Daily Dirt: Welcome, December … there’s ‘Something About You’

Daily Dirt for Dec. 2, 2021
We’re always here to help, especially at holiday time … welcome to Vol. 145 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts.

1. It’s that time. Most of us are entering the homestretch of our holiday shopping for family and friends, and the later it gets the more likely we are to put less thought into gifts.

Just call this a primer for what not to get Uncle Ed, Aunt Jackie, your neighbors or a best friend at work. You’ll thank me later. Believe me.

• Gold medal: generic chocolates: Either fork out a few extra bucks for the good stuff or don’t bother. It’s not rocket science. Don’t buy a food item for someone if you wouldn’t want to eat it yourself.
• Silver medal, cheap perfume or after-shave kits: Most adults have their on preferred “scents,” so don’t waste your money on a cheap combo box at the checkout and try to pass it off as a thoughtful gift.
• Bronze medal, socks: Is there anything more disappointing than opening up a present and finding a pair of socks? (Well, the generic chocolates are pretty sad, too.)

2. On the other hand, the following gift ideas could score some big-time points with friends and/or relatives:

• Gold medal, a streaming service: Something like Netflix would be a great present. It’s not only a gift of (home) entertainment, it is something mom and dad and/or the kids could all enjoy.
• Silver medal, air fryer: These things are marvelous. We use ours all of the time, and by “we” I mean my wife, Kathy. The stuff that comes out of her air fryer is incredible — and does not include any of the unhealthy oils.
• Bronze medal, travel vouchers: These are a great option that can help friends or family finally be able to take a destination vacation. And for the heck of it, throw in a box of generic chocolates.

3. Best advertising slogans for December? Try these:

• “What happens under the mistletoe stays under the mistletoe.”
• “Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.”
• “Is it too late to be good?”

Steve Fact O’ The Day
Steve has never given a pair of socks as a present.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Socks as gifts? No. Underwear as a gift? Sure.