We’ve talked about giving experiences as clutter free gifts this holiday season, and what better experience is there than having something helpful done for you? Giving gift certificates for services feels more personal than certificates for stuff at stores. You’re either giving something that will save the recipient time and hassle, or something they’d be excited about, but wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves.

Mani/Pedi

A perfect example of something I rarely if ever purchase for myself, but would love to get since it requires me to sit and do nothing for a little while. You can go the traditional nail salon or spa route, but if you live in one of the 10 lucky cities that has a Beauty Bar, make a beeline for them and grab a gift certificate. Martinis and manicures, need I say more?

Computer Help

This sounds a little odd, but stick with me here. I’m in no way computer-illiterate, but I just know there are all these awesome programs and productivity hacks lurking in my hard drive, waiting for someone to free them. For the person on your list that could use a little guidance in the computer department, get them a session with a computer support professional.
For Mac support in NYC, I love Ivan Expert. They come to you, instead of you lugging your computer to an Apple store only to wait…and wait. I’ll soon be switching totally from PC to Mac, and they’ll be the first people I call.

Photo Archiving and Albums

Most of us have boxes of old family or college photos, as well as CDs or folders of digital photos that we have no idea what to do with. I made a family photo album for my mom one year, and she was so excited to be able to flip through the pages, something she would never have had time to do for herself. If you’re crafty and have the time, make the album yourself. You can get the materials at a craft store or use an online company to turn those digital photos into an album. If you want something truly spectacular without having to invest hours and hours of your time, talk to a professional. I’ve been really impressed with the work I’ve seen from Jeanie Engelbach at PhotoJeanie and Martie McNabb at Memories Out of the Box.

Grocery Delivery 

Giving someone the gift of not having to go to the grocery store just might be the most thoughtful thing ever. Everybody needs groceries, and very few people enjoy battling it out in the aisles to get the last box of brown sugar. Give a grocery store gift certificate along with your own certificate, good for one trip to the store on their behalf. You’ll also be giving the gift of time and freedom from aggravation. Better yet, give the gift of grocery delivery, and eliminate all need to go to the store. Here in NYC, Fresh Direct is the way to go.

What other services would you love to get this holiday season?