I'm loving the post at Planting Our Pennies today about the Best-Worst Present ever. In the post, both Mr. and Mrs. PoP describe the best present they've ever received that seemed awful at the time.
My story isn't quite as extreme as theirs, but I do remember one present that disappointed me but has since become something I adore. As a college graduation present, one of our family friends gave me an electric tea kettle with some loose leaf tea. I wasn't super sure about the gift; I drank tea, but I didn't do so often.
I was headed off to college, and I proudly brought my little pot (enclosed coils, so it was allowed in the dorm) to show I was a grown-up. Then, I promptly became jealous because everyone else had open hot pots, so they could cook noodle, make soup, etc. I was limited to heating up water, which was definitely not as flexible.
Since I liked my friend, I hung on to that electric tea kettle. It moved with me a variety of places, including across the country to Michigan. And then it came with me to Minnesota, where I met Matt. One of our regular traditions in the winter has been enjoying a cup of tea or cocoa as we wind down for the evening. We have frequently used this electric tea kettle over the last several years. Every time, I have fond memories of my family friend. I'm so glad I own the tea kettle, and I look forward to more years of warm beverages.
What about you? What's the best-worst present you've ever received?