Just to be nitpicky, I'm not sure it's accurate to say that gift-giving mandates at Christmas are something that "many of us feel, few of us say." In my experience, almost everyone I know complains about Christmas and about the financial/emotional burdens of finding the "perfect" gift for a million different people. That's not to say that they all hate Christmas (although some do) or that they go around bitching at one another and saying things like "I'm so pissed off I have to buy something for you," but they do express a general "Sometimes this stress is more trouble than it's worth" type sentiment. I've said it, my parents/brother have said it, my co-workers, my friends, etc. It's even a common enough sentiment that the president of my organization, who is a perfectly nice and friendly man although he and I certainly have no level of intimate relationship, casually touched on this topic with me in a two-minute phone call the other day. We laughed about it before getting to the business of the call, and it struck me how generic, "how-bout-that-weather"-type a conversation topic it is to complain about the burden of Christmas.

So, in sum, I don't think what's interesting about this ad is the fact that it touches on a present-but-hidden social feeling; I think it's more striking that this ad is perfectly in tune with what its potential customers are feeling and saying. That is what's interesting to me. This is no phenomenon that is ignored by most of society (consider that there was an entire Christmas book/movie plot based around the concept, "Skipping Christmas"/"Christmas with the Cranks"), but it is certainly ignored by most advertisers. That's what makes this resonate as different with me.

And maybe I'm ignorant, but I don't think there's a gender issue here (and I'm usually one to jump all over sexism in advertising). I think it's just a guy they chose for the photo shoot. That's all. And to be quite frank, I imagine that if it were a woman in the ad, there would be a discussion about how the burden of shopping always has to fall on women.

I don't understand why there's a problem, though there's certainly a gender difference here. There is considerably more pressure for men to find 'perfect' gifts for women than the reverse; men are stereotypically happy with almost anything (or are trained to be okay with anything, without complaining), whereas women are stereotypically dissatisfied with items men choose for them. This advertisement is cleverly suggesting that if a man wants to buy a women a perfect gift, he had better head over to this shop... where he'll be done quickly! (Also, because men stereotypically do not like to shop for long periods of time.)

If the advertisement were directed at a woman, it would likely suggest something along the lines of finding something for everyone on her list, saving her time, and then she can shop for stuff for herself. Sad, yes, but marketing is aimed at the majority... who are likely actually described by the stereotype. The real problem is that people fall into acting like the stereotype because it is portrayed as the norm by such images (as well as other forms of advertisement... and pretty much most sitcoms...). It's a vicious and self-reinforcing cycle of social conditioning and marketing.

I'm almost picking up a Harry Potter reference here. "Generous Gent and the Loathsome List" vs. "Harry Potter and the _____ ______" and there's definitely something fantasy-novel-like about the way the list is wrapped around the columns.

I actually think that it's a cool idea for an advertisement. But I have to wonder: the Forum Shops at in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, NV. Would this advertisement be targeted toward locals who would hop over to the casino to do Christmas shopping? Or are they trying to get the attention of the out-of-towners staying in Las Vegas? Perhaps they feel that men are more likely to be visiting Las Vegas at this time of year.

And I think the "fantasy" aspect of it might also tie-in with the Caesar's Palace theme; the "Gent" may be representing some kind of Roman warrior.

Does someone have a problem with spelling "Genius?" The Work-year post also had an incorrect link to "ASBO Genuis [Jesus]" as well, not to mention the country of Slovania in the Santa post.

Not trying to nitpick, but spell-check is a wacky invention and it's built into my browser. It would be great to not constantly be frustrated/distracted by these easily-corrected things.

I wonder if the facing page goes on to point out that you don't have to give any Xmas gifts at all. I haven't given any for more than ten years now. The holiday police don't kick in your door at 2AM. Nobody gives a crap.

Hi. My dad has a holiday coming up and I would like to get him something worthwhile and cool. Maybe you have some gift ideas? I appreciate any advice and feedback in advance.

Hi. I understand the importance of family, and there's no better way to celebrate that bond than with a basket of fathers day hampers. These baskets are filled with top-notch products including artisan cheeses, fine wines and more to make your dad feel appreciated and loved on his special day.