It's 9:47 p.m. The dishwasher's running, the last email's sent, and the show you've been meaning to watch is finally queued up. For once, nobody needs anything from you. This is supposed to be the good part. And yet — something is still on. Not loud. Not urgent. Just quietly, stubbornly on, somewhere behind your sternum, refusing to clock out along with everything else.

If you've felt this — the technical absence of tasks that somehow doesn't add up to the feeling of rest — you're not doing rest wrong. You're running into a fairly well-documented quirk of how attention works.

In the late 1920s, a psychologist named Bluma Zeigarnik noticed something odd about waiters: they could recall an order in perfect detail right up until the plates went out, and then the details vanished almost instantly. Unfinished tasks, it turned out, get flagged by the brain as active and worth tracking. Finished ones get filed away and forgotten. The effect that bears her name has held up across nearly a century of follow-up research: an open task is cognitively louder than a closed one, whether or not you're thinking about it on purpose.

More recent research sharpens the picture. The organizational psychologist Sophie Leroy coined the term “attention residue” for what happens when you step away from an unfinished task to do something else — some sliver of your attention doesn't fully make the switch with you. It lingers, quietly taxing whatever comes next. And in Burnout, their book on stress physiology, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski make a related case for the body: a stressful event ending doesn't automatically end your body's stress response. The response has to be completed — discharged, in their term — or it just stays switched on.

Line them up and a pattern shows up: your brain and body don't treat “the task is physically over” as the cue to stand down. They're waiting on something closer to a completion signal. Without one, the loop stays open — whether or not there's anything left to do.

Which is probably why so much of what gets called rest doesn't actually deliver it. A bath targets the body. A glass of wine targets the mood. A show holds your attention for exactly as long as it's on. None of them address the open loop directly — so when the feeling doesn't show up, the usual move is to try a bigger version of the same fix. Nicer candles. A longer weekend. A whole vacation, engineered down to the itinerary. The rest escalates while the actual problem — an unresolved loop, not an insufficient ritual — stays exactly where it was.

Here's the part that tends to surprise people who've already started outsourcing their chores: handing off a task is not the same as closing its loop. If you've ever paid someone to do something and still caught yourself thinking about it — did I schedule it, will it get done in time, do I have enough of what I need until then — you've felt this firsthand. The doing left your hands. The deciding didn't.

For most people, the deciding is quieter and smaller than the doing, which is exactly why it's the part that keeps running in the background. It doesn't sound like “I have to do the laundry.” It sounds like three low-grade questions on a loop: Is this worth it? When should I schedule the next one? Do I have enough clean clothes to make it there? None of those questions are hard. They're just never finished — which is precisely the shape of thing Zeigarnik's waiters, Leroy's residue, and the Nagoskis' stress cycle are all, in their own way, describing.

That's the gap Rinse actually closes. Not a better price on the same pickups — the removal of the three questions themselves. No scheduling, because pickups run on a rhythm you set once. No counting bags, because there's no limit to track. No re-deciding whether it's worth it every single cycle, because you already decided that the day you signed up.

Is it worth it?
Obviously.

Rinse — it's time to be great.

Most people asking this are weighing the price of a service against the cost of doing laundry themselves. That second cost is easy to underestimate, because it shows up in hours more than dollars. Add up those hours and, for most busy households, laundry pickup is worth it.

It makes the most sense for people who would rather spend their hours on something other than sorting and folding, and who want the job done reliably. It is not worth it for someone who has the time, an in-unit setup, and does not mind handling it themselves.

And if you do not have in-unit laundry, the comparison changes. Your alternative is the laundromat: hauling everything there, waiting out the machines, then folding and carrying it home. Rinse is a tech-enabled pickup and delivery service that works with vetted local cleaners, so you skip the trip. More on that below.

What doing laundry yourself actually costs

Home laundry feels close to free, since the only thing you actively pay for is detergent. The bill is bigger than that once you count stain remover and dryer sheets, the water and power for repeated cycles, and the wear and eventual repairs on the machines. None of that includes the towels, sheets, and kids' clothes that add to the load count.

The biggest cost is the one that never shows up on a bill, which is the hours you spend on it. In its 2025 American Time Use Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found the average American spent about two hours a day on household activities like cleaning, cooking, and laundry, with 81% of people doing some on any given day. Laundry is one of the tasks that comes back every week inside those two hours.

