# Help me get rid of my Amazon gift certificate **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 31, 2010, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437 "2010-05-31T23:51:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2010, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/1 "2010-05-31T23:51:09Z")
It’s only $15, but it’s been sitting around for way too long. Every time I go to Amazon, I think I should use my GC, but I never can decide on what to get. So…I’m in need of a suggestion. Go ahead and steer me toward one (just one) Amazon item (that I wouldn’t have heard of/considered otherwise). You can go a bit over $15; let’s keep it at $25 or less. A book, a cd, an electric can opener, a jar of salsa…you get the idea. My goal - aside from not having to keep thinking about this thing - is to be exposed to something semi-wonderful. Remember, please limit yourself to just one recommendation. Thanks! mmm ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Credible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a8b319/32.png) [@Justin\_Credible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Credible)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2010, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/2 "2010-06-01T00:34:23Z")
[Y: The Last Man, Volume 1 Hardcover](http://www.amazon.com/Last-Man-Vol-Deluxe/dp/1401219217/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275352333&sr=8-2). ---
**Author:** ![Serenata67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/serenata67/32/10646_2.png) [@Serenata67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Serenata67)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2010, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/3 "2010-06-01T11:18:44Z")
[Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Season 1](http://www.amazon.com/Penn-Teller-Bullsh-First-Season/dp/B00019PDNY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1275391058&sr=8-3) Really, any of their seasons are good, and under $25, but I recommend starting at the beginning. ---
**Author:** ![Mooch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7bcc69/32.png) [@Mooch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mooch)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2010, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/4 "2010-06-01T19:46:48Z")
You can buy three of these [screaming slingshot flying monkeys](http://www.amazon.com/Stretch-Screaming-Flingshot-Flying-Monkey/dp/B000OEUUG6/ref=pd_sim_t_3). ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2010, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/5 "2010-06-01T19:52:26Z")
How about…[a talking picture frame](http://www.amazon.com/RomanceH-Talking-Picture-Frame/dp/B0018OOAY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1275421721&sr=8-1)! Or…everyone loves [Sea Monkeys](http://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Sea-Monkeys-Ocean-Zoo/dp/B001CBZXEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1275421824&sr=8-1)! Don’t have children? Have children but want a few less? How about…[a blow gun](http://www.amazon.com/Predator-BG-18-Black-18-Blowgun/dp/B002DR6B1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1275421889&sr=8-1)! ---
**Author:** ![TheTerribleTako](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ba8739/32.png) [@TheTerribleTako](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheTerribleTako)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2010, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/6 "2010-06-01T21:50:46Z")
I’ll be boring and suggest a book: [Born to Run by Christopher McDougall](http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1KVCT5M4HH8R6&colid=1XVURLQCMDWW5) It’s a good read even if you don’t run or have any desire to run. The book’s filled with eccentric characters and has a nice story arc. It’s also popular at the moment being ranked #1 for the Sports, Nonfiction, and Health, Mind & Body categories which is good if you like keeping up with popular culture. Bonus: The hardback is under $15 on Amazon right now, so you can use the last buck or two to buy [this.](http://www.amazon.com/Iwako-Japanese-Eraser-Giraffe/dp/B00370VT82/ref=pd_sim_t_2) ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/7 "2010-06-02T00:57:02Z")
Music suggestion (if you have an MP3 player): [Steve Miller Band: Recall The Beginning…A Journey From Eden](http://www.amazon.com/Recall-Beginning-Journey-Eden/dp/B001BEIAII/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1275440118&sr=301-1) Book suggestion: [We Swam the Grand Canyon: The True Story of a Cheap Vacation that Got a Little Out of Hand](http://www.amazon.com/We-Swam-Grand-Canyon-Vacation/dp/0963405594/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1) ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/8 "2010-06-02T01:12:14Z")
I appreciate all the replies. > [@Justin\_Credible](#): > > [Y: The Last Man, Volume 1 Hardcover](http://www.amazon.com/Last-Man-Vol-Deluxe/dp/1401219217/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275352333&sr=8-2). Graphic novel…ahhhh…not for me. > [@Serenata67](#): > > [Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Season 1](http://www.amazon.com/Penn-Teller-Bullsh-First-Season/dp/B00019PDNY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1275391058&sr=8-3) > Really, any of their seasons are good, and under $25, but I recommend starting at the beginning. Already have it. Good’n, though. > [@Mooch](#): > > You can buy three of these [screaming slingshot flying monkeys](http://www.amazon.com/Stretch-Screaming-Flingshot-Flying-Monkey/dp/B000OEUUG6/ref=pd_sim_t_3). We had those flying around my house last Christmas. > [@Munch](#): > > How about…[a talking picture frame](http://www.amazon.com/RomanceH-Talking-Picture-Frame/dp/B0018OOAY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1275421721&sr=8-1)! > Or…everyone loves [Sea Monkeys](http://www.amazon.com/Schylling-Sea-Monkeys-Ocean-Zoo/dp/B001CBZXEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1275421824&sr=8-1)! > Don’t