The Right Gift For

Absolutely (Almost) Anyone

'Tis the season, and the pressure is on to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list. Identifying that perfect gift can sometimes be more difficult than you expected. What you need is a list of 10 Christmas gifts that (nearly) anyone will love. And here it is...

1. Aromatherapy Oil And A Diffuser

Aromatherapy scents are not only a pleasing addition to the environment, they are known to affect mood, and even to ease certain physical complaints. There are more than 100 different oils to choose from, from Angelica, which calms nerves and eases anorexia to ulcers, to Ylang Ylang, which is used to ease depression, create a mild euphoria, and even act as an aphrodisiac. Box sets are available online and in stores with a small collection of essential oil bottles. 

The other part of this gift is the aromatherapy oil diffuser. These normally use heat to diffuse the aroma into the surrounding air, and come in an endless variety of shapes and styles to please every taste under the sun.

2.  A Blissful Massage

Who doesn't enjoy the delight of a stress-reducing massage? It soothes aching muscles and rejuvenates both mind and body. A gift certificate for a massage at a local spa, or for an in-home massage, is a perfect present. Another way to provide the gift of massage is to give a massage chair. Massage chairs create a kneading action, similar to that provided by a professional masseuse. Many have variable settings to adjust the intensity of the massage and to focus on specific areas of the back.

For a more intimate approach, find a beautiful basket, fill it with bottles of massage oil, and give it as a gift -- then provide the massage yourself!

3.  The Gift Of Music

Music can be an escape from, or an enhancement to, everyday reality. Even if you're not sure exactly what bands your friend prefers, you can rarely go wrong with classical music, a new age selection, or the sound track from a popular movie. The gift of music carries the message "I wish you happiness," and can become part of the sound track to a person's life.

4.  Chocolate!

Almost everyone loves chocolate. Not only does it taste divine, but current research has indicated that eating good quality, plain chocolate may actually help protect the body from high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. Of course, not all chocolates are health food, but the guilt rating is greatly reduced. This means you can satisfy your loved one's sweet tooth while showing you care about his or her health!

5. Flowers Or A Plant

By the time Christmas rolls around, many people are suffering from a case of the winter blues. A new plant or a flower arrangement can help liven up someone's winter and remind them that spring is right around the corner. Flowers can be bought online, from numerous Christmas catalogs, even from your local grocery store. A dish of flowering paperwhites makes a reusable gift that perfumes the air with the unmistakable scent of this flower. An amaryllis bulb in a basket planter will provide a spectacular bloom that will last beyond the holidays, into the grey winter season, where some color is always appreciated.

6.  Snug or Sexy Sleepwear

Like a bear in hibernation, most of us find that winter weather evokes the longing for sleep. Few things in life are better than getting a good, restful night's sleep. You can help that special someone on your list to sleep beautifully with some cozy pajamas, a comfy robe or a warm pair of slippers. Or, for a more intimate approach, buy that special person a silky nightgown or pair of boxers -- a Christmas gift you'll both enjoy!     

Sleepwear of every kind, from practical to strictly decorative, can be found in the dozens of catalogs most people find in the mail at this time of year. You'll also find sleepwear online, and, if it's a last-minute purchase, head to your local mall.

7.  A Rainbow Crystal

Crystals come in many exquisite shapes, from a snowflake to a hexagon, to a simple rectangle. They can be hung in front of a window using fine gauge fishing line so that they appear to be floating. Any ray of sunshine will be transformed into dozens of rainbows on the walls of the room. You can even get one that is attached to a small solar-powered motor to make it spin.

8. Yoga Or Gym Memberships

With a health club membership, you can provide that special person on your list with a fun way to burn off excess energy, relieve stress, and stay healthy. You can also purchase a gift certificate to a local yoga class. For a beautiful presentation, find a basket you like and fill it with a yoga mat, yoga video, a towel, a water bottle -- and the gift certificate. 

9.  A Warm Quilt

A beautiful, warm quilt is something anyone will appreciate, especially during the winter months. The quilt can be hand-made from a kit from your local crafts store, or you can buy one ready-made. Personalizing it with your friend's name in embroidery or fabric paint will make it a truly unique and memorable gift. Give the gift of a quilt to someone special on your list, and they will remember you every time they snuggle up to it in bed, or cover up in front of the TV.

10. An Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer

Is it a good day to go to the beach? Should you bundle up in your down jacket, or will a light sweater do? Who can resist checking the temperature before making plans, or walking out the door? There are literally dozens of types and styles of weather information instruments, and the costs span a wide range also. Your gift can be as simple as a digital thermometer that mounts on a window, or a handsome wood-and-brass weather station that tells them just what weather to expect while adding beauty to their home.