Is it worth the money?

You are probably weighing the service against what laundry already costs you, and that number is bigger than a box of detergent. Most people already pay for laundry at home: a washer and dryer, or the rent premium for an in-unit setup, plus water, power, and upkeep. A service does not add a brand-new cost so much as swap one you already carry, and it hands back the hours you spend running it.

So compare a service to what laundry costs you now, in money and in time. Add up the hours your household loses to it, then set that against what an hour of your week is worth to you.

A 2017 study, led by Harvard Business School's Ashley Whillans, found that people who spent money on time-saving services reported higher life satisfaction, and a follow-up experiment showed the effect was causal: they were happier after a time-saving purchase than after buying a material thing. The same research adds one caveat worth keeping. The benefit tapers at the highest levels of outsourcing, so the gain comes from removing a real burden, not from handing off everything. In practice, that means picking the recurring chore you dislike most, handing it off, and using the time on something you would rather do.

DIY vs. laundromat vs. pickup

For anyone on shared apartment machines or a laundromat, the cost is higher than it looks. Between the travel, the wait, and the fees, a laundromat is often the most expensive option once you count your time, even when the per-load price seems low.

Rinse Wash & Fold is a flat rate per bag, not per pound, so the price is predictable no matter how full the bag is. A Flex bag holds about a basket of clothes; a Full bag holds two or more. Pickup and delivery is a flat $14.95, and Next-Day Rush is $9.95 if you need it back in 24 hours.

What you're actually paying for

Price is only part of the question; quality is the rest. Anyone can move a bag from one door to another. What matters is what happens to your clothes in between. Rinse works with vetted local Cleaning Partners and trained Valets, and follows a consistent process on every Wash & Fold order, with your choice of scented or hypoallergenic detergent and add-ons like fabric softener or OxiClean if you want them. Every order is backed by the Rinse Guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with the cleaning of your clothes, we re-clean it at no cost.

Good handling also makes your clothes last. When care keeps a jacket you like in rotation instead of the “donation” pile, cleaning it right keeps it wearable for years.

Who it's most worth it for

Pickup earns its keep fastest if your household:

• Runs multiple loads every week, so the time savings scale with volume
• Includes young kids, athletes, or busy professionals who go through a lot of laundry
• Struggles to stay ahead of towels, bedding, and uniforms
• Relies on shared machines or a laundromat instead of in-unit laundry
• Values a predictable routine over another thing to squeeze into the week

It is especially useful during busy stretches: back-to-school, sports seasons, holidays, or any week where work and family collide.

When it's not worth it

Laundry pickup is not for everyone. If you enjoy doing your own laundry, have an in-unit setup, and are happy with your own results, it is a convenience you do not need. If your week has room in it and the chore does not cost you anything you would rather protect, keep doing it yourself. The break-even is not really about the dollar amount. It comes down to whether the hours and headspace you get back are worth more to you than the cost.

Making it routine, or trying it once

The math improves when it is a routine instead of a one-off, because you stop re-deciding every week. That is what Rinse Go is for. For $14.95 a month, the membership waives the $14.95 pickup and delivery fee and the $9.95 next-day rush fee, drops the order minimum, and lets you book any service as often as you want. Order more than once a month and it pays for itself, so recurring use stops coming with recurring fees.

If you are not sure yet, there is no need to commit to anything recurring. Start with a single wash and fold bag. One order tells you what the turnaround, folding, and communication are actually like before you decide.

So, is it worth it?

The answer depends on you. Add up what laundry costs you now in money and hours, compare it to the monthly price of a service, and be honest about how much you value the time. For most busy households the numbers make the case. If your time is better spent elsewhere and you want your clothes cared for properly, laundry pickup is worth it.

See how Rinse works or schedule your first pickup.

Below we list the 20 best gifts you can give new moms and dads as they welcome a new member into their family.

1. Meal Delivery Service or Prepaid Grubhub/Doordash/Postmates account

This gift idea is first on our list because it's an option that isn't immediately obvious but can make all the difference to a new parent. This baby shower is probably the last time you're going to see the happy couple well rested for a while. Even for those without newborns, preparing dinner can be overwhelming, so you can imagine how helpful it will be to have food almost magically appear at their front door, a true gift!

There are two ways to go for this gift option. You can find a prepared meal delivery service through Yelp or you can set up food delivery service apps like Grubhub, Postmates, or Doordash with a prepaid credit card. Visa has several options so you can bestow your generous gift with a preset limit that you're comfortable with.

