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Living through the pandemic for nearly two long years has given us opportunities to make our lives easier. Some new products and services out there can also make great gifts for friends and loved ones. If you are in a giving mood and looking for ideas, here are some suggestions.
- Virtual assistants. Many of us are working on multiple projects during this time, and personally, I was getting overwhelmed keeping it all organized, so I reached out to a verified VA through LinkedIn. I spend a lot of time working on social media, and she has helped me stay on track, taught me some things, and made it much easier by just lightening the load with a few clicks. VAs are also not very expensive.
- Professional organizers. Because I am working from home, seeing clients, the house needs to stay in order and be clean at all times. It’s also a social center because we hardly leave the place these days. Getting a professional organizer to help you create some extra space or to make it easier to find everything you need can save you hours of frustration. Just one session can make a big difference.
- Robot mop and vacuum. Most all of us are a little more germ conscious than in the past, and being able to keep the house looking like it has a daily maid service has really helped. A robot mop and vacuum work great, they’re easy to program on your phone, and they do a great job. Research it, and you won’t be sorry. We even named ours (Snowpiercer the mop and Rosie the Roomba). If you’re thinking of buying this as a gift to your partner (and yourself), consider that it will pay for itself over time (especially if you’ve been hiring a housekeeping service).
- The electric bicycle. This invention has changed my exercise routine mostly because it’s just plain fun! I can ride thirty miles, see a lot of nature, and I’m exercising the whole time, but it doesn’t feel like it. I keep it on pedal assist, so I have to do my part, but honestly it doesn’t feel like I’m working out. Once I hop on, I’m like a kid riding my bike through the neighborhood, and I am getting plenty of exercise without even thinking about it. BTW: You can spend thousands on one of these. With a little research, I paid $599 for mine and it came with a basket for my dog. This might make a great gift for your sweetheart.
- Walking poles. I have seen people waking with poles the past couple of years and thought I’d give it a try. It’s really quite nice. Your upper body gets a workout as well as your legs, and you feel a little like you’re trekking through the Himalayas. It adds another dimension to my daily walks, breaks up the routine, and helps in fending off any aggressive geese coming my way from $20 to $100.
Making life easier and healthier has become a priority for many of us. Anything that can help us feel better and get more done in the new year is a great gift. And remember, it’s always better to give than to receive.
