Give Something Unique this Season

Still looking for that special gift? Did you buy your wife a nice bathrobe last year for lounging but now she wears it more often for cleaning the bathroom? Does your husband never have time to use the tool set you got him for his hobby because he's too busy helping around the house? Finding a gift that shows someone you really care about them can be easy.

Several local businesses have some suggestions for gifts out of the ordinary, gifts that are not only personal, but that also allow the receiver to have more time for enjoyable pursuits.

Douglas Stevens, of Belinda's Maid Agency in Fair Oaks, can provide gift certificates for all types of cleaning services. "We have a gift certificate that is pretty inclusive. They can pick up a package with just basic housekeeping-oven, floors, dusting, vacuuming, that sort of thing-or we can customize it and give them a package deal on carpet cleaning, window cleaning, mini-blind cleaning and power washing the outside of the house. I even have a guy that cleans ceilings and walls. If they really want a custom job, it really makes a house almost like brand new."

Although a great gift for anyone, Stevens says that usually women tend to be the family time managers and household organizers, and most of the household chores get piled on them. "If you love your wife, get her some more time, then you and she can go out to the movies, go out to dinner, go dance." And an added benefit is that when your home is clean, there is no nagging or bitterness about the housework not getting done.

"All they are doing is they are buying that other person time that most of us don't have anymore. We sell people time."

The cost of the services depend on what the customers' budget is and what people are looking for. Once the package has been selected, Belinda's Maid Agency provides an engraved linen certificate in a matching envelope to put in a stocking or under the tree.

A special gift that can be used by anyone but may be more applicable for the man in your life, is a gift certificate for automotive services. Lube Express can do gift certificates for any of their services, including oil changes, coolant changes or a combination of services. Yard maintenance is another idea to give the lawn caretaker of your house more time for recreational pursuits. Many companies offer weekly maintenance or a one time clean up of the entire yard.

Karen Polisky, of Fair Oaks Fitness, suggests giving a gift of fitness. She has several fitness packages available to select from. "Fitness is a gift that keeps on giving," says Polisky.

Fair Oaks Fitness has put together a variety of gift packages, ranging from gift certificates in any amount, to "The Starter Kit" ($48) with Jazzercise classes, T-shirt and water bottle, and to "The Deluxe Fitness Package" ($110), including an unlimited month of Jazzercise, weights, T-shirt and more. These gift packages provide everything anyone would need to start a fun fitness program.

"Unlike giving a gift certificate, the special gift packages give a variety of useful items that will continue to be useful throughout the coming year." Polisky will even gift wrap your packages.

After a long day at work, driving home in your well-maintained car, walking into a clean house, and being able to go to a fitness class will be gifts that last long after the Christmas decorations are put away.