The XX Factor

Now that it's officially the holiday season, publications are putting out reams of annual gift guides in order to make a few bucks in commission from readers who click through to purchase. But I don't think any of the guides will be able to hold a candle to this completely insane gift guide in the New York Times dining and home section (via Alex Leo). Granted, the gift guide is touted as "Beautiful household objects for a no-expenses-spared holiday," but even if your wealth is at Bloombergian levels, no one in the universe needs a $2,200 limited-edition rickshaw from Anthropologie. Populist outrage is way too easy to inspire with such fripperies, including $600 salt and pepper shakers.