Do an Internet search for “giving socks” or “socks as gifts” and articles like these pop up:

• “10 Lame Christmas Gifts You Should Never Buy Anybody” screamed the headline from a popular website. Coming in at No. 8 on the list? You guessed it—socks.
• Another article listed “12 Bad Gift Ideas.” Socks ranked ninth in that one, with the caption, “…the look of disappointment that will surely cross the receivers’ face is reason to forgo this idea.”
• And yet another article that recommended not-so-boring gift ideas began with this line: “Nobody wants to be the person who has to resort to a gift card (or worse, socks)…”

But dismissing socks as a bad gift idea is so last century. People who still consider socks in this way fail to realize they have greatly evolved. We are no longer limited to six-packs of white tube socks or three-packs of navy blue dress socks bought at discount retailers. One of the reasons socks used to be a lousy gift is because they were all the same—same colors, same styles. There was nothing personal about them. Giving socks communicated to the recipient “I don’t know you that well but I’m obligated to give you something. Enjoy.”

Today’s custom made socks, on the other hand, are cool, available in nearly infinite colors and patterns. They are a form of expression. They are accessories that complete an outfit every bit as much as jewelry, hats, and eyewear. Colorful, stylish, custom dress socks are like wearing artwork that others admire.

Doesn’t that sound like an appropriate gift?

Years ago, a telephone would have been a lackluster gift. But how many people today would be disappointed if given the latest smartphone? Giving a close friend or significant other a cheap wooden picture frame would not be endearing, but a high-end digital frame that can display dozens of photos is a gift that keeps giving.

Socks have evolved in much the same way. It’s not so much that society suddenly fell in love with socks as much as the people who design and produce socks gave us something to love. And something to give.

Socks are an ideal gift for a variety of occasions. You can give a quality pair of socks to a co-worker without sending the wrong message. Socks can also be personal. You can purchase custom designed socks in a recipient’s favorite color. You can buy pairs designed to match specific outfits. You can communicate how much you understand a recipient’s personality by opting for polka dots over stripes. You can even have them monogrammed or stitched with a favorite quote.

So when the next birthday, Christmas, or other occasion rolls around, consider a quality pair of custom made socks. They will likely be received as a thoughtful and original present.

About the author

EVERSOX is a worldwide supplier of custom branded socks for businesses, retailers, and promotional products distributors — with over 10,000 designs manufactured & 100 major brands served since 2010.