The sole purpose of this post can be summed up as crap-avoidance.  Every year millions of people get tons of crap whether it be at Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Valentine's Day, or your birthday.  To overcome this I will borrow from Oprah and show you a list of Slug's Favorite Things.  As a reader of my blog, I'm also sending them all to you for free (just as soon as I make as much money as Oprah!).

Here's some practical gifts that don't suck (and last a LONG time):

 

CROCS UNISEX BLITZEN CLOG

I wear these Crocs every day.  I mean every day.  I work from home, and my house is covered in hardwood.  Before I had these Crocs it was really hard on my feet.  I searched all over before I finally landed on these.  I have had them for almost 3 years now, and they still feel great.  They're also nice and warm.

HAMMER/SCREWDRIVER

I bought this hammer/screwdriver set about 25 years ago in a hardware store for about $5.  At the time I thought it was really cool how all of the screwdrivers nested inside the hammer.  I can't believe how cool that still is or how useful this tool has been during my lifetime.  From fixing eyeglasses to working on wood projects with my son, I have a tool that works in many areas.  This is brass so it'll be around long after you're gone.

 

NORPRO NONSTICK ANTI-FREEZE ICE CREAM SCOOP

I think I added this ice cream scoop to my wedding registry on a whim.  So glad I did.  It cuts through hard frozen ice cream and the ice cream never sticks to it.  I just rinse it off. 

 

CRAZY CREEK CHAIR

I think I bought my first Crazy Creek Chair about 15 years ago.  I still have it.  I passed it down to my son when I bought a new one for me!  This chair is comfortable, portable, and lasts forever.  I use it for camping, sporting events, and outdoor concerts/movies.  After you get one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

 

WALL MOUNTED BOTTLE OPENER

I drink beer.  And, I hate searching for bottle openers.  And, I don't like sending my guests to look for bottle openers.  Instead, I have a wall mounted bottle opener right by the trash can.  Problem solved.  Life is good.  So is beer!

 

WONDERBAR PRY BAR

A handyman came to my house once to work on some projects for the house we just bought.  He swore often, and he certainly swore by this tool.  The Wonderbar Pry Bar is fabulous for all the things the reviews say.  However, it's also great for stuck windows.  It's one of the few tools slim enough to slide in, but strong enough to break the seal.  If you don't own one, you should. 

What about you?  Any practical gifts to add to this list?  Please let me know!