For The Practical Set

Here's an awesome gift idea that's painfully practical, but great nonetheless. Who couldn't use a USB flash drive? I didn't realize how cheap they are these days.

This stylish number is $19.98 at your local Wal-Mart and there are even cheaper ones, as low as $11.88. Sure, it would be fun to get something wacky, but tell me you wouldn't pass up a USB flash drive.

Best Gift Ever

Last year, the best gift given at the Yankee Swap was a pair of $10 Celtics tickets. The second-best gift was a pair of $10 Bruins tickets. How can you judge the best gift? At the very end of the swap, when the last person is up, they have the choice of any gift at the party. They have dozens of gifts at their fingertips and there isn't even any strategy necessary because no one else can take the gift away. Last year, our friend Jo was the big winner with the lucky number and amidst the cornucopia of booze, drugs, gift cards and apparel, she opted for a night at the Garden with Paul Pierce and company. The Big Tuna gave that gift and Big Bad Brad threw in the Bruins tickets. No one outdoes 56 Perry Street in our own home. Remember that.

In that vain, today's gift suggestion is Lowell Devils tickets. Just 8 bucks for a highly entertaining night of cheap beer and minor league hockey (cheap beer not included).

http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/1054951

P.S. Jo did not go to the Celtics game and it was the game that they finally ended their 18-game losing streak.

Twister!

The first gift opened in our Yankee Swap history was a game of Twister. A true classic, it's a game that doubles as an excuse to get much closer to a woman's vagina than she would otherwise allow.

It's just $13.99 at a retailer near you.

2008 is a Leap Year

I've always thought the calendar industry has quite a racket running. The only time of year when everyone gives lots of gifts conveniently coincides with the only time of year that people actually need calendars. I don't know who scheduled Christmas, but I bet the calendar people were prominently involved.

$12.99 at Calendars.com

Kentucky's Finest

Of course, if you're not into the subtle nuances of a fine Tuscan wine, you could just head straight for the bourbon. A handle of Jim Beam goes for under $20 if you know where to look. That will really get the party started.

Dusty Earthy Notes

Let's face it. You're going to get hammered at the Yankee Swap. Why not just bring some booze to add to the fun? This bottle of 2002 Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso goes for under $20. Called "a pleasing effort from Italy", it pairs well with grilled top sirloin. I think that might even be on the menu at the Yankee Swap! Or you could just get six bottles of Charles Shaw.

Yum-O!

Books are never a bad gift and everyone loves to eat food. No one is better at cooking quick and easy meals and wearing unflattering outfits in Dunkin' Donuts commercials than Rachael Ray. This book is available for just $11.97 on Amazon.com.