Fortunately, I did not humiliate myself by using the term incorrectly with my boss or anything like that!
(nods) okay SpiceLobster ![]()
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in the show Shrinking (apple tv) harrison ford is the old guy complaining to his young colleagues that they totally sold him out him by using the expression âyou totally âraw doggedâ me yestrday and now you are doing it again!â They begged him not to use that expression, he explained what he thought it was, they told him the current/true meaning and he said âyeah, i wonât say that anymore.â
so thereâs a chance you could have used it and been corrected with it only being comedy
No Arrested Development clip?
Cheeky popcorn gif totally goes here!!! ![]()
I never watched Arrested Development. ![]()
Just watched that yesterday.
What does it mean other places?
âYankee swap gifts for about $100â
https://www.wsj.com/buyside/gifts/gift-guides/white-elephant-gift-ideas?page=1
See also
Shopping for holiday gifts in general can be hard enough, but a white elephant game, in which each person has the choice to either unwrap a new present or to steal anotherâs, presents its own challenges. You need something everyone will want â including, say, a co-worker you donât know well or people you havenât met yet, like your cousinâs new boyfriend â and you probably have to adhere to a price limit. To help you find a gift thatâs guaranteed to get stolen, we asked experts to share their surefire picks.
Savvy charging station
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ANKERMagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)
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INIU Portable Charger
In the age of electronics, a charging station is something almost everyone could benefit from, says Jenny Dreizen, an etiquette expert and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry. Weâre fans of this foldable, UFO-like charging station from Anker that allows you to wirelessly charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and set of AirPods at once. Also consider a portable power bank, like this pocket-size option that comes in at a lower price point and can be used on the go.
Essential oil diffuser
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VITRUVI Stone Ceramic Diffuser
$99 AT NORDSTROM
$123 Save $24
What better time than the holiday season to prioritize self-care? Leena Alsulaiman, a San Francisco-based personal stylist and creative consultant, says Vitruviâs stone diffuser is a win for both design aficionados and wellness devotees. The diffuser can cover up to 500 square feet of space over the course of four or eight hour run times; âPlus, it could pass for a modern art piece,â she notes.
Lash and brow kit
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GRANDE COSMETICSLash and Brow Vibes Mascara and Lash Serum Set
This lash and brow serum set is the perfect addition to a grab bag or white elephant gift, especially if youâre among beauty lovers, says New York City-based fashion stylist Gabriela Langone. The long-wearing serum and mascara are both travel size, making them ideal for those on the go for the holidays.
Colorful wine chiller
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YETIRambler Wine Chiller
Gifts that upgrade everyday life are always a smart pick for white elephant presents. This Yeti wine chiller, which has double-walled vacuum insulation and is dishwasher safe, is great for those who love to take happy hour outdoors. Itâs a favorite of Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and owner of the Protocol School of Texas. The chiller comes in 12 colors and âis both useful and tasteful,â Gottsman says. She recommends pairing it with a bottle for a gift party guests will covet.
Inspirational book
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BRIANNA WIESTThe Pivot Year
A motivational book will help a giftee set intentions for the new year. âThe Pivot Yearâ by Brianna Wiest, a year-long guide to changing oneâs life, is Gottsmanâs pick: âThere is something in it for anyone who picks it up,â she says. Within its pages, theyâll find 365 daily meditations to ponder throughout the year. For more ideas, see our guide to the best self-help books.
Extra hand for cooking
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UNCOMMON GOODSAutomatic Pan Stirrer with Timer
When youâre cooking at home, sometimes you need an extra hand. With this automatic pan stirrer, you can focus on the next steps in your recipe while this handy gadget stirs your sauce, stew or risotto all on its own. It has three speeds and simplifies anything that needs continuous stirring â it does the work all on its own, without any hand holding, says Miami-based innovation and technology expert Steve Greenberg, host of the YouTube gadget game show âWhat the Heck Is That?â Theyâll think of you whenever they eat their low-effort risotto or marinara. Check out these other great gifts for chefs.
Luxe laundry gear
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CAPRI BLUEVolcano Dryer Ball Kit
Three certainties in life are death, taxes and laundry. So this set of high-quality, machine-wash accessories is something virtually everyone can use. It includes three reusable wool dryer balls and fragrance oil to soften fabrics, prevent wrinkles and make it all smell nice. Made with grapefruit and tangerine essential oils, Volcano is that rare fragrance everyone seems to love,â says Corpus Christi, Texas-based decorating and DIY expert Monica Benavidez.
