Caregivers are unsung heroes who provide care and support to those who need help, often neglecting their own needs in the process. Given that November is National Family Caregivers Month, we celebrate and thank those who dedicate their time, energy, love and mental well-being to support their family members in need. Four in 10 U.S. adults are currently caring for a sick or elderly loved one, and because that burden typically falls on family members, it’s important to offer relief or support whenever possible. If there’s a wonderful caregiver in your life, the holidays are a perfect time to show your appreciation. Gifts that promote self-care are an especially good choice for caregivers, who deserve pampering and may need a nudge to take time to care for themselves. Here are some gift ideas that might be perfect for the caregiver on your shopping list.
Best gifts for caregivers
1. Microwavable Heating Pad with Lavender, $35.99 at Huggaroo
Providing up to 15 minutes of warm heat to your neck, shoulder, and upper back, this microwaveable neck wrap from Huggaroo is great for soothing aches and pains, and can be used at the office, on a break, or at home after a long shift. It’s infused with lavender for added relaxation (there’s also an unscented version).
2. Self-Care Softcover Notebook, $11.99 at Insight Editions
Journaling is a great way to release stress and contemplate your thoughts, and this beautiful notebook from Insight Editions is perfect for recording important reflections and capturing special memories. If you are shopping for a pop culture fan, be sure to also browse the company’s wide selection of advent calendars, cookbooks, and other items tied to favorites like Friends or Harry Potter.
3. Knit Weighted Blanket, $225 at Nuzzie
Weighted blankets are said to help alleviate anxiety and restless sleeping, but they can sometimes be hot and stifling. This weighted blanket from Nuzzie has a knitted design that makes it breathable and prevents overheating. It’s $225 for a twin-sized version, but there are also other sizes at different price points.
4. Blue Chamomile Tea, $29 at PARU
Chamomile tea is known for its relaxing properties, and this distinctive blue chamomile tea from PARU—the company’s first signature blend—is the perfect evening tea for a good night’s sleep.
5. Mini Giving Bear Hero Edition, $16 at Demdaco
This soft, adorable stuffed bear from Demdaco has a comforting look and feel, and features an inspiring message that lets the recipient know their hard work and dedication is appreciated. The company’s “Giving Collection” also includes other items like shawls and blankets.
6. Riverside Beeswax Candle, $25.95 at The Beeswax Company
This Beeswax Company candle has a soothing fragrance naturally scented from flowers and honey, with no artificial scents or toxic colorants. Made from 100 percent pure Texas beeswax, it lasts longer and burns cleaner than a typical candle. The company has an assortment of candles in various styles and sizes.
7. Sea Salt Dream Gift Set, $35 at Prosperity Candle
This sea salt gift set from Prosperity Candle includes a Seaside Happiness candle, sea salt caramels, and lavender bath soak. The socially conscious company was founded on a mission of providing refugees and artisans an opportunity for a better future. Your gift box will include a story about the artisan who created that particular candle.
8. Sanitizing Desk Lamp, $114.99 at OttLite
This desk lamp from OttLite is designed to reduce eyestrain and also sanitizes your workspace using SpectraClean technology that kills bacteria. Caregivers need to be diligent about safety and sanitizing for their own sake, but also to protect those for whom they provide care. This gift is useful and thoughtful in a unique way, because it considers the well-being of not only the recipient but also the people around them.
9. Treatment Socks with Jojoba and Lavender Oils, $13.99 at FragranceNet.com
These comfy socks available from FragranceNet are warm and cozy, and are also treated with essential oils known for their soothing properties that help the wearer relax. The company also sells a wide variety of name-brand perfumes and other products.
10. Egyptian Aromatherapy Bath & Shower Bombs, $34 at CHI
Packaged in a beautiful gift box, this aromatherapy kit from CHI features bath/shower bombs made from essential oils that nourish and moisturize the skin.
11. Shiatsu Foot Massager, $149 at Miko
Spending long days on your feet takes a toll, and this Shiatsu foot massager from Miko provides warm, rejuvenating pressure that soothes aches and pains. Sore feet will feel refreshed and energized.
12. Sleep-Friendly Headband Speakers, $39.95 at SleepPhones
These soft headbands from SleepPhones contain tiny speakers that allow you to drift off to sleep while listening to soft music, relaxing meditation apps, or whatever you choose – without uncomfortable headphones disturbing your rest. Wireless and Bluetooth models are also available.
13. Cooling Sleep Mask, $45 at Manta Sleep
This mask from Manta Sleep has a near-blackout design for those who sleep best in darkness, and uses cold therapy to help with headaches, swelling, and allergy symptoms.
14. Travel Painter Set, $67.99 at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff
Painting is a great way to nurture your creative side while also releasing stress. If the caregiver in your life paints – or wants to start – they will surely be delighted by this art set that comes with a beautiful leather carrying case. Joe Miller, the owner of Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, also shares plenty of painting tips and resources, including videos where he demonstrates painting techniques.
15. Hooded Fleece Blanket, $84 at Oodie
This hooded wearable blanket from Oodie is cozy, super soft, and roomy enough to accommodate a wide range of shapes and sizes. It’s available in dozens of different designs featuring everything from cats to Disney characters.
10 more gift ideas for caregivers
“Thank-you gifts for family caregivers don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Even a kind gesture or small token of appreciation can mean the world,” says Liwanag Ojala, CEO of CaringBridge. Ojala spoke with patient and family caregivers across the country to learn about some of the best gifts they’ve ever received. Take note during this season of giving with these additional gift ideas for the caregiver in your life.
1. Time away
“I have been the 24/7 caregiver for my husband the past two years. The best gift was when my kids came together to help, so that I could take a short vacation with friends.”
2. Pet care
“I was so busy taking care of my mom that walking the dog fell to the bottom of my list. When a friend made a schedule for my neighbors to make sure the dog got exercise, I felt so relieved.”
3. Take care of logistics
“Someone got us a monthly parking pass for the hospital. It made things so much easier.”
4. Time off
“When my husband and I were taking care of my father, I had a few friends who were willing to come stay with him every so often so my husband and I could have quality time together.”
5. Quality connection
“My sister knocked on the door with a quart of ice cream and two spoons. She said she wasn’t going home until all the ice cream was gone. Spending time talking made a hard day easier.”
6. Remembering holidays
“My best gift was when my stepdaughter made Thanksgiving dinner for us at our place.”
7. Monetary support
“When I was taking care of my Momma, someone helped pay my car payment for two months. It was a blessing.”
8. Meals
“When my daughter was battling cancer, I struggled to find time, energy or means to cook. Her friends took turns bringing us prepared dishes, and it was a godsend.”
9. Child care
“Having help getting my daughter back and forth to dance lessons took a huge amount of pressure off me, and also kept her in her routine.”
10. Movie night
“Friends came over to watch a movie with me when we weren’t able to get out of the house. It was a great night.” Find out how other families find relief in caregiving for loved ones.
