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You are here: Home / z-Retired Categories / Previous Site Maintenance / Best & Worst Gifts

Best & Worst Gifts

by Michael D.|  December 26, 20079:16 am| 131 Comments

This post is in: Previous Site Maintenance

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Well, my sister spent 6 hours in a line to buy my mom & dad a Wii to send me. Can’t really say I got a “worst” gift, although the ornament made out of a shellacked hard-boiled egg would be up there.

So, what’d ya get? Open gift thread.

Oh, and happy Boxing Day!

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Previous Post: « And Yet Another Merry Christmas Thread
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Reader Interactions

131Comments

  1. 1.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 9:17 am

    My mom got me an 8-track tape player. shje said I was lucky cuz she got the last one.

  2. 2.

    Michael D.

    December 26, 2007 at 9:18 am

    she said I was lucky cuz she got the last one.

    Heh. Probably the last one EVER.

  3. 3.

    pharniel

    December 26, 2007 at 9:23 am

    I managed to tell my mom it was ok to get my wife a big fluffy comfy bathrobe.

    My wife *hates* it. fortunatly it’s returnable, but i feel bad for being a horrible gift giver.

    I always suck at it, it’s why i hate xmass and birthdays.

  4. 4.

    Libby Spencer

    December 26, 2007 at 9:24 am

    Funniest gift. A tshirt with a picture of Poppy Bush scowling with the legend, I should have pulled out.

  5. 5.

    Michael D.

    December 26, 2007 at 9:25 am

    pharniel: I am with you there. Fortunately, my brother and sisters and I don’t exchange gifts. I only have my mom, dad and niece to worry about. My niece will take anything from Abercrombie & Fitch. And now that my parents are retired, they do a lot of travelling. I bought them a GPS.

    I will have no idea what to do next year.

  6. 6.

    mitch

    December 26, 2007 at 9:26 am

    rock band for the Xbox 360. And it rules.

  7. 7.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 9:28 am

    Funniest gift. A tshirt with a picture of Poppy Bush scowling with the legend, I should have pulled out.

    How bad is G-Dub? Poppy is the last Repugnant I ever voted for. Between him and Pete Wilson, I bacame a liberal fascist Democrat.

    These days I find myself thinking that Poppy wasn’t so bad after all.

  8. 8.

    zmulls

    December 26, 2007 at 9:29 am

    I got a cast-iron skillet. Big Mofo.

    All the better to whack you with, my dear.

  9. 9.

    carolyn13

    December 26, 2007 at 9:32 am

    Your sister only spent six hours in line for a Wii? I had five people trying to hunt one down for my grandkids, and I showed up at our local game store every morning at 9:00 for a week. I’m not sure how hard it was to find the Xbox 360 my husband got me, but boy, I’m a happy granny.

  10. 10.

    Bob In Pacifica

    December 26, 2007 at 9:33 am

    A Christmas Day trip to the San Francisco Zoo.

  11. 11.

    Michael D.

    December 26, 2007 at 9:33 am

    zmulls: There’s nothing better to cook with than cast iron. The only way that’s a bad gift is if you don’t cook.

  12. 12.

    demkat620

    December 26, 2007 at 9:33 am

    We got the kids a Wii. High School Musical Sing It! was the big hit of the day. Bowling was fun too.

  13. 13.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 9:34 am

    Worst gift – a box of candy.

    It’s no big deal if you get one from a customer or a neighbor, but when you get if from a family member it sends the message “I don’t care.”

  14. 14.

    The Other Steve

    December 26, 2007 at 9:35 am

    These days I find myself thinking that Poppy wasn’t so bad after all.

    At least Poppy was entertaining… picking a fight with Murphy Brown and so forth.

  15. 15.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 9:35 am

    A Christmas Day trip to the San Francisco Zoo.

    With dinner at the end?

  16. 16.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 9:45 am

    From C&L:

    Kansas GOP Chair Sends Email Boasting of Voter Caging

    I guess he didn’t realize that vote caging is illegal.

  17. 17.

    IanY77

    December 26, 2007 at 9:56 am

    Best gift: Callaway FT-i driver. Straight out of the back door of the factory in China. Don’t ask.

    Worst: shirt from Eddie Bauer that looks like something my grandfather would wear.

  18. 18.

    demkat620

    December 26, 2007 at 9:59 am

    At least Poppy was entertaining… picking a fight with Murphy Brown and so forth.

    That was Dan Quayle.

  19. 19.

    Nikki

    December 26, 2007 at 10:07 am

    A BP gas card from my niece worth $25. She DOES love me!

  20. 20.

    TheFountainHead

    December 26, 2007 at 10:10 am

    I also got a cast iron skillet, and a cast iron dutch oven. And a mandolin. I cook a lot, and apparently people know it. Girlfriend got me a watch. Dad got me the new Naiomi Klein book. All in all, a good haul.

  21. 21.

    Birdzilla

    December 26, 2007 at 10:10 am

    The worst gift AL GORES junk science A INCONVENT TRUTH having to listen to this blabbering idiot is a form of tourter

  22. 22.

    pharniel

    December 26, 2007 at 10:18 am

    jeasouls of the dutch oven:(

    I do all the cooking in our house, because I value my taste buds.

  23. 23.

    Bob In Pacifica

    December 26, 2007 at 10:22 am

    myiq2xu Says:

    Worst gift – a box of candy.

    +++

    But the note asking about how your type-two diabetes is going–priceless.

  24. 24.

    MaryS-NJ

    December 26, 2007 at 10:23 am

    Best gift: $200 cash. Always comes in handy, that.

    Worst gift: None. However, one *was* frustrating. I hinted that I wanted a new iPod to replace my old one that was stolen. Instead, my husband bought me a Sirius Stilleto because I have Sirius Radio in the car and love it. I honestly appreciate the thought he put into it. Unfortunately, while he asked the guy in the store if it was iTunes compatible (supposedly it is), he didn’t ask if it’s Mac OS compatible. It’s not.

  25. 25.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 10:26 am

    The worst gift AL GORES junk science A INCONVENT TRUTH having to listen to this blabbering idiot is a form of tourter

    Ah, Christmas is over and the trolls ooze out of their holes.

    I guess y’all didn’t get the eclectic spool chucker.

  26. 26.

    Suzan

    December 26, 2007 at 10:35 am

    “My wife hates it. fortunately it’s returnable, but i feel bad for being a horrible gift giver.”

