Excuses For Returning Christmas Gifts ...

What's the lamest excuse you've given/been given for returning a gift?

And, for the most part, readers largely ignored our query. Let's face it, you folks are busy. You have better things to do this holiday season than comb through the bowels of a Web site to answer a goofy little question.

But those who persevered - the few, the proud, the dedicated, our moms - responded thusly:

37 percent - I like the shirt, but I could really use the money for beer.

31 percent - It reminds me of a dead relative.

12 percent - It didn't fit the person I wanted to re-gift it to.

12 percent - This gift isn't ugly enough for me.

6 percent - I have 13 others just like it.

John Swann of Tampa suggests a passel of possible excuses:

•"This fruitcake was not my size."

•"I wasn't aware this came in the color pink."

•"If this was purchased here, you should be ashamed."