By Beverly Nelson
Most caregivers will tell you that the needs of the person in their care come before their own. Due to this mindset, it isn’t often that they take a moment to truly relax and take care of themselves. Gift-giving doesn’t require a special occasion—it can simply be a way to show your gratitude and appreciation for everything they do. Caregivers are the ones who look after some of our dearest loved ones, and often, they’re an extended part of our families. Their job is a stressful one, so consider some of these gifts that will help them unwind, and focus on themselves.
Spa-Inspired Gifts
It can be not only mentally and emotionally tiring to care for others ’round the clock, but also physically exhausting. Consider getting the caregiver in your life something to help them relax—a spa trip. If springing for a gift certificate is out of budget, there are plenty of home-spa ideas you can gift, from building your spa gift basket with luxurious soaps, scrubs and lotions, to giving good quality pillows (some of which can even massage or play music) to help them get a better night’s sleep. Feeling good physically is so essential to our overall health, and gifts to help your caregiver feel their best are an excellent way to go.
Meditation Gifts
In today’s busy society, it’s easy to overlook the benefits of taking care of our mental wellness. Caregivers especially spend so much energy looking after others that it can be easy to put their own needs on the back-burner. Encourage your carer to take care of their mental wellness with some meditation-oriented gifts, ones that can help them de-stress at the end of their day. You could get them a new yoga mat if you know they practice, or you could get them a Zen garden as a means to unwind. Even an adult coloring book can be a fun way for your carer to take time out for themselves in a relaxing way. Remember, taking care of your mental health is incredibly important, so keep this in mind when purchasing a gift for your caregiver.
Subscription Gifts
There is nothing worse than coming home at the end of an exhausting day, and knowing you have a full evening of cooking and cleaning ahead. It’s enough to make one unhealthy takeout order or eat a cheap premade meal for convenience. A subscription to a meal delivery service, where fresh ingredients and recipe guide are delivered, could be a fantastic gift if you know they enjoy cooking. If they have mentioned an interest in yoga, consider getting them a few classes at a local yoga studio to attend. Maybe a subscription to the streaming website of their choice, so they can spend their weekends catching up on their favorite dramas and relaxing. Find out what they enjoy, and there is almost always a subscription and delivery service, from makeup to country-specific candy and treats.
Tickets as a Gift
If you know your caregiver loves a particular band or singer, has always wanted to see a particular sports team play, or loves comedy, getting them tickets to a show or game can be a great (and unexpected) gift. A day out at a local amusement park with a friend can be a fantastic way to brighten your carer’s day. Events, shows, and outings can lead to memories we cherish all of our lives. With tickets, you’ll not only give your caregiver one fun experience but something they can remember fondly for years to come.
Caregivers work so hard and are often so busy, that it can be challenging to take care of themselves the way they deserve. By giving them something to help them relax, to help with their day-to-day lives, or by getting them something they’re bound to look back at fondly for the rest of their lives, you can truly make a difference in your caregiver’s life. All it takes is a small act of kindness, such as a thoughtful gift, to show someone you care.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
Author Beverly Nelson created StandUpForCaregivers.org, which aims to protect and advocate for the health and well-being of adult caregivers. Her goal is to someday build the website into an online community for caregivers.