Introducing Kiind’s first guest blogger Alexandra Franzen. Here are some of her helpful tips to find a balance of thoughtful and lazy gifts.

Confession: I am The World’s Laziest Gift Giver. No, I’m serious. THE laziest.

Driving to a shopping center … finding a parking spot … navigating throngs of sweaty humans … selecting the gift … wrapping the gift … and then (HORROR OF HORRORS!) waiting in line at the Post Office to ship the gift …

The whole scenario sends me into a mild state of hysteria.

Hand-made gifts seem like an excellent alternative, in theory … except that I am also The World’s Least-Talented Crafter.

It’s a grim combination, especially since I LOVE giving gifts.

Which is why, over the years, I’ve created a list of totally thoughtful (but extremely lazy) gifts, for the people I love.

Here are my go-to gifts, for all kinds of folks.

And when you find yourself with a gloriously free afternoon on your hands — because you don’t have to schlep down to the Post Office during rush hour — you’ll thank me.

1. GET A PIZZA DELIVERED

Who doesn’t love pizza? Ring up a local pizza parlor, give them your credit card info over the phone, and tell them you’d like to set up a pizza delivery — as a gift. They’ll usually be happy to help. And if you ask rrrreally nicely, they might even arrange the toppings into a heart.

2. GIVE ‘EM A “NEW YEARS” TAROT READING

My favorite mystics all offer electronic gift certificates — because they’re savvy entrepreneurs.

I’ve gifted readings from The Tarot Lady to everyone in my immediate family — and multiple clients + colleagues. Everyone’s been thoroughly delighted to receive a little mystical mojo. (Even my skeptical dad confessed that it was “very illuminating.”)

3. BOOK THEM A BLOWOUT

Paying someone to massage your head + neck, wash your hair and style your locks to perfection is one of life’s greatest pleasures. NOT having to pay for that same service, because somebody else already did? Even better. Most blowdry salons offer gift certificates. My favorite, The Dry Bar, will send your friend a gift card shaped like a drink coaster. Too cute.

4. GO FOR A __________-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB

Cheese of the month! Wine of the month! Cookie of the month! Every time that monthly treat arrives, they’ll think of you … with ever-increasing appreciation.

Birchbox is a playful option — a monthly bundle of skincare + beauty products, starting at just $10 a month for a three-month subscription. (They’ve got an option for men, too.)

5. CLEAN UP THEIR ACT.

Starting the New Year with a sparkling clean home — what could be better? I recently got a housekeeping gift certificate for a friend who’s had a particularly rough + exhausting year — and she nearly burst into tears.

Just Google “housecleaning” + your friend’s zip code, contact a local company, and hook it up. You’ll feel like The World’s Most Awesome Human. All without leaving the comfort of home.

Do you have any totally thoughtful (but extremely lazy) gift suggestions?

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Alexandra Franzen wants to live in a world where emails are short, love letters are brave and every “thank you” note is scribbled by hand.

As a positivity-charged blogger + writing instructor, she’s been featured on Fast Company, Forbes, The Daily Love, The Huffington Post — and on radio programs from coast to coast.

Write what needs to be written. Say what needs to be said. And do it all with love, at AlexandraFranzen.com.

 

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