Yankee Swap Gifts That Always Get Stolen (In the Best Way)

Tech gifts rarely get re-stolen like a fast charger, and the Anker 511 packs 20W Power Delivery in a tiny, pocketable body. In our testing, it topped up iPhones and many Androids quickly, and Anker's ActiveShield kept temps in check, though it can run warm under heavy use. Note the non-foldable prongs on this version and the lack of a USB-C cable. Pair it with a short cable and you've got a universally useful, under-$15 crowd-pleaser.

This Whiskey Wedge from Corkcicle is a showpiece that tends to get stolen by the resident bourbon fan. In our testing, the silicone mold makes a striking wedge of ice that slows dilution and looks fantastic in photos—great for parties and gift exchanges. Just know the square-angled glass can feel awkward to some, and a few buyers report cracks or faster-than-expected melting. For under $25, though, it’s a memorable, ready-to-freeze upgrade to any bar cart.

If your exchange skews toward hydration hype, the Stanley H2.0 Quencher is the crowd favorite that disappears fast. We found its insulation excellent for keeping ice all day, and the ergonomic handle plus slimmer base make the 40 oz surprisingly car-friendly. Just remember the lid is splash-resistant, not leakproof, and a full 40 oz can feel hefty. With third‑party marketplaces, watch for counterfeit or sketchy listings—buying from a trusted seller at around $20.99 is the safer bet.

Consider the Burt's Bees Essential Kit the safe steal that actually gets used after the party. Our experience shows the travel-size lip balm, salves, and creams are perfect for winter commutes and short trips, and the gift-ready box makes wrapping optional. The tubes are small, so value-focused shoppers may prefer full sizes, and some buyers report crushed packaging when shipped. If presentation matters, pick it up locally; otherwise it's a handy sampler that fits in any bag.

Among Yankee Swap gifts, an AirTag is the one iPhone users will actively steal. In our testing, Apple’s Find My network made locating keys and bags effortless, and Precision Finding with U1 on compatible iPhones gave dead-simple directions at close range. The $24.99 tag is tiny, but note there’s no built-in keyring—you’ll need an accessory—and first fixes can lag in obstructed areas. Android functionality is limited, so this shines most for households already in the Apple ecosystem.

Nothing gets nostalgic laughs like a Chia Pet, and The Child (Grogu) design is catnip for Star Wars fans. We found the setup kid-friendly and fun to watch grow, making it an easy, low-cost steal for a swap or stocking. Manage expectations: it's smaller than some photos suggest, and some sets arrive with sparse seeds or spotty germination, with occasional mold or drips if overwatered. Place it on a tray, ventilate well, and check the seed packet on arrival.

This Glocusent neck light is a thoughtful pick for bookworms, knitters, or travelers who need hands-free illumination. During our review, the USB-C rechargeability and multiple color temperatures made it easy to fine-tune brightness for bedtime reading or crafts. The flexible arms are lightweight, but the band can feel thick on pillows, and the button placement may trigger accidentally when you lean back; some also find the lowest level still bright. Use it in a chair or airplane seat for best comfort.

The Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Tumbler is a gift-swap magnet for commuters and iced-coffee devotees. In our testing, TempShield insulation kept drinks cold for hours, the slimmer base fit most car cup holders, and the handle made carrying and pouring easy. The press-in lid isn’t as secure as a screw-top, and we recommend hand-washing the straw parts to avoid melting. Drops can dent the powder coat, but at $34.95 it’s a durable, everyday upgrade that gets constant use.

LEGO Succulents is the rare build that thrills both plant lovers and desk-decor folks at a Yankee Swap. In our testing, the relaxing, straightforward build produced nine unique mini plants that look striking on a shelf and never need watering. Some of the assembled pieces are a bit delicate and can pop off if handled, and the set includes lots of tiny elements—occasional missing parts do happen, though LEGO’s replacements are solid. At $49.99, it’s a display-ready crowd-pleaser.

Few Yankee Swap gifts spark more immediate grabs than a Squishmallows Mystery Squad. In our testing, the ultra-soft, squishy feel and the playful scent make it an instant fidget-friendly crowd-pleaser, and the $9.99 price keeps it gift-exchange friendly. Just note the blind bag means you can’t pick a character, and the 5-inch size is intentionally pocketable, not jumbo. If scent sensitivities are a concern, we suggest flagging it on the tag or pairing with a non-scented treat.