have children? Have children but want a few less? How about…[a blow gun](http://www.amazon.com/Predator-BG-18-Black-18-Blowgun/dp/B002DR6B1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1275421889&sr=8-1)! Talking picture frame - naahhh. Sea Monkeys - double naahhh. Blowgun - intriguing. Got a real crappy review, though. > [@TheTerribleTako](#): > > I’ll be boring and suggest a book: [Born to Run by Christopher McDougall](http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307266303/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1KVCT5M4HH8R6&colid=1XVURLQCMDWW5) > > It’s a good read even if you don’t run or have any desire to run. The book’s filled with eccentric characters and has a nice story arc. It’s also popular at the moment being ranked #1 for the Sports, Nonfiction, and Health, Mind & Body categories which is good if you like keeping up with popular culture. > > Bonus: The hardback is under $15 on Amazon right now, so you can use the last buck or two to buy [this.](http://www.amazon.com/Iwako-Japanese-Eraser-Giraffe/dp/B00370VT82/ref=pd_sim_t_2) This (the book) may be in the lead; looks fascinating. Don’t like Japanese giraffes. And don’t need an eraser (no mistakes, ya know) > [@blondebear](#): > > Music suggestion (if you have an MP3 player): [Steve Miller Band: Recall The Beginning…A Journey From Eden](http://www.amazon.com/Recall-Beginning-Journey-Eden/dp/B001BEIAII/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1275440118&sr=301-1) > > Book suggestion: [We Swam the Grand Canyon: The True Story of a Cheap Vacation that Got a Little Out of Hand](http://www.amazon.com/We-Swam-Grand-Canyon-Vacation/dp/0963405594/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1) Steve Miller Band - worth a thought. Is this his _real_ early stuff? Not a huge fan of his 70’s pop, but he was pretty bluesy back in the day. Grand Canyon book - another distinct possibility. What else ya got? ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/9 "2010-06-02T01:35:45Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Steve Miller Band - worth a thought. Is this his _real_ early stuff? Not a huge fan of his 70’s pop, but he was pretty bluesy back in the day. Take it from a fan from the early days (who likes very little of his post-\*Joker \* stuff), Journey From Eden rates as one of his best albums. As Dave Furgess says in [this review](http://www.headheritage.co.uk/unsung/review/520/), it’s a crime that the album has pretty much been forgotten. ---
**Author:** ![skearton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@skearton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skearton)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/10 "2010-06-02T01:42:58Z")
> **[Amazon.com: Drake's Cakes Funny Bones, 10 cakes, 13.03oz (pack of 2)" \[total 20...](https://www.amazon.com/Drakes-Cakes-Funny-13-03oz-26-06oz/dp/B001UL493M)** > > Drake's Funny Bones are frosted peanut butter creme filled devil's food cakes. A favorite for everyone! Our package includes 2 boxes, with 10 packaged cakes in each box. ---
**Author:** ![gonzoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a6a055/32.png) [@gonzoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzoron)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/11 "2010-06-02T15:35:55Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > So…I’m in need of a suggestion. Go ahead and steer me toward one (just one) Amazon item (that I wouldn’t have heard of/considered otherwise). You can go a bit over $15; let’s keep it at $25 or less. Bah! never buy less than $25-worth at amazon! That’s the free-shipping threshold. Why pay $4 to ship your $15 item when for 6 more bucks, you can buy another $10 item and have both ship free? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/12 "2010-06-02T16:21:52Z")
How about a decent [pair of earphones](http://www.amazon.com/Altec-Lansing-UHP606-Reference-Earphones/dp/B002DPTQ8W/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I19T91G43Z614B&colid=2WJEJQBUB8OLE)? ([2nd choice](http://www.amazon.com/JBuds-Premium-Hi-Fi-Noise-Isolating-Earbuds/dp/B001GS8FZ2/ref=pd_cp_e_1)) ---
**Author:** ![TheTerribleTako](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ba8739/32.png) [@TheTerribleTako](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheTerribleTako)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/13 "2010-06-02T20:32:46Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Don’t like Japanese giraffes. And don’t need an eraser (no mistakes, ya know) How about a [pig](http://www.amazon.com/Iwako-Japanese-Eraser-Pig/dp/B00370SF9S/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_b) instead? Look at those eyes! They’re a blank vortex of cuteness. Even the perfect man needs to be prepared for other’s mistakes! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2010, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/14 "2010-06-02T20:38:41Z")
[Zyliss Ice Cream Scoop](http://www.amazon.com/Zyliss-71372-Ice-Cream-Scoop/dp/B00008TAB2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1275511054&sr=1-1) and [Zyliss Pizza Cutter](http://www.amazon.com/Zyliss-30810-Pizza-Wheel-Red/dp/B002IT37Z6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1275511040&sr=8-3). Two of the best things I ever bought. ---
**Author:** ![Postariti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Postariti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Postariti)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2010, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-rid-of-my-amazon-gift-certificate/541437/15 "2010-06-03T02:16:37Z")
[Electric potato peeler](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X9EPT0/ref=oss_product) - Just got mine yesterday, and it actually works. [Meat tenderizer](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004UE7Y/ref=oss_product) - Only $7, and works amazingly well. I gave it to my mom for Christmas, and I can’t count the number of times she’s made steak fingers for me since.