book #2 in this bestselling comic series features more hilarious and poignant adventures from Nathan W. Pyle's adorable and profound world. His pastel blue aliens have a knack for perfectly articulating the human condition.

The Golden Girls: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

A clever take on a holiday classic starring Dorothy, Sophia, Rose, and Blanche. Chock-full of witty references to the beloved show, this little rhyming picture book will delight fans.

Effin' Birds: A Field Guide to Identification

Aaron Reynolds's tongue-in-cheek volume is crammed full of classic plumage art paired with the delightful but dirty aphorisms that propel his award-winning Instagram account.

Humans of New York: Stories

Over the course of five years, Brandon Stanton interviewed and photographed more than ten thousand strangers on the streets of New York City. This fascinating and moving book may just renew your faith in humankind.

Fifty Shades of Chicken

Dripping Thighs, Chicken with a Lardon, Learning-to-Truss-You Chicken, Mustard-Spanked Chicken, and more, more, more. Fifty chicken recipes, each more seductive than the last in this cookbook parody by F. L. Fowler.

Cat-Hair Hats for Cats: Craft Fetching Headwear for Your Feline Friends

Finally, there's a headwear solution for fashion-forward felines—and a practical use for all that pesky cat hair. This book will teach you how to turn excess fur into an expression of your cat's many moods.

Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures & Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs

Death has never looked so beautiful. Fully articulated skeletons, dressed in silk brocade and gold lace, fingers glittering with colorful rubies, emeralds, and pearls in these gorgeous photographs by Paul Koudounaris.

No Thoughts Just Corgis: A Comprehensive Compendium of Cuteness

When you wish for a sentient throw pillow with legs, the world answers you with corgis! Regal, smart, loyal, and surprisingly athletic, the corgis in this book will satisfy the desire for a canine cuddle of any kind.

Houseplants & Hot Sauce: A Seek-And-Find Book for Grown-Ups

This cheeky book pairs charming illustrated scenes—from brunch with friends to shopping for succulents—with clever challenges on every page. Sally Nixon combines the nostalgia of visual puzzles with smart, contemporary content.

Remember to Sparkle!: The Wit & Wisdom of Richard Simmons

Known for his signature hairstyle and short shorts, coupled with an infectious exuberance, Richard Simmons has inspired millions. This collection of his life lessons, along with photos, will lift spirits with every page.

Locals Only: California Skateboarding 1975–1978

Although never a skateboarder himself, photographer Hugh Holland spent three years documenting the grace and athleticism of these young outsiders. It's the epitome of California cool.

Trixie and Katya's Guide to Modern Womanhood or Working Girls

Drag superstars Trixie Mattel and Katya have long captivated fans with their stunning looks, onscreen chemistry, and signature wit. In this hilarious (and heartwarming) guide, they offer advice on beauty, fashion, and more.

Subpar parks: America's Most Extraordinary National Parks and Their Least Impressed Visitors

With equal parts humor and love for the great outdoors, Amber Share combines evocative illustrations of national parks combined with hilarious one-star reviews from the rare visitors who look at a place like Bryce Canyon and think "too spiky."

The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information

Filled with the oddest and funniest tidbits about history, science, food, animals, and more, this engaging little compendium is a great gift for kids of all ages. Perfect for trivia buffs, history lovers, and curious minds of all kinds.

Is Your Cat a Psychopath?

The chances of your cat plotting to kill you are low, but they're never zero, are they? Find out if your cat is a Hannibal Lickter waiting to strike or a Dolly Purrton in the making. This purr-sonality quiz by Stephen Wildish is killer.

Nicole Angemi's Anatomy Book: A Catalog of Familiar, Rare, and Unusual Pathologies

From "A is for Anus" to "Z is for Zygomatic Bone," Nicole Angemi's unique manual mixes humor with biology. This guide features well-documented medical descriptions of pathologies, rare and common, from around the world.

Hopefully there are a few things here that caught your attention. Many of these items would also make great stocking stuffers. As would one of our e-Gift Cards! 

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon