Friday, December 18, 2015

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Thought for the day:  Very often, what an older person most wants from you isn't your presents... it's your presence. Your time. Your ear. Your caring. Nothing is more precious than a friendly visit.
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Christmas is only a week away, so hopefully, you've gotten most of your shopping done by now. I meant what I said in the thought for the day, but if you want an idea for something you can actually put into a box and wrap for an elderly person on your list, how about a selection of various greeting cards? Birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy, that sort of thing. With stamps to go along with them. Maybe a pen and some writing paper, too. When I gave that to a neighbor a couple years ago, she said it was her best gift ever. (Along with my scintillating company, of course...)

 Now then, let's get a little silly. How about some ideas for that hard-to-shop-for man in your life?



What man doesn't like bacon??? What could be sexier than a bacon strip shower curtain...? (Not MY fault if your dog eats the curtain.)








What macho man wouldn't like to belly up to the bar on these beer keg stools?












How about this? A genuine Darth Vader refrigerator. The father of all gifts...









Your guy more of a farmer than a Star Wars fan? How's about a John Deere fridge? You could even stock it with his favorite beverages. Or bacon.



For car guys like Smarticus, how about this special-made engine coffee table? For guys who like to, um, ride their sofas, too... vroom, vroom!






The ideal gift for the gung-ho prepper or escapist in your life.  














For the gun enthusiast...









Yet another for the guy who appreciates firepower. And light.









For the man who has an arsenal of guns, but no place to keep them? Nothing says I love you like a walk-in gun safe.








For the guy who's, um... going places? Or maybe he just likes to spin his wheels...




For the handyman, knives with a... twist. (Never can tell when he might be cutting up his steak and suddenly have the need to use a socket wrench...)








What handyman wouldn't love to get his grubby hands in a sink that looked like this? (Tools not included.)






If your guy wears himself out, maybe wrenches his poor back doing all of those items on your honey-do list, what better place for him to relax than on a sofa beside this one-of-a-kind coffee table?








Then again, maybe he doesn't need an elaborate present at all. Maybe all he really needs is... you.

















                                        Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.


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68 comments:

  1. JonDecember 18, 2015 at 1:12 AM

    All of these gifts would be immensely popular here in redneck country. Since I'm not redneck-inclined - - and since much of my machoism is a sham, I'd prefer season tickets to the Metropolitan Opera.
    (I hear gasps of horror).

    BUT
    I am intrigued by the pistol grip doorknobs, the secret passage escape hatch, and the bathroom sink tool chest.

    Spell Check informed me that "machoism" isn't a real word. I disagree.....

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 8:53 AM

      Yeah, those gifts would be popular in this neck of the woods, too. Wow! Season tickets to the opera. That WOULD be awesome. Not something Smarticus would appreciate, but I would! (Or to the theater, or the symphony...) We're going to the theater tomorrow as a late birthday gift. (It was really hard to get tickets!) Gonna see "Christmas Canteen", a musical about a WWII USO show. We saw it the first year it was staged, but that's been twenty years ago, and each year, it's changed a little. Looking forward to it!

      Machosim SHOULD be a word. What does spellcheck know...?

      Delete
  2. AnonymousDecember 18, 2015 at 1:33 AM

    Those pistol grip doorknobs are scary!!

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  3. Heather R. HoldenDecember 18, 2015 at 3:21 AM

    LOL, those gift ideas are certainly unique! All of my holiday shopping has been completed already, thankfully. Hope you have a fantastic Christmas!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 9:37 AM

      Good for you! I'm ALMOST finished, and hope to be done with it and the wrapping by later today.

      You have a wonderful Christmas, too!

      Delete
  4. Elephant's ChildDecember 18, 2015 at 3:48 AM

    Love your bucket list.
    Quite a lot of the 'gifts' on this list make me cringe.
    I hope you and Smarticus have a love and laughter filled day. And am confident you will.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 9:40 AM

      I like that bucket list, too. That, in itself, would have made for a good post.

