A fun gift that's actually used: aprons, socks, and glasses
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
5 min reading time
Most funny gifts are only good for one laugh. Here’s how to choose something the recipient will actually cook with, drink from or wear — tailored to their size, material preference and the occasion.
Take a look in the cupboard of someone who received a funny gift last year. Chances are it's still in the box, or long since ended up at a thrift store. Not because the joke wasn't funny, but because the item served no other purpose. The difference between a gift that's "used up" after ten minutes and one that lasts for years almost always comes down to the same question: can the recipient use it?
The Rule: A Function Plus A Joke
A gift with only a joke is disposable. A gift with only a function is boring. The combination works: something someone already needs, but with a humorous twist. An apron is an apron, even if it has something quirky on it. Socks wear out and get replaced. Glasses break. Exactly these categories are worth gifting because they end up in daily use instead of in a drawer.
Flip it around as a test: mentally remove the joke. Is there anything usable left? If so, it's a good gift. If not, you're buying something for the first five minutes of the party.
Aprons: The Safest Choice for Size
An apron is the gift with the lowest risk of incorrect sizing — there's really only one size, and the neck strap and ties do the rest. This makes it a sensible choice if you don't know someone well enough to know their clothing sizes.
Pay particular attention to the material and the fastening. Cotton or a cotton blend feels more comfortable and can usually be machine washed; for printed aprons, check if the washing instructions recommend a lower temperature, as printed aprons are best washed at 30 degrees and inside out. Also, check if the ties are long enough: standard aprons fit up to an average adult size, but someone wider might prefer ties that can wrap around the waist.
Socks are the gift that people say they find boring, yet they wear them every week. They are affordable enough to make a two or three-pair set, and they fit in an envelope or small box — handy if you need to mail them.
Size is a consideration here. Pay attention to whether a pair is offered in size ranges or as one size: the Rainbow Socks in size 36-42 or 42-46 (€5.00) allow you to choose, which significantly reduces the chance of a mistake. If you're looking for something for a sporty recipient, the Rainbow Sports Socks (€4.95) are an excellent fit. If you're unsure between two sizes, choose the larger one: socks that are too loose will sag, while socks that are too tight will never be worn again.
Glasses and Mugs: Check for Dishwasher Safety
Drinkware is a popular gift because it's always put to use. Two things determine if it will last a long time. Firstly, if it's dishwasher safe — for printed or thermal items, handwashing is often wiser, otherwise the print will fade after six months. Secondly, the size: a 300 ml mug is a regular cup of coffee, a 470 ml mug is for those who nurse the same drink all morning.
A gift often becomes more enjoyable because of what you do around it than its price. A Golden Award Trophy of 15x5 cm (€12.95) with a self-invented category is often funnier for a farewell or anniversary than something more expensive. For a goodie bag or as an extra, a keychain with a mini-game (€7.95) or a heart-shaped stress ball (€7.95) suffices. If there's a blank wall in the recipient's home, a metal sign in 2 models (€19.95) works well above a workbench or in a hobby room.
Match the Joke to the Occasion
Part of the humor assortment is explicitly for adult gatherings: bachelor parties, a birthday among friends, a casual get-together where everyone knows each other well. The same gift at a family birthday or among colleagues rarely goes over well. Two questions help: will it be unwrapped in front of children or in-laws, and would the recipient dare to display it at home? If the answer to either is no, then choose the more appropriate variant — there usually is one.
Also, consider the packaging. A gift that you mail instead of hand over is often put in a letterbox package or a small box; socks and an apron fit flat, glassware requires padding. This prevents disappointment upon arrival.
Find Your Own
You can quickly browse in Funny Gifts, and also by category in Aprons, Socks, Mugs, and Glasses. If you're looking for something for a specific occasion — a farewell, a milestone birthday, a team of ten people — feel free to email your budget and the group to info@verpakkingdeals.nl. We will then find a few options that fit the tone of the celebration.
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