Thoughtful gifts for the person who doesn’t want more stuff

Sometimes the best experience gifts are the ones that make someone's life a little easier or more comfortable, instead of bringing something new into your home.

And just because you're gifting a service doesn't mean you can't wrap something for the big day (just add a thoughtful note to explain what they’re actually getting).

1. Pockets

   It’s no secret that women in particular get shorted when it comes to pockets, whether that’s dresses that don’t have them or pants that have tiny pockets that fit nothing. (Gifting clothes to a shortie? Try pairing it with hemming services!)
   
   How to wrap it: When you buy pockets on Mendy, we’ll send you a welcome kit with prepaid packaging and some other goodies that you can wrap and put under the tree.

2. Lawn services or snow shoveling

   Some people enjoy these homeownership tasks, but year-after-year (or when other demands on your time like young kids or a new job get the best of you) this kind of physical work can get old.
   
   How to wrap it: Make a big impression by wrapping up their existing snow shovel or play it subtle by wrapping up some hot cocoa they can enjoy instead on snowy morning. Looking for something weirder? How about filling a (new!) gas can with their favorite relaxing beverage?

3. Car detailing

   Not just for fancy cars! A clean car—especially for those with young kids or long commutes—can feel infinitely more comfortable than one covered in dirt, stray fries, and dog hair. Need a more affordable option? Check for local car wash membership programs and buy their first month, or give the gift of education with a class with Mechanic Shop Femme.
   
   How to wrap it: This is probably the only time that buying a gift from a gas station really makes sense. Keep it simple with a classic scented tree hanger or grab a bottle of window washer fluid so they can see clearly all year long.

4. Professional organizer

   Tackling big projects like a garage or attic clean out, going through kids stuff, or rethinking your closet can feel overwhelming but a professional can help tackle it! Find a certified KonMari consultant in your area or for a more affordable option, gift Mari’s tidying classes ($40).
   
   How to wrap it: Get one of the KonMari method books (check out used bookstores or even borrow from the library if you’re on a tight budget), or check out an option like KC Davis’s “How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing.”

5. Career support

   So many people are thinking about what they want from their work life at the end of the year (whether by choice or by layoff). If supporting each other’s careers is part of your relationship, giving the gift of professional support can be a welcome boost. For active job hunters, Indeed offers $19 resume review services and LinkedIn Premium starts at $30. For those eager to upskill themselves in their current role, find a coach with Outpace or BetterUp.
   
   How to wrap it: These services aren’t typically gifted, so you’ll need to be more creative here and get someone a Visa gift card for the specific service you think they’ll benefit from. It helps to be specific instead of just throwing money at them–tell someone why you think a specific service will be valuable for them to show you’re invested in their success and happiness. For someone trying to increase their salary, put the gift card in a wallet to wrap up.

6. Photo scanning

   For any family of the 90s and earlier, there are probably piles of printed photos (and maybe even a stack of VHS tapes) shoved somewhere. Pricing is typically per photo with minimums, so if you also have your own pile, it's probably most cost efficient to get a quality photo scanner and binge some really long shows to do it yourself. But for the easiest option, there are services where you can simply drop off your physical memories and get them digitized.
   
   How to wrap it: There’s a range of options for how you can present this. If you want something free, snag an existing framed family photo or stack of photos. Go big and box and wrap all your family photos! Or be fancy and gift them a digital photo frame they can use for what you scan.

7. Handyman services

   If you've noticed your friend has an ever-growing honey-do list and no time to actually check some things off, a trustworthy general repair person (petition to rename this a handy human?) can be a huge relief.
   
   How to wrap it: Raid the toolbox for something worth wrapping or keep it super simple with a card containing their to-do list.

8. Classes together

   Get some quality time and learn something new together! Check your local community center for affordable options where you can meet new local folks or check Airbnb Experiences to explore your own backyard with a local.
   
   How to wrap it: You can be clever with this one–draw a terrible portrait of your friend or make a treat to wrap up. There’s really nothing like the gift of quality time.

9. Music

   A thoughtful playlist is always a solid choice, especially when accompanied by gushy explanations of each track choice. Or you can really go all out with a custom song commission based on your memories, an inside joke, or the story of your relationship (check out Songfinch to work with an artist to create your masterpiece in under a week).
   
   How to wrap it: Confuse the younger generations by wrapping up a cassette or jewel CD case, or be dramatic by boxing up a bluetooth speaker you can start playing before they even unwrap their gift.

10. Special meal

    Goldbelly is the new Harry & David for seasonal food gifts. Check for a favorite local specialty (like pork roll from New Jersey’s Taylor Ham or Central Texas barbecue legend Louie Mueller), try creations from celebrity chefs like Jacques Torres or Ina Garten, or find your new favorite mom-and-pop shop (like Baz Bagels with their wow-factor rainbow NY bagels). Need some help choosing? Eat with your eyes and check out Goldbelly TV.
    
    How to wrap it: Wrap up a lunchbox or empty plate to present what’s coming (or even order ahead and keep the special meal in your fridge until the big reveal.

A lot of the gift here isn’t just covering the cost, but doing the research work to make it easy to enjoy something special. Sometimes, that’s the biggest barrier for making a change or trying something new.

Share your favorite creative gifts you’ve given or received in the comments!