1. Give the Gift of Learning: A Pop-Up Class

Is there ever a better gift than learning? Not in my mind, but I am biased and love an opportunity to soak in something new. My sister recently gave me a gift of going to a class with her through an amazing local company, Level Up Louisville, that we have since come to love. They offer pop-up style classes on many different topics – meal prepping, make-up, writing, mindfulness, organizing and much more. My sister and I attended a 2-hour long class on a capsule closet.

It was a perfect gift! A couple of hours out of the chaos of everyday life and a chance to learn and look at things from a different/new angle. This is a gem of a local company, and I’m sure other cities have similar options available. The gift of time (with my sister/one of my favorite people, nonetheless), learning, and a break to refresh and re-engage the mind. I don’t think it gets any better.

  1. O-venture Big-O Key Rings

Beyond brilliant!! This company’s motto is, “Carry Only What You Need.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent seemingly forever searching for my keys through my purse, the diaper bag, my workout bag, etc. Especially for a mom who always has her hands completely overloaded (does anyone else ever feel like a pack mule?!) at all times, with no spare hand to ever carry a car key. This bangle-like key ring can conveniently be carried around the wrist and is super cute with fun, bright colors.

And, it won’t get lost in the bottom of one’s purse or bag! You can’t miss it buried in the contents of a bag. This one has always received grateful and raving reviews from recipients.

  1. Personal Assistant

What does every busy, time-crunched person really need? Some help!! In many cities there are companies that will send a “personal assistant” for the day or however long you need that can help with day-to-day tasks or anything else. One we have found super helpful in our area is PA for Today.   They did an amazing job helping clean out and organize several closets and our garage. The tasks that one always means to get to, but with numerous other day-to-day tasks/young kids/crazy work schedules, etc you just can’t seem to get done.  For my best friend’s recent birthday, I realized she was getting ready to move and could probably use an extra set of hands to help. I was hesitant to send a random stranger into her home – she lives out of town and I am not familiar with such companies or services in her area. However, we have extended family that live near her, and I knew one of them loves to organize. I contacted her and arranged and paid her for a few hours of time for her to help my friend as a gift.  It was perfect and a win-win for everyone – my friend appreciated the help and the organizer appreciated some extra cash.  If you get creative, you can find a way to make this idea work and the recipient will love it

  1. Spa Gift Card

This was given to me by a colleague recently and I was so excited! Self-care is so important, and too often neglected. There are hundreds of different salons, yoga studios, and more that accept this very versatile gift card for numerous different self-care options – yoga classes, massages, and more. It made me take time to schedule an hour or so for myself, that I otherwise would’ve probably put off or not committed to doing. A real treat for anyone!

  1. Cadella’s Blessing Bracelets

These are amazing and make great gifts for any mom, grandma, aunt, etc. Cadella’s makes beautiful jewelry that have magnetic photo tiles that are interchangeable among all of the company’s pieces. They have several bracelets and necklaces to choose from and are constantly coming out with new, fun pieces. They can be ordered online and photos easily uploaded for the tiles to be made. The company ships them to you and they have the best service!

  1. Keep Going Bracelet

This bracelet has a discreetly hidden reminder in the inside of the bracelet. It is modern and versatile on the outside and provides a reminder that we all need to hear at one time or another. 

(available at Amazon)

 

  1. Canvas Photo Gift

Perfect for grandparents and other important people in your family’s lives. Canvas on Demand frequently has sales that make their costs tough to beat. I’ve been happy with the quality of their canvases. We love giving some type of photo gift of the kids to their grandparents for holidays and birthdays. You don’t have to worry about a frame, and the smaller sizes have photo stands. 

  1. Wine Tumbler

These keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. They are available in many fun colors. Good for coffee, water, wine, or whatever your beverage of choice is.

  1. A Night Out

A great gift for parents with young kids – offer to watch their kids for a few hours so they can get out of the house for dinner or a movie (or a nap!). This is always greatly appreciated!  

  1. A Date

My kids loved this more than anything at Christmas this year. We gave each of them a date with my husband and I and another date with just me. We let them tell us what they would like to do and try to plan it together. It’s great to get a little one-on-one time with each of them, and they love it!