Many of us will be buying gifts for caregivers soon – and for a good reason. Caregivers love our family as much as we do.
But, caregiving is hard work and, caregiving is stressful!
So, caregivers deserve a thoughtful gift. Something that shows you put your heart into choosing it just for them.
Whether the caregiver you are buying for is a healthcare provider in a medical setting, serving in your home with your little ones, or keeping an elderly loved-one safe, the gift should represent a token of your genuine thanks and appreciation.
I also think it should be a gift that matches their personality – a gift that they will enjoy receiving, using, and perhaps even keeping for a long time.
Sometimes though, especially if you are looking for gifts for caregivers of the elderly, a heartfelt gift will also fill an unspoken need – something that fills their cup so-to-speak.
Here is a list of caregiver gift ideas to get you thinking of the perfect gift. You might even find ‘the one’ here!
1 A Break from Caregiving Duties
First off, more than anything else, short breaks or time away may be THE most treasured gift for a caregiver. As I mentioned, caregiving is stressful.
If you have family members who are providing care, perhaps the best gift for the caregiver on your list would be a break from their caregiving duties.
Send them out to lunch with a friend on your dime, or to a quiet room with a choice of their favorite, relaxing read (affiliate links).
Perhaps just bring a treat or hot meal to share.
It may be that the most precious gift is the gift that costs the very least.
Caregiving can also be lonely and taking time to sit and visit is priceless to the caregiver.
Even
If they refuse, offer to drive them somewhere, to be with them, or do the mundane task alongside them.
Distraction (through interaction) is also another way to give a caregiver a break.
2 Support The Caregiver’s Self-care
Caregiving is always in a state of change and can deplete energy. Plus, caregivers oftentimes do not eat full meals.
A quick and easy power snack can be just the thing to get the caregiver through the rest of their day (this granola is not only delicious but made in a food plant that is free of the top seven food allergens).
It’s so good it tastes like a treat!
That’s why bags of snack foods like these are perfect for a care package for a caregiver. They’re inexpensive, so you can even consider several options or get them a different bag of nutritious snacks every month!
A few other ideas for a caregiver care package includes:
- Sleep mask
- Super-soft throw blanket
- Comfy pajamas
- Dark chocolate
- A gift card to their favorite grocery store or drug store
- A massage gift card (most caregivers would NEVER buy one for themselves!)
Comfort Gifts to Pamper Your Caregiver
A night of good sleep is a necessity for a caregiver. But sometimes it’s hard to let go or the day’s challenges and relax enough to go to sleep. A simple but effective way to help your caregiver rest better (and feel pampered!) is to get lavender pillow spray.
A day of caregiving deserves a moment for pampering. Or at least something to help de-stress and relax. (See great gift ideas for male caregivers here)
Soaking in the tub with these bath bombs may be the best home ‘spa day’ gifts – especially for caregivers that can’t get-away. (#paid link)
In contrast, if a ‘bath’ isn’t a good fit for your caregiver, perhaps pampering hardworking hands and feet is a better fit. (#paid link)
3 Gifts that Bring Happiness, Pleasure & Joy
While you can’t change the situation, you can make the situation more pleasurable. Here are some ideas to bring a smile to the face to any caregiver.
Caregiver Gift Basket Ideas
Picking a theme helps make it easier to come up with ideas, but just about anything (big or small) can work in a gift basket. TIP: sometimes it helps to buy the items before you buy the basket!
- Multiple pampering items like a foot spa, pedicure supplies, a gift card for a pedicure, warm fuzzy socks, lotion, and a gift card to a shoe store.
Gifts for Caregivers Who Love Writing, Art, Knick Knacks, or Items of Whimsy
Perhaps your caregiver sees the beauty in the little things. Gratitude rises from the colors of a flower or the notes of a bird.
For some, writing these things down can cultivate an attitude of joy or self-discovery to help get through the harder days. Gratitude journals are a good fit for those who like to write but don’t have a lot of time to write.
Sometimes the ‘cute or pretty’ says it all.
Family members often say that their caregivers are like their angels. And, sometimes our family members are angels to serve as the caregiver.
The two gift ideas below can be a daily reminder of how much your caregiver is loved and appreciated. Especially if coupled with a beautiful, hand-written note of gratitude.
Anything personalized is also a safe bet for caregivers who like artful whimsy.
Is your caregiver a dreamer? How about a lotto ticket?
4 Caregiver Gifts That Offer Convenience
Sometimes gifts that offer a caregiver convenience make the perfect gift.
Pre-paying for a maid service is a helpful convenience. Some caregivers would love someone to do it all, while others would love a break from the bending and lifting of specific cleaning jobs.
If it’s getting more difficult for the caregiver to leave home, an Amazon Prime Membership (affiliate link) is the answer.
For the caregiver that enjoys reading, a Kindle Paperwhite coupled with the Kindle Unlimited Membership (affiliate links )provides the convenience of borrowing or buying as many books as desired without having to carry them around or take them back to the library.
Gifts for Caregivers Who Just Get it Done
Caregivers will get it done. But some caregivers almost ‘own it’, hence their caregiving role infuses into everything – even their sense of humor. Perhaps this funny slogan shirt (in purple, blue or black) will be the perfect gift.
In closing, it only takes a few quick minutes to match the perfect gift to your caregiver. As a result, the recipient of your gift will not only know you thought of them but how much you love and appreciate what they do for your loved one every day!
Caregiving is truly rewarding, but at the same time stressful, lonely, and isolating. Hug them, touch and love on them, and see them. Gift-giving with careful selection is a great way to encourage them to take good care of themselves as they care for the people you love.
And, if self-care is a struggle, perhaps my free 5-day Self-care Bible Study would be a nice gift (or a present for you).
Learn how to use your faith to find the time and motivation to take better care of yourself and meet your goals!
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