The shop vac is the most useful gift for any homeowner or anyone who has a child or a pet I have given several as housewarming gifts...initially they think I am nuts but they always come back and say that was the most useful gift they ever got and it is used all the time. (even beyond the shop)
I recall one night a long time ago when my kids were very young. They were sick and it was 2:00am.
Vomit on the carpet. My wife says OH...man how are we going to get that up?!...I look and say...hmmm, you take care of him I'll get the shop vac. In minutes things were good again. (just remember to take in the the back yard and wash it out!)