Every year I ask for at least one practical gift for Christmas. Not an everyday practical gift like socks (although I did ask for socks this year), but something that I wouldn’t buy myself.
A few years ago Aaron’s mom bought both of us Sonicare electric toothbrushes. She knew we would never spend $100 on a toothbrush for ourselves, and it would be a gift we would use every day.
She was right. Many years later I still use this toothbrush every day. I added nail polish to mine so we could tell them apart. That nail polish has now seen better days, but the toothbrush still works great!
About five years ago I asked my Mom for a stovetop griddle. I make breakfast on the weekends, and nine out of ten days it is usually pancakes or french toast. I didn’t want an electric griddle because I have always had small kitchens and I didn’t want another appliance to store.
I made pancakes one morning when my Mom was visiting this summer. She saw the griddle and said “Is that the one I got you? It looks very well-loved.”
I use it at least once a week and it is very well-loved. It has been with us at three different homes and helped me make years of weekend breakfasts.
This year I asked for a Roomba vacuum. We have wood floors in our apartment, and I feel like I was sweeping or vacuuming them almost daily. I love any device that makes my life easier and I am convinced a Roomba will do just that.
Aaron’s Mom bought us an iRobot Roomba vacuum this year and sent it to us early since we are traveling for Christmas. We charged it up and used it for the first time this weekend and it was everything I hoped it would be. It cleaned our floors in about 45 minutes, and I didn’t have to do a thing. I have it scheduled to run every other day while we are at work.
Practical gifts may not be the most fun to ask for or to give, but in my experience, they have been the most used and loved. Every time I use the griddle I think of my mom, and every time I come home to clean floors I will think of Aaron’s mom.
What practical gift have you received and loved?
Waldo Raquel
Another thing to think about when you are looking at the Sonicare toothbrush heads is the way they look. They come in two colors, black and silver, which are very attractive. However, you should know that there are toothpick tips that are sold separately, which can be very expensive.