Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff

 

White Castle’s House of Crave: The Ultimate White Elephant Gift Guide for 2025

If you’ve ever been stuck staring at a gift table wondering which White Elephant present to steal, you know the struggle. The best gifts? They’re the ones that make people laugh, spark conversation, and get snatched up twice before the game even ends. This year, White Castle is stepping into the White Elephant arena with a lineup that’s equal parts hilarious and surprisingly practical. Their House of Crave online store is now stocked with holiday gifts that’ll have your friends and family fighting over who gets to take home the White Castle Crocs. Yes, you read that right. White Castle Crocs.

What Makes a Great White Elephant Gift?

Before we dive into White Castle’s offerings, let’s talk strategy. The best White Elephant gifts hit three key notes:

• Unexpected: Nobody sees it coming, and that’s what makes it memorable
• Conversation-starter: It gets people talking, laughing, or scratching their heads
• Steal-worthy: It’s so good (or so ridiculous) that people actually want it

White Castle’s House of Crave nails all three. Whether you’re shopping for your office party, family gathering, or friend group exchange, these gifts deliver the perfect mix of quirky and functional.

Top White Elephant Picks from White Castle’s House of Crave

White Castle Crocs

Let’s start with the obvious winner. These aren’t just any Crocs—they’re White Castle Crocs. Cozy, comfortable, and guaranteed to turn heads at the grocery store or your next backyard BBQ. Perfect for the Craver in your life who takes their fast-food loyalty seriously. Why they’ll get stolen: They’re practical footwear with a sense of humor. Plus, Crocs are having a major moment right now.

Willis the Dragon Plush

If you grew up in the ’80s, you might remember Willis the Dragon from White Castle’s kids’ meals. This plush green dragon is pure nostalgia wrapped in soft, huggable fabric. It’s the kind of gift that makes millennials and Gen Xers feel all the feels. Why they’ll get stolen: Nostalgia is a powerful thing. Plus, who doesn’t love a cuddly dragon?

White Castle Craver Casserole Dish

Here’s where things get unexpectedly practical. This casserole dish is perfect for White Castle’s famous Slider-based stuffing (yes, that’s a thing), but it also works for any holiday meal. It’s functional, it’s branded, and it’s the kind of gift that’ll actually get used. Why they’ll get stolen: It’s useful and funny. The best White Elephant gifts walk that line perfectly.

Annual Holiday Mug

Classic, festive, and perfect for sipping cocoa while you munch on Sliders. This mug is a no-brainer for anyone who loves seasonal drinkware or just needs another vessel for their morning coffee. Why they’ll get stolen: Everyone needs mugs. Bonus points if it becomes a yearly tradition.

More White Elephant Gold from House of Crave

White Castle didn’t stop there. Their online store is packed with dozens of other gift-worthy items that fit perfectly into the White Elephant vibe:

• Pickleball paddle set: For the competitive friend who’s always looking for their next match
• Classic tin lunchbox: Retro, practical, and perfect for packing Sliders (or, you know, regular lunch)
• Beanies, bucket hats, and T-shirts: Wearable Craver pride for the fashion-forward fast-food fan
• Beach towels and bathing suits: Because White Castle goes to the beach, apparently
• Pint glasses and tumblers: Perfect for toasting holiday cheer or your next Slider feast
• Tote bags: Practical, portable, and proudly Crave-forward
• Friendship bracelets: A sweet way to commemorate your fellow Cravers

Why White Castle’s White Elephant Strategy Works

Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle, put it perfectly: “White Elephant exchanges are where personality really shines. The House of Crave has dozens of items designed to bring a smile, spark a laugh or make someone feel like the Craver they truly are.” And that’s the secret sauce. White Castle isn’t just selling merchandise—they’re selling personality. These gifts work because they’re fun, affordable, and totally unexpected. Nobody walks into a White Elephant exchange expecting to leave with White Castle Crocs, but once they’re on the table? Game on.

How to Shop White Castle’s House of Crave

Ready to snag your White Elephant gift? Head over to White Castle’s House of Crave online store and browse the full collection. With dozens of items to choose from, you’ll find something that fits your budget and your sense of humor. Pro tip: White Castle is offering free shipping on all House of Crave merchandise on December 10. Mark your calendar and save on shipping while you stock up on gifts.

