A little something for Christmas ....
 | Rob Crowe
Columnist
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Ok, folks, time for the annual Christmas column, where we forget about all the bad stuff and put a little cheer into the air around us.
I've been thinking a little about this one, and will attempt to help out some of you who are looking around for the perfect gift this year. Hopefully I can help out at least half of you.
Most of the time, Management and I have a good relationship, but there are times when it could be best said that what I think is best for her is not necessarily what she likewise thinks is best for her.
Case in point: sleepwear.
Periodically, over the time that we have been married and sharing the ... well ... anyway ... over the time that we have been married, I would purchase an item of sleepwear that I thought would look good on her on some appropriate occasion, let's say, maybe Valentines Day. This seemed to work well from my point of view, but one day I was informed that my choices were not enough, let's say they were lacking in the coverage department for the weather in Minnesota.
I was made aware that I had lost the job of picking out these types of garments for her when she bought a couple for herself on a special occasion without my input. Needless to say, this was not only mystifying to me but caused some consternation on my part.
To avoid the pitfall I've apparently fallen into and make the job of picking out gifts for the guys in your life a little easier, I've come up with some ideas for the gals out there when making gift choices for the guys in their lives. These are generally for the gals with mates of the country boy gearhead types, so if your guy is of a different type, find a different advice columnist.
First, tool choice. Usually things like flashlights with a battery supply are good stocking stuffers. Mag lights are thought of as top shelf. Moving up the scale, an Iowa socket set is generally a good choice.
For the city folk, an Iowa socket set is a 12" crescent wrench and a vice grip. Either half will be a good stocking stuffer - make sure it is a heavy-duty stocking. Only buy Vice Grip brand vice grips. You are wasting your money if you buy anything else. No else even comes close (I'm waiting for the endorsement check). Wrap 'em both up together for an under-the-tree gift. Even if he has a set he can always use another; various sizes are also appreciated.
Avoid specialty tools unless you have researched out what he really needs or wants. Be aware that he will tell you he really needs something he actually only wants but, this is acceptable if the price is right. A good 3/8" socket set is usually a safe choice, even if he already has one he can throw the spare in a portable tool box or the truck for use in the field.
For clothing, I'd opt for a couple pair of his favorite brand of jeans. If your guy is active he goes through several pair a year, after about four wearings and washings they all look alike. Ditto for a shirt. If choosing under garments, you are on your own, see above incident.
If buying something for his vehicle, make sure it is something he really wants or you will find it sitting on the pile in the house that never makes it to the garage. If you really want to appear informed, find out his favorite choice in oil and filter and put a case of oil and the proper filter for his truck under the tree. You will probably have to be a little discreet in finding this out. He'll probably know something is afoot if the gal in his life starts asking, "Do you like to use Mobile1 or Trop-Arctic 5W-30 in the truck?" While there are exceptions, wrapping up the oil filter for your car with the package will probably not work.
There are volumes of other things I could advise you gals on, but space is a little limited and there are other years, so I'll wait for another installment at the appropriate time. In the meantime, have a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.
Rob Crowe chairs the Aitkin County Republicans and raises kids and cows on a farm near Hill City.
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