10 Comments
User's avatar
Blashswanski's avatar

I really thought you were going to end by suggesting the gift of a subscription to Small Potatoes: a special version of an every day thing.

Diana van Eyk's avatar

Great advice for this season. Thanks, Paul.

Matt Ball's avatar

What is the best corkscrew these days?

(Serious question.)

Spartacus's avatar

I recommend getting a nice wine key. They last forever and easily remove corks once you know how to use them. All other types are gimmicky, don't work well, or don't last.

Mike Mills's avatar

I always have a hard time getting gifts for my family. My dad gets the things he wants and my mom seems always busy at work. It's good to be reminded that gifts don't have to be over the top to be good.

Artep's avatar

Sorry, I know the advice is well meant and all, but we need to stop buying stuff we don’t need. This Christmas, have some food with the family, play some games, go for a walk, go for church, have a big blazing family argument. NO MORE STUFF!!!!

Unobserved Observer's avatar

This is another reason why buying an everyday item as a gift is better. It's not just more stuff, it's a better version of the stuff we'd have around anyway.

Artep's avatar

This is true. However, the more I despair at the mere idea of being a consumer, the less I even want to replace everyday stuff. One can actually do very well with very little. If I do have to give something, it’s secondhand or food/drink.

Artep's avatar

It is hard for me because I am naturally a generous if not to say extravagant person. But I feel the main recipient of my generosity and thoughtfulness has to be the good old Earth now. Christmas Schristmas!

The giving of gifts for no reason other than tradition is one that needs to stop. Even if they are ‘everyday’ items, they aren’t strictly necessary. And necessary & no more is what we need to get used to.

Sorry about the lecturey tone. I am not getting at you, more at myself!