The Bottom Line: White Elephant Gifts That Actually Deliver

White Elephant exchanges are supposed to be fun, and White Castle’s House of Crave delivers exactly that. Whether you’re going for laughs, nostalgia, or something genuinely useful, this lineup has you covered. So skip the generic candles and boring gift cards. This year, bring the Crocs. Bring Willis the Dragon. Bring the casserole dish. Bring something that’ll make people smile, laugh, and fight over who gets to take it home. Ready to win your White Elephant exchange? Visit White Castle’s House of Crave and find your perfect gift today. Don’t forget—free shipping on December 10!

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About White Castle White Castle is America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, serving hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business operates about 340 restaurants and has earned accolades including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine. Known for passionate fans (Cravers) and legendary team engagement, White Castle has been Great Place to Work® Certified for five consecutive

Source: White Castle Press Release – PRNewswire

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Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff

A Comfort Food Classic

(Culinary.net) ’Tis the season for comfort foods, and this recipe with crumbled bacon and cubed potatoes smothered in melted cheddar cheese is sure to satisfy. Find more meal ideas at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole

• 5          pounds red potatoes, cubed
• 1          pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1          pound cheddar cheese, cubed
• 16        ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1          yellow onion, chopped
• 1          cup mayonnaise
• 8          ounces sour cream
• 1          tablespoon minced chives
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper

1. Heat oven to 325° F.
2. In large bowl, combine potatoes and bacon.
3. In separate large bowl, combine cheese, onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, salt and pepper. Add to potato and bacon mixture until combined.
4. Pour into 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake 50-60 minutes until browned and bubbly.

SOURCE: Culinary.net

Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Daily News Staff

The Grinch Meal at McDonald’s: Dill Pickle Fries & Holiday Chaos Starting Dec. 2

McDonald’s teams up with everyone’s favorite holiday curmudgeon for a limited-time meal that’s equal parts mischief and mouthwatering The Grinch has officially left his cave on Mt. Crumpit, and he’s headed straight for the Golden Arches. Starting December 2, McDonald’s is rolling out The Grinch Meal—a deliciously chaotic collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises that brings tangy flavor, spirited socks, and a whole lot of attitude to your holiday season.

Dill Pickle Fries Make Their U.S. Debut

At the heart of this mischievous meal are the Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries, making their first-ever appearance in the United States. Here’s how it works: sprinkle the tangy dill pickle seasoning into the McShaker bag, give it a good shake, and watch McDonald’s World Famous Fries transform into a bold, pucker-inducing treat that’ll make your taste buds sit up and take notice. Pair those fries with your choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, add a medium drink, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort meal to survive the holiday “fuss and muss,” as The Grinch himself might say.

Socks with Sass Included

But wait—there’s more mischief afoot. Every Grinch Meal comes with a pair of spirited socks featuring messages scribbled by The Grinch himself. Available in four “unhinged” colors, these socks let everyone know exactly how the green grouch feels about the holiday season. And in true Grinch fashion, they can even double as an impromptu stocking—Mt. Crumpit style.

The Grinch Speaks (Sort Of)

In typical Grinch fashion, the announcement came via a handwritten note on crumpled paper: “THiS iS MY MEAL AND i DiDN’T PARTNER WiTH McDONALD’S OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF MY HEART. i SAW AN OPPORTUNiTY TO BRiNG MiSCHiEF TO YOUR BELOVED ‘RESTAURANT’ WiTH MY DELiCiOUS CHAOS FOR THE HOLiDAYS AND i TOOK iT. SO GO AHEAD, GRAB MY MEAL STARTING DEC. 2 – YOU’RE WELCOME FOR MAKiNG YOUR HOLiDAYS iNFiNiTELY MORE iNTERESTiNG.” You can practically hear the grumbling from here.

Limited Time, Limited Chaos

The Grinch Meal will be available at participating McDonald’s locations nationwide starting December 2, but only while supplies last. So if you’re ready to add a little pickle-flavored pandemonium to your holiday routine, you’ll want to act fast. After all, this is one holiday takeover that’s actually worth celebrating—even if The Grinch would never admit it. Ready to embrace the chaos? Head to your local McDonald’s starting December 2 and grab The Grinch Meal before it disappears faster than presents on Christmas Eve.

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For more information about McDonald’s, visit www.mcdonalds.com or follow them on social media. Learn more about Dr. Seuss Enterprises at DrSeussEnterprises.com.

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