Each year I look forward to my most useless gift. In the past,it was a pair of flannel pajamas (I don't wear pajamas); a winter hat with ear flaps (I'm not Elmer Fudd); a necktie with a picture of a naked woman (I'm not exactly Bob Crane either); and a picture of Shaquille O'Neal (I'm not a big fan of professional basketball).

This year the honor goes to a heated travel mug that plugs into the car lighter. While I spend a lot of time on the road, I don't drink coffee, nor do I usually allow myself time in the morning to make a cup of tea. In the rare event that I bring a cup of tea, I pretty much drink it before it can get cold.

Anyway, I'm grateful for the gift. The person, who bought it, put some thought into the gift, knowing that I travel and such. But as a firm believer in re-gifting, I will likely find a good home for this mug, which is actually pretty nice.