BY HAND: A gift certificate that YOU hold on to. Maybe make them one yourself for them on your computer and YOU hold on the the original and give it to them the day before the appointment?

I have an aunt who gets her hair professionally washed and styled weekly. Several family members chipped in money and we sent that to the salon as a credit to my aunt's account. (Make sure you speak to the salon owner and let them know what you are doing!) My aunt was given a homemade gift certificate--signed by all of us to let her know that she had several months of free haircare waiting for her at her favorite salon. It was an easy gift and no clutter to dust or hide when company comes.


A pre-paid card to a gas station. Yes, it's still a gift card, but it's something that everyone can use & (hopefully) buys something that doesn't add to the hoard. Also, online access *only* (not in paper form) subscriptions to newspapers, geneological websites, or other sites related to your loved one's interests. Exception: this would NOT be a good idea for someone that regularly prints everything they find online.

 

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