If you are a caregiver or know someone whose job is to take care of others, then you may understand just how stressful life can be. While you may not be able to take away some of their responsibilities, you can surprise them with unique gifts that can enhance their quality of life and help alleviate stress.
Whether it’s a teacher, nurse, mother, spouse or next-door neighbor, here are some gifting ideas for the caregiver in your life.
Coloring Books
Since the life of a caregiver can be a physically and emotionally grueling task, according to Familydoctor.org, treating someone to an adult coloring book will help bring out one’s artistic skills while cultivating a calming environment.
Coloring books are also a great way to escape everyday pressures. With the use of crayons, pencils markers or paint, you can color your world a brighter, more joyful hue, using this relaxing practice.
Gifting Food
Nothing quite brings people together like a delicious meal, and fresh fare is an option for the person who does it all.
Blue Apron takes the hassle away from meal planning by delivering healthy, delicious meals right at your doorstep. You can order vegetarian or meaty options, and they can be distributed to families of two or four people, up to four days per week.
Sign Up for a Class
Perhaps you’ve heard someone mention their love of yoga or a penchant for art. Use this time of year to make their dreams come true by signing them up for a class. Prepaid courses can be taken online or at a local studio and are a great way to hone the skills of something you enjoy.
Sometimes classes even offer discounts for those who take a certain amount of days and may include anything from pottery to sewing. Sites such as Craftsy has several courses for creative individuals.
Purchase an Adult Onesie
Coziness offers a sense a sense of reprieve in a stressful environment. Give the caregiver in your life the gift of warmth with an adult onesie. Not just any onesie will do; get them one that shields them from cold and will keep them warm and snug.
You may feel silly, but that’s OK because everyone can use more humor in their life. After all, laughter is the best medicine, so go ahead, be a kid again and bask in the security of your bunny, unicorn or puppy coverall and relive your childhood.
Give a Gift Card
Gift cards also are practical and puts the power in the user’s hands. In return, this also eliminates regifting items on which you’ve spent your hard-earned money.
Beware, as some gift cards carry fees, and while American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are the likely culprits, they are also the most favored.
Providing year-round care is what most caregivers do. Even though the holiday season is officially over, you can consider one or more of these gifts to those who show compassion to the people you care about. After all, appreciation doesn’t need an occasion!
Beverly Nelson is the creator of Stand Up For Caregivers, which aims to help protect and advocate for the health and well-being of adult caregivers. With more people becoming caregivers for aging family every day, she aims to provide as many useful resources as possible to help caregivers access the support they need.