    You are not a horrible gift giver, your wife is a horrible recipient. She either snaps out of it or you tell your mom to give her coal from now on. (You can return gifts but do it on the sly, with an excuse like it doesn’t fit, yes, even to your husband.)

    I LOVE gift giving. Over the years I have trimmed my “Santa” list to only those people who show appreciation. Everyone else gets a box of candy (see down thread). I knocked myself (and budget) out for years to please my mother in law. She could hardly bring herself to say a very formal “thank you”. Now she gets candy. My third cousin once removed jumps and shouts at every gift…I shop all year for her, trying to find the thing that will please her most.

    For me this year? Best Christmas ever: my first (and probably only) grand baby. Max. He’s SO cute he was even on the news last night (first baby of Christmas). On Fox no less. All the more funny because he’ll be a fifth generation godless commie pinko.

  27. 27.

    Michael D.

    December 26, 2007 at 10:37 am

    worth $25. She DOES love me!

    Yet not enough to buy you more than a quarter tank of gas! :-)

  28. 28.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 10:52 am

    Two kinds of people that are really a bitch to gift shop for:

    A) People who can afford to buy whatever they want (and do.)

    B) People who are picky and won’t ever say what they want.

    The proper gift for person A is nothing. They already have too much. Make a donation to charity in their name.

    The proper gift for person B is NOT a gift certificate or cash, it’s whatever atrocious gift catches your eye. Make them return it. Maybe next year they’ll drop a few hints.

  29. 29.

    TheFountainHead

    December 26, 2007 at 10:54 am

    Speaking of Christmas presents, how many news editors thanked baby Jesus over and over again for a “Tiger escapes Zoo, Kills.” story for their 6 o’clock news yesterday!!?? It only gets better if the Tiger had endorsed a nominee for the GOP.

  30. 30.

    AnnPW

    December 26, 2007 at 10:56 am

    “That was Dan Quayle.”

    Yeah, but Poppy picked him, so he gets some credit/blame for it. And yeah, Junior makes both Poppy AND Dan Quayle look like benevolent geniuses.

    Best gift: First season of Weeds. Worst wasn’t a gift, it was my own dither-brained what-happens-when-you-wait-till-the-last-minute-to-do-everything screw-up: I put the wrong labels on my mailed packages, so that my sister and her husband got the box meant for my brother and his family, and vice versa. Fortunately, I have a very understanding family.

    And I couldn’t live without my cast iron skillet!

  31. 31.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 10:59 am

    Speaking of Christmas presents, how many news editors thanked baby Jesus over and over again for a “Tiger escapes Zoo, Kills.” story for their 6 o’clock news yesterday!!?? It only gets better if the Tiger had endorsed a nominee for the GOP.

    Bill O will probably say it’s because the tiger was from SF

  32. 32.

    zmulls

    December 26, 2007 at 11:03 am

    Did I say the cast-iron skillet was my worst gift? I love it. I’ve been hankering for it.

    My worst gift? I’m going to say the Regina Spektor “Soviet Kitsch” CD, but *not* because I don’t like the music — the internal label of the CD says “BONUS DVD — DISC 1 OF 2” but there’s no DVD content or second disc. I assume it was originally sold as a two-disc set, and am getting “just the music.” But it’s frustrating to know there *was* more included at one time….

  33. 33.

    Vlad

    December 26, 2007 at 11:06 am

    Best gift: A theremin kit from my parents.

  34. 34.

    Krista

    December 26, 2007 at 11:22 am

    All my gifts were pretty great this year. Hubby got me Ozzy tickets and an awesome label maker (yes, I get excited at the idea of having an uber-organized storage room.) Mom got me 600-thread-count sheets, so between that, and the duvet I bought myself in August, my bed now rivals any hotel’s. My young nephews got me a hat — it’s not one I would have picked out for myself, but I adore it, because they evidently spent a lot of time scrutinizing every hat in the store to pick out just the right one for me, and the thought of that just melts my heart. Add in some cash as well as some gift certificates to stores I frequent, and a complete lack of family arguments this year, and it was a definite 10/10 in my book.

  35. 35.

    Incertus (Brian)

    December 26, 2007 at 11:24 am

    Best gift: iPod Touch. My Mini is still going strong, but the Touch is a whole lotta cool. Also got the Naomi Klein and Oliver Sacks books, so I’m imagining spending the next few days with my ears plugged and my nose in books.

  36. 36.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 11:31 am

    The NYT’s says Willard “Zelig” Romney is switching to a “photo-op” campaign strategery.

    I guess when he opens his mouth he removes all doubt.

  37. 37.

    merciless

    December 26, 2007 at 11:37 am

    Suzan, mahzeltov and blessings on your house for your new grandbaby! Lucky duck.

    And, since the last thread is all full up, here’s my favorite crock pot recipe:

    Italian Beef

    3 or 4 pound beef round roast
    1 bottle of beer (something with some flavor to it, please)
    1 jar pepperoncinis (they’re next to the pickles)
    1 packet dry Italian dressing mix

    Cut fat piece off the roast and discard. Cut roast in two pieces if necessary to fit in the crock pot. Pour beer, pepperoncinis (all the liquid too), and packet of seasoning into crockpot and stir it up a bit. Put beef in, spoon a few peppers on top of beef, put the lid on the crockpot, turn it on high, and WALK AWAY.

    Ten hours later (at least; could be more), take out the beef, tear it apart with two forks, and put it in good rolls with lotsa juice on top. zomg.

  38. 38.

    wasabi gasp

    December 26, 2007 at 11:37 am

    Best: locked running car :o
    Worst: 100 Gees :P

  39. 39.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 11:41 am

    Keep throwing CP recipes into the comments. I’ve been copying them since yesterday’s thread.

  40. 40.

    cleek

    December 26, 2007 at 11:43 am

    Best: one of those little Air Hogg indoor helicopters.

    Worst: my boss gave us all company pencils. there isn’t a sharpener in the office.

  41. 41.

    ThymeZone

    December 26, 2007 at 12:03 pm

    Best gift ever: An agreement to stop doing gift exchanges for xmas.

    No shopping, no wrapping, no exchanging, no disappointments, no hassle. No wasted money, no credit card bills in February, no mess to clean up.

    Yes, I got Maci presents, but I do that all year long to celebrate the perpetual birthday of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Al Dente Fidelis, folks.

