Affordable & Useful Gift Exchange Ideas for the Holidays

Typically, when it comes to giving gifts, you usually buy something for a specific person. However, there's an exception to this rule: When you're hunting for presents under the gift exchange or “white elephant" category, you'll find that these aren't just for one person. This type of gift exchange is a group exchange, and it's usually a fun way to get everyone involved. You bring a wrapped or concealed item to the party, and then everyone draws a number.

The first person to pick the number one gift goes first, and they can choose anything from the pile. The other players have their own rules, and they can either go after the gift that was already taken by another person or choose something from the pile.

It's never too early to start planning for the holidays, as getting organized can help avoid the stress of finding the perfect present for an upcoming gift exchange. This list will help you keep track of all of your Christmas gift ideas, and it's also handy if you're having a hard time coming up with what to buy for the holidays!

GiftYa Is There to Save the Day

While a gift card may not always be the most ideal for a holiday gift, you can always shop from GiftYa if you’re in need of a last minute Christmas exchange gift and can’t find anything else. Convenience is right at your fingertips, as you can simply text or email the egift card in seconds!

12 Best Gift Exchange Ideas

You don’t necessarily have to spend lots of money on creative gift ideas, as this list includes affordable options that are sure to win over the giftee! If you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas for a gift exchange, check out some of these useful gifts. 

1. Phone Pocket

IG embed

The Vandel Phone Pocket is made from stretchy Spandex material, which allows it to hold various items all the way from credit cards to student IDs.

The rounded edges of the Vandel Pockets make them the ideal choice for carrying your phone on the back, and its stretchy design makes it more secure and adds a bit of cool to your device. A wallet sticker with a credit card holder is the ideal present for any occasion, especially aroundon the holidays. 

2. Dunk N’ Egg Yolk Separator 

This unique egg yolk separation tool features a playful and functional design, which includes a basketball net for added fun!  It's great for kitchen use and of course ideal for those who love basketball. The Dunk N Egg can be used as a great gift for home cooks and basketball fans overall. 

The Dunk N Egg can also be utilized for a variety of kitchen tasks, such as making meringues and poached eggs. With this versatile tool, you can explore different culinary possibilities and have a lot of fun in the kitchen while doing so!

3. Rose Under Eye Patches

These under eye pads are made with hyaluronic acid which helps to nourish and hydrate your skin, and will leave you feeling fresh and youthful. The first application will immediately reveal a refreshed and hydrated complexion!

The use of BREYLEE Collagen under eye pads can help improve your appearance and feel. Collagen is known to help strengthen and improve the appearance of your skin. One side of the pads features a grid design that allows you to work while moving your body, so you don’t have to keep standing still the whole time. Do some chores or get some work done with these on!

4. Candle Warmer Lamp

Eco-friendly and cozy way to enjoy your candles. Image courtesy of Amazon. 

This electric candle lamp warmer features a top-down heat melting process that allows you to enjoy your candles in a safe and eco-conscious manner. It will create a warm and relaxing environment for you to sleep, read books, or take a break from your busy schedule!

The design of this candle warmer lamp is unique, with a retro glass shade and a wooden base. It features a metal lamp body and a candle holder that can accommodate various sizes of candles. It's an ideal choice for any living room or bedroom, and it can add a touch of elegance to your home overall. 

The adjustable height of the candle holder can be used to accommodate different sizes of candles, and the wooden base and groove design of the lamp holder allow you to store your candles in their ideal height. This feature ensures that the user experience is pleasant and visual.

5. Heated Car Blanket 

This 12-volt electric blanket is designed to provide warmth to cars, trucks, and all other recreational vehicles. It quickly heats up and will stay warm until you disconnect it.

This electric blanket features a 96-inch cord, which allows it to extend to the back seat of most vehicles, which is ideal for keeping the passengers warm during cold weather. The heated blanket for cars is a must-have for travelers and those who enjoy camping and traveling during the winter season. It's also great for tailgating as it can keep you and others warm for hours on end!