2. Laundry subscription or prepaid gift card

Another daunting chore that you can help new parents avoid is laundry. The average person spends 2+ hours per week washing, folding and putting away their clothes. With a new baby in the house, your new parents will need that time for other important things, like sleep!

Rinse picks up, professionally cleans, folds, and delivers laundry to the new parent's door. Rinse offers Rinse Go, a membership that waives delivery fees, as well as gift cards if you want to give the new family a flat amount that they can use on Wash & Fold, Dry Cleaning, and Hang Dry services. One of the best gifts you can give the soon-to-be parents is the gift of never needing to fold a baby blanket or finding and pairing those tiny little socks!

Rinse is currently available in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Los Angeles, the D.C. Metro Area, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, Austin, New Jersey, and Seattle. If the new parents live elsewhere, often local cleaners also offer laundry pickup and delivery services, which will make a huge difference for the expecting family.

3. Date night gift certificates

Another non-baby baby shower gift that will make your loved one's lives easier are gift certificates for a date night. This means you arrange the sitter (if you're comfortable taking care of the baby, it's great to offer your own services) and an activity. It can be a gift basket for a date night in, or an activity out of the house like a dinner and a movie. The important part is to give the new parents space to be together as a couple and recharge during this new and exciting chapter of their lives!

4. Gifts just for Mom

Speaking of recharging, another great gift option is to make sure that the mom-to-be is taken care after the baby comes. Her life is going to all-baby, all-day so making sure she has something fun that's just for her may mean more than you know in the coming months. Mom gift boxes and gift sets or beauty boxes will be a great reminder that she is a valuable and wonderful adult between naps, diaper changes, and feedings.

You may be thinking, these suggestions don't seem very baby-related. Well, that's because these gifts are meant to take care of the parents so they can take care of their new bundle of joy. But, if you are looking for baby-focused gifts, (we can't blame you, they are the cutest) then the next six ideas on this list may be just the thing!

5. Handcrafted gifts

If you are at all creative, one of the best gifts you can give is a thoughtful DIY gift! There is no cuter project than baby-related crafts and here are a handful of our favorites:

• DIY lovey bunny blanket
• DIY sensory hula hoop

If you're no Martha Stewart, that's fine. Meet Etsy, a magical marketplace of artists where you can pick out the sweetest handmade gifts without having to bust out your own hot glue gun.

6. Helpful baby gifts (with a gift receipt)

Maybe you just want some classic baby gifts for the new little angel. If so, here are the favorites from parents and friends in our office. Consider packaging one or more for a thoughtful gift set.

• Wubbanubs: the cutest pacifiers out there. Once the baby is past the age of a pacifier, you just cut the little creature from the binky and you have a little stuffed animal that they can hang onto.
• DockATots: the well-named DockATot is basically a docking station for a baby. It's a portable cozy place for the baby to rest, play, and bond with loved ones.
• Blooming Bath Lotus: this baby bath makes sink baths easy, safe and comfortable for little one. Plus it's almost impossibly adorable.
• Sleepsack Swaddle: this wearable blanket allows babies to feel contained like when they are swaddled but have a bit more mobility.
• Baby Shusher: a shusher is a nearly magical product to help babies fall asleep and stay asleep.

7. Diaper subscription

This may be the most helpful baby gift of them all. You can give the gift of disposable or reusable diapers so it's worth asking your mom-to-be if she has a preference before you pull the trigger. A baby will go through 6-10 diapers in a day, so helping parents with their diaper needs will be a highly appreciated gift.

8. Cute diaper bag

A great baby shower gift is a diaper bag because they are indispensable once the baby arrives. The best part is that they now make very cute versions of diaper bags so new moms and dads can stay stylish even while toting their little one and 25 diapers around town. A diaper bag carries everything a new mother needs so it's one of her most important possessions in the early months of motherhood. Getting a cute and durable diaper bag is always a thoughtful gift.

9. Gifts to create memories

Your loved one's first year as a parent is going to be a blur of sleep deprivation and pure euphoric love. One of the best gifts new parents can receive is one that helps the new family document all of the sweet moments of their baby's first year like a month blanket, memory scrapbook, or month by month frame.

