mumspiration christmas gift guide - idea #6

Don't panic if you still haven't completed the Chrissy shopping - I call the next list of Christmas gift ideas the "give yourself a break" list. They do not require wrapping, and can be organised at the last minute! Well suited for members of busy families, the following items may not be overly glamorous, but they are sure to be well-appreciated by their recipients, and may result in extra time available to spend with family. So why don't you give someone dear to you a break, or, better yet, if you're stuck for an answer when someone asks you what you would like for Christmas, provide them with the following list to consider:

• for the gardener of the house - a job usually (but not always) falling to the man of the house, why not "give them a break" from mowing the lawns and tending to the garden and pay to have a gardener give the garden a decent once-over. Also arrange to have the lawns mowed professionally for a couple of months;
• for the cleaner of the house - there's nothing like a big spring clean to rejuvenate a house - I know how much happier and calmer I feel in a beautifully clean and tidy house (even if it only stays that way for the length of my toddler's nap!). Why not pay for a professional to give your house a good spring clean. While you're at it, why not consider a professional window clean as well?
• for the care-giver of the house - need a break from the children and have some time to yourself (or time with hubby)? Organise for a babysitter to take the kids for a few hours (or better yet, overnight!) and use the time wisely! (see this previous post for a Christmas babysitting special);
• for the chef of the house - if you are responsible for cooking, why not ask hubby to cook for a week to give you a break. If he doesn't usually get home from work until late, suggest he cook up big batches on a weekend and freeze enough portions to feed the family for a week. If hubby is the chef in the house, offer to take over the cooking for a week.

Image from http://www.babble.com/