Unique holiday gift ideas they’ll actually love.

1. Clean and organize their home or office.

Not many people truly enjoy cleaning their houses from top to bottom. And with hectic schedules and tons of responsibilities, most folks simply don't have the time for it. That's why paying for a deep house cleaning and professional organization services is the ultimate gift. You could give them one thorough house cleaning or sign up a loved one for a weekly or monthly cleaning service. If you're strapped for cash but have the free time, put on your gloves, grab a broom and make this a DIY gift.

Whichever route you take, just know that house cleaning is the perfect gift for just about anyone. It's a great gesture for an older relative who has a hard time with the physical demands or for college students who don't seem capable of cleaning up after themselves. It's also a great gift for your parents (you know, to make up for all the time they’ve spent cleaning up after you over the years).

Related: How much does it cost to hire a house cleaner?

2. Take the hassle out of home repairs.

As every homeowner knows, the need for repairs never ends. Even those of us who have the DIY skills to take care of our own home repairs and maintenance often don't have the time. That's what makes hiring a handyman such a useful gift. Almost anyone can benefit from it. 

There are local handymen (and women) who have a range of services, from jack-of-all-trades repairmen to trained specialists. You could give your dad the gift of handyman services to help him with minor repairs around the house, or hire someone to help your cousin with that mess in his garage. Did your grandparents hang up holiday lights and decorations this year? Pay a professional to take them down after the holidays to save them the hassle.

Related: How much do handymen charge?

3. Help them reach their fitness goals.

If you know someone who's obsessed with fitness or recently committed to getting in shape, you might be tempted to get them some home workout contraption that will inevitably get stuck in the closet for a few years before winding up at a yard sale. There's a better option: give them their own personal trainer. 

A wide range of personal trainers are available for in-person and virtual training sessions. They'll work with anyone — 1:1 or in a group setting — to help them meet their health and fitness goals, and their services make great gifts for practically anyone who has an interest in getting healthier. If you know they have a special interest in a specific type of physical activity (yoga, kickboxing, etc.), that’s even better.

Of course, if getting in shape is one of your own New Year's resolutions, you might just want to save this particular gift for yourself. 

Related: How much do personal trainers charge?

4. Arrange a five-star, multi-course meal.

You can bring a five-star meal to anyone's dining table by hiring a personal chef for a night. It's a unique gift idea that will create a memorable (and delicious) experience for any hard-to-shop-for person. It's an especially great couples' gift — who wouldn't want a romantic dinner cooked by a top-rated chef?

Depending on who's available in your area, you can find a personal chef who specializes in a specific cuisine  and will work with any dietary restrictions your recipient may have (gluten-free, vegetarian, keto, etc.). Many personal chefs will also host virtual or in-person cooking classes, which can be a great gift for someone who would enjoy learning a few new cooking skills. 

Related: How much does it cost to hire a personal chef?

5. Introduce them to a new hobby.

Sometimes, the hardest part about learning something new is taking that first leap. Gifts like private guitar, piano, language or painting lessons are great for anyone who has always wanted to explore a new hobby, but could never find the time. 

Of course, it's important to give this gift to someone who truly wants it, or else lessons can feel more like a chore than a gift. But if you know someone who has wanted to learn to play an instrument or whose child is a budding artist, then the gift of lessons can be truly life-changing. There's a good chance they'll thank you for it for years to come.

6. Alleviate their stress. 

Life can be stressful. Yet many of us lack the time and resources to truly invest in self-care and wellness. Help your loved ones prioritize this by scheduling a yoga class or a meditation session with a professional near you.

Another great, stress-relieving gift idea: a relaxing massage. It's an especially thoughtful gift for anyone you know who works hard and doesn't often get to do enough for themselves.

It's important to always choose a top-rated massage therapist. Look for someone who offers a physical gift card or certificate. It's also a good idea to offer the recipient a little background, especially if they're not the sort to regularly get a massage. Let them know that you see how hard they've been working, or how much stress they've been under, and that it's time to be pampered a bit. 

Related: How much does a massage cost?

7. Give them a royal spa treatment.

Everyone needs to treat themselves now and again. Few things are more luxurious than a therapeutic facial treatment and other spa services. These are the perfect gifts for stressed our overworked friends who could use a little R&R. 

Facials are most often done by a licensed cosmetician, esthetician or dermatologist, and typically last 60 to 90 minutes (you could also give someone a series of 30-minute "mini facial" treatments). 

Salon and spa services make a great couples' gift — especially if you're one half of the equation. Whether you're planning a romantic spa day or just want to give someone a professional mani pedi, salon and spa services are some of the best experience-based gifts because they melt tension and make people feel restored. That's a gift indeed.

8. Help out with pet training or sitting.

Being a dog mom or dad is hard work. Sure, you could give your favorite pet owner some new treats or toys for their four-legged friends, but how about getting them something they can really use? 

Arrange for a professional dog trainer to help them work through their puppy's potty training and teach them to stay off the couch. Or, maybe you know someone who likes to travel and desperately needs a reliable pet sitter? Come to think of it, this might be a gift you could use for yourself this holiday season. 

Related: How much does a private dog trainer cost?

9. Set up a self-portrait session.

Not many people choose to commission a self-portrait. But hiring a portrait artist can be a surprising and often emotional gift that will be appreciated for years to come. 

A custom portrait makes a great gift for newlyweds or for a couple who has recently welcomed their first child. You might also commission a house portrait for someone who has just purchased their first home, or a pet portrait for a loved one who has recently gained (or lost) a beloved pet. 

Related: How much does portrait photography cost?

10. Boost their curb appeal.

Keeping up with a garden or lawn can be a lot for anyone to handle — especially during the winter. From mowing the lawn and trimming shrubs to winterizing the pool and pressure washing the patio, it's an endless series of physically intense tasks. This is why landscaping services can be a helpful gift for those who need them. 

Depending on who you're shopping for, the ideal gift might be snow or leaf removal, swimming pool maintenance or deck and patio repair. If you're a particularly handy individual, you could always do it for them. But many jobs are best left to professionals. 

Related: How much do lawn care services cost?

Use Thumbtack to find unique holiday gift ideas.

The most important things to consider when choosing a gift are the recipient's needs, wants and interests. Think about how they might like to feel, and give the gift of an experience or service that they can enjoy and treasure rather than an object that brings fleeting happiness. If you're looking for more gift ideas, there are no shortage of great experiences on Thumbtack.

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