10. Newborn photography session

You know the new mom best so number 10 is a real judgment call. Some moms may absolutely love a newborn photography session because they can have a tangible reminder of this sweet time, but other moms may find a photography session completely useless. If you're unsure, think back to if the mom-to-be took engagement photos. If she did, then you're in business with this gift and Yelp is a great place to find talented photographers that specialize in baby shoots.

11. A baby milestone monthly blanket

A baby milestone monthly blanket is a thoughtful and practical gift that helps new parents capture the growth and development of their baby month by month. These blankets typically feature a grid with numbers representing the months, allowing parents to place the baby on the blanket and mark the current age with a prop or frame. It's a creative way to document the baby's first year, creating precious keepsake photos that can be shared with family and friends. With various designs and themes available, you can choose one that matches the parents' style or nursery décor, making this gift both sentimental and functional.

12. Pajamas for the baby

Soft, cozy pajamas are a staple for any newborn wardrobe, making them an excellent gift for new parents. Look for pajamas made from breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo to ensure the baby's comfort. Many pajamas come with practical features like footies to keep little toes warm, snap closures for easy diaper changes, and adorable designs that make them even more special. Given how quickly babies grow, parents will appreciate having extra sets of pajamas on hand, and they'll love dressing their little one in something cute and comfortable.

13. Stretch marks cream

Pregnancy often brings about physical changes, and one of the most common concerns for new moms is stretch marks. A high-quality stretch marks cream can be a thoughtful and much-appreciated gift. These creams are specially formulated with ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and nourish the skin. By giving this gift, you're not only helping the new mom care for her skin but also offering a small gesture of self-care that can make her feel pampered during a busy and stressful postpartum time.

14. A flower bouquet

A flower bouquet may not be a typical baby gift, but it's a beautiful way to brighten up the home of new parents and add a touch of cheer. Fresh flowers can bring warmth and positivity to the environment, which is especially welcome during the often overwhelming early days of parenthood. Consider selecting a bouquet with flowers that have special meanings, such as lilies for purity or roses for love, to add a deeper layer of sentiment. If you want the gift to last longer, opt for a potted plant or a subscription to a flower delivery service that provides fresh blooms on a regular basis.

15. Back and neck massager with heat

Parenthood can be physically demanding, especially with all the lifting, carrying, and bending involved in caring for a newborn. A back and neck massager with heat is a perfect gift to help new moms unwind and soothe their sore muscles in the postpartum period. These devices offer targeted relief, using a combination of massage nodes and heat therapy to ease tension and promote relaxation. It's a gift that shows you care about their well-being and want to help them find a moment of relaxation amid their busy schedules.

16. A robot vacuum

Keeping the house clean can be a challenge for new parents who are already juggling diaper changes, feedings, and sleepless nights. A robot vacuum is a practical and innovative gift that can be programmed to clean floors on a schedule, navigating around furniture and returning to their charging stations when done. With features like powerful suction, multiple cleaning modes, and compatibility with smart home systems, a robot vacuum can keep the home tidy with minimal effort from the parents, giving them more time to focus on their baby and themselves. Especially if the family is moving into a new home, a robot vacuum is one of the best gift ideas for a housewarming.

17. An ice roller

An ice roller is a versatile tool that offers a refreshing and soothing experience, making it a unique and thoughtful gift for new parents postpartum. This handy device can be used to reduce puffiness, relieve tension headaches, and even soothe skin after sleepless nights. Filled with water or gel, the roller can be stored in the freezer and then rolled over the face and neck for an instant cooling effect. It's a small but luxurious self-care item that can help new parents feel rejuvenated, even when they're running low on sleep.

18. A baby bouncer

A baby bouncer is a lifesaver for new parents who need a safe and comfortable place to put their baby while they take a quick break, do chores, or simply relax for a moment. These bouncers often feature gentle rocking or bouncing motions that help soothe the baby, along with toys, sounds, or vibrations to keep them entertained. Look for a bouncer with adjustable positions, easy portability, and machine-washable fabrics to make it as convenient as possible for the parents. It's a gift that offers both peace of mind and a few extra hands-free moments during a busy day.

19. A blanket doll

A blanket doll, also known as a lovey, is a comforting and cuddly gift that can provide security and warmth to a newborn. These soft toys combine the familiarity of a blanket with the appeal of a plush doll, often becoming a baby's first best friend. Blanket dolls are perfect for nap time, car rides, or just snuggling, helping to soothe and calm the baby. They come in various designs, from animals to simple shapes, allowing you to pick one that fits the baby's personality or nursery theme. It's a sweet and enduring gift that will likely become a cherished keepsake.

