I have a large pair of dressmaking shears that were my mothers and I love them partly because they were hers and partly because they stay sharp for ages. I dont use them much but I'd be lost without them.
The second pair I have are actually "pizza" scissors.....yes, you read right! They live in my kitchen and they are perfect for cutting pizza instead of a traditional wheel. If you are wondering what they look like:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/product.asp?sku=14323090&
Maybe you're wondering what to get the guy who has everything?
Seriously though, I do love several small pairs that I keep misplacing and finding again scattered through the house. I use them for thread and small snipping jobs. And I always have a pair next to me at the sewing machine.