      You and your hubby have the same. It's what we make it, right? Here's to a super weekend.

      Delete
  5. JODecember 18, 2015 at 4:52 AM

    From across the pond - we don't get the gun thing. But I do know someone who would go for a fridge-full of beer!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 9:47 AM

      I think MOST men would go for that fridge filled with beer, no matter which side of the pond they're on.

      Delete
  6. Hilary Melton-ButcherDecember 18, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    Hi Susan - I know my brother's been complaining his wife isn't making angels on horseback for a party they're having at the weekend ... me I announced to SIL that - funny that .. they're getting those on Christmas Eve .... bacon wrapped around prunes and baked crispy ... delicious.

    What fun items though ... I think I'll keep to the List - and that hug-a-boo ... so so important ...

    Have fun and lots of hilarity .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 9:53 AM

      Your angels on horseback are a wee bit different than the ones I make... they're bacon wrapped around oysters. (Funny that they have the same name, isn't it?)

      Lots of fun and hilary-arity right back atcha. Cheers!

      Delete
  7. GiaDecember 18, 2015 at 7:29 AM

    What about one of those game of thrones replica thrones?!? Totally belongs on the list.

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  8. Pat HattDecember 18, 2015 at 8:54 AM

    I'd take the underground bunker, that would be fun. I've given my grandmother all kinds of weird things, a doll with her face on it, emergency underwear in a little package that fits in her purse and even r rated calendars for a thrill lmao.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 10:05 AM

      I love it! You and your grandmother must have a very special relationship.

      Delete
  9. Yolanda RenéeDecember 18, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    The bucket list was beautiful! I gave my hubby a list that included tablets, pens, paper, and calendars. I'm easy. LOL but so true that cards and postage is important for the elderly. Still a visit means so much more. All great ideas for the man in your life, some I'm so glad you explained though. :)
    Got to go and get my warp on!
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 10:53 AM

      I try to be easy by listing only a couple things, but Smarticus always goes way above and beyond, no matter how crazy it makes me. (He doesn't just color outside the box; he ignores the box altogether.)

      Get your warp on? Going to see "Star Wars" today? Cool. And a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too.

      Delete
  10. joehDecember 18, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    I thought this stuff was silly, then I saw the steak knife wrench set.

    I want it!!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 11:20 AM

      HA! Yeah, ya never can tell when something like that might come in handy.

      Delete
  11. AnonymousDecember 18, 2015 at 3:58 PM

    Just give me dark chocolate.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 4:25 PM

      That'd work for me, too. So would licorice or jelly beans, but NOT licorice jelly beans. (Picky, picky, picky...)

      Delete
    2. RiverDecember 18, 2015 at 11:22 PM

      I love licorice jelly beans!

      Delete
    3. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 3:25 PM

      It's weird, I know. I love good licorice, and love jelly belly jelly beans, but the licorice-flavored beans have always been the last ones I eat. :)

      Delete
  12. dinahmowDecember 18, 2015 at 4:38 PM

    I'd settle for a bucket.A good, sturdy galvanised bucket.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 18, 2015 at 4:40 PM

      Hmmm, I dunno if they even make them anymore. We used to have regular floor-scrubbing sized galvanized buckets, as well as a super-sized one, big enough to stick a child in to cool off on a hot summer day.

      Delete
  13. JoanneDecember 18, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    I don't want to give Ray any ideas, so I won't let him see this post - I can see us with more gun related items. Ugh.
    Indeed - presence is the best present - a laugh or two and good cheer. Speaking of cheer - I hoist a glass of wine - it's Friday night - to wish you a good weekend

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 3:32 PM

      But you guys live in Texas! A certain amount of gun-related decor is to be expected! :)

      It's Sunday football time now, and the Falcons are once again trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, so I raise a glass to you, too. (Getting to be the only way to stomach their games...)

      I hope you're enjoying a fantabulous weekend. :)

      Delete
  14. Connie KellerDecember 18, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    Love the hidden staircase! And the snuggling babies--I miss having little snugglers.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 3:42 PM

      Isn't that staircase cool???