20. A nursery bralette

Comfort is key for new moms, and a nursery bralette offers just that. Designed with breastfeeding in mind, these nursing bras are soft, supportive, and easy to use, making them one of the best gift ideas for any new mom's wardrobe. This new mom gift provides easy access for nursing, with features like pull-down cups or front clasps, and are often made from breathable, stretchable fabrics that adapt to changing body shapes. Giving a nursery bralette as a gift shows that you understand the practical needs of new motherhood, while also ensuring that the mom feels comfortable and cared for during this special time.

Make new parents' lives easier with Rinse

When it comes to easing the daily burdens of new parenthood, few services are as helpful as Rinse. Juggling the demands of a newborn leaves little time for household chores, and laundry is often one of the first tasks to pile up. Rinse offers a convenient and reliable solution, ensuring that parents have one less thing to worry about.

Of everything on this list, laundry is one of the first chores to pile up and one of the easiest to hand off. A Rinse gift card lets the family put it toward exactly what they need, and Rinse Go keeps it going after the newborn months. It's one less thing for new parents to think about when attention is in short supply.

Try Rinse

Introduction

The hamper begins to fill up, your closet becomes more spacious, and your drawers lighter – laundry day is fast approaching. Whether you currently have a set schedule to wash clothes or do it when needed, we often overlook some habits for efficiency and resource conservation. Do not worry, below are some pointers to address this.

When Is the Best Time To Do Laundry?

Electricity prices vary throughout the day, depending on demand. "Peak hours" refer to the times of the day when demand is highest – usually when people return home from work or school and begin using electrical appliances and lighting (think weekdays, 5pm to 8pm). As such, the price paid per kilowatt hour ($/kWh) during this time is the highest. 

Since your washing machine and dryer use the same amount of energy regardless of the time, it is highly advisable to run loads outside of peak hours to save on electricity bills.

Best Time to Wash Clothes Based on Seasons

Of course, peak hours vary depending on the time of year and climate. A good way to gauge whether demand is high is to check whether you have air conditioning or heaters running at home. To make it even easier, here is the best time to do laundry by season:

• Summer: Best to do laundry in the morning, before everyone has their air conditioners and cooling appliances running (think before 8am).
• Winter: The later the better. Most people turn off or reduce their heater temperature when they go to bed, reducing energy demand. This is your window to run your washing machine and dryer. Of course, it is important to also consider the noise your washer or clothes dryer may make!
• Spring & Fall: These months will depend on the climate you live in. In warmer places, you should follow summer hours and winter ones for colder months.

Tips to Wash Clothes and Save Energy & Money

Good news – we have more tips to share to help you maximize savings and be environmentally conscious! Here are a few additional ideas:

• Use Cold Water: Setting your washing machine to "cold" ensures your energy bill will be lower – heating water is by far (~75%+) the main use of energy consumption in a laundry cycle. In addition, less energy used means fewer greenhouse gas emissions! Do not worry about the quality of your load outcome – most detergents are designed to work just as well with cold water. Some fabrics (delicate ones like silk) do best in cold water, and there is always a lower chance of clothes shrinking, fabric fading, and colors bleeding (no need to separate clothes!).
• Hang Dry: Skipping using the dryer is a great way to save money and be energy efficient. There are creative ways to find a good spot to install some clotheslines or simple hangers, whether that is in your laundry room, backyard, or apartment. 
• Dryer Best Practices: If you do use a dryer, do not forget to clean the lint trap after each drying cycle to ensure proper air circulation and reduce drying time. You may also want to consider using dryer balls (or tennis balls) to help fluff clothes, accelerate the drying process, and reduce static. In addition, use your dryer's moisture sensor feature if available. This ensures your appliance turns off by itself once your clothes are ready.
• Keep Filters Clean: Ensuring your dryer's filter is clean and in peak condition not only reduces the risk of fire but also lets additional air circulate, allowing clothes to dry faster and spend less time in the machine.
• Wash Full Loads: It takes the same amount of resources to complete a full load versus a partially full one. Making sure your washer is filled (but not overloaded) provides the best return on your electricity bill. In addition, washing on shorter cycles is a great way to save money – less water and energy will be used. 
• Upgrade Old Appliances: Although a considerable investment, upgrading your washer and dryer to be more energy-efficient (ENERGY STAR) would go a long way towards reducing resource consumption each load. Newer appliances require less water, detergent, and energy, unlocking savings over the appliance's lifetime to offset the upfront costs. In addition, newer machines tend to be gentler on fabrics, quieter when operating, have quicker cycle times, and offer more capacity. Higher-end models feature advanced features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for smart home integration or to be controlled and monitored remotely via smartphone apps.
• Outsource Laundry: Leaving your laundry needs to a professional can yield many advantages. For starters, having someone else take care of washing and drying clothes will save you time and eliminate stress or worries from completing this chore. The convenience of this service puts time back into your schedule and allows you to focus on other activities, such as leisure, or be productive elsewhere. You can also rest assured that your environmental impact is optimized as laundry professionals use efficient facilities, limiting energy, water, and other resource use. Lastly, the quality of service and results should not be overlooked – leveraging the expertise and equipment of laundry professionals will provide better stain removal and fabric care.

