Family caregivers play an invaluable role in the lives of a loved one by providing love, support and managing care. It is not easy and can cause a time and financial burden that can sometimes be overlooked.
If there’s a caregiver in your life, showing your gratitude with a thoughtful gift can mean the world to them. From practical tools to comforting indulgences, here are some of the best gifts for family caregivers, complete with links to make your shopping easier.
1. A Day Off
Most family caregivers are on 24/7 even with some assistance from paid help or that of friends, family and neighbors. At the end of the day, being a caregiver often falls on one person to organize and coordinate. To say a day off would be a gift is an understatement.
If you know of someone who is actively caring for a loved one who requires a good deal of assistance, offering to step in for a day can mean the world. Even if it means taking on tasks that seem like a big ask of someone.
Offering to take the load off of a family caregiver for even one day means that the person can make time for themselves, their family or to take care of other responsibilities that sometimes get dropped in the wake of caring for another person.
2. Offer to Take on Smaller, Helpful Tasks for Them
Sometimes offering to walk the dog or make dinner for the family can be enough of a relief for a family caregiver. Offering to take on smaller, helpful tasks at their home for them can allow the individual the opportunity to spend more time with their family, their loved one or simply pay the bills.
We often miscalculate all of the things we do in a day and how removing one of those tasks can be a relief to someone who is an active caregiver of a loved one.
3. Relaxation Gifts for Self-Care
Caregiving can be both physically and emotionally taxing. It’s important to remember that one person cannot do it all and we all need a break to avoid burn out and even resentment. Encourage caregivers to take time for themselves with these self-care essentials:
Aromatherapy Diffuser
A calming diffuser with essential oils can help create a soothing environment. Consider the URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser for its long runtime and stylish design. Purchase lavender oil for more relaxation for destressing.
Weighted Blanket
Perfect for stress relief, weighted blankets have been shown to be able to improve sleep quality ensuring that the caregiver is well rested to continue to provide a high level of care to their loved one. Check out the YnM Weighted Blanket for a cozy and therapeutic gift.
Spa Gift Set
Pamper them with a luxurious spa gift set, like this Burt's Bees Gift Sets, filled with skincare treats. We like the OG Classic Set and Comfy Tips & Toes Set.
Chair Massager
What else could be better at the end of a long day being everything to everyone than to sit down in a chair for a massage? These chair massage pads can go anywhere and bring relaxation wherever its needed.
Foot Massager
For those you love who are on their feet all day doing it is what they do give the gift of a foot massager. Many are built to hit certain pressure points to offer maximum relaxation.
4. Practical Tools to Make Life Easier
Caregivers often juggle many responsibilities, so gifts that lighten their load are always appreciated.
Meal Delivery Subscription
Help ease their daily meal prep with a subscription to HelloFresh or Blue Apron. Easy to deliver via email and allows the caregiver to use it for themselves, their family or their loved one.
Ergonomic Shoes
Comfortable footwear can make long days on their feet more bearable. Vionic Shoes offers supportive and stylish options caregivers will love. Their motto is “Gift the gift of well-being” and what could be more perfect for a family caregiver?
Smart Home Devices
A device like the Amazon Echo can streamline their day by setting reminders, playing calming music, or providing hands-free assistance. We love this because it complements their caregiving, group organizing and management and can remind them of important tasks as a back up to our app.
5. Thoughtful Personalized Gifts
Showing gratitude for a caregiver, especially when you are on the receiving end of that care can be more meaningful than you could ever know. These kinds of thoughtful gestures let the caregiver in your life that you are grateful for them and everything they do each day. Adding a personal touch can make a gift even more meaningful.
Custom Jewelry
A piece of jewelry with a special message, like a personalized bar necklace, can serve as a daily reminder of your appreciation. Every time they look at it, they will know that they are valued and that their efforts to care for you or a loved one are valued.
Photo Book or Frame
Create a photo book or gift a digital picture frame like the Nixplay Smart Frame loaded with cherished family photos. This is a great gift to collect special moments that you’ve shared together.
