A Gardening Gift per Day 12 16 09

An interesting tidbit in last evening’s AP Business Digest: “U.S. residents spent over $53.4 billion on lottery tickets last year, up from $52.4 billion the previous year.” While scratch tickets are always a popular swap or stocking gift, gardeners are a patient lot of folks. They don’t necessarily need instant gratification.

Here is one gift idea that a gardener can always use –a good, solid shovel and a four-tong pitchfork. Think of it as the gardener’s cutlery set. You don’t have to get the imported stainless steel specials although that would be one heck of a great gift. Look for the strongest, sturdiest and yes, probably the most expensive at your local garden center. You want tools made for commercial use. Although more challenging to wrap than scratch tickets, this is one gift that can always be utilized in any garden.

If you need a swap gift and scratch tickets were on the list, you can always opt for the Obama Chia pet. At one time, Chia pets were the hot swap item. To wrap it up, we end with the inspirational thought for the day by the dry-witted comedian Steven Wright. “Ever notice how it's a penny for your thoughts, yet you put in your two-cents? Someone is making a penny on the deal!” Buy a gift that has better odds of being useful. Spend your pennies wisely and have a great Wednesday. Bundle up. Annie