Rinse Can Take Care of It

If the benefits of outsourcing laundry sound appealing, why not try out Rinse? We offer pickup and delivery services for all your laundry and dry cleaning needs, any day of the week – you do not even need to be home. You can also rest assured that your clothes will be well taken care of, with Rinse users claiming that we save them three hours per laundry load!

'Tis the season of gift giving! The holiday season is upon us and that means eggnog, crackling fires and, of course, gifts. Holiday shopping can be stressful, so we put together this gift guide to help you pick out the perfect present for your secret santa, best friend, and impossible-to-shop-for dad.

Gifts for the Fashion-Lover

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your fashion-forward friend, look no further. When picking out a gift for someone whose prized possession is their entire closest, you can’t go wrong with accessories. Especially cozy accessories to keep your loved one warm this winter! Here are five gift options for the ones who are always cold, featuring some of our most commonly dry cleaned brands.

Lambswool Fair Isle Beanie J.Crew $39.50

A warm toboggan - This green lambswool beanie from J. Crew is the perfect gift for someone who loves outdoor winter activities. From skiing to snowball fights, the wool material of this hat will lock in body heat, while the Fair Isle pattern offers a timeless style. Fun fact: Fair Isle is named after a Shetland Island in northern Scotland that became known for its traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colors.

Leather Dress Gloves (Women's) Banana Republic $100

Leather Driving Gloves (Men's) Banana Republic $150

Leather gloves - Everyone needs a nice pair of luxurious driving gloves. Banana Republic has both men and women covered in this department. The brown leather women’s dress gloves are crafted from goatskin leather and lined with lush cashmere for timeless luxury (and warmth). The men’s driving gloves are a modern rendition of a timeless classic lined with a cashmere and wool blend for ultimate winter road trip comfort. With proper care, these quality gloves should last for many seasons to come!

Cashmere Fringed Scarf Brooks Brothers $238.80

Cashmere scarf - Who doesn’t love cashmere? Particularly in scarf form, protecting us from the winter chill. This fringed scarf from Brooks Brothers is a wardrobe staple, available in six different colors. Rinse customers love Brooks Brothers’ quality materials, making it our third most popular dry cleaned clothing brand for good reason. Gift your sophisticated loved one the perfect layer to add to their winter wardrobe.

Arctic Socks Canada Goose $125

Arctic socks - This gift is for that special someone in your life whose feet are always ice cold. Canada Goose is known for their plush down coats, but they also offer socks designed to keep your toes warm and toasty. These high performance socks are made from equal parts Italian Merino wool and recycled cashmere. This is the perfect gift for your friend who loves to hit the slopes, the neighbor who enjoys shoveling snow, or anyone who lives in the polar vortex of Chicago.

Exaggerated Check Cashmere Blanket Burberry $1,350

Blanket for the ages - If you want to splurge for the loved one who’s always cold, there’s nothing more classic than Burberry’s iconic checkered print. While you could go with a scarf, why not step it up a notch with a cashmere blanket? This 55x55 inch blanket made from Scottish cashmere is washed in local spring water and brushed with teasel plants for an uber-soft finish. There’s no chance this cloak of luxury is ever going out of style, and it would provide a lifetime of coziness (as long as they get it dry cleaned by the experts!).

