Most random but ultimately brilliant present you've ever been given...

[Limth]

When I started my business many years ago, a 'friend' bought me a Rolodex as a bit of a bitchy present. As a 'fuck you', I started using it. Then I actually fell in love with it. And then I gave her it a name. And now I use it all the bloody time now. The 'friend' has long since disappeared from my life but Ms. Rowan lives on as my trusty side-kick.

In my 20s, I was moving out of a house to the other side of the country. I had stuff to go to the tip, stuff to go to the second-hand furniture shop, stuff for the charity shop, bags of tatty clothes for rag recycling. I was completely overwhelmed with it and struggling because I didn't have a car. For my birthday, my friend hired me a 'Man With Van' for a half-day. The sense of relief at having that help was better than any spa break I've ever had.

What random presents have you had that've ultimately proved to be brilliant?

I have nothing to add, but this comment made me laugh.
I imagine most of us have one of those complicated relationships with clingfilm, mines so complicated that I use foil more often than not.

Here's a link. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj00O2v07mBAxX6WUEAHQjbAJQQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FWrapmaster-Dispenser-Cutter-Cling-Film%2Fdp%2FB00FGP0LBM&usg=AOvVaw2pTWJ4_zhUamiXsyEnKK_V&opi=89978449

@Winnading and @sueelleker haha - I didn't even know that existed!

I gravitate to tin foil but am being 'encouraged' towards Tupperware...

I stopped using clingfilm years ago because it annoys the living f out of me.

@PomegranateRose oh I absolutely wouldn't support taxidermy where the animal was killed for that specific purpose. But love the idea that the animal is having a sort of life after death if that makes sense?!

If you want one for your Christmas list, theres many interesting ones going on ebay

Dunelm cling film. Does NOT cling to itself.
I took a risk buying it. And yes it does not cling. But it does to the bowl etc you are trying to cover.
Game changer.

However the long term solution is the stretchy cover things but I've not seen big ones

I loved Bettaware! I used to spend many a happy half hour perusing their catalogue and I remember the carrier bag bin thing! I miss Bettaware.....

The grater you describe used to be known as a mouli grater. I think Moulinex have now gone out of business but if you search in a popular online retailer ‘mouli grater’ will show you what I think you’re describing. Personally I prefer the plastic ones as a I find the all metal ones to be quite scratchy!

Thank you, @BeverlyBrook I have a few things that I want to look at in Dunelm so I might just give that a go. I'll also tell a friend who is a martyr to her clingfilm and uses it a lot more than I do.

Sorry the grater reply was for @Midsizegal29

Wow, they're still in business! Good for them. I bought one of their Original XL size mats over ten years ago to carry as a handy changing mat for our disabled son (back when I'd have to change him on the floor of a grotty accessible toilet). Still got it now, still going strong.

They look interesting-I like the map designs! Can I ask what’s so good about them? I presume they are good quality and lightweight?? Do they feel ‘groundsheet-like’ or thicker?

From my perspective it was that they are quality (ten years and counting), lightweight (comes in a carry bag which I'd hang from the strap of our changing bag), wipeable for 'spillage' (i.e. not a fluffy blanket material), and washable/dryable.

Assuming they had room to store them - I can't help but imagine them sitting in a small studio flat with constant reminders of their mortality propped up in the corner! 😂

Thank you-I am really tempted! What do they feel like-is it like a groundsheet/tarpaulin?

Do you reckon a patterned one would show up marks less??

@BillStickersWillBeProsocuted , they could use them as storage chests or coffee tables.

OH. MY. GOODNESS!

I have literally just thrown one of those away!
We had them when I was growing up.

Trip down memory lane.

But I don't actually like them for soup!

oh - yes, I've just found a load of these at my late parents' house too, though I think they're not yet chucked out. Going for free + p&p if they're still there!

Ha ha - I think half the country had some of these at one point.

Very specific memories of growing up for me. I like them for soup and for casseroles and chilli too - good for portion control (1970s portions).

That looks great!

OS Maps used to produce maps with your house at the centre which was a great present.
A garden. (The house was a much lesser gift).

They look nice-they look a bit like some of the Pacmat ones but less waterproof/more comfortable

Oh no-that does say waterproof as well!

We've got one of those maps, it's great.

A spider catcher. So useful I use it all the time in spider season.