Preserve a Life Story
Preserving the biography of a loved one is a gift for the ages. Life Stories Preserved LLC, based in Somers, will produce a hardcover book or e-book that captures one’s personal history and can be shared with current and future generations. Founder Alan Bergman adds that his company will also create an “ethical will” for clients, which is a nonlegal, nonbinding document conveying a person’s values and beliefs to guide their children and grandchildren.
Private cooking class
Westchester Magazine’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Chef, Jessica Woodford of Cooking by Jessica, offers gift certificates for individual or group cooking lessons, a chef-prepared dinner at home, or a meal-planning house call—great ideas for any foodie.
Support a local charity
Donating on behalf of a loved one to 914Cares, a local organization that works with more than 125 community partners, sends out ripples of goodwill. The Armonk-based nonprofit distributes essentials—clothing, personal care products, books, diapers, and baby gear—to families living at or below the poverty line. Consider a “Bag of Love” this season, which contains a week’s worth of clothing, new sneakers, hygiene products, and books; 914Cares will send you (or the recipient of your gift) a personalized thank-you note.
A star-studded message
It’s so much fun to receive a personalized video from a favorite celebrity, athlete, comedian, or other public figure—and a great gift for those who are hard to buy for. On cameo.com you can choose a heartfelt Happy Holidays from NFL great Brett Favre, “Kevin” from The Office, Randy Travis—and many more.
Time together jar
Jot down a variety of activities you intend to do with your giftee: a weekend hike, preparing a fun meal together, camping, a spa day. Those slips can fill a jar with future promises of time to share—which is, we think, the most valuable present of all.
Related: 14 Independent Bookstores Throughout Westchester County