Gifts for the Smell-of-Fresh-Laundry Lover

We all have that one friend who is obsessed with the smell of fresh laundry. We agree, there’s nothing quite like a whiff of fresh linens straight out of the dryer. Since most of us don’t have the time for a load of laundry before we get dressed every morning, this can be an elusive scent to capture day-to-day. However, many perfume houses have attempted to bottle up the scent of fresh laundry so you can smell clean all day, every day. Here are some of the best freshie perfumes to gift your fragrance loving friend or coworker.

Lazy Sunday Morning Replica 30mL $76

Maison Margiela’s fragrance line is notorious for capturing the smell of specific moments in time, and Lazy Sunday Morning doesn't disappoint. It’s described as “silky-smooth skin, crumpled linen sheets, and the reassuring scent of laundry” and includes soft floral and white musk notes. If you want to gift the eternal smell of clean sheets, this is the one.

Warm Cotton Clean Reserve 50mL $68

There’s not much that compares to the simple joy of throwing on your favorite t-shirt fresh out of the wash. This is what Clean Reserve encapsulates with Warm Cotton, starring notes of bergamot and skin musk. This is also a sustainable fragrance option, made with ethically sourced ingredients and green manufacturing processes. If your loved one loves to bury their face in fluffy, freshly laundered towels, put this one under the tree.

Room Service Vilhelm Parfumerie 20mL $90

So your partner wants to smell like laundry (or maybe YOU want them to smell like laundry) - but make it fancy laundry. Imagine you’re a movie star who's woken up after a premiere and just ordered breakfast in an old-Hollywood hotel wearing a luxurious bathrobe. That’s kind of what Room Service smells like, building on the familiar scent of fresh linens with twists of bamboo and sandalwood. Get this fragrance for the loved one who likes to smell clean but also glamorous.

Gifts for the Busy-Lifestyle-Lover

We all have people in our lives who have a jam-packed schedule but wouldn’t have it any other way. They also tend to be the ones who are the most difficult to shop for, because they already seem to have everything they need. So why not give the gift of time (or creative ways to spend all that time saved)? Here are some of our best life hack gift suggestions - no wrapping required!

Rinse gift cards starting at $20
Rinse, of course! - Give the gift of Rinse! A Rinse gift card is the perfect present for anyone in your life who could use some extra time back in their calendar. The average person spends 3 hours a week on laundry, so save your loved ones from their least favorite chore and give the gift of time saved. We’ll take care of the laundry and folding while they do more important things - like date night, bingo, or following through on their New Year’s resolutions of more time clocked at the gym!

ClassPass - That brings us to our next gift guide suggestion, ClassPass. This workout class subscription might not save time but it’s a great way to spend time trying something new. ClassPass subscriptions operate on a flexible “credit” system. You can book classes at a host of different gyms to try out a variety of workouts and studios, from yoga to spin classes to regular old gym time. Perhaps the best part of ClassPass is that you can also use your credit for spas and other recovery options, such as cryotherapy. Gifting ClassPass is a great option for the loved one who cherishes all things health and wellness. 

Meal subscription - Meal prep subscriptions are another great time-saving gift for the busy mom or young professional in your life. Perfect for your foodie friend, a HelloFresh subscription turns dinnertime into a breeze. This meal prep service (one of many on the market) delivers pre-packaged ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to take the stress out of cooking. This gift will help save time and labor in the kitchen, and is a great option for that special someone who puts “no more UberEats” on their resolutions list every year.

Happy gifting!

The average person spends 3+ hours a week doing laundry. When Rinse takes your least favorite chore off your hands, you get that precious time back. There are so many ways you could spend an extra three hours, but might we suggest a hike? With those bonus hours you could get some fresh air in nature, discover a new hike in your area, and spend some quality time with family, friends, your dog, or yourself.

Walking and hiking are great options for low-impact physical activity and, according to the CDC, can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve sleep, memory, and the ability to learn. So go out and explore some trails before the chill of winter traps us inside the house. You might even catch the last of the autumn leaves changing! We picked out hiking excursions in each of our locales that should take about 3 hours, all of which are rated as easy so you can bring the whole family along. So grab some water, a hat, and a walking buddy and take a break from the city (and your laundry)!

