Ever get the gift-giver's version of writers block? Yeah, us too. That's why we created this special edition of RedEye for you! And if that's not enough, here's a little personal inspiration: We asked four staff members to tell us the best gifts they've ever given and received. Happy holidays!
JESSICA CANTARELLI
Web producer, jcantarelli@tribune.com, @redeyejessica
Best gift I've received: On my 12th birthday, my best friend gave me a burlap sack filled with our inside jokes. Among the 20-plus items were: "The Cable Guy" novel with highlighted Chip Douglas quotes, a can of Spam and a dozen other things that made two weird kids giggle like crazy.
Best gift I've given: Hands down, a $50 bill that I put in a card with three, Fabio-looking men on the front with thought bubbles reading "congrats" and "way to go." I gave this to my best friend on her confirmation day in 1997 (I was 13). Nothing says "congratulations on completing this holy sacrament" like a card with three half-naked men on it, amiright?
ERNEST WILKINS
wingman, erwilkins@tribune.com, @ernestwilkins
Best gift I've received: This one is a bit tough. I've gotten some amazing, thoughtful gifts over the years. I've also gotten socks. However, the only gift that I've received that got me to near-Bieber fan levels of excitement? A Sega Dreamcast with "Crazy Taxi" AND "NFL 2K." (Ask your older brother about it.)
Best gift I've given: Not even a question on this one. I helped my grandmother buy a house. And I'd do it again every year if she needed it.
ELISE DE LOS SANTOS
copy editor, ekdelossantos@tribune.com, @elisekdelo
Best gift I've received: Every year, my childhood friends and I have a sleepover during the holidays. Just to show how far we've come since second grade, I received a brand-new blow-up doll at last year's white elephant. I'll be regifting him (unused!) this year, and hopefully we'll be exchanging him (still unused!) into our 80s.
Best gift I've given: Wal-Mart is a big deal in my family. That's where we make our weekly grocery pilgrimages and stop to use the restrooms on road trips-no other store will do. When I spotted a Christmas Village Light-Up Wal-Mart Supercenter (at Wal-Mart, duh), it was a no-brainer. Now it shines its commercial lights upon our nativity set every year.
SEAN ELY
video editor, sely@tribune.com, @theseanwow
Best gift I've received: The original Sega Genesis (12 years later). My old Sega console fried after years of overplaying it as a kid, and my mom won a huge Sega pack on eBay and gave it to me when I was in college. I seriously almost cried actual happy, nostalgic, Sonic the Hedgehog-colored tears.
Best gift I've given: The new iPad. It was the first time my brother and I saved up for months (after college and having "real" jobs), pooled our money together and bought something super expensive and nice for our mom ... leaving her nearly comatose. Totally worth every cent.
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