The 18 best White Elephant gifts under $50 that will arrive by Christmas

This is one of those nifty inventions you didn't know you needed ... until you need it. Relieve headache pain with this compression cap, which can be heated or cooled to your liking. This five-star review says it best: "I have struggled with chronic migraines for 25 years, and it feels as if I have tried every ice pack. This hat is amazing! It stays soft and comfortable, making it easy to sleep with. And it gets so cold very easily — I leave mine in the refrigerator, no freezer needed." 

Does she bring a bagged lunch to work? Now, she'll be able to warm up a single serving of soup, chili or last night's leftovers right at their desk. "I recently used it during a 10-hour class and my chili was piping hot within an hour," one five-star fan gushed. "I've experienced zero leaks with it and it doesn't require much space."

Readers, crafters and tinkerers use this hands-free neck light on the reg. One five-star reviewer even raved that it's essential gear for "the over-65 set," adding that it "can be worn to more safely walk pets in low light conditions, to find stuff in chaotic cupboards or to mix stuff in kitchens that could use better lighting." Tailor the light to the task at hand — switch between three color temperatures and brightness modes until it's just right.

Play it safe by ordering the blue one since that's the only option set to arrive by Christmas. 

Now, here's something that'll really quack them up. Give this light-up duck a pat on the back to adjust between three brightness levels or set a 30-minute timer. "Battery life is still running high after a week of buying without charging," one five-star reviewer raved. "You also get to sit your phone in its legs and it turns into a phone holder!"

Those "big dumb cups" that your teen has collected up the wazoo? They're not just for hydration; they're for fashion. These silicone straw covers, while functional, are also a stylish statement — especially if they want to distinguish their tumbler from everyone else's. 

Because you are what you eat. This plush blanket looks like just a tortilla, so they can wrap themselves up like a burrito — literally. Opt for one of the longer lengths to cover them from head to toe. 

Bring some life to the party — quite literally! Leave this friendly-faced planter in the box or put a real (or faux!) plant inside, so the recipient can stick it on their shelf, stat. If you go with a real plant, make sure it's a hard-to-kill, low-maintenance type like succulents or cacti.

What a hot frisbee of fun! The culinary twist on a classic will take them straight to Flavortown with properties and game pieces inspired by the spiky-haired Food Network star, including a '68 Chevy Camaro and his signature sunglasses.

Everyone's been singing snail mucin's praises recently — including Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini. She put the brand's bestselling serum to the test and wrote that "my skin was more supple, my fine lines appeared less deep and my face appeared generally more even and had a sort of glow." These sheet masks are infused with the same slimy goodness to help achieve the "glass skin" that we're all after. 

Burning candles is risky business. There's the smoke, soot, fear that you forget to blow it out and, ya know, the ever-present risk of fire. Candle warmer lamps melt the wax to release an aroma without a single flame. This one even lets you switch between four brightness levels (because vibes) and set a two, four or eight-hour timer.

Paid for by Walmart

Everyone could use a break from the screens — and this kit will help them do just that. It comes with everything they need to create a mini nutcracker, including a crochet hook, pre-started yarn and step-by-step video tutorials.

Lego's botanicals, like this 258-piece chrysanthemum kit, are the gift that keeps on giving. Sure, there's the building part that's fun for anyone who likes stepping away from screens and tinkering away at something for an hour or so. Then there's the fact that they can bask in the beauty of their handiwork for all the years to come. 

This isn't your typical reusable water bottle. Nope, this all-time fave is virtually spill-proof, with our Deputy Editor Izabella Zaydenburg gushing that "it can be flipped upside down without leaking." It also has a built-in straw, easily fits in most cupholders and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Your trendy tumbler (ahem, not naming names) could never! 

One might call an Apple AirTag the ultimate stocking stuffer — and your loved ones will certainly agree. Priced under $25, an Apple AirTag is a top stocking stuffer for the person who loses everything. Whether attached to their keys or their dog (no, really), an Apple AirTag will help them find their lost possessions stat via iPhone's Find My app. Now all they need to do is remember where their phone is...

The right tote bag can do wonders. Lean into the season's hottest trend (all puff everything!) with this quilted beauty, complete with all the pockets one could ever need and a separate compartment big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop. "I'm a nurse and use this bag to hold my laptop, lunchbox, drinking cup, and everything else I carry to and from work," a happy shopper wrote, adding that it's also incredibly lightweight (less than a pound!) and easy to clean. 

Replenish their snack drawer with a 30-piece assortment of Japanese dagashi, everything from cookies and gummy candy to salty, savory favorites. If you're lucky, they'll share with you and the rest of your coworkers!

Desk lunches are pretty sad, but you know what's sadder? A desk covered in the remnants of whatever you just ate. This palm-sized vacuum sucks up crumbs, dust and other debris — just power it up with two AA batteries and put it to work! 

This little guy does more than just make waffles. Just switch out the plates (this version comes with five of 'em) to make burgers, eggs and more.