Angie's top 5 gift ideas from the List

With the holidays approaching, many of us are looking for good gifts to give those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members. Sure, the majority of you probably turn to Angie's List to find help on home improvement , and health and wellness services, but did you know that we offer a category for virtually any service you can hire, be it calligraphy, china repair or cooking classes?

Some of the best categories on Angie's List are the more unique ones (pooper scoopers remains my all-time favorite!). Here are my top five suggestions for unusual categories to check out this holiday season. One of them just might help you pick out that perfect present.

1 — Artwork/Murals: Many service providers in this category offer custom art on home or office walls, wood graining (making something that isn’t wood look like wood), 3-D designs, or install custom stained glass or leaded windows. These providers can work with homeowners on design ideas — a custom illustration of family members, for example — and incorporate them into their work.

2 — Basketball goals/Bicycles/Playground Equipment: These categories contain great gift ideas for families looking to surprise children with a big present to open during the holidays. Imagine looking out your window as your child spots a new playground in the backyard, a ready-to-ride bicycle under the tree, or a basketball goal in the driveway. Many service companies work with homeowners to stealthily and quickly develop these projects.

3 — Dance/Music Instruction: Is your little one inspired by Angelina Ballerina? Perhaps your spouse wants to follow the “stars” and learn ballroom dancing, or learning to play guitar like Clapton is on your bucket list. You’ll find instructors on the List who can help fulfill those dreams.

4 — Entertainment/Parties: Imagine holiday carolers singing to you and your guests, or a private concert where your loved one is serenaded in the privacy of your home. We’ve had members report on such experiences. You can also find clowns to entertain at children’s parties, face painters, balloon designers, themed parties and more.

5 — Gifts: We’ve received reports from delighted members who have received handmade gifts, personalized candies, or have hired a company to design themed gift baskets for special occasions. Check out the Gifts category in your area. You might just be surprised at what you find.

Not only do I encourage you to search these and other categories to discover some of the less-obvious services rated on Angie's List, but I'd like you to report your unique hiring experiences as well. If you've had trouble finding a provider offering an atypical service, others probably are as well. By submitting a report, you might help fellow members in your community find just what they're looking for.

And if you're still struggling for a gift idea, give the gift of great service! This year, we're offering $15 gift memberships. Your friends and family might not have "clogged toilet" or "drywall mishap" on their wish lists, but if such a calamity were to happen, you can bet they'll be wishing for an Angie's List membership to help them find the best service providers in a pinch.

Happy holidays and happy gift hunting!