Does this happen to anyone else? This compulsion to envision elaborate scenarios of awkward gift-giving? I haven’t actually tried it, but I think the solution we propose might work. The cleansing flames could soothe the mind and help refresh the afflicted shopper. Yet another thing to add to the “Problems Fire Can Solve” list.

Or, you know, you could buy things off someone’s list. If you’re lazy. Frankly, I’d rather just give them the inappropriate gifts than do that, but I have to admit it would save you some trouble with mall parking lot security. Those guys do not like fire.