  42. 42.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 12:08 pm

    1 pkg McCormick BBQ Pulled Pork seasoning (and all the ingredients on the back)

    1 6 lb pork roast

    Follow the instructions on the packet. Shred when done and serve on a roll. Nothing like pulled pork done in a crockpot.

  43. 43.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 12:11 pm

    Best: A video game for my PC bought for me by my new GF who bought it for me and didn’t even complain that she was getting me the game and showing me she really listens and pays attention.

    Worst: The video game she got me since it’s one of those suspense/horror/action ones that gets your heart pounding just before some shit jumps out at you causing you to fly back in your office chair.

    Like her a lot, and she was understanding enough to put the receipt in it because she doesn’t know what particular games I like so it was the best, also the worst.

  44. 44.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 12:21 pm

    Oh and just to rub it in I have about 12 or so cast iron pans and a cast iron dutch oven. All sizes of skillet. Nothing like some chili done in the dutch oven with some corn bread made in one of the skillets.

  45. 45.

    RSA

    December 26, 2007 at 12:30 pm

    Best: Various phone calls from my family.

    Worst: Various phone calls from my wife’s family.

    (She’s in agreement, by the way.)

  46. 46.

    Neal

    December 26, 2007 at 12:33 pm

    Best: A new garden gnome from my finace’s aunt. She got me a different one last year too. This brings the count to 14 now, I believe…if you count the two inside the house. Maybe 15. I fucking love it.

    Worst: A shirt I can’t wear because it’s way too big…but I might be able to return it and if not, I’ll pass it on to one of my larger friends…so no harm in that. The thought was nice.

  47. 47.

    Sensitive Pony Tailed Girly Man

    December 26, 2007 at 12:38 pm

    Best: Tattered Gray Hoodie.

    Worst: A Pink Redskins Jersey. Sure the color is appropriate, but it’s only redeeming feature is that it comes with lots of pockets for stashing tissues, a very important consideration for the fans of this team when they play bullies from the Men’s Division. Too bad they won’t be meeting anyone else from the Men’s Division this season.

  48. 48.

    The Grandest Panjandrum

    December 26, 2007 at 12:47 pm

    All the more funny because he’ll be a fifth generation godless commie pinko.

    Nice. That’s almost enough to make me a believer.

    Al Dente Fidelis, folks.

    Right back at you, TZ! Let’s put the FSM back in Chrifmas.

  49. 49.

    J. Michael Neal

    December 26, 2007 at 12:58 pm

    I got a bunch of books (from stalin’s Ghost and a book of Alistair Reynolds short stories to an examination of the Battle of the Somme from the German side), a bunch of new prog rock CDs, and a few clothes from Tommy Bahama. A great haul, really.

    The best present I gave was to my cousin who is working on her masters thesis in statistics: a t-shirt that says “Statisticians are 95% confident you’ll enjoy it.”

  50. 50.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 12:59 pm

    myiq — Bird is kind of like Paul L. He’s one of our pet trolls, and his hallucinogenic rendition of Zippy the Pinhead adds a lot of…local flavor.

  51. 51.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 1:00 pm

    rock band for the 360 for “the kids”. It RULEZ.

    Not that I played it for more than a couple of hours. With the kids. Nope. Not me. I wouldn’t indulge my fantasies of being lead for some glam rock band. Nope. Never.

  52. 52.

    Cyrus

    December 26, 2007 at 1:04 pm

    myiq2xu Says:
    Two kinds of people that are really a bitch to gift shop for:

    A) People who can afford to buy whatever they want (and do.)

    That describes my dad pretty well. Last year, he suggested that instead of getting him something, we sit down and watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He enjoyed the books way back when, but had only seen the first of the three movies, and I of course am a geek. I would have felt guilty if I hadn’t spent money, so I bought the third and gave it to him, but rented the first two. It would have worked well, except that watching the whole trilogy in one day (the extended editions) is tough, so we watched the third one on New Year’s Day. This year we’re trying Back to the Future. We only watched the first movie yesterday, but that’s just because family visited us this year.

  53. 53.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:05 pm

    You know what is great? The fact that gaming is not just a kids thing anymore and it no longer renders one a social pariah, or at least that is changing. It’s also nice to see it crossing generational boundaries as well.

  54. 54.

    Dustin

    December 26, 2007 at 1:09 pm

    Well…. I got married on the 22nd and we celebrated Christmas on the 23rd. I guess some of you might call that both the best and the worst gift, lol.

    Best: Origami Christmas tree made of 10 $100 bills.
    Worst: A coffee maker (I hate coffee)

  55. 55.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:09 pm

    Cyrus Says:

    That describes my dad pretty well. Last year, he suggested that instead of getting him something, we sit down and watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He enjoyed the books way back when, but had only seen the first of the three movies, and I of course am a geek. I would have felt guilty if I hadn’t spent money, so I bought the third and gave it to him, but rented the first two. It would have worked well, except that watching the whole trilogy in one day (the extended editions) is tough, so we watched the third one on New Year’s Day. This year we’re trying Back to the Future. We only watched the first movie yesterday, but that’s just because family visited us this year.

    I always thought they should do a LOTR trilogy showing on IMAX, all 3 movies in a row, but then I figured they’d have to offer on-site catheterization or frequent intermissions in order to do so.

  56. 56.

    TheFountainHead

    December 26, 2007 at 1:10 pm

    You know what is great? The fact that gaming is not just a kids thing anymore and it no longer renders one a social pariah, or at least that is changing. It’s also nice to see it crossing generational boundaries as well.

    Agreed. Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and the Wii in general have taken huge strides in that direction. My girlfriend was given Guitar Hero for her Mac by her Dad this Christmas, and she’s an addict. Takes away a lot of my WoW guilt…

  57. 57.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:12 pm

    Sing It Sister

  58. 58.

    Nikki

    December 26, 2007 at 1:14 pm

    Yet not enough to buy you more than a quarter tank of gas!

    Now, now…the gas prices in my area make it just $4 shy of a full tank for my 2002 Civic.

    See? She DOES love me!

  59. 59.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:15 pm

    TheFountainHead Says:

    Agreed. Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and the Wii in general have taken huge strides in that direction. My girlfriend was given Guitar Hero for her Mac by her Dad this Christmas, and she’s an addict. Takes away a lot of my WoW guilt…

    I have heard that Guitar Hero is the latest in addictions. For me it’s any RPG, right now I am devouring the expansion to Neverwinter Nights 2 and am contemplating dipping my toe into the realm of Guild Wars.

