Comments on: The Scrooge Report: Holiday Wine Gifts

By: Mike Veseth

Mike Veseth — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:16:15 +0000

Speaking of economists and children … check out the famous “Rotten Kid Theorem,” one of the cornerstones of “family economics.”
Cheers!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotten_kid_theorem

By: Ken Bernsohn

Ken Bernsohn — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:10:56 +0000

Your piece had a fascinating viewpoint. Based on the same logic of dollar-value return-on- investment only, economists don’t have children or pets.
Your article was fun and applied perfectly to at least two classes of people: a) people who hate shopping
b) Those who get upset at the idea of buying a present that isn’t appreciated.
There are at least two other classes:
c) People who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, searching for an unasked for gift that will thrill the recipient.
d) Those who pray to St. Martha Stewart who want everything perfect in their home and select gifts they believe “anyone with taste will appreciate.” Since I don’t dress well enough or spend enough on redecorating my home every year to be in their social circle, I must admit, I haven’t spent a lot of time with this group. However, I believe the time I’ve spent has been more than sufficient.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:57:09 +0000

You have succeeded in delivering a convincing argument that “the Grinch Factor” should be used in my gift-giving analysis. Or maybe better yet, my Aunt Gertrude should! The annual Christmas sweater certainly qualifies for a 100% Santa Tax and that is much larger than a wine gift! I would argue that at least a gift of wine I’ll open twice and has an “entertainment factor”to consider.
Great article, Mike. I learned something new!