Movie buffs fight over this Funko Pop! Deadpool & Wolverine, and at about twelve bucks it's an easy steal for any Yankee Swap. The compact vinyl figure fits perfectly on desks or shelves, and the direct tie-in to the film makes it instantly recognizable. In our testing, paint and sculpt looked good for the price, though mass-produced Pops can show minor imperfections and limited runs sell out fast. Note the small parts - this one's for fans, not little kids.

This classic Toilet Timer is a guaranteed laugh at a White Elephant, and the five-minute run is a surprisingly effective bathroom peace treaty. In our testing, the countdown was clear and consistent when flipped cleanly, but sand can clump or stick, so an occasional tap helps. Build quality varies - some units reportedly leak or break - and resetting may require a precise angle. At this price, though, it's a crowd-pleasing gag that also nudges screen scrollers back to the party.

The Squatty Potty Ecco is the rare bathroom gag gift that genuinely improves comfort - our experience shows the posture shift can make things quicker and more complete. It tucks under most toilets when not in use, and the lightweight plastic wipes clean easily. Be mindful of durability: some units crack over time and rubber feet can loosen, and height/fit varies by toilet shape. If you've got tile floors, check stability, but as a party steal, it's reliably funny and functional.

If you want a gift that gets swiped by the third round, go with the Anker Nano Power Bank. We found its up-to-30W output noticeably faster than typical pocket banks, and the built-in USB‑C cable is clutch when someone forgot theirs—great value at about $49.99. It’s compact for travel, though a bit heavier than it looks and often better for partial top-ups than full 0–100% charges on big phones. Note some chargers/cables can be finicky; the included USB‑A cable has worked most reliably in our experience.

A beauty mini that gets traded twice before the box completes a lap, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask delivers plush overnight moisture for many users. We found a tiny dab goes a long way, the berry scent is widely loved, and at $12.24 it feels luxe without the splurge—plus the jar lasts months. That said, fragrances and fruit extracts can irritate sensitive lips, and some people actually wake up drier. Jar packaging isn’t as hygienic as a tube, so consider using a clean spatula or cotton swab to apply.

Cozy gifts rule a Yankee Swap, and these Barefoot Dreams CozyChic socks are the pair everyone fights over. During our review, the plush fabric felt cloud-soft and warm without bulk, and the taller cut tended to stay put through lounge sessions and overnight. Our experience shows the softness can fade with repeated washing, and some users report holes or unraveling over time—so they’re more luxe treat than daily workhorse. At $13.98, they feel premium compared with basic fuzzy socks.

Herd Mentality is the kind of party game that gets everyone talking within minutes - during our review, the rules took under two minutes to teach. It shines with larger groups and makes a great icebreaker, with the squishy pink cow and cow tokens adding just the right amount of charm. We found the questions skew tame, so adult-only crowds seeking edgier humor may want a house rule or expansion. Bring some pencils, since they're not included, to keep the rounds moving.

Exploding Kittens is a slam-dunk Yankee Swap pick because it’s hilarious, quick, and easy for all ages to learn. During our review, we had groups playing within minutes, and the ~15-minute rounds keep the laughs rolling between gift steals—excellent value around $19.99. Be aware the chaos includes player elimination and a lot of luck, so strategy purists may grumble after a few plays without expansions. To avoid counterfeit copies, buy from the official store or a trusted retailer.

Fly by Jing's Triple Threat bundle brings bold, umami-rich Sichuan flavor to anything from eggs to dumplings, and the 2 oz minis are both giftable and TSA-friendly. During our review, we loved the savory depth more than outright heat, though spiciness and crunch can vary and trend milder. It's pricier per ounce than grocery-aisle crisps, but the regional ingredients deliver a distinctive profile. Because leaks can happen in transit, consider curbside pickup or a retailer with solid packing.

The TRUFF Mini Variety Pack is the foodie flex that turns a Yankee Swap into a tasting session. Our experience shows the truffle-forward profile shines on eggs, pizza, and noodles, with the minis perfect for sampling or travel. Heat seekers should know these run milder than they look, and the price per ounce is high for the size. Because some customers report leaking bottles, we recommend inspecting the package on arrival or buying from a retailer with easy returns.