  60. 60.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 1:16 pm

    B

    est: A new garden gnome from my finace’s aunt. She got me a different one last year too. This brings the count to 14 now, I believe…if you count the two inside the house. Maybe 15. I fucking love it.

    So you spent Christmas hangin’ with your gnomies?

  61. 61.

    TheFountainHead

    December 26, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    I have heard that Guitar Hero is the latest in addictions. For me it’s any RPG, right now I am devouring the expansion to Neverwinter Nights 2 and am contemplating dipping my toe into the realm of Guild Wars.

    Ironically, I have never played Guitar Hero (I’m not a twitch muscle player) but WoW is my game of choice. Guild Wars is the poor man’s version of WoW in my opinion, but I stopped playing after i realized I couldn’t make my character jump. Still, the fact that so many gamers are growing up and NOT phasing out their love for gaming makes me glad.

  62. 62.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    This year we’re trying Back to the Future. We only watched the first movie yesterday, but that’s just because family visited us this year.

    The first one is great, the 2nd one bad and the 3rd is worse, even though ZZ Top is in it.

  63. 63.

    bobbob

    December 26, 2007 at 1:19 pm

    I got a pair of shoes that don’t fit, two DVDs I already have and the soundtrack from “I’m Not There” that did not have the CD holder in the case (the CDs were just rattling around in there).

  64. 64.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 1:25 pm

    My best friend and I had a tradition of finding the absolute worst gifts for each other.

    It started when he was complaining about how bad the movie Anaconda was, so that Christmas, I bought it for him. The look on his face when he opened it was priceless.

    He got revenge the next year with a singing fish.

    Unfortunately, I lost him a few years ago. I still have the fish though.

  65. 65.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:28 pm

    TheFountainHead Says:

    Ironically, I have never played Guitar Hero (I’m not a twitch muscle player) but WoW is my game of choice. Guild Wars is the poor man’s version of WoW in my opinion, but I stopped playing after i realized I couldn’t make my character jump. Still, the fact that so many gamers are growing up and NOT phasing out their love for gaming makes me glad.

    I actually am more attracted to guild wars because I don’t have to pay a subscription fee to play a game I already bought. I agree that it is nice to see gamers not giving up the games. I know my ex always hoped I’d somehow “grow out of it” and I used to feel guilty that I liked gaming because I was supposed to be an adult and blah-blah-blah. Well not anymore and it’s nice to see others doing the same.

  66. 66.

    TheFountainHead

    December 26, 2007 at 1:35 pm

    Well, there’s that and you can’t play Guild Wars on a Mac. :(

  67. 67.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:45 pm

    Speaking of Guitar Hero

  68. 68.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:47 pm

    TheFountainHead Says:

    Well, there’s that and you can’t play Guild Wars on a Mac.

    And all I can say is…heh.

  69. 69.

    Cyrus

    December 26, 2007 at 1:48 pm

    myiq2xu Says:

    This year we’re trying Back to the Future. We only watched the first movie yesterday, but that’s just because family visited us this year.

    The first one is great, the 2nd one bad and the 3rd is worse, even though ZZ Top is in it.

    What are you talking about? They’re all great.

  70. 70.

    chopper

    December 26, 2007 at 1:51 pm

    Worst: A coffee maker (I hate coffee)

    you, sir, are a communist.

  71. 71.

    Billy K

    December 26, 2007 at 1:53 pm

    I got a pint glass (w/ Cowboys logo) and what is supposed to be a wool iPod case. It’s pretty funny, but useless. I’m not sure which of my two gifts is the best and which is the worst.

    I’m seriously doing something wrong, as I gave lots, received little. Not that I *need* or *want* anything, just wondering where all my karma went.

  72. 72.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:53 pm

    chopper Says:

    Worst: A coffee maker (I hate coffee)

    you, sir, are a communist.

    And a terrorist sympathizer most likely, even LIEBRALS like coffee..

  73. 73.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 1:56 pm

    Billy K Says:

    I got a pint glass (w/ Cowboys logo) and what is supposed to be a wool iPod case. It’s pretty funny, but useless. I’m not sure which of my two gifts is the best and which is the worst.

    I’m seriously doing something wrong, as I gave lots, received little. Not that I need or want anything, just wondering where all my karma went.

    at least you didn’t get a blivit…

  74. 74.

    Demdude

    December 26, 2007 at 1:58 pm

    Worst Gifts:

    1.) Box of tea. ( I hate tea and it was Lipton’s. What did that cost, $1.00?)
    2.) My sister handed me $10. No card, nothing.

    I gave #1 a sweater and #2 a spa day. Next year, a lump of coal bitches.

  75. 75.

    Billy K

    December 26, 2007 at 2:06 pm

    2.) My sister handed me $10. No card, nothing.

    Well, I think cash is better than a gift card. I’m so sick of gift cards. They’re just a cop out, yet they lock you into that person’s idea of where you should spend your money. I say just give cash if you don’t give a frack, but guilt drives you to do something.

  76. 76.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 2:09 pm

    My folks asked me what I wanted, I told them money (saving to get a new place) and they sent me a check, best gift I have received next to my rotisserie in a long time.

  77. 77.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    Demdude Says:

    Worst Gifts:

    1.) Box of tea. ( I hate tea and it was Lipton’s. What did that cost, $1.00?)
    2.) My sister handed me $10. No card, nothing.

    I gave #1 a sweater and #2 a spa day. Next year, a lump of coal bitches.

    well, ya know, a sweater is a pretty sucky gift LOL. I got one of those from my grandmother for xmas once, she made it for me, I hated it. I have a picture of me with a big forced grin on my face wearing it because I loathed it but had to make grandma happy. Then there was the year that, I shit you not, she bought me a pair of dress socks…

  78. 78.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    Oh add to that the year my one uncle gave me a “best of” Simon and Garfunkel tape which went oh so well tucked in with Ozzy, Megadeth, Metallica, Pantera, etc.

  79. 79.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 2:13 pm

    Well, I think cash is better than a gift card. I’m so sick of gift cards. They’re just a cop out, yet they lock you into that person’s idea of where you should spend your money.

