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Original poster

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

492 replies

Limth · 18/09/2023 11:07

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?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
14
Mumzoo5070 · 18/09/2023 19:52

coodawoodashooda it's amazing! I think everyone should do it. Really great to pass down generations. You choose to answer questions such as "What is your greatest achievement" and "What would you tell your 18 year old self". You can select or make up your own questions. The book looks really professional at the end.

Newtrix · 18/09/2023 19:56

80sMum · 18/09/2023 16:41

A little set of 30 cards, each with a circular walk of between 3 and 10 miles, in one county. It became a mission to complete all 30 within a year. Those little cards took me to all 4 corners of the county, to many places I'd never been before. A whole year's worth of exploration and enjoyment!

This sounds amazing! I don't suppose you remember what brand?

DisforDarkChocolate · 18/09/2023 19:56

A waffle maker. I would normally be very pissed off with a kitchen gadget but this was an exception. Bonus points to my husband because he generally makes the waffles too.

EdithStourton · 18/09/2023 20:02

An absolutely epic garlic press as part of a wedding present. Solid and well made, and if you flip it to press the other way, little bobbles clean out all the holes.

Three decades and still trucking. Used several times a week.

TheLoveofAWestie · 18/09/2023 20:03

Airfryer and Slow Cooker from my grandparents when I moved in. I rarely use my cooker now.

CurlewKate · 18/09/2023 20:05

My son gave me a little deep fat fryer. I have had such fun with it!

snowgirl1 · 18/09/2023 20:10

Waterproof radio so I can listen to the news or music as I get ready in the morning. Radio lasted longer and was better than the boyfriend who gave it to me.

DH gives me lots of practical presents that I didn't know I wanted, like an Alexa Echo show which is is great for using in the kitchen for recipes.

Choccyp1g · 18/09/2023 20:21

Kanelsnegl · 18/09/2023 17:16

A rice and spaghetti measuring cup. Has a cup for rice for one and a hole for a generous spaghetti for one portion. I am so bad at estimating those and I use it all the time.

But doesn't the rice fall through the hole?
I've got a wooden "shape" with spaghetti measuring holes that my late sister gave me over 20 years ago. I think of her every time I cook spaghetti.

Fernticket · 18/09/2023 20:25

Brilliant thread OP. Got some great ideas for Christmas presents.

isthismylifenow · 18/09/2023 20:26

I have a Labrador and he sheds a ridiculous amount of hair.

My mum bought me a pair of scrubdaddy rubber gloves, they are the best thing ever. Can scrub a pot with the, clean the blinds and all the usual things BUT they are brilliant at getting dog hair off your clothes and furniture.

She also bought me a gadget to squeeze the teabag before taking it out the mug. So it gets a good squeeze and doesn't drip across the counter top.

Minikievs · 18/09/2023 20:27

@80sMum Like @Newtrix, I'm dying to know where these were from, they would make the BEST stocking fillers!

Ionapussy · 18/09/2023 20:31

The braun no touch thermometer from DPs work when we had our first DC. We have used it so many times (whole family uses it) that it's now my go to when I buy baby gifts for friends 🤣

FourChimneys · 18/09/2023 20:31

Not me but my uncle was a keen gardener. One year my aunt arranged for a huge load of top quality horse manure to be delivered before breakfast on his birthday. He always said it was the best present ever.

Eve · 18/09/2023 20:32

An electric under blanket from DH - everyone thought he was on a death wish after the hoover present incident of the previous year - but I loved it! ( he’s still not forgiven for the hoover though!)

Claysta · 18/09/2023 20:41

A pair of pinking shears from my best friend. I’d told her how my late Nan made Christmas gift tags from Christmas cards using her trusty pinking shears, I now do the same! And I snip away at birthday cards to create gift tags … Makes me think of my dear Nan.

Ohwhatfuckeryisthis · 18/09/2023 20:43

My mum bought me a ladder. I was 6 months pregnant and was no way going up a ladder. But god it got some hammer. (Ds lost it in a move) but mum had a step stool (from the innovations catalogue) come ladder thing, with a big platform. I’ve inherited it. It’s secure, and I can reach to top shelves in the pantry.

Garath · 18/09/2023 20:44

Fisher Space Pen. The bullet shaped one. Indestructible, writes on ANYTHING at any angle, has had two cartridges in thirty years and not a scratch on it. Brilliant handbag pen!

coodawoodashooda · 18/09/2023 20:44

Mumzoo5070 · 18/09/2023 19:52

coodawoodashooda it's amazing! I think everyone should do it. Really great to pass down generations. You choose to answer questions such as "What is your greatest achievement" and "What would you tell your 18 year old self". You can select or make up your own questions. The book looks really professional at the end.

I'm definitely going to investigate. Thank you!

Fantina · 18/09/2023 20:54

@cocksstrideintheevening I have been decluttering for years and the only thing I regret getting rid of is my grandmother’s old backscratcher. I don’t even remember doing it but I must have as I don’t have it anymore!

BIossomtoes · 18/09/2023 20:54

FourChimneys · 18/09/2023 20:31

Not me but my uncle was a keen gardener. One year my aunt arranged for a huge load of top quality horse manure to be delivered before breakfast on his birthday. He always said it was the best present ever.

I love this.

Sparklynewname · 18/09/2023 20:57

Same as a pp, I got a national trust fold up bag for my birthday this year vit is shaped like a grown up purse and easily fits in my handbag. I took it on holiday with me and as it’s tough fabric and waterproof, I was even able to unfold it to use as a seat in a park one day when the ground was a bit damp. Best gift ever!

MrsPositivity1 · 18/09/2023 20:59

Oh I’d love to get set of these @80sMum

Iwasafool · 18/09/2023 21:05

I was pregnant with baby no. 4. DH had been signed off work, ultimately retired due to health condition, I was working fulltime and realising I wouldn't get much maternity leave. I was tired and worn down and someone bought me a load of ironing. So I filled a big black bin bag with all my ironing, a lady collected it and two days later brought it all back ironed. It was such a relief to have that job done and be up to date with it.

Poppyseed14 · 18/09/2023 21:06

I have never heard of a Swiss army card and now I'm wondering how I've functioned this long without one!