      I know what you mean about the little snugglers. Even our grandchildren have outgrown the snuggling baby phase, so I miss it, too. On the bright side, you still have that to look forward to! (And we have... our cats!)

      Delete
  15. RiverDecember 18, 2015 at 11:18 PM

    I love the Christmas Bucket list and the hidden escape in the kitchen bench, I'm adding that to my long-long list of specifications for my dream house.
    My sons would love those beer keg bar stools.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 3:53 PM

      A hidden escape hatch would have come in handy when our kids were younger, and our house was filled with an army of boisterous kids. (At times, half of the high school football team would just "show up," and usually, right around dinnertime. Coincidence? I think not!)

      Delete
  16. angryparsnipDecember 19, 2015 at 12:29 AM

    Brilliant, outstanding, wonderful thought for the day.
    Super funny gift ideas, love the sink. I would have that in my home.

    Best Christmas gift from you to me was reading your thoughtful and super funny posts this year. . I look forward to them every Friday.

    Merry Christmas
    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 3:55 PM

      Aw, how sweet of you. Your kind words are an awesome and thoughtful gift to ME. Thank you.

      And a very Merry Christmas to you, too.

      Delete
  17. Geo.December 19, 2015 at 2:02 AM

    I always suspected Darth Vader was full of cold Budweiser. Hold me back, Susan, I'm headed for the dark side!

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  18. UnknownDecember 19, 2015 at 4:56 PM

    That Darth Vader fridge looks great for storing body parts...er...beer...

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 4:11 PM

      That's my girl. :)

      I hope you and Spawn have a fantabulous Christmas.

      Delete
  19. ConnieDecember 19, 2015 at 7:06 PM

    Haha! Great list. Taking notes here. :)

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  20. Launna December 19, 2015 at 11:33 PM

    Susan, I love what you stated about how we just need to be present with each other. Too often we think we need to give a gift when it's so much better to give our time.

    Your joke gifts are funny... no gun safe for me but then I wouldn't have any guns to put in it...:-)

    Have an amazing week, Merry Christmas in case you don't blog until after the holidays ♡♡♡

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 4:18 PM

      Thanks. Without a doubt, presence is much more important than presents.

      You have an amazing week, too, kiddo. And a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.

      Delete
  21. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - MaybeDecember 20, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    I know my husband would like a few of those presents, however he would have to move into another house if he wanted to keep them.

    Have a wonderful holiday, Susan. I wish for you more fun times with your family, good eating, lots of laughter, and joyful moments in the new year.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 4:30 PM

      HA! You crack me up, lady.

      You have a wonderful Holiday, too. I send all of those perfect wishes right back atcha. Who could ask for more?

      Delete
  22. Kittie HowardDecember 20, 2015 at 3:16 PM

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Susan. Thanks for the smiles and the chuckles this past year. I hope your great humor continues. You bring a sparkle to so many. (Actually, those beer keg bar stools aren't too bad . . . okay, just kidding . . . sorta!)

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 20, 2015 at 4:34 PM

      Hi-ya, Kittie! It's good to hear from you. :)

      Those beer keg stools are... different, anyway. I might prefer bourbon barrels. HA!

      Delete
  23. AnonymousDecember 21, 2015 at 8:03 AM

    I want the chair with wheels and one of those refrigerators. I usually go to Walgreens or Big Lots last minute for their gift sets, but these are much cooler.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 21, 2015 at 6:06 PM

      Yeah, that chair is pretty cool. And I'll make a wild stab here, but I think the Darth Vader fridge is the one you'd prefer. :)

      Delete
  24. Keith HaversDecember 21, 2015 at 10:52 AM

    When our son was a teenager we bought him a Formula One racing car tyre as a souvenir. He made it into a coffee table for his room but now his wife won't let it in the house so it has to sit up the garden getting dirty and wet.
    Thanks for all the brilliant posts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Susan.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 21, 2015 at 6:13 PM

      That coffee table made from the Formula One tire (Oops! Sorry... "tyre") sounds pretty neat. Too bad your daughter-in-law isn't a fan of it. Sounds like your son needs a man cave, so he can use it again. :)

      Thanks you! And a very Merry Christmas, and all the best in the new year to you, too.