    California has a law that takes effect next week that will require retailers to give you a refund on any gift card balance under $10

    I got a $25 Circuit City gift card a few years back, and if you read the back it said after you use it the first time, there is a $2 per month service charge on any remaining balance.

    I bought a new DVD for $19.99 which was $21+ with tax.

    Circuit City ended up with the rest.

  80. 80.

    Billy K

    December 26, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    Then there was the year that, I shit you not, she bought me a pair of dress socks…

    Funny how this entire generation of Americans believes you should buy practical gifts for Christmas. I blame the Depression. I wonder if Boomers, in their grandparent years, will continue buying practical gifts, or continue the trend since the Depression of buying frivolous gifts for Christmas.

    tucked in with Ozzy, Megadeth, Metallica, Pantera, etc.

    Now I see the problem… ;)

  81. 81.

    Billy K

    December 26, 2007 at 2:19 pm

    California has a law that takes effect next week that will require retailers to give you a refund on any gift card balance under $10

    I read “California…law” and prepared to be ashamed of Left Coast Liberalism, but this makes sense. I wonder if retailers will be so keen on GCs after this law washes over the entire country.

    I work for a “major retailer,” and they absolutely LOVE gift card sales. It’s a major emphasis year-round.

  82. 82.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 2:32 pm

    Billy K Says:

    Then there was the year that, I shit you not, she bought me a pair of dress socks…

    Funny how this entire generation of Americans believes you should buy practical gifts for Christmas. I blame the Depression. I wonder if Boomers, in their grandparent years, will continue buying practical gifts, or continue the trend since the Depression of buying frivolous gifts for Christmas.

    tucked in with Ozzy, Megadeth, Metallica, Pantera, etc.

    Now I see the problem…

    Yeah, problem was my uncle had no taste in music whatsoever but was trying to be “hip” and “cool”, mind you he had been the Momma’s boy living with my grand mother well into adulthood.

    I don’t mind practical gifts but I was a little kid, I wanted toys for christmas (this was before the metal years) and going to my grandmothers for christmas was one of the last things I wanted to do, for just this reason. I know it defeats the meaning of christmas and blah-blah blah but I was a little kid and it was PRESENTS! It wasn’t just christmas either, it was the same for birthdays.

  83. 83.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 2:34 pm

    Billy K Says:

    California has a law that takes effect next week that will require retailers to give you a refund on any gift card balance under $10

    I read “California…law” and prepared to be ashamed of Left Coast Liberalism, but this makes sense. I wonder if retailers will be so keen on GCs after this law washes over the entire country.

    Yeah, I’m a californian and I shudder at times when California and Law are in the same sentence, but credit where it is due. California is pretty good about protecting consumers from getting screwed…that is consumers not looking to buy homes and getting subprime loans but…hey…that’s splitting hairs.

  84. 84.

    Doubting Thomas

    December 26, 2007 at 2:53 pm

    I sure hope I never gave anyone on this thread a Christmas gift, or my name is mud right about now!

    Since when does a box of candy mean you don’t care? I mean, come on, See’s Candy is among the finest creations to ever grace this earth.

    And diabetics are all commie-pinkos anyway…

    I went the TZ route this year (and last). Believe me, it is so nice to spend the holidays stress-free and even better to end the year debt-free! The few gifts I did get for family were (sorry miq2) boxes of See’s candy. They actually enjoyed those. More importantly, we enjoyed a wonderful meal reminiscing about old and new times. The very best gift of all!

  85. 85.

    The Other Steve

    December 26, 2007 at 2:58 pm

    Oh add to that the year my one uncle gave me a “best of” Simon and Garfunkel tape which went oh so well tucked in with Ozzy, Megadeth, Metallica, Pantera, etc.

    I must have an electic taste of music, as the Simon & Garfunkel would go well next to my Guns & Roses, Metallica, Lynrd Skynrd, Vivaldi, Dave Brubeck, Journey, and Tori Amos cds. I think my newest cds were from White Stripes, John Mayer, and KT Tunstall, which I’m sure all makes me predictably bourgeois.

  86. 86.

    Chuck Butcher

    December 26, 2007 at 2:58 pm

    Best: Evolution helicopter
    Worst: Evolution helicopter

    Controler was broken in the packaging – probably in China at packaging, 3/4 hr of mechanics ability fixed that Xmas morn. Rotors don’t reliably sychronize causing spinning helicoptor, hit expensive piece of furniture & chipped off finish. Battery lasts at most 3 min/15 min charge time.

    It is cool to fly when it works right…

    Neither boy could make it home for Xmas, wife bummed, but the big guy was here, as always. He does not like the helicopter. I haven’t been working much lately, he’s bored from not going to work on the job sites.

  87. 87.

    The Other Steve

    December 26, 2007 at 3:02 pm

    California has a law that takes effect next week that will require retailers to give you a refund on any gift card balance under $10

    I got a $25 Circuit City gift card a few years back, and if you read the back it said after you use it the first time, there is a $2 per month service charge on any remaining balance.

    and Minnesota just passed a new law last year that said gift cards can’t have service charges or expiration dates. Although I think if you don’t use the card for two years, they can then start charging a fee.

  88. 88.

    The Other Steve

    December 26, 2007 at 3:09 pm

    And my best gift, was the one I helped by myself.

    A North Face parka, that we found on clearance for 60% off because it was last year’s model. Nothing like a jacket artic explorers wear to go shovel or walk the dog with.

    I may need to trade in our dachshund for a siberian husky and a sled. :-)

  89. 89.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 3:09 pm

    Actually, the best present I got this year is one I haven’t gotten yet. One of my siblings travels an inordinate amount for business, and makes a point of going into a market in a poor section of someplace and buying me something from a local artisan every year.

    This year, he went into a market in one of the townships near Capetown, S.A. to buy my present.

    Cheapest present I’ll get — ignoring the shipping and handling — but the best one I’ll get, by a long mark.

  90. 90.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 3:10 pm

    The Other Steve Says:

    I must have an electic taste of music, as the Simon & Garfunkel would go well next to my Guns & Roses, Metallica, Lynrd Skynrd, Vivaldi, Dave Brubeck, Journey, and Tori Amos cds. I think my newest cds were from White Stripes, John Mayer, and KT Tunstall, which I’m sure all makes me predictably bourgeois.

    I have eclectic tastes but I rarely touch anything pre-1980. I was never big on the folk rock stuff (even if I do like the Kingston Trio) anyway. I grew up listening to hard rock and metal, got into New Wave after the wave, and now most stuff I listen to can’t be purchased in a regular music store and I have to order it online.

