Can't You Get Free Boxes from the Liquor Store?

Herewith only supposedly helpful useful things that just cost more money than simple alternative of a box and are not dual-purpose with anything else.

Item One: the Wreath Storage bag....It's unclear to me how this is superior to a BOX! A box can be stacked at least.Item 2: another item easily replaced by a box. A gift wrap storage device.
Ok why do you need this? From the product page: "Fit all your wrapping supplies in one, easy-to-carry bag. This Christmas gift wrap keeper has easy-to-access pockets, wrapping paper, and ribbon dispensers to help you wrap faster. Plus, it boasts these convenient features:

• End zipper fits a regular sized bag of bows
• Three expandable filing pockets keep your greeting cards organized and ready for the next big event
• A side pocket has plenty of room for pens, tape, and scissors
• Includes pockets specifically designed for pens, tape, and scissors, so they stay where they belong
• Ribbon dispenser safely keeps 10-15 rolls of ribbon ready to unroll and cut at any time
• There's no need to put the ribbon away after you get what you need; just dispense what you want, cut, and go
• A special pocket holds hang tags, gift tags, tissue paper, and more
• Store 15-20 rolls of 40" wrapping paper
• Exclusive front load paper dispenser keeps one 40" wrap ready to roll and cut at all times
• Simply put the wrapping paper in the specially re-enforced pocket and you're ready to pull, cut, and wrap at a moments notice."

Item 3: An all-purpose "holiday" storage bag. Another candidate for replacement by a box.

I'm not irrational, though! I am willing to tolerate Christmas ornament storage boxes that have insert dividers to keep ornaments from bumping each other and breaking.

Item 4: Ribbons apparently need their own box. Who except the gift wrapper at the department store before Christmas needs such a thing? I'll allow you to have lots of ribbons. You can even be neat and put a rubber band around each roll to keep them from getting tangled up. But this? This is Sleeping-With-the-Enemy, Martha Stewart, OCD level neat!


Item 5:
I thought shoes came in boxes?
Item 6: Apparently women aren't the only ones who want cute little boxes for things. Men now want to be able to load a charcoal grill without getting their nantucket reds or Tommy Hilfiger shirts dirty. Puh-lease. Put it in a plastic bag for moisture protection.
I am sure there's enough silliness in the outdoor grilling accessories market for another post. But I should go ahead and point out as a public service announcement that this is not the way to start a charcoal grill. This is.

Keep Your Bathroom Counter Space Pinned Down

The best part of this ad for a mascara warmer is that it contains the info you need to avoid buying it! "For many years, Hollywood makeup artists used hot blow dryers to get the smoothest consistency."

Hard Hat for Hair Dryer

I'm running out of witticism for this blog....who needs it when the products are so hilarious?! Like this protector for your hair dryer

A Dollar a Folder - Office Supplies on Estrogen

I actually think most of the products at this website are pretty and well designed. If you have a friend with an office supply fetish, class up her desk with gifts from here. What I don't get is the need for these "life organization" kits. What's wrong with file folders and envelopes? I suppose it's part of the mystique of places like Container Store that offer the illusion of organization with the fun of shopping. Sort of like when you tell yourself that buying a cute new workout outfit will make you get up early and go to the gym....yeah right.

Sock Apartheid

That will teach those dang socks to behave! No fraternizing with the other colored socks!

Serious OCD with the drawer. See Your Shrink If This Appeals to You!

Doubles as Giant Rodent Exercise Wheel

This concept is hilarious. It takes up more room than any other shoe storage system I've ever seen.

"Too many shoes are not a problem when you have the Shoe Wheel. The wheel's 20 expandable pockets allow you to store an average of up to 30 pairs of shoes (depending on the type). The clips of the adjustable pockets slide back and forth over elastic cords. Simply place your shoes in the pockets and the cords will keep them in place. The rotating, ferris-wheel design allows you to spin the storage unit to easily see your shoes. You can even adjust the rotational speed of the wheel. The Shoe Wheel can be easily tucked away into a closet as it rolls out easily, or thanks to it's stylish design can be kept out in the opening. Some assembly required with a Philips head screwdriver and the included wrench."

Who Knew?

OK, maybe in some circumstances this is useful...but the fact that you get both a silver and a gold tone hook (to match your jewelry? to match the silverware?) and the "carrying case" that takes it over the edge. Isn't the purse a "carrying case?"


"Finally, a place to keep your bag. This smart and easy purse hook allows you to keep your bag off the floor and at your side. It's also great for a tote bag, umbrella, briefcase and more. Compact and portable, these metal hooks have non-slip backs and hold up to 35 lbs. Includes one silver-tone hook, one gold-tone hook and a carrying case."

Why Pay Less for Band-Aids or Scotch Tape?

When you can pay more for this!

"Invisible ear lobe support tape supports ear lobes that have been stretched or torn and relieves strain from heavy earrings. They even prevent future stretching. Simply apply the EarLift™ tape to the back of your ear lobe and press firmly to secure. After, just insert earring post through pierced hole and tape, and you're able to wear your favorite earrings in comfort. "