Or as Simple as a Card
So many times, we feel we lack the words to express our gratitude so it’s a good thing that Hallmark does it so well. A card that expresses your love and appreciation is a simple, inexpensive way to let the person caring for you know that efforts are seen, respected and valued.
Find Some “Uncommon” Gifts
When you want to really find something special, unusual or personal, we love Uncommon Goods for its unique selection of highly personalized gifts for everyone.
5. Relaxing Subscriptions
Ongoing subscriptions are gifts that keep giving, offering continuous moments of joy and relaxation.
Streaming Service Subscription
Give them access to relaxing shows and movies with a subscription to Netflix or Hulu because after a long day juggling everything, a family caregiver wants to unwind and turn off their mind with something they enjoy. Plus, it can help remove a financial burden off their monthly budget not to mention give you something to watch together.
Audio Books Subscription
For book lovers, a subscription to Audible, or something similar, allows your caregiver to have a break in the car, especially if they drive a lot taking care of a loved one or their own family. It makes the car or gym time a little more of an escape.
Coffee or Tea Subscription
Fuel their busy days with a subscription from Atlas Coffee Club or for the tea lover we love these options.
Bath Boxes
Nothing is more relaxing than a bath. Imagine the 30 minutes alone enjoying, breathing, meditating. These bath gift boxes are ideal for helping a family caregiver take a bit of time for themselves.
6. Gift Cards for Convenience & Self-indulgence
When in doubt, a gift card gives them the freedom to choose what they need most. Popular options include:
Grocery stores like Whole Foods.
Online retailers such as Amazon.
Local spas or massage studios for a well-deserved break.
The movie theater.
The hair or nail salon.
Generic gift cards allow your caregiver to splurge on something they might not normally buy or themselves but desire to have.
8. Health and Wellness Support
Fitness Tracker
Help them prioritize their health with a fitness tracker like the Fitbit Charge, which monitors steps, heart rate, and sleep.
Online Yoga or Meditation Membership
Gift access to a platform Shvasa Yoga which allow someone to take a yoga class at home with the masters, when it makes sense for them.
Vitamin and Wellness Kits
A tailored wellness kits provide personalized vitamins to support the health of your family caregiver and reduce stress.
Massage Memberships
Encourage your caregiver to enjoy a massage with a massage subscription. Franchises like Massage Envy are available in most towns and cities and offers an easy way for someone to relax and be treated by loved ones.
9. Entertainment and Distraction
Great gift ideas which can encourage a caregiver to take time for themselves or spend quality time with a loved one or their family.
Puzzle Books
Sudoku, crosswords, or brain teaser books like the Big Book of Puzzles are great for mental relaxation.
Craft Kits
Inspire creativity with a painting, knitting, or DIY crafting kit from Etsy.
Board Games or Card Sets
Choose relaxing games, such as the Unstable Unicorns Card Game, to enjoy with family or friends.
10. Subscription Boxes for Treats and Surprises
Because who doesn’t like a little indulgent surprise?
Snack Boxes
Delight them with international treats from Universal Yums, for an international food lover, or healthy snacks from NatureBox.
Wine or Beer Subscription
For those who enjoy unwinding with a drink, Winc delivers curated wine selections, and Craft Beer Club sends craft beer assortments.
Artisan Gifts
A subscription like Alltrue offers ethically made products and self-care goodies.
11. Gifts for On-the-Go Caregivers
Portable Charger
Keep their devices powered with a reliable option like the Anker PowerCore.
Insulated Travel Mug
A spill-proof travel mug like the Contigo Autoseal West Loop ensures their coffee stays hot during busy mornings.
Headphones for Every Occasion and Workout
Physical activity is important for reducing stress and LIVV Audio headphones were created to keep up with the person on the go. No more worrying about keeping them in place, they are designed to move with your body and stay on your head.
Family caregivers give so much of themselves, often without asking for anything in return. This season, let them know how much they are appreciated with a thoughtful gift tailored to their needs and preferences. Whether it’s a tool to make their day easier, a message or a little something to brighten their spirits, your gesture will go a long way in showing your gratitude.
What’s your favorite gift for a caregiver? Share it with us on Facebook.
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