  91. 91.

    The Other Steve

    December 26, 2007 at 3:13 pm

    1.) Box of tea. ( I hate tea and it was Lipton’s. What did that cost, $1.00?)

    We were surprised to find Celestial Seasonings, otherwise known for herbal crap actually makes a wonderful English Breakfast and Earl Grey.

    But Lipton makes nothing that is good.

  92. 92.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 3:22 pm

    Nothing like a jacket artic explorers wear to go shovel or walk the dog with.

    You shovel your dog?

  93. 93.

    Cyrus

    December 26, 2007 at 3:30 pm

    Dreggas Says:
    Yeah, I’m a californian and I shudder at times when California and Law are in the same sentence, but credit where it is due. California is pretty good about protecting consumers from getting screwed…that is consumers not looking to buy homes and getting subprime loans but…hey…that’s splitting hairs.

    I don’t know, the California and Minnesota gift certificate regulations look pretty dumb. Harmless, sure, so it’s no big deal, but what’s the point? The problems with gift certificates prevented by these laws don’t seem too onerous. Maybe this sounds like free market triumphalism, but it really isn’t like anyone is required to buy gift certificates. Lots of other products have time limits on their use. With gift certificates there’s no good reason for it, unlike milk or plane tickets, but still. And when the value of a gift certificate leaves a remainder after your main purchase, there’s no reason you can’t buy some small extra thing. Sure, it might be just a gadget you don’t really need, but isn’t that true of a lot of presents?

  94. 94.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 3:31 pm

    “Our most basic civil liberty is the right to be kept alive” — Mitt Romney

    “Give me liberty, or give me death” — Patrick Henry

    I guess GOP stands for Gang of Pussies

  95. 95.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 3:36 pm

    myiq2xu Says:

    “Our most basic civil liberty is the right to be kept alive so that we can be sent off to fight in some desert unless of course we’re rich, then we just send others to do it.”—Mitt Romney

    Ya know,

  96. 96.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 3:37 pm

    I meant to finish that with “Fixed”.

  97. 97.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 3:39 pm

    I don’t know, the California and Minnesota gift certificate regulations look pretty dumb. Harmless, sure, so it’s no big deal, but what’s the point? The problems with gift certificates prevented by these laws don’t seem too onerous. Maybe this sounds like free market triumphalism, but it really isn’t like anyone is required to buy gift certificates. Lots of other products have time limits on their use. With gift certificates there’s no good reason for it, unlike milk or plane tickets, but still. And when the value of a gift certificate leaves a remainder after your main purchase, there’s no reason you can’t buy some small extra thing. Sure, it might be just a gadget you don’t really need, but isn’t that true of a lot of presents?

    Let’s see, I can buy something I don’t want or need, or I can simply give the money away.

    Look at it another way – A gift card is, in effect, an interest free loan TO the retailer. They can bank the money and let it draw interest. For a big retailer, that could be a multi-million dollar loan, albiet a short-term one.

    What are their costs? Essentially none once the card itself has been purchased. So why are they allowed to charge me a “service fee?” What service are they performing?

    They are charging ME a fee for loaning THEM money!

  98. 98.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 3:42 pm

    “Never play cards with a man called Doc. Never eat at a place called Mom’s. Never sleep with a woman whose troubles are worse than your own.” — Nelson Algren, via Walter Shapiro

  99. 99.

    myiq2xu

    December 26, 2007 at 3:46 pm

    Oooh! Oooh! Best gift of the year!

    The “Bush Countdown Clock”

    I want it I want it iwant it I want it I want it iwant it I want it I want it iwant it I want it I want it iwant it I want it I want it iwant it I want it I want it iwant it!

  100. 100.

    ding7777

    December 26, 2007 at 4:06 pm

    The worst gifts are the ones I gave.

    An official STEELERs ring from, Danbury mint with a guaranteed XMAS delivery, was notified Dec 23 that it will not ship until early February.

    An AMEX gift card. My friend, after hinting she didn’t know where or how to use it, jumped at the chance of my offer to give her the cash instead. What a waste of the activation fee!

  101. 101.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 4:11 pm

    Wow, this is just hilarious

  102. 102.

    Cain

    December 26, 2007 at 4:20 pm

    I have heard that Guitar Hero is the latest in addictions. For me it’s any RPG, right now I am devouring the expansion to Neverwinter Nights 2 and am contemplating dipping my toe into the realm of Guild Wars.

    heh. nice subtle joke. You’re literally devouring spirits in that game. I bought that game too a couple of weeks ago. Not too bad, but I can’t get into the story as well as I did in NWN2. I also need to stop cheating. :-)

    cain

  103. 103.

    Dreggas

    December 26, 2007 at 4:28 pm

    Cain Says:

    I have heard that Guitar Hero is the latest in addictions. For me it’s any RPG, right now I am devouring the expansion to Neverwinter Nights 2 and am contemplating dipping my toe into the realm of Guild Wars.

    heh. nice subtle joke. You’re literally devouring spirits in that game. I bought that game too a couple of weeks ago. Not too bad, but I can’t get into the story as well as I did in NWN2. I also need to stop cheating.

    cain

    I haven’t gotten to the expansion, yet, playing through with a new char and I doubt he’ll become a soul devourer given he is an NG cleric/war priest of Torm. However I will be doing a replay with an evil guy just because I haven’t yet.

  104. 104.

    Cain

    December 26, 2007 at 4:31 pm

    I actually didn’t get any gifts, but my wife did. I’m still saving up for a 24″ monitor so I can see you guys in higher resolution.

    Best Gift: a hand knit woolen afghan

    Worst gift: I don’t really have one as we bought the gifts together.

    The afghan was just.. gorgeous. My wife didn’t have anything that would measure up. Ended up making german chocolate cake, presents and dinner just to match it. Heh.

    If you want to gift to someone who has everything it’s usually get something you either make with your hands or is very specific to that person. I bought a gift where I had soup bowls made with the pictures of our cats on it from a local potter. Support local business and get a good gift. Score!

    cain

    cain

  105. 105.

    Cyrus

    December 26, 2007 at 4:48 pm

    Let’s see, I can buy something I don’t want or need, or I can simply give the money away.

    And putting someone in this position should be illegal now?

    They are charging ME a fee for loaning THEM money!

