Here’s a good reason to keep a basket of clean socks by the front door: So your guests aren’t walking in your home with bare feet! It has become commonplace for people to leave their shoes by the front door of homes they are visiting, because the soles of shoes can drag dirt, grime, fertilizer residue and chemicals into the home. Guests who aren’t accustomed to this might feel uncomfortable at first, but clean, cozy socks or slippers kept by the door can keep your house clean and your guests’ feet comfortable, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’re registering for gifts for a major event like a wedding or a housewarming, consider registering at a landscaping center for plants. Large balled trees, flowering bushes and other landscaping plants can be expensive. But over time, they’ll mature and add beauty to your yard and also help provide a habitat for wild animals. Plus, think of your registered gifts as something that will grow with you over time. And don’t forget: Most nurseries offer a guarantee on plants, so if one or two trees don’t make it, they can be replaced free of charge.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here’s a $10 investment that could be the most valuable thing you do for your cat or dog: Get them microchipped. The tiny microchip is inserted in the back of the neck and is unique to your pet; if he or she gets lost, the chip identifies who the owner is so your pet can be reunited with you. Plus, lost pets that have a microchip can be part of an emergency alert. Animal shelters in the area will be immediately notified of your pet’s details, and as the owner you’ll have 24/7 free live support to help find your lost companion animal.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION