This year, get thank you gifts for caregivers they really want.
Caregiver gifts are a unique challenge to the holiday gift list.
People in this category above all others do not need more stuff to take care of.
Like parents tripping over too many toys, for the caregiver, less is more.
A splurge of indulgence is fun and uplifting, but most caregivers I know just really need to feel taken care of since they give so much of themselves away.
If you’re thinking, no s**t, I’m the caregiver, print or send this to someone who’s looking for ideas for you.
Particularly those no-good relatives, who really should be helping you anyway. Just kidding…not really. 😉
Many people have their holiday shopping well on their way. If you haven’t don’t worry I’m here to help.
Not the holidays? ….Thank those people anyway. Like NOW.
If someone on your list is a caregiver, we’ve got you covered.
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Favorite Gifts for Caregivers
#1 The gift of food
First, this gift idea really could be for anyone, since well, everyone needs to eat. Second, it does follow the “ we don’t need more stuff” theme.
It’s homemade, therefore from the heart, and inexpensive. And let’s not forget a time saver.
This hits the gift-giving jackpot in my book.
This recipe, the picture shown above, for Baked Blue Berry French Toast, is a huge hit in our house.
67 Comforting Meal Train Ideas to Take Someone In Need
#2 Gift Cards
This seems like a cop-out on the surface.
However, caregivers couldn’t be a better fit for a gift card, since we have no time, like at all.
Often we also carry a financial burden for caregiving. We suffer a loss of income because we have to provide care.
Some people get paid to be caregivers, however, most do it for free and some pay out of pocket for our loved one’s expenses too.
Grocery and store cards can be used for needs.
Cards that can be used online, like Amazon or Walmart are even better because shipping to our homes saves us time too.
Whether it’s grocery delivery service or automatic delivery of their household supplies it really is not only a time saver but something less for them to have to think about.
Let’s face it, if we can get out, we really don’t want to shop for boring stuff like toilet paper.
Take-out certificates are huge time savers and sanity savers on tough days.
#3 Service Gift Certificates
This kicks it up a notch.
Whether for our hair, nails, or a massage, a certificate to take care of ourselves is the ultimate gift.
Why, because it gives us permission to do something for ourselves. Crazy but true.
If we get a store card, it is great and helpful but our instinct is to use it for food or some other need.
We struggle to see taking care of ourselves as a need.
#4 Gift of Time
Time – The Ultimate Gifts for Caregivers
Your time is priceless to caregivers.
For many caregiving is a 24/7/365 job.
There is no such thing as too much help.
Many caregivers have difficulty finding and asking for help.
Offering specific help in the form of service lets them know you are willing.
Try one of these service gifts for caregivers
- Cooking
- Cleaning – regularly or seasonally
- Home maintenance
- Car maintenance
- Errands
- Shopping
- Lawn care – regular and seasonal cleanups
- Shoveling
- Dog Walking
- Care for the family member (so they can complete these tasks if they’d rather)
- Care for the family member just to give them a break
- Go with the caregiver on an outing with the person they are caring for. Maybe they both want to get out but it’s just too much to manage alone.
Offers to sit with the person they care for so they can utilize those personal gift certificates are invaluable.
Make up personalized coupons or certificates so they have something to open.
It does no good to get a gift certificate to treat yourself if you can’t leave the house.
They may have a million ideas of where to go, but can’t if no one can cover them at home.
For this gift, you must follow up to be sure they take you up on it.
Unfortunately, they may not ask. Let me rephrase that…they will not ask.
Saying “When would you like me to come so you can go to the hairdresser?” or “I have Tuesday or Thursday at 10 available to come and mow the lawn. Which is better?”, these types of statements will help them so much more than, “Call me when you need me.”
Trust me they won’t.
Making this a regular weekly or monthly commitment is even better. The need for a break doesn’t go away. The physical, emotional, and mental toll caregiving takes is a difficult and ongoing part of being a caregiver.
#5 Gifts For Caregivers That Feed Their Hobby
Caregiving can easily slip into an all-consuming lifestyle. Keeping up with hobbies that one has is a way to have a break and have some enjoyment in doing things that they love.
It fills their cup so they can continue to be happy and therefore better a caregiver.
Think about the hobbies they may have or try to strike up a conversation to find out.
What do they do for enjoyment?
What activity could be pursued during breaks or even as they go about their caregiving duties? Is there something that can be done with the person they take care of?
Do they read? Enjoy puzzles? Crafting of some sort?
There are even subscription box companies that can keep it going year-round.
Final Thoughts on Gifts for Caregivers
Being a caregiver is one of the hardest jobs. Many people who are doing it have very little help and feel like they’re struggling.
It can be a lonely and thankless job. Most don’t know how long it will last and can’t just walk away.
Burnout is real and takes a toll.
Be sure to thank a caregiver today.
Y. Aikins
Thursday 15th of July 2021
I am looking for gift ideas for the caregiver's that I oversee. This was a great resource, thank you!
Laurie O'Rourke
Friday 8th of October 2021
Hey there, so sorry for missing your comment. So glad you found the caregiver gift guide helpful!
Bonnie
Monday 12th of December 2016
I've never been a 24/7 caregiver, but pretty close. These are great gift ideas!
Laurie O'Rourke
Tuesday 13th of December 2016
Happy to hear from a fellow caregiver. Thanks for the comment :)