Cutest waffle iron in the galaxy
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STAR WARSThe Mandalorian Mini Waffle Maker
Everything is cuter when mini, and that certainly applies to waffles. A favorite of Sutrathada, this 4-inch waffle maker has nonstick plates that pop out a Baby Yoda design (or Grogu, for fans of The Mandalorian) in minutes. Best of all, notes New York City-based lifestyle expert Melanie Sutrathada, it takes up very limited counter space, so college students and apartment dwellers wonât mind if itâs the gift they go home with.
Drinking buddy
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SOFA STUDMugworthy Sofa Stud
Some will find this cup holder gift purely comical but others will find it useful too, says Greenberg, who loves it as a gift for couch-potato types. Itâs designed with a bottom âfinâ that sticks between the sofa cushions and can hold their drink upright above the surface to prevent spills.
Tiny tracker
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APPLEAirTag
At under 2 inches in diameter, this is one of the easiest gifts youâll ever have to wrap. The recipient can attach one of these Apple AirTags to anything â even their petâs collar â and start tracking it with the âFind Myâ app on their phone. People who tend to lose their keys, wallet or bag will especially appreciate it, says Kristen Gall, San Francisco-based president of Rakuten, who also uses them on luggage when she travels to alleviate lost bag stress. The tiny metal coin works by sending a Bluetooth signal that can be detected by devices with the âFind Myâ app; they send that information to iCloud, and then you can see the location of your missing item on a map.
Kitchen helper
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HAMMACHER SCHLEMMERAutomatic Jar Opener
Chances are, they donât already own this handy (literally) device that can come to the rescue the next time your recipient struggles to open a jar of dill pickles or strawberry jam. Greenberg is a fan because itâs easy to use; all they need to do is place it on the stubborn lid, and it will grip it tight while two curved âlegsâ hold the jarâs exterior in place. Once they press the button, a motor will spin and instantly untwist the lid.
Not your normal puzzle
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FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT Double Sided Puzzle
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PINTOO 3D Puzzle Vase
Many people found a new passion for puzzling at the height of the pandemic, and itâs safe to say that hobby hasnât died down. Valerie Gordon of Valerie Confectionsin Glendale, Calif. suggests bringing an interesting puzzle to a gift exchange, like this double-sided option where one side features Frank Lloyd Wrightâs Fallingwater house and the other shows an aerial blueprint of the Fallingwater house grounds. Even more funky, this 3D puzzlebecomes a vase you can actually use â fun and practical. Itâs also available in seven designs. Itâs also one of our favorites from the trending Google Holiday 100 list.
High quality hair towel
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CROWN AFFAIRThe Towel
Eden Delaune, Fort Worth, Texas-based gift consultant and founder of luxury gift consulting service Bisette, recommends this hair towel from Crown Affair, which is made from a microfiber waffle knit fabric. Itâs designed to protect your hair after washing and work on all hair types, from straight or wavy to curly or coiled, so pretty much anyone who ends up with it can enjoy it. Delaune likes it because it âhelps cut down drying time and isnât abrasive,â she says.
Oprahâs planner
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OPRAH DAILYOprahâs The Life You Want Planner
We all know Oprah gives great advice, so why not try out one of her go-tos? Tami Claytor, a New York City-based image and etiquette consultant, says Oprahâs The Life You Want Planner makes a great holiday gift since âitâs a multi-functional item that combines different activities people engage in at the beginning of a new year,â like journaling and setting goals. The journal includes writing prompts, quotes and advice from Oprah herself to help you set weekly intentions, and it has a gorgeous linen hard cover. It also makes a great stocking stuffer.
Nourishing pout protector
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LANEIGELip Sleeping Mask
Self-care accessories tend to be crowd pleasers, and this lip mask that recently went viral on TikTok is a favorite among teens and 20-somethings especially, says Gall. The colorful little tub of balm is formulated with antioxidants and vitamin C to hydrate lips when applied nightly. The Peppermint version feels festive, but it also comes in Berry, Vanilla, Mango and even Gummy Bear, all of which would make great stocking stuffers too. (For more stocking stuffer ideas, check out our roundup of unique ones for men and women that are fun and useful.)
Microwavable cookware
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ANYDAYThe Medium Shallow Dish
Anydayâs Medium Shallow Dish is the perfect introduction to microwave cooking for someone who has mostly used the appliance to reheat leftovers or nuke popcorn. It can be used for pretty much any dish that cooks with water or steam, meaning everything from eggs to rice to fish to vegetables, and cooks much faster than traditional methods. The companyâs website has plenty of recipes, so the gift-grabber will be ready to go from day one.