    So don’t buy gift certificates. If you get them as a gift, spend them ASAP.

  106. 106.

    RSA

    December 26, 2007 at 4:52 pm

    Handmade gifts are special. My wife gives away Christmas presents that some recipients tend to treasure: handwoven towels and table runners; needlepoint, hardanger, and other kinds of embroidery; handmade cards that sometimes get framed and hung on the wall, that sort of stuff. A few years ago she made Tiffany glass kaleidoscopes that were a big hit with friends. They’re not for everyone, for for the right person. . .

  107. 107.

    montysano

    December 26, 2007 at 5:06 pm

    I got the “Fruit Tree” box set: Nick Drake’s 3 albums on audiophile vinyl, plus a bio DVD. Also: “Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride”, about dear, sorely-missed Hunter S. Thompson.

    Got my family well trained………….

  108. 108.

    Zifnab

    December 26, 2007 at 5:11 pm

    Ok, I don’t know about the best gift I got, but I can tell you the best gift I want.

    Full Sized Remote Control Car

  109. 109.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 5:15 pm

    The objection to gift cards is that they are essentially fraudulently sold. If I buy a 25 dollar gift card, I expect th recipient to get 25 dollars worth of value from it, just as the store indicates he or she will. Unfortunately, that is kind of hard if there’s no way to spend the last 10 bucks on the card, or, worse, if the retailer charges a service fee for collecting interest on the money I loaned it on my friend’s behalf.

    This kind of “marginal exploitation” is the classic example of something which requires regulation without elimination.

  110. 110.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 5:17 pm

    Yeah, but the top gear guys aren’t real fond of the G-Wiz. Can’t say I blame them — using it as a full size RC trash can seems like a good choice.

  111. 111.

    Andy K

    December 26, 2007 at 5:23 pm

    Best: Tickets to see the touring company of “Spamalot” with my kid(and we each got $30 gift certificates for dinner that night, too). May 24th can’t come soon enough!

    Worst: There’s no such thing. Even the socks and underwear are okay by me. Mom gives ’em to me every year- and I use them.

  112. 112.

    Zifnab

    December 26, 2007 at 5:43 pm

    Yeah, but the top gear guys aren’t real fond of the G-Wiz. Can’t say I blame them—using it as a full size RC trash can seems like a good choice.

    I think they just have a visceral dislike for small cars that don’t have more than 400 horsepower.

    Best: Tickets to see the touring company of “Spamalot” with my kid(and we each got $30 gift certificates for dinner that night, too). May 24th can’t come soon enough!

    Haha, I got those last year for Christmas.

  113. 113.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 5:51 pm

    I think they just have a visceral dislike for small cars that don’t have more than 400 horsepower.

    I have a visceral distaste for cars which crumple when they hit a dining table on its side.

    Funny thing, I know, but I kind of like my viscera, and I particularly like them in the same topological configuration wrt my epidermis in which they currently lie.

  114. 114.

    canuckistani

    December 26, 2007 at 5:58 pm

    Best – my daughter printed out a bunch of guitar music for me that she had found on the internet – no cost, but a lot of thought
    Worst – my Mother-in-law gave me a library book one year.

  115. 115.

    w vincentz

    December 26, 2007 at 6:05 pm

    Sounds like you all got some great stuff. I did too.
    For sure they “came from the heart”.
    Grandma gave me her toenail clippings she’d saved for a WHOLE year in a little match box.
    Cousin Miranda gave me one beautiful silver looking earring, for a pierced ear. She said she made it from a paper clip. Now that’s a creative girl! (I don’t have a pierced ear).
    Brother gave me what I initially thought was a big empty box… turns out it’s really a very cool “air guitar”. Silly me, now I have to practice!
    Now, my gifts to them…
    Since Grandma and Miranda are both into organic gardening, I gave them each a special gift wrapped box of fertilizer, their favorite, rotted horse manure.
    Brother got a day pass to the San Francisco Zoo and some bacon scented oil to rub on himself should he get anywhere near a Siberian tiger.
    And for that slut of a girlfriend of mine, Daisy Mae…I gave her back the clap that she gave me last year. All’s fair….it’s the thought that counts!

  116. 116.

    Johnny Pez

    December 26, 2007 at 6:15 pm

    These days I find myself thinking that Poppy wasn’t so bad after all.

    That’s why they’re going to nominate Poppy when the GOP convention deadlocks next year. Mark my words.

    Oh yeah, best gift: America (the book)

  117. 117.

    Cyrus

    December 26, 2007 at 6:17 pm

    The objection to gift cards is that they are essentially fraudulently sold. If I buy a 25 dollar gift card, I expect th recipient to get 25 dollars worth of value from it, just as the store indicates he or she will. Unfortunately, that is kind of hard if there’s no way to spend the last 10 bucks on the card, or, worse, if the retailer charges a service fee for collecting interest on the money I loaned it on my friend’s behalf.

    Fair enough. I usually wind up spending gift certificates relatively soon after getting them and buying slightly more than the value of a gift certificate and making up the different out of pocket. I get gift certificates to chain bookstores, so even though my reading has diminished in recent years I can still get my money’s worth in DVDs. But I guess that last $10 would be a much bigger problem if the certificate is for a store I wouldn’t shop at on my own.

  118. 118.

    Tax Analyst

    December 26, 2007 at 6:35 pm

    ThymeZone Says:

    Best gift ever: An agreement to stop doing gift exchanges for xmas.

    No shopping, no wrapping, no exchanging, no disappointments, no hassle. No wasted money, no credit card bills in February, no mess to clean up.

    I’m with ya’ on that, man. Many, many, many years ago my brothers and I agreed that we would exchange “glances” for all gift-giving occasions. And so we did…worked out really well, too. The only family member we bought stuff for was our step-mother…Dad would drop a “hint” as to what strange, demented thing she might crave and we’d dutifully pick one up and she’d act surprised. Whatever, it kept peace in valley. Otherwise we were “thoughtless kids”, which was never, ever true – we had LOTS and LOTS of thoughts, most of which we dared not share with her.

  119. 119.

    chatterbox

    December 26, 2007 at 7:05 pm

    Well, my baby boy is nine months old and the best present I could have. His aunts, uncles, and grandmother got him five or six presents each, so we decided not to get him anything (we don’t have enough room in our house for all his toys…). My mom was funny because she kept complaining about him having too many toys all the while she kept buying him more toys.