      Delete
  25. M PaxDecember 21, 2015 at 1:29 PM

    I quite like the Vader fridge.

    Thanks for the blitz, and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 21, 2015 at 7:46 PM

      I'm not surprised you like that fridge. It wouldn't even surprise me if you already had one!

      You're very welcome. And a very Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.

      Delete
  26. A Beer for the ShowerDecember 21, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    I think if someone got me a John Deere fridge or an engine coffee table I'd probably slap them. And regarding the latter, I AM a car guy. But I never once thought, "I love my car's engine so much, I want to drink coffee off of it while watching bad reality TV with my wife."

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 21, 2015 at 7:52 PM

      Maybe to appreciate that engine coffee table, you need to sip on an adult beverage, and watch a good action flick.

      Delete
  27. Pixel PeeperDecember 21, 2015 at 8:45 PM

    That bacon shower curtain is absolutely hilarious! It reminded me of the fact that if women truly knew what men wanted, they'd wear bacon-scented perfume.

    Whenever my kids ask me what I'd like for Christmas, I always tell them I'm all about the three C's...chocolate, coffee, camera stuff (I get a lot of chocolate and coffee).

    Merry Christmas to you and Smarticus!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 22, 2015 at 6:43 AM

      HA! You may be onto something. Maybe you should invent bacon-scented perfume... or even a nice romantic candle with the unmistakable aroma of delicious artery-clogging goodness... :)

      Hey! Chocolate and coffee is good!

      And a very Merry Christmas to you guys, too!

      Delete
  28. sageDecember 21, 2015 at 9:35 PM

    Great gift ideas. Do you do one for men in need of gifts for the women in their lives? As for the wrench/knife combo--that would be tough to use if you had to torque down a bolt!

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 22, 2015 at 6:47 AM

      Gee, good thought about coming up with a last minute list for gals, too. Too late for this year... maybe next year.

      Uh, yeah, you'd definitely have a hard time getting serious with those wrenches. It's always best to just put a little sweat into a job... but skip the tears and blood. :)

      Delete
  29. Kelly SteelDecember 22, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    Awesome ideas. My brain is mush trying to come up with something useful...

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 22, 2015 at 4:02 PM

      If ya can't come up with something useful, you might as well come up with something that's FUN!

      Delete
  30. VR BarkowskiDecember 22, 2015 at 7:54 PM

    I actually think the steak knives are rather attractive. Does Snap-on really make those do you think?

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and Smarticus!

    VR Barkowski

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 22, 2015 at 9:23 PM

      Yeah, Snap-On really does make that knife set, but it's a little pricey. You might be able to find a set on eBay, though.

      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too!

      Delete
  31. adhi dasDecember 24, 2015 at 6:21 AM

    Wishing u & ur family a Merry Christmas & a Very peaceful Happy New Year:)) God Love U

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 26, 2015 at 5:49 PM

      Thank you, Adhi. I hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas, too, and let's pray we ALL have a more peaceful new year. :)

      Delete
  32. Empty Nest InsiderDecember 25, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    These are all great! Love the bar stools, but my favorite is the secret passage under the island. I would love to sneak in there if someone showed up at my house when I was still in my pajamas. Very clever as always, Susan! Merry Christmas!

    Julie

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    1. Susan Flett SwiderskiDecember 26, 2015 at 5:57 PM

      Yeah, I think we could ALL use a secret escape passage from time to time. :)

      Thanks, Julie. We had a fantabulous Christmas. I hope all is well with you, and here's wishing you and your family and very Happy New Year.

      Delete
  33. Theresa MilsteinDecember 29, 2015 at 10:12 PM

    You know, I think that tool box sink would be pretty handy!

    ReplyDelete

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