Happy New Year!

I know I’ve been gone for a while. . . let’s call it winter vacation at Gift U. I hope everyone had a great holiday and that you found some great gift ideas here (or elsewhere). What was everyone’s favorite gift to give/receive? I’ll start. . .

Have a neat freak on your gift list? Check out the Dirt Devil Kone Cordless Hand Vacuum ($27.97 at Amazon). It’s almost like a Transformer, only instead of transforming from Shia Labeouf’s car into a warrior robot, it transforms from a stylish work of art into a handy hand vac.

Dear Present Professor,
We have a tradition in our family that we give to charity as a “main” gift, then we exchange small gifts for fun on Christmas Day. We’re looking for a new idea this year. Any suggestions?

I am an Army spouse who has a few young soldiers from my husband’s unit which I have adopted for the next 12 months. Most of them have their laptops with them so I am wondering what gift ideas you may have as far as technology goes. Because of the heat and sand, protecting their computer is a priority.

Beth writes:

I’m dealing with multiple out of town families…. All transplanted new yorkers. Modest budget, we are in a recession. No, really, just a gift to say, hey –thinking of you. In years past I’ve done juniors cheesecakes, cannoli’s from little italy, family board games…. That sort of thing.

Susan asks:

What do you get a 79 yr old Jewish mother-in-law who opens her gift and says: “Oh, thank you. I hope you saved the receipt, because I can’t imagine that I would ever use this.”?

Susan writes:

I’m trying to come up with a good gift for an entire famiy. Two parents and six kids (ages 2-11). I’ve given up on trying to get them individual gifts and now would like to come up with something they can use as a family. Got any ideas?

Hi, Susan! Try a DVD boxed set–one with plenty of content for the whole family to enjoy for many years to come.