    Best: hard to pick. My brother got me the flip camcorder (love it). My wife got me an iPod Nano and matching Clinton Portis jerseys for me and my boy! She gave them to us early so we could wear them this past Sunday while the Skins whipped up on the Vikings.

    That was all I got–and it was plenty–so there was no worst gift.

    I got my wife the PDA phone she has been wanting for months. Not the iPhone, but I can’t complain about her taste too much–she married me after all.

  120. 120.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 7:17 pm

    Not the iPhone, -but- so I can’t complain about her taste too much

    Fixed for ya.

  121. 121.

    srv

    December 26, 2007 at 7:24 pm

    These days I find myself thinking that Poppy wasn’t so bad after all.

    – Just a thousand or so innocents dead in Panama.
    – Sat on his hands as Yugoslavia disintegrated, did nothing to update the NATO charter or encourage creation of a European force to handle what any freshman Foreign Policy student knew was coming.
    – Punted Somalia to Clinton
    – Punted Iraq to Clinton
    – Encouraged the “people” of Iraq to step up and dipose Saddam and then when they got the context wrong and tried to, the Hinds gattling guns gave them the context.
    – Left 15000 recruiting posters in Saudi for Osama
    – Started sanctions on a dictator, when his own SecDef wouldn’t do sanctions on South Africa. Single best decision for wiping out the Iraqi middle class and forever dooming “Iraq”.

    I always knew his son would fail harder, poppi set such a low bar for him.

  122. 122.

    demimondian

    December 26, 2007 at 7:35 pm

    Jeebus. I actually agree with srv about something. That’s pretty bad. Sure you don’t want to change you opinion, dude?

    That said, I think he did a good job of keeping the worst of the rhetoric in line during the disintegration of the Soviet Union, making German reunification a much easier goal to achieve.

  123. 123.

    Asti

    December 26, 2007 at 8:56 pm

    Why not ask what everyone GAVE instead of what they GOT? Is Christmas only about what people GOT? Whatever happened to “it’s better to give than to receive?”… I think that concept is dead now.

  124. 124.

    The Other Steve

    December 26, 2007 at 9:38 pm

    They are charging ME a fee for loaning THEM money!

    Yes, and you should feel happy about it, because you are helping Capitalism! You owe your money to corporations, and they ought not have to provide you anything of value in return. That is the RepublicanAmerican way.

    Think of all the jobs you are creating by exchanging something for nothing!

  125. 125.

    The Other Steve

    December 26, 2007 at 9:40 pm

    Why not ask what everyone GAVE instead of what they GOT? Is Christmas only about what people GOT? Whatever happened to “it’s better to give than to receive?”… I think that concept is dead now.

    I gave Ratatoiey DVD, Pursuit of Happiness DVD, a meat thermometer, two fleece blankets, and a bunch of misc cds and such people asked for.

    We exchange lists, so we don’t have to think about it.

  126. 126.

    Geoduck

    December 27, 2007 at 12:12 am

    I’ll put in another qualified vote for getting candy. I wouldn’t want to be deluged with piles of the stuff, but one box of high-quality chocolates is nice around the holidays. If only to remind you what actual chocolate tastes like, compared to the crap you can buy in the supermarket.

    On the giving side, I make cookies for most of my relatives these days. The trick is to find out in advance what kind each recipient likes.

  127. 127.

    Krista

    December 27, 2007 at 12:26 am

    Why not ask what everyone GAVE instead of what they GOT? Is Christmas only about what people GOT? Whatever happened to “it’s better to give than to receive?”… I think that concept is dead now.

    I actually had a lot more fun thinking about what people might want, rather than thinking about what I’d want. My mom adores anything sparkly, and she adores shoes. I got her some nifty beaded slippers from Chinatown — they weren’t expensive, but they were just very “her”. It seemed to go over well — she put them on right away and wore them the entire time I was home. It’s tough to buy stuff that makes the nephews go “wow” though — especially on a budget that does not really allow for electronic stuff.

  128. 128.

    Anne Laurie

    December 27, 2007 at 5:05 am

    Krista: Offbeat construction kits & games — Knex & domino race tracks & such — are pretty good entertainment value, even for teenagers who profess to be Too Old for such toys. Especially when the adults sneak out on clearing the table after dinner so they can complete the Most Perfect Robot/Ferris Wheel/Tie-Fighter before somebody else steals the good connectors. Museum gift shops are great resources. Or buy the biggest box of professional-quality art pencils or markers you can afford, or a book on juggling complete with funky “balls”. As long as the nephews understand that you’re not cheap, you’re just poor, they’ll usually cut you a lot more slack than they will their parents!

  129. 129.

    tess

    December 27, 2007 at 10:12 am

    My mother has been redistributing items that belonged to my grandmother for the past few Christmases–nothing too big, usually. I have lots of ladies’ lunch linen napkins and card table tablecloths now, which she embroidered or made herself, which is nice and makes me try to find ways to use them.

    But this year, I received my great-grandmother’s pocket watch. It doesn’t work, but is lovely and small (as I’m told my great-grandmother was), and has this absolutely perfect weight in the palm of your hand that makes you not want to put it down. It’s also etched with a lovely village scene on one side. I have no idea if she brought it with her from France or bought it in NY, but it’s at least 107 years old and just a wonderful surprise.

    I also received another GB of RAM in my stocking! My husband knows my heart. :-)

  130. 130.

    kim

    December 27, 2007 at 2:22 pm

    The worst gift I GAVE was Guitar Hero II, because now my teenager is playing with it 24/7, and I’ve had a headache for 3 days!Plus, I really stink at it and she made fun of me because of it.

    Best gift I GAVE was a new robe for my husband. He didn’t like it that much but at least he’ll have to throw out the old one which is 20 years old and very smelly!

    Best gifts received— New desk chair for my office— other one fell apart when I sat in it. Worst gift—- a lavender soap set that I’m allergic to.

  131. 131.

    Jess

    December 27, 2007 at 6:20 pm

    Oooh! Oooh! Best gift of the year!

    The “Bush Countdown Clock”

    I hear it runs too slow.

    Best gift: from my eccentric sister, a luna moth in a display box. It’s gorgeous–I love it!

    Worst: More silly socks from mom. One pair is cute, but five is OTT. But she said we could exchange them for something more practical. I’ll keep the ones with woodpeckers on them.

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