Statistics show that around 37 million people in the United States provide unpaid senior care, and these caregivers are primarily family members. Caregiving is filled with love and dedication, but it often leads to burnout because it’s such a physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding job with little to no time off. It’s no wonder that caregivers of senior loved ones forget to care for themselves. Thoughtful gifts for caregivers are a heartwarming gesture, especially if they help them take a little time to focus on their own self-care. Here are 10 self-care gifts to treat a special caregiver in your life.
*Prices correct at time of publishing.
A warm and cozy gift box
An indulgent self-care gift box is simple but effective in giving a caregiver ways to relax. This gift box comes with a snuggly blanket, a block of artisan chocolate, warm fluffy socks, shea butter hand cream, a notebook, a cute mug and spoon, and some hot cacao. There are also different variations with different included products, so you can tailor the gift to the caregiver’s preferences.
If a caregiver is feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, it can become hard to know how to give themselves a little care and attention. A care box can give them some soothing stress-relief products without them having to think about it.
Shiatsu neck and back massager
This Shiatsu massager can be used for various parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and even feet. It combines a soothing heat function with the massage to relieve muscle soreness, pain, tension, and stress.
An electric back massager may feel too indulgent for a caregiver to purchase for themselves. They may be feeling financial strain or lack the time to do things for themselves. These gadgets are reasonably priced and can go a long way in helping them unwind.
Soothing eucalyptus meditation bath set
A hot bath can be comforting, but this gift set from Uncommon Goods ensures that it’s deeply relaxing. It includes a botanical bath soak (with Dead Sea salt, rosemary, eucalyptus, and chamomile), an immunity herbal tea, an earthy candle (with matching botanicals), and QR codes to access three 20-minute sound sessions/meditations.
Good gifts for caregivers often focus on relaxation, and this bath ritual will help them unwind and focus completely on themselves.
A gourmet delivered meal
Did you know you can send someone a gourmet meal in the mail? This Harry & David chicken pot pie meal arrives ready to bake, and it’s not just any meal: They’ll get a comforting pot pie (with chicken, carrots, peas, potatoes, and sautéed onions in a flaky pastry crust), a side of crisp green beans with sliced almonds, and a blueberry peach crisp for dessert.
The first thing to go when caregivers feel overwhelmed is often their meals. Cooking takes time and energy that a caregiver may not have. Gifting a ready-to-go comfort meal is a wonderful treat. All they need to do is heat it up.
Weighted eye mask
The Nodpod is a weighted blanket for the eyes that works harder than the average eye mask. It blocks out light while providing deep-touch pressure to pressure points, which is said to reduce stress and induce relaxation. Since the mask is strapless, there’s no annoying elastic; it just lies across your eyes, the weight keeping it in place.
Caregiver burnout can lead to a mind that’s always in overdrive and can’t relax. A weighted eye mask may help them relax more deeply when they hit the pillow and encourage better sleep.
Lavender luxury set
L’Occitane en Provence is a French luxury brand known for bath and skincare products. The region of Provence is also famed for its vast lavender fields. Studies have shown that lavender may reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
This gorgeous L’Occitane en Provence set includes a lavender hand and body soap, lavender body lotion, lavender hand cream, and a relaxing pillow mist. It’s a luxury the caregiver in your life likely wouldn’t splurge on for themselves, so why not treat them?.
Cat heating pad
This huggable cat pillow is a gift for a caregiver that’ll be sure to bring a smile to their face and some extra comfort to their life. It’s a microwaveable heating pad disguised as a cuddly cat plushie. The removable insert is made with flaxseed and fragrant lavender.
Kitty can be used to ease sore joints and muscles or simply to cuddle with to improve sleep. It’d also make a great gift for the senior family member being cared for. Stress relief products have never looked so cute.
A gorgeous throw blanket
The beauty of a good throw blanket is that it can bring comfort anywhere. This Snuggle Sac is a knitted blanket made with a luxurious microfiber fabric that’s ultra soft and breathable, with a cloudlike feel. The heather design gives it an expensive look, though you can choose from 28 colors and designs. You could also pair it with this relaxation sampler from Yogi Tea.
Wine and sweets gift box
Self-care gifts can also include wine and chocolate, a combination beloved by many. This wine and sweets gift box contains milk chocolate-covered cherries, slices of chocolate swirl cake, assorted chocolate truffles, and a 2021 silver medal-winning pinot noir.
It’s a perfect way to wind down in the evening while watching a favorite TV show or reading a book. Sometimes, those little time-outs can give someone the breathing room they need.
Gift cards
Gift cards always make great gifts for caregivers, and with today’s e-cards, you can send many via email. Gift cards can help caregivers with their meals, coffee breaks, shopping, and relaxation. Of course, you should also consider what stores and services they love and what’s available in their area. Prices are also customizable.
Some gift card ideas include DoorDash, Starbucks, Massage Envy, AMC Theatres, Amazon, and Target.
