Socks as gifts get a bad reputation. They’re practical, therefore boring; affordable, therefore cheap; universal, therefore lazy. They’re not a particularly visible part of most people’s outfits, and they come as close to one-size-fits-all as any clothing item can get. They are not generally thought of as luxurious or “fun.” But I beg to differ. In fact, I would argue that those same qualities that make socks seem like a bad gift are actually qualities that make them better suited to gift-giving than buying for oneself.
I love socks—bright colors or simple black or white, no shows, ankle length, knee high, boot liners, warm, wooly, fuzzy, fun patterns, checks, and polka dots. All warm my feet and my heart, which is why I also love to give socks as gifts.
Everybody at any given point in time could use a new pair of socks or three. You may think your sock drawer is overstuffed at the moment (mine certainly is), but were you to rid that drawer of pairs in which one sock has a hole in the toe or heel, those ribbed knee-high hiking socks you’ve yet to find a use for (because we both know you’re not going hiking anytime soon), and the mismatched sets cobbled together from laundromat survivors, you would probably have fewer than 10 pairs left. And you should really have more than 10 nice, workable pairs of socks. You need at least a week’s worth of the short guys for warm weather, a week’s worth of tall guys for the cold, and a week’s worth of fitness socks, if you’re into that sort of thing. Then you need a few pair of socks that cheer you up when you slip your feet into them — and that’s where the holiday season comes in especially handy.
Now that it’s once again the time of year for buying presents, I think socks are a terrific choice for the guys and gals on any shopping list.
Here are five reasons why:
1. Socks don’t break the bank.
Sock prices vary as much as their shapes, lengths, and sizes. There are expensive socks and designer socks that could take a bite out of your wallet, but there are also A-level awesome socks that cost less than a grande mocha. Target is my favorite sock hunting store and a place where I’ve scored fabulous foot coverings for a song. Do you need a stocking stuffer, a secret Santa gift, a present for a white elephant gift exchange, or something for that eighth night of Hanukkah? A pair of socks can fill that gift bag and leave some change in your wallet.
2. Socks are cozy.
Is someone you know experiencing the winter blues? Tugging on a pair of fuzzy socks is like a hug that starts with your feet. So give a sock hug this holiday season, and add in a snugly blanket for an extra layer of comfort.
3. All those age-focused-what-not-to-wear articles steer clear of socks.
I’m a fifty-something woman, and there are countless lists dictating the things I shouldn’t wear, including hoop earrings, long hair, short skirts, and Ugg boots. I wear them anyway. Yet somehow socks are in a neutral zone. Ageless. That fact alone takes the angst out of at least one item on your gift list. Wrapping a pair of socks in a pretty box will let you steer clear of those ever-abundant don’t-wear lists.
4. Socks are an easy fit.
Have you ever tried to buy a sweater or pajamas for someone when you don’t know their size? Or you know their size, but every store cuts things differently. I worked in retail for the past few years and I’ve been asked on numerous occasions during holiday time to slip on a sweater or jacket to help someone size a gift. However, if you’re buying socks and know the recipient’s shoe size, you’ve got their sock size, too. What’s not to love about that?!
5. Socks can say it all.
Does the person you’re buying for love music, cats, ice cream cones, Hello Kitty, unicorns, or a specific sports team? A pair of socks exists for pretty much every occasion, mood, or interest. A sock gift in a theme the recipient loves shows that you care….and that you’ve been listening.
Next time you’re looking for a holiday gift, check our discounted DTMX SOCKS 3-PACK OFFER or pick up our SOCK CLUB SUBSCRIPTION – the gift that can nourish a friend or relative’s soul and soles.
