Holidays mean family, friends, food and gift-giving. If youâre looking to give unique presents this year, consider buying your loved ones things they can use in their homes. Here are 12 great gift suggestions for homeowners this year.
Contact your pro for the best way to give a service as a gift. In some cases, you can buy the service directly; other pros offer gift certificates.
Indoor and outdoor lighting
Changing the lighting scheme in a home can give it a fresh, new look. Whether installing inset or track lighting in your kitchen or bathrooms or adding lights to your deck, a professional can help you safely and efficiently brighten your surroundings. Check with electrical pros to see what services they offer as gifts for others.
Heating and cooling service
Pros recommend having your HVAC system serviced at least twice a year. Making sure the filters are new and ensuring the AC and furnace are in tip-top shape are essential to keeping a climate-controlled environment in your home. Many HVAC pros offer yearly service contracts, which themselves can make an excellent gift.
Another way to help maintain a steady temperature is through a programmable thermostat. While you can do this yourself, hiring a professional ensures the system works properly with minimal complications.
Gutter cleaning
Clogged gutters can lead to bigger problems with leaks and water damage, so cleaning them out is a necessary task for any homeowner. Purchasing this service for your loved one keeps them off their roof while saving them time and energy, so they can enjoy their autumn and spring fun.
Snow removal services
âTis the season for snow (in some regions), and shoveling takes time and energy you might not have to spare. A snowblower can help alleviate some physical demands of clearing the fluffy white stuff from your sidewalks. But having a snow removal service do the work for you saves you time and physical effort (vital for those who experience mobility issues). Look for a professional to provide this service to your loved ones this holiday season.
Landscaping and lawn care service
While the snow is falling, we donât always think of our spring green lawns. But the seasons change, and soon the grass will need tending to. Setting up a company to take care of your loved oneâs lawn now will save them time and money once the seasons change. Also, if someone plans some landscaping changes once warmer weather arrives, you can give them a head start with a gift card from a local landscaping company.
Giving housecleaning as a holiday gift means less hassle after holiday parties. (Dreamstime/TNS)
Cleaning service
A clean house brings tranquility and order to oneâs mind. And the gift of a clean home can mean a lot to people who are on the go or suffer from mobility or health issues. Cleaners provide a variety of options for helping keep a tidy home. Maid services can range from wiping down surfaces to deep cleaning, while window washing professionals can keep your windows bright and shiny. Carpet cleaners help remove the deep-down dirt in your carpets and rugs, giving your feet a healthy place to tread in the home.
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Gift Guide: Last-minute stocking-stuffers you can buy online
Flower Press Kit
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This flower press kit is the perfect stocking stuffer for kids and adults alike. It comes with everything you need to dry and press flowers and create a work of art.
Digital Instant Print Camera
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Help someone preserve all of their favorite Christmas memories with this instant camera from Kodak. The simple point and shoot camera immediately prints each shot on 2-by-3-inch photo paper.
Essential Oil Diffuser
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At under $40, this essential oil diffuser from Wanlola is a great affordable dupe for Vitruviâs pricey model. It comes in five stylish, modern colors.
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Hand Cream Holiday Gift Set
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Most of us deal with some degree of chapped skin in the winter. This LâOccitane gift set comes with three rich hand creams to combat seasonal dryness.
Wooden Sorting and Stacking Rocks
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These Montessori-approved stacking stones encourage children to create artistic structures and practice fine motor skills. Think of them as a pastel free-form Lego set.
These bookish-but-not-book gifts are perfect for every voracious reader on your list.
Just when you think your holiday shopping is done, you realize you missed the most important gift on your list.
If youâre not quite sold on buying your 7-year-old niece an iPhone this year (as much as she tries to convince you), try one of these fun and …
If your college student is coming home for the holidays, grab some of these stocking stuffers to make his or her Christmas even more memorable.
Need a gift for that special someone who enjoys games? Check out these suggestions.Â
The Ethical Life: How can you become a better gift giver?
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