As a companion to the Unique Gifts for Patients post, and with the holiday season in full season, this is a good time to think about gifts for caregivers.
• Time is their number one issue. Gifts that help them enjoy
their free time or create some time are appreciated. While certain gadgets are
wonderful gifts and time savers, many caregiver aren’t going to be exactly
thrilled with an automatic pillbox as their Christmas or birthday present.
• While it may seem like a cute idea to give them a
homemade coupon book offering various services, like childcare, trash removal,
or lawn care, they aren’t going to be thinking about “redeeming” their coupon
as it’s one more thing they’d need to keep track of. If you want to offer a service that you think
they need, make a card that let’s them know what you will do and when. Some
examples:
- “I
am your snowplow man/woman for January and February.”
- “Smith’s Lawn Service will cut your grass the
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month for July, August and
September.”
- “Annie’s
Catering will provide dinner for you and your family on Monday nights for the
month of January.” With this one, you can include a “menu” so they can “order”
the dishes they would like to receive.
With the card, consider something small like a box of their
favorite candy, an ornament for their tree, a tin of homemade cookies etc.
• Caregivers need to know they can depend on people. If you
offer your service, be sure you show up and complete the task.
• They don’t always have the ability to adjust their
schedule to do various things, in fact some can’t leave their charge unless
there is a sitter or an attendant that can take their place. If you give a gift
that will take them away from their charge, such as theater tickets or a spa
weekend, line up a sitter for the time they will be gone.
• Isolation and loneliness can be real issues for many
caregivers. While they may be dealing with lots of people, such as medical
providers, personal care attendants, aids etc., their life may feel like it’s
home, doctor’s office, pharmacy and home again. Giving them a chance to be with
friends for an evening-be it at someone’s house, a restaurant or at the
theater- is a wonderful gift.
• Finances are often very tight, so if
you are comfortable doing this, help them by paying off some of their bills.
Giving them cash to do this is not recommended, since too often cash can be
spent for other purposes. Writing the check to the utility company or other
business is a better way to go. This is also where gift cards come in handy.
Gas, grocery store and pharmacy cards are always useful.
• They need to be reminded that they are important and
special. When you give gifts that are more about the person they are caring
for-such as automated pill boxes-you aren’t really recognizing the caregiver
for themselves. Caregivers spend a large
part of their day giving, so help them recharge by providing a gift that is special
and meaningful to them.
• Unless they express specific interest, books and
magazines about caregiving, or the particular condition a person is living with,
are often never read. If you want to give a book, consider something that
allows them to escape for an hour or two.
GIFT IDEAS
Electronics: There
are a variety of items to choose from at all price points.
• Tablets: While
many will already have a computer, tablets (e.g. iPad) are very handy and there
are some androids for as little as $129. Consumer Reports December 2013
recommends the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet, which is selling for $230.
• E Readers: Kindle
or other electronic book devices are also user friendly and it allows them to
have something interesting to read, particularly if they have to wait long
hours at the hospital or health center. You can pick these up fairly cheaply as
there are all sorts of deals on them at the moment. Amazon currently has a
Kindle 6” for $89
• E Fitness: Fitting
in exercising can be difficult. There are various electronic games such as Wii
Fit and Dance Dance Revolution that will provide both entertainment and
exercise. An exercise, yoga or Tai Chi video might also be appreciated.
• Streaming
Media Players: They no longer have to miss their favorite TV program as an
Apple TV or Roku allows them to download and watch various shows and movies
using such websites as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Premium. Apple TV can be
bought for as little as $85, while Roku is priced lower. Consumer Reports
recommends Google Chromecast for $35. This does require some cables that may
not make it as practical as the other options.
• iPhone:
Consumer Reports recommends the 16 GB, which will vary in price based on
carrier.
• MP3 Players: iPods are wonderful, particularly the iPod Touch, as
they allow you to have your favorite music, as well as books on tape. Further,
many libraries have free books you can download for two weeks at a time. While
the smart phone and tablets are replacing the need for these devices, some
people still prefer them.
E-Gift Cards: For those caregivers already using tablets and smart
phones, giving them an iTunes Gift Card makes it possible for them to download
apps or music. Amazon also offers an Appstore gift card, which is good for
those who have Android devices.
Pampering: Not
everyone likes to be touched, so do some checking first to make sure they’ll
appreciate one of the following:
• Spa: An
afternoon, day or weekend
• Massage: Having
a massage in their home.
• Hair Salon:
Having your hair done can give a considerable lift.
• Pedicure/Manicure:
These aren’t just for ladies.
Since these can be pricey, a group of friends can pitch in
to make this possible.
Baskets: Baskets
are an easy way to put together a variety of items around a theme. Some ideas
to consider
• Bath/Spa: For
those that love long baths, include such items as bath matt and pillow; special
soaps; sugar scrubs; loofahs and other “scrubbing devices;” candles; plants; body
lotion for after the bath and even a bottle of champagne.
• Teatime: The
whole idea of tea sounds relaxing. Include things like a special tea mug;
cookies; teas; brewing pot; tea bag rest; honey; special sugars
• Hot Chocolate:
Include a box of good quality hot chocolate, a mug, marshmallows, cinnamon
sticks, and a chocolate spoon.
• Candles: A
great way to set a relaxing mood, focus on candles without scent. Flame less
candles are always a good option, but if you go with waxed candles, include
special lighter or matches; a candle snuffer, wick trimmer, candle shaver and
candle holder(s)
• Evening for Two:
Include a card that gives the date when you’ll be bringing over dinner to share
with them. In the basket include special plates, napkins, napkin rings, bottle
of wine, glasses, candles and other items to make this a special night. If you
want to bring them dinner and a movie, a video, popcorn and a box of “movie”
candy would be good things to add.
• Food: Include
ready to eat items that are as healthy as possible. Such items could include:
fresh and dried fruits, nuts, dark chocolate, cheese, crackers, smoked salmon,
wine or sparking apple cider, napkins.
• Other: If they
have a special interest, design a basket around that theme. For the movie
lover, a gift certificate to Netflix along with a nice bowl for pop corn, and
several boxes of Snowcaps, Twizzlers or whatever kind they like. Keep in mind
that giving a gift basket of golf items, when it’s nearly impossible for them
to get away for a game, isn’t the best idