for garden help-
Isn't there any neighbor kids that will dig a hole for you and help to plant things once in awhile?

or make raised beds by adding compost mix and topsoil on top of the bad/heavy soil - you probably still need a helper to carry and to get it mixed well.

the fisherman float tube is something I hadn't thought of - if someone lives near lakes or streams or such- even a pool i suppose- that could be very handy.
I know most larger sporting goods stores carry those around here.