It’s believed that 130 million Americans receive at least one unwanted gift every year, eventually throwing it into the trash. These are perfectly good, perfectly new presents people simply never wanted. If you want to give a gift that is guaranteed not to get tossed, think about experiential over material gifts. Consider everything from edible (dinner or a nice bottle of wine) to events (concert or movie tickets). Even paying off a parking ticket could be a much more appreciated gesture than any wrapped gift.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you love your avocado toast, listen up: Wash your avocadoes before slicing into them. The outside of an avocado has been touched countless times by hands at the farm, sorting facility, supermarket and finally at your home. When you take a knife to it, you contaminate the inside of the fruit by spreading potential illness-causing bacteria from the outside in. The solution? All you have to do is give the fruit a simple wash before slicing it up. This tip goes for any fruit or veggie you slice through the outer skin: Always wash it first.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Are you in love with your pressure cooker or products like the Instant Pot? While the pot itself may be dishwasher safe, never, ever put the actual lid in the dishwasher. Small particles from dishwasher detergent can get lodged in the lid’s safety valves, and even a small amount of these particles can cause the lids to malfunction. Instead, always wash the lid by hand, then rinse and dry well with a soft towel.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION