The holidays are a special time of year, but they can also be a challenging time for those who are caring for an ill or elderly family member. The stress of gatherings gets amplified for caregivers who are constantly worried about overstimulating, overwhelming, or exhausting the loved one in their care.

14 Holiday Gift Ideas for Family Caregivers

If you have a friend or loved one who is serving as a caregiver, show them how much you appreciate all they do with one of these thoughtful and practical gifts. Here are 14 holiday gift ideas for family caregivers to get you started:

1. A day of pampering

Give the gift of relaxation with a day at a spa or a massage. Caregivers often put their own needs last, so this is a great way to help them relax and recharge.

2. A night out on the town

Help your friend or loved one enjoy a guilt-free night out on the town with tickets to a show or dinner at a nice restaurant. For bonus points, offer to provide respite care so they have the confidence that their loved one will be in good hands in their absence. We all know they deserve a night out to enjoy themselves without having to worry about their responsibilities as a caregiver.

3. A year of date nights

This is the perfect gift for couples who are caregivers. For an extra-special gift, give them a gift certificate for monthly date nights, complete with babysitting services if they have small children. This will give them some much-needed time together to reconnect and recharge outside of their responsibilities.

4. A subscription to a caregiving magazine or online forum

There are many great publications and online forums specifically made for caregivers. This is a great way to help your friend or loved one stay informed about new resources and information related to caregiving.

5. A basket of self-care items

Put together a basket of items that will help your friend or loved one take time for themselves, such as scented candles, bath bombs, lotions, etc. It’s important that they prioritize taking time for themselves amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations and caregiving duties to avoid caregiver burnout. So gifting them a basket that reminds them to do just that can be incredibly thoughtful.

6. A gift card to their favorite restaurant or store

Sometimes the best gift is simply giving your friend or loved one the ability to treat themselves to something they enjoy, whether it’s their favorite food or an item they’ve been wanting but haven’t had the chance to purchase yet.

7. A weekend getaway package

If you’re looking on the pricier end of the gift spectrum and your friend or loved one lives far away from family or other support, consider putting together a weekend getaway package for them to use when they need some time away from their caregiving duties. This could include things like hotel accommodations, restaurant gift cards, and/or attraction tickets for their destination city/town, and/or respite care for their loved one.

8. A subscription to an online grocery delivery service

If your friend or loved one is finding it difficult to juggle work, caregiving duties, and grocery shopping, give them the gift of convenience with an online grocery delivery service subscription. This will help them save time and energy so they can focus on more important things.

9. A home cleaning service

Another great way to help lighten your friend or loved one’s load is by gifting them with either one-time or monthly home cleaning services. This will give them one less thing to worry about, freeing up more time for self-care, relaxation, and quality time with family and friends.

10. An offer to help

Sometimes, the best gift you can give is simply offering your help when needed. If you live close by, offer to lend a hand with things like yard work, carpooling, errands, etc. If you live further away, consider sending along some financial support each month to help offset the costs of caregiving.

11. A donation in their name

If you're looking for a more meaningful gift or a gift for someone who insists they don’t want anything, consider making a donation to an organization that supports caregivers in honor of your friend. This is a great way to show your support while also giving back to those who need it most this holiday season.

12. An inspirational or escapist book

Sometimes all it takes is some words of wisdom to get through tough times. Find an inspirational book that will provide comfort and motivation when your friend needs it most.

13. A custom t-shirt or pullover

Let the world know how amazing your caregiver friend is with a shirt that celebrates their role. This is another great option for crafty types who want to DIY something special.

14. A personalized mug

Start their day off right with a mug that celebrates their role as caregiver. There are lots of great options available online, or you could even DIY one if you're feeling crafty.

How to Host Family Caregivers and Care Recipients

If you’re hosting an ill or elderly person and their caregiver this holiday season, it can be incredibly helpful to be understanding about the stress your caregiver friend or family member is under. You can take some of the stress off by:

• Having a quiet corner for them to retreat to if the event gets overwhelming

• Not pressuring them to stay until the event ends

• Talking to other guests (like grandchildren, for example) about how to act around the care recipient

• Picking up tripping hazards, moving cords, cordoning a zone for small and excited dogs, etc.

• Ensuring there’s a dish the care recipient can eat

Closing Thoughts: Holidays and Family Caregivers

The holiday season can be tough for caregivers who often put their own needs last in order to take care of others. If you have a friend or loved one who is a caregiver, consider giving them a gift that will make their lives easier this holiday season. From days of pampering to offers of help, there are many thoughtful ways you can show your support. So go ahead and spread some cheer this holiday season by showing caregivers just how much you appreciate all they do.

Join our Facebook Group

If you’re looking for a community of caregivers that truly understands what you’re going through. A group you can turn to when you have questions, frustrations, or need advice? Join our California Family Caregivers Facebook group today.

Our California Family Caregivers Facebook group is a safe space for caregivers across different communities in California to speak about their caregiving journey and interact with one another. Join us today.