Pickles by Brian Crane for December 22, 2023

If it was summer, you could put it in the trunk of the car with melted crayons.

It’s not the wrapper that counts. It’s what’s inside—and the thought—that counts. Especially if it has money inside.

I sure don’t see why she’s upset. Spouse is getting a “washboard” gift wrapped in a garbage bag. With a bow and a gift tag. Because it won’t fit in anything smaller.

Spouse is also getting a “real” gift of 5 bouquets in the first 5 months of 2024. And some other stuff.

I think the red bow on it makes like look very nice and festive.

[And the package is part of the gift (and it’s usable and reusable).]

Lipstick on a pig, Earl! But it’s the thought that counts!

Hopefully, it’s a horse’s arce, because that’s what Opal’s being right now!!

I just hope Earl didn’t get that bags confused. You know, with the one he put at the curb.

I wonder if he put the same type of thought for Nelson’s gift…

In Japan that would be quite the insult. They believe the wrapping, or presentation, is an important part of gift giving. Or so I’ve been told.

Next year, even though it’s more expensive, I’m choosing gift bags over wrapping paper.

Oh Opal, quit your bellyaching, at least he remembered you! When he’s gone you’ll be wishing him back.

He is quite a charmer

Just return the gift so Opal will have “nothing” to complain about.

I don’t like wrapping gifts. Sometimes my wife does it for me.

Opal is forgetting she can use the bag for trash. Earl is so insensitive though.

It’s been years since my husband managed to wrap each other’s presents. They usually get used, read, or are too big (like the new washer I got, because the old one broke down for the third time this year).

He could have gotten a white trash bag.

“A biodegradable trash bag at that!!”

Happy Face ornament! Some day there will be a tree covered in emoji ornaments – with the poop emoji as the star or angel at the top

ain’t he…sweet? hehe

He hoped ending with a Barry Manilow line would work.

She probably wrapped his present in a used garbage bag.

Perhaps this couple finds itself past the need to give gifts for holidays. Earl really isn’t into gift giving very much, and Opal ends up with hurt feelings. They could volunteer some where, send a check to an organization, or just spend all their efforts on their grandchild’s happiness with gifts for him. If so, we would lose a lot of good strips to read.

They should sell red and green striped garbage bags at Christmas time. Earl is a visionary.

It’s a check, but don’t cash it till the day after our Social Security is deposited.

I’m with Earl. Considering what a mean wife Opal is, she should consider herself lucky that Earl even bothers to give her anything.

It’s a full-sized lawn bag full of taco chips. Bowl game size… individual serving.

well…okay then!!

Men are weird.