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

New York City

Hike: Arden Point and Glenclyffe
Location: Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Garrison, NY
Central Park is beautiful, but sometimes you just need to step out of the city that never sleeps and into something a bit more secluded. For our New Yorkers we recommend traveling due north to Arden Point and Glenclyffe. This 3.8 hike will lead you through some rugged sites that will transport you far from the bustle of the city. You can expect to discover an old bridge, river views, meadows, abandoned homes, and even a waterfall. We’re not going to guess how long the commute might take, but you can access Arden Point directly by taking Metro North to the Garrison stop, where you’ll find two stone pillars marked Arden Point–Hudson Highlands State Park. Via car (if you happen to have one in the city) it should only take about an hour to get there from Manhattan.

Boston

Hike: Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Natick, MA
Roughly 40 minutes southwest of downtown Boston is Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is nestled along the Indian Brook and Charles River with plenty of trails. The longest hiking trail here is only about 1 mile, so you’ll get to pick and choose which of the 10 trails you’d like to stack to get your steps in. Or you can cover the larger loop by starting at Glacial Hill Trail and taking it to Blueberry Swamp Loop to Old Orchard Trail to Charles River Trail to Boundary Trail to March Trail to Indian Brook Trail back to Glacial Hill Trail. Don’t forget to grab a map from the nature center! Please note this is the only hike on our list that is not dog friendly, so you'll have to leave your pup at home for this one.

Paw Paw Tunnel along the C&O Canal Towpath

Washington D.C.

Hike: C&O Canal Towpath
Location: Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
There’s no shortage of walking trails all around the D.C. area. If you want a break from Rock Creek Park or Theodore Roosevelt Island, you could head just out of the city to Mount Vernon Trail for views of the D.C. skyline. However, if you want to escape the city limits of Washington D.C. let us suggest Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The National Park entrance is a bit farther out, taking a little over an hour to commute to via car from central D.C., but is well worth the drive. You’ll find fabulous scenery of the Potomac River Valley as well as historical features of the once booming transportation system. If you don’t want to make the drive, there is a trailhead right in the heart of Georgetown (just plug 3051 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 into your GPS)! The C&O Canal Towpath rambles on for 184 miles so you can hike as far as time allows. 

Chicago

Hike: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Location: Lemont, IL
If you live in Chicago, you know it’s a very flat landscape. It may seem like there’s not many hiking options in or around the city, but there are lots of nature preserves and forests scattered across the suburbs. Our recommendation is Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, just southwest of the city. Only about a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago, Waterfall Glen Forest offers rolling terrain (you heard that right, a little elevation!), overlooks, and of course the waterfall it is named after. The main trail is about 9.5 miles, which is a pretty ambitious goal for 3 hours. Instead, you could hike the Tear Thumb Trail and then drive over to explore the waterfall on foot. Hurry, before the Windy City gets too cold to enjoy the outdoors!

Los Angeles

Hike: Escondido Falls
Location: Malibu, CA
Angelenos, we’re sending you to Malibu. Escondido Falls Trail in Escondido Canyon Park, to be exact. This 4-mile hike should take you a little under two hours to complete, and if it has rained recently you might even see a pretty awesome 150-foot waterfall. The hike begins in a residential area but leads into a shaded woodload of oak and sage. Once you reach the waterfall, don’t continue to the Upper Falls unless you’re an experienced hiker! Lucky for you, this hike is best visited in the winter months - so if you’re tired of Runyon and the Griffith Observatory hike, give this one a try.

Tennessee Valley Trail in Marin Headlands

San Francisco

Hike: Tennessee Valley Trail
Location: Mill Valley, CA
San Francisco (and the broader Bay Area) is a prime destination for hiking. You don’t have to go far for a good hike with breathtaking views of the ocean. We recommend heading across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Headlands for your outdoor adventure. Located at the southern peninsula of the broader Golden Gate National Recreation area, you can find beaches, lighthouses, and lots of fog at Marin Headlands. For an easy-rated hike that’s long enough to get your heart rate up, take the 3.4 mile out-and-back Tennessee Valley Trail. You could even pack a picnic lunch to eat on the sandy shore of Tennessee Beach. The trails of Marin County are vouched for by Ellie Baer - read about all the reasons she loves San Francisco here!

When you get home from your hike, don’t forget to hang dry your activewear! Or just let Rinse take care of your laundry for you and save 3+ hours a week to spend on more important things. Like hiking and quality time with family and friends!

Ready to trade laundry day for a hike? Check here to see if Rinse picks up and delivers laundry and dry cleaning in your zipcode!