Belt bag
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LULULEMONEverywhere Belt Bag
Abrams also says practical products with brand recognition make great white elephant gifts. She likes the Everywhere Belt Bag from beloved athleisure brand Lululemon, which is designed for people on the move in need of a versatile accessory to store their phone, keys and wallet. It has an adjustable strap and is made of water-repellant fabric, and it comes in 12 colors including Terra Orange, Grey Sage and Pink Pastel.
Gentle hand wash
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HOMECOURTNeroli Leaf Hand Wash
Hand soap is a kitchen and bathroom essential that everyone uses, so why not offer a gift-worthy upgrade? Delaune likes the Homecourt Neroli Leaf Hand Wash, since it smells fresh and the bottle looks great next to any sink. âSuch a routine task is really transformed when you have a luxe hand wash like this one,â she says. The soap features argan oil, Australian hibiscus flower extract and coconut-derived surfactants, offering a formula that moisturizes and hydrates your skin.
Attach anywhere mirror
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HAMMACHER SCHLEMMERThe Attach Anywhere LED Mirror
The Attach Anywhere LED Mirror is a versatile bathroom accessory that can attach to any surface, and Claytor likes that it has two different options for power: USB and battery. âItâs accessible to people who may not be tech savvy or use USB ports,â she says, so it makes a great gift for anyone.
Gold measuring spoons
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WILLIAMS SONOMAGold Measuring Spoons
Delaune recommends these gold measuring spoonsfrom Williams Sonoma to add a festive touch to a gifteeâs kitchen. âHoliday baking feels that much more special when measuring with these,â she says. Plus, theyâre beautiful enough to leave out on the kitchen counter. You can also buy their measuring cup counterpart, or make it a set and get both the cups and spoons.
Face mask minis
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PETER THOMAS ROTH Masking Minis Kit
Claytor loves the skincare brand Peter Thomas Roth and has been recommending its Masking Minis kit to clients for years. She likes the gift setâs colorful packaging, which she says helps with presentation, an important aspect of any gift. It includes five of the brandâs best-selling masks that are designed to hydrate, exfoliate, soothe, refine and lift the skin.
Defrosting tray
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HAMMACHER SCHLEMMERThe Faster Defrosting Tray
The first time Claytor saw a defrosting tray was at an âAs Seen on TVâ store decades ago, and has since named it as a great gift for home cooks. She likes this tray that is designed to safely thaw meat up to 50% faster than other methods. Plus, the reverse side of the tray works as a cutting board with a juice groove and rubber edges.
All-in-one exfoliator
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HAMMACHER SCHLEMMERWaterproof Electronic Massaging Exfoliator
$30 AT HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER
$80 Save $50
Claytor also recommends this waterproof electronic massaging exfoliator brush, which she describes as an all-in-one product that replaces numerous bath and shower accouterments. The spinning head cleanses, exfoliates, refreshes and softens the skin for a head-to-toe spa experience, making it a versatile personal care product everyone at the gift exchange will fight for.
The ultimate charcuterie board
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ROYALHOUSE Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set
Any avid host or meat and cheese lover can always use another chic serving piece, which is why Sutrathada suggests this cleverly designed, water-resistant, bamboo charcuterie board. It comes with two grooves for condiments and crackers and a set of four cheese knives â and if you want to step things up, pair it with some nice cheese and your favorite smoked meat to get them started.
Giftable greenery
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COSTA FARMSMoney Tree
Plant parenting can be soothing and rewarding, so when in doubt, a pretty potted option is a smart pick, Sutrathada says. Whether you have a major green thumb or have never tried gardening, this money tree will look great on your windowsill. The 3- to 4-foot-tall plant comes in a ceramic planter pot that will go with just about any room.
Apothecary cloche
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SKEEM DESIGN The Match Cloche
Anyone can appreciate the beauty of this vintage-style container that holds 120 matches. Made of handblown glass, it has a removable cork stopper and flint â they can keep it on a countertop alongside their favorite candles for an easy, and elegant, way to light them up.
