28 MARCH 2025 The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” I know the present season of giving is now history, but we all give other gifts from time to time. So I thought I would share some important issues idiots deal with every year. Ever received a stupid present for your birthday or other special occasion from a family member or friend? A few years ago, I did the research, and you will be amazed at how much money people pay for stupid gifts for their spouse, family members, or friends. Before I give you my list of stupid gifts, let me share a few details on what happens every year to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars for wasted money and shopping effort when it comes to giving gifts. Here’s a few simple things idiots might say when giving a gift: “I got you this because I care . . . about keeping things interesting.” “Remember, it’s the thought that counts. And I thought this was hilarious.” “If you’re speechless, that’s exactly the reaction I was hoping for.” “You might want to regift this next year. Just a suggestion.” “If you hate it, please just pretend you like it for my sake.” Here’s a few ideas or just my thoughts about idiots and presents or gifts: • Over 85% of gifts men give to women are either returned or never used or worn. • The average male spends more money on gifts for women in their lives than their other family members. • Most of the gifts given to children end up in a drawer or closet within days. • Gift cards as gifts tell the other person you have no clue about their interests, likes, or needs. • The value of a gift should not be measured by the cost, but the thought put into it. • A gift that plugs into a wall is not usually the best gift option for the woman in your life. • Gifts that send the message to the other person that you know what they like, want, need, respect, don’t like. Know the person before you buy a gift and I guarantee it will get you a better thank-you and appreciation. • Gifts are all about perception. For example, give a spa day to a spouse and some might love it, and others think you gave it to them because you think they need to lose weight. • Give them a recipe book and they might love it, or maybe it’s your way of telling them you don’t like the way they cook. • Give a weekend golf ticket and they could think you gave it to them to get them out of your routine for a few days. Get it? Gifts are more about the message they send than the gift itself. Okay, now it’s your turn. Ever received a stupid gift? Ever given a stupid gift? What’s the worst gift you have ever been given? What’s an example of the worst gift you have given? Here are a couple of the dumb gifts I have given over the years: Gave the special lady in my life years ago a $300 vacuum for her birthday. Lesson learned - if it plugs in, it’s a stupid gift. Gave my kids a YMCA membership for their birthdays. None of them ever used it. Lesson learned - people are unique; the same gift for everyone will be a bust sooner or later. Gave my ex-wife (yes, some of my stupid gift-giving was part of the cause) an expensive weight scale for her birthday - go figure! Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com WorldWide Drilling Resource®
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