The Best Trader Joe’s White Elephant Gifts for $10 or Less

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and festive gatherings, which means it’s time to start thinking about gifts. White elephant-themed parties have become increasingly popular over the last decade, likely because this approach keeps things both budget-friendly and full of endless joy and laughter. Speaking from my own experience, some rounds of white elephant gifting can get seriously intense! People are trying to play the odds to get their hands on that coveted gift sitting in someone’s lap across the room.

To make things easy on yourself, why not turn to food? People are always delighted to get a sweet (or savory) treat. From Italian cookies to French truffles and Spanish figs, there is something on this list for every foodie in your life to enjoy. The best part is, they all cost under $10. Happy shopping!

Crunchy Italian Amaretti Cookies

This bright and festive box contains rich amaretti cookies that are crafted in Italy. They’re made following a traditional recipe from the town of Saronno in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Packed with delicious flavor, you’d never guess they’re made with only three ingredients: sugar, apricot kernels, and egg whites. These distinct cookies smell and taste like the holiday season, and each one is served as a gift, individually wrapped in decorative paper. For $2.99, I’d say this is a steal.

Toffee Chips

This is for the chocolate or toffee lover in your life. Labeled as “chips,” these sweet and indulgent treats are so much more than that. Crunchy, caramelly toffee pieces are topped with a generous coating of milk or dark chocolate, resulting in a creamy, crunchy, sweet, and subtly salty holiday treat. The box is pretty, making it even more special as an unexpected holiday gift for $3.69.

Marzipan Stollen

I am a sucker for anything made with marzipan, and stollen is one of my absolute favorites. If you’ve never tried stollen, it’s a traditional German Christmas yeasted fruit bread that incorporates dried fruits, tender nuts, and most often, marzipan. The dense, deliciously textured bread is also covered in powdered sugar, making it one of the sweetest ways to wake up with coffee on a chilly morning. For $3.69, this is perfect as a winter holiday snack and a lovely white elephant or hosting gift. I know I’ll be snacking on this before the holiday party is over!

Cocoa Truffles Collection

Maybe party guests couldn’t make it to Paris this year for Christmas, but luckily, you can bring Paris to them. This $4.99 collection of rich and silky cocoa truffles from Trader Joe’s is made in France by a supplier who specializes in truffles. They come in four unique flavors: Fizzy, Popcorn, Cookie, and Raspberry. Fizzy crackles in your mouth, Popcorn is buttery and rich, Cookie has cookie pieces in each bite, and Raspberry is fruity and slightly tart. There’s something for everyone in this mixed bag, so whoever gets this white elephant gift is sure to be satisfied.

Portuguese Flor de Sal

Flaky salt? I put this stuff on everything! And one sure way to any foodie’s heart is through the gift of quality kitchen ingredients. This delicate and flaky Flor de Sal is collected by hand from a thin layer of salt crystals that form on the surface of the sea. It’s delicious atop steak, potatoes, toast, flatbread, eggs, and even desserts. Even better, it’s packaged in a beautiful ceramic crock, which keeps the salt fresh, but also makes this item perfectly giftable as a countertop staple. For $4.99, you’re not going to find a better deal on flaky sea salt anywhere else.

Dark Chocolate Collection

For $7.99, the price is right on this box of gourmet chocolates. Tucked inside are 16 varieties of European dark chocolate, so there is something for every dark chocolate lover to discover. Flavors range from unconventional like key lime pie, to fan favorites like salted caramel, and even some unfilled chocolates for the purists who just want to savor a rich piece of quality chocolate. The box is beautiful and easy to wrap, leaving the imagination to run wild as guests wonder what’s inside.

Rabitos Royale Figs

I initially noticed these at my local TJ’s because of the elegant and sensual packaging. It’s gorgeous. Once I did some research, I discovered people have been raving about this dreamy box of dark chocolate-covered and chocolate-stuffed figs from Spain. According to a fan on Reddit, “The dark chocolate is yummy and rich, not too sweet,” which makes it the perfect complement to the sweet and chewy figs. Fans are also wildly impressed by the price, which is $8.49. One person claimed “These go for like, $20 a pop” at other stores. Another added, they’ve “eaten a whole box in two days’ time.” Hmm, perhaps you should pick up a box for yourself, as well.

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels Gift Card

When in doubt, a Trader Joe’s gift card is always a great gift idea. This one has a bonus: It comes nestled in a box of dark chocolate sea salt caramel candies. This stocking stuffer-sized box is $2.29 and will have people wondering—maybe even underestimating—what could possibly await them inside!