Cheap Chinese Crap (CCC)

It's time we start looking at the labels and buying things that are made in America, even though it's impossible to get everything you need that way, but I'm tired of buying crap. Over the weekend we had a birthday party to go to and we passed the crap rack in the store and picked out a $7 plastic light-up beer mug. Considering what you're getting, seven dollars didn't seem too bad, until we got it home. We fell for their trap.

This, like most gifts was one that I don't like to give. One of those "here's a gift because I'm supposed to get you a gift" kind of gifts and it worked out just the way I figured. That type of gift is the reason that I hate Christmas, because they trot out all of the CCC priced under $10 so people will just toss it in their cart as a throwaway gift. Don't fall into the trap, save your money. If you buy just 10 of these pieces of junk you've dropped $100 on stuff the receivers will most likely never use and if they do, it will probably break the first time.

When we got it home, I tried to turn it on and surprise, it didn't work. The store was just far enough away that it wouldn't be worth the time and gas to return it (which I think they count on) so I had to take it apart and fix it. When I got it open I found that the cheap Chinese batteries were corroded so I took them out, cleaned up the contacts and replaced the batteries. The switch was still kind of crappy but we got it to work and passed off the gift. When it was opened I was relieved when the intended recipient grabbed it and got the lights to work right away. Transfer accomplished.

This holiday season, please try to remember that most adults like to get gifts but are completely fine without them. You'll want to avoid those who think they deserve a gift anyway. Sharing time with friends and family is more important than a crappy light up beer mug. But if you do buy a gift for someone, try to avoid the end caps and aisle bins at the local super center. Put in a little more thought and and leave the CCC in the store. If you don't have the money to spend then don't get anything, a five minute phone call will be remembered long after the beer mug has failed.