Ever get tired of collecting useless stuff around the holidays? Feel bad for giving your mom socks for the fifth year in a row? Don't want to brave the crowded shopping malls? Don't want to bust your wallet giving people things you know they don't really want? It's been said too many times, but we live in such a material society today. This is a list of holiday gifts that aren't just more stuff. If you really want to make someone's day, try doing something nice for them.
1. Breakfast In Bed
This is a classic. Who doesn't like to wake up to a tray of home cooked food?
2. Yard Work
Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, weed the garden, etc. If you your feeling ambitious, try and plan your yard makeover so it's a surprise that the person wakes up to or comes home to.
3. Clean the house
I'm not just talking about any old house cleaning session. Yes you can vacuum and mop and empty the dish washer but if you want to go all out try doing things like polishing the tea kettle or cleaning the stove/oven. You can also clean out and organize someone's closet (with their permission of course).
4. A Nice Massage
Again, don't just go for a 2 minute shoulder rub. If your doing this for someone you're close to, you can use oil or lotion and set the mood with some candles or music. If not, try a foot, hand and back/neck message (don't worry, the clothes can stay on).
5. At Home Spa Day
You could give someone a mani-pedi or just file and buff their nails if they're not that into nail polish. Also face masks and epsom salt baths are always relaxing.
6. At Home Makeover
Give someone a new look with makeup and hair if they're into that or give a guy a nice old-fashioned shave.
7. Surprise Picnic
Pack some champagne and food as simple or as fancy as you like. Go on a long hike or a short walk to the park, either way its nice to spend some time outside. You could also plan your excursion for sunrise or sunset to set the mood.
8. Shoe Shine
Clean, polish, waterproof, replace the laces, etc. This doesn’t only apply to leather shoes.
9. Use Your Skillz
If cut hair for a living, give someone a free haircut. If you write plays, give someone free tickets to a show. If you think you have no skills, offer to babysit someone's kids so they can have a nice night out.
10. Pet Care
Wash the dog, take it on a walk, clean the fish tank, trim the cat's nails-- this one's pretty self-explanatory.
