What is the best gift you ever got? (And maybe the worst?) | Opinion
Some presents are so special their memory sticks with us. Mine was giant Tinkertoys. There are also some gifts that grow on us – and others that aren't so great. Tell us about yours below.
Joel BurgessNo matter what kind of holiday you celebrate this time of year, giving gifts is likely central to the festivities.
Now that my friends and I are all grown up, the gifts have gotten smaller and fewer: a bottle of wine, maybe some cookies. But having kids reminds me of just how mind-blowing getting presents can be. I've seen my now 10-year-old son tremble as he opened a package, knowing, or maybe just hoping, it's that soccer jersey he so wanted.
It gives me great flashbacks. The first one that hits me is: THE GIANT TINKERTOYS. I think I was 6 years old, and they came in a huge cardboard box. Little Tinkertoys were cool, mind you. You could make all sorts of small towers and even cars. But they're easy to lose and easy for an adult to step on.
The big ones turned me into a builder of tunnels and fortresses. I had them stretched across the basement. Just add a blanket or two, and bam! They became that perfect space to hide with friends. Or a space I could go to find quiet when I needed it. (This is giving me some new ideas for my home office.)
What was your wonderful gift? (Or not-so wonderful.) Tell us below.
So, what about you? We'd love to hear about that gift that blew your mind.
Or maybe not so much. "Um, yes, I did need another fluorescent yellow sweater vest with a hood. Thank you. So much."
Or maybe it was a gift that you didn't think much of at first, but it turned out to be helpful and wonderful as you wore it or used it over the years. (Yes, I am wearing those bedroom slippers now, Mom and Dad.)
Fill out the poll below to tell us, or send us an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Forum best gift." We'll select a collection of your best responses to publish in a follow-up column.
Some questions to consider that could help:
- What's one of the best gifts you remember receiving – either as a child or an adult?
- Who gave it to you?
- What was your favorite way to use the gift? (What made it so special?)
- Do you still have it? And do you still use it?
- In addition/alternatively, what was one of the strangest gifts you got?
Joel Burgess is the Voices editor for the USA TODAY Network.