Since it's the holiday season and people are out shopping for gifts, I thought I'd specifically answer this question.
Socks suck as gifts because they're as impersonal as you can get. Like, everybody wears socks so you can't really go wrong, per se, but how much thought does it take to pick up a pair of socks. Further, it doesn't actually mean you care about me. And do you know why? Because I probably own quite a few pairs of socks already since they're a pretty standard issue item.
They're a cool supplementary gift. But in general, if you buy somebody a pair of socks, namely a dude, it's the equivalent of saying, I've known you for quite some time but really, I have on idea about your interests but I felt compelled to get you something to show you that I did think about you. It's like getting a woman one of those bath sets from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Yeah, all women use soap but those prepackaged things are the gifts you get for people you're required to buy gifts for without doing any actual thinking.
You only buy those for women you know nothing about.
Socks are the exact same gift. Except cheaper. So not only don't you care, you're a cheap bastard too. And I don't care if they are argyle. Do you know if I like argyle?
Bad santa.
Socks are warm and fuzzy. :)
What if it's for secret santa and you don't know the person really,what then?
I'd just like to mention that I am personally a huge sock fan, and I'm disappointed if I don't receive socks on Christmas. But the people who know me know that I really like socks, so it becomes something more personal.