6. Tabletop Fire Pit

The concrete of this small tabletop firepit looks incredibly attractive in any environment, and the marble effect base adds a layer of protection against the heat that the firestone produces from this small round top fire pit. The Roundfire fireplace can burn for over an hour longer than other tabletop fires, and its ceramic wool insert can increase its efficiency and burn time even further. Even if not used frequently, any giftee could appreciate the aesthetic of this gift alone!

The Roundfire fireplace features a stainless steel burn cup that can prevent fuel leaks and rapid cooling of the chamber, which can help reduce the time between refills. To put out the fire, simply use the extinguisher tool inside the box.

7. Wrist Weights

These wrist weights are made of durable materials and are odor-proof, comfortable, and bend freely with a triangle alternating design. The stainless steel construction ensures that they can endure the demands of exercise.

With these wrist weights, you can improve your muscle resistance and tone your fat. They can also be used to enhance the efficiency of your sport by allowing you to perform various activities more effectively.

You can use these wrist weights for various exercises to improve your body and meet your needs. In addition, they can help prevent injuries and keep you feeling better by reducing the pain and inflammation caused by repetitive activities.

These wrist weights are made of high-quality materials that are durable enough to withstand the demands of exercise. They also have an adjustable belt for easy attachment and are fully fixed on both ankles and wrists.

8. Bamboo Charging Station

This bamboo charging organizer is ideal for carrying your desktop charger and various other gadgets. It features two stands for your Earbuds and iWatch, and it’s a must-have for anyone who uses Apple products.

Unlike plastic charging stations, this organizer is more durable and will keep your device charged without cracking. Its elegant design and watch stand feature a magnet iron on the edges for added security, which is ideal for those who have a USB port for their desktop charger.

After setting up your device, connect the USB cable to the dock and enjoy fast and tangle-free charging. This organizer is made of natural bamboo material which adds a touch of class to any room!

9. Mini Waffle Maker

American-style waffles are commonly served in restaurants and bars that want to make them, but what better to have something to make waffles with right at your fingertips! A standard waffle maker features a grid pattern that's designed to produce consistent thickness and shapes. These are ideal for establishments that have limited counter space, and they're easy to handle and store when not in use. A mini waffle maker is even easier to use on the go and takes up a lot less space when in storage while not in use.

The DASH Mini Waffle Maker is ideal for making 4” snack-sized waffles, which can also be used to make other fun family-friendly breakfast dishes.

This versatile waffle maker features a built-in indicator light that lets you know when it's ready to use, and its non-slip feet and handle make it easy to use and provide a safe environment. Anyone who considers themselves a foodie will appreciate this easy to use gift great for the kitchen!

The DASH Mini-Waffle Maker features a durable and non-stick surface that will keep your mini waffles looking their best every time. The Mini Waffle Maker can be used to make a single breakfast or large batches, which can be frozen for later use. 

10. Portable Cereal Cup

The portable cereal cup known as the CrunchCup is ideal for making your favorite cereals such as Lucky Charms and Frosted Flakes even easier to enjoy while traveling. It features two cups, one for cereal and one for milk, and both have holes so that the milk and cereal don't mix until they hit the mouth.

The cup is made from durable plastic and is dishwasher-safe, which is ideal for both kids and adults who need a quick and easy breakfast on the go. The CrunchCup is designed for mornings that demand quick and easy eating, which features a convenient one-handed method of drinking cereal allowing you to enjoy your favorite food without using a bowl or spoon! 

11. Customized Drawing Poster

This poster features a black-line drawing design that can be used to celebrate special occasions such as weddings or anniversaries. These portraits are sure to preserve memories and show appreciation for family and other loved ones.

Based on photos that you choose, these hand-drawn illustrations are created using vibrant colors and intricate details from your painting. For the best outcome, ensure that your photos are high-quality, as zooming in will allow you to create a better impression. The design features a sample color splash for inspiration.

Printed on acid-free archival paper, these posters will last for years and resist fingerprints. They're also ideal for framing and feature a vibrant watercolor effect for a timeless look.

Hopefully these gift ideas are the perfect resolution to your gift searching woes! If all else fails, you can never go wrong with GiftYa, as you can easily send an eGift card to thousands of locations nationwide in just seconds.