Brass picture light
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RAIFOOLLYMetal Art Light for Display
Originality is half the battle in white elephant exchanges. âWe all have that friend who seems to have everything,â says Benevidez. âBut do they have a rechargeable picture light? Probably not.â This 16-inch, battery-powered picture light instantly makes any art on your wall look gallery-worthy. Itâs dimmable, so you can use it over a computer or mirror as well. Benevidez also recommends it for the hard-to-shop-for âhome decor fanaticâ in your life. âTrust me,â she says, âbecause I am one.â
Quirky coffee mug
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MODERN PAPERIE CO.Hold On Let Me Overthink This Coffee Mug
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LUMSBURRY Build-On Brick Coffee Mug
âTraditionally, White Elephant gifts are quirky, funny gag gifts,â Claytor explains, âbut theyâve evolved into items that people would actually enjoy and use.â To pay homage to traditional White Elephant gift exchanges, Claytor likes this quippy coffee mug, since mugs are a household essential that everyone uses. For something more creative, check out the Build-On Brick coffee mug, which comes with three packs of building bricks that can be connected to each side of the mug, including its handle, plus two toys and one minifigure. Choose from nine colors.
Luxury bathtub caddy
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ROYAL CRAFT WOODLuxury Bathtub Caddy Tray
Not everyone takes baths, but this luxury bathtub caddy tray from Royal Craft Wood might change that. With slots for a phone, candle, wine glass, towel, soap and more, this adjustable tray is any batherâs dream. It expands from 29.5 inches to 43 inches, so it works for wide tubs, too. Plus, choose from seven colors including Natural (pictured), Black, Blue and Pink.
Touchscreen gloves
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MOSHIDigits Winter Touchscreen Gloves
We highly recommend these touchscreen gloves for typing in cold weather, and at $30 a pair, theyâre a great pick for a gift exchange. The gloves allow your recipientsâ fingersâ electrical charge to pass through the material and activate their phoneâs screen. Made of an acrylic/nylon/polyester blend with a soft microfiber lining, theyâll keep their hands warm while still allowing them to scroll and text with ease.
Luxe eye masks
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GRACE & STELLAEnergy Drink Eye Masks, 24 Count
$24 AT GRACE & STELLA
$30 Save $6
Who wouldnât want to receive an energizing boost to their skincare routine? These eye masks promise to reduce dark circles, cool eyes to reduce puffiness and moisturize to decrease the appearance of fine lines. This set comes with 24 pairs, so your giftee can enjoy them for months to come.
Tailgating table
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CAMERONSAll-in-One Tailgating Table
Whether youâre exchanging gifts with football fans, campers, hikers or barbecue lovers, this all-in-one tailgating table is sure to impress. Claytor recommends the product since itâs âfun and functional and keeps everything organized.â It features an insulated cooler that will keep beverages ice cold, four cup holders and a mesh food basket for snacks. The table is also lightweight and collapsible, making it easy to bring along to any event.
too me, it is a unique/ odd piece, not everyones taste, but definitely not junk
I mean, if you really want to try to cinch that promotion,âŠ
Huh⊠I thought it was supposed to be something you received as a gift and didnât particularly want but someone else might. A regift. Or just something you have but you donât want but someone else might like it.
Like I got a decoration house from one of those Christmas villages one year as a gift. I donât need that dust collector. But some people legit like them. That gift got âstolenâ multiple times and I was happy to be rid of it.
Iâve also seen people get silly and/or risquĂ© with them (which you can do since the giver is not identified). Like edible underwear or novelty glasses or something.
Definitely NOT something you spend $100 on. (I mean; Iâm not exactly sure what edible underwear costs, but I assume less than that.)
To me, a yankee swap is stuff everyone would like. A white elephant is stuff that is funny that is not particularly good, that most people would NOT want. A regift of a bad gift. And a secret Santa is a gift for a specific person.
^3
Thatâs been enough for pants today.
Our church fair had a white elephant booth for decades. I always thought of it as the booth/room that you could find old used glasses, dishes, decorative trinkets, etc.
Iâve never heard of a Yankee Swap
We had a while elephant thing one year at work. I had recently gotten a new cell phone, a flip phone of some sort, and as a promo they gave me
a calculator that looked just like the phone. Thatâs the sort of item that will just collect dust, so I wrapped that calculator up and brought it.
It surprisingly was one of the big hits. The first person was really excited for a minute thinking it was a phone. Then when folks realized it wasnât, it was still quite popular for some with kids that wanted it as a play thing for them. It got swapped a lot.
Was at the movies yesterday and got two red band trailers in the same sitting. Rarely ever get one, let alone two.
Iâm trying to help a small business (my bridge club) save some money on their internet. There is no land line in the building and they are paying way too much for cable internet. Is there a company that will allow you to get coverage wirelessly for a computer and also a traditional phone? Alternatively we could get a cell phone for the business but we would need about 50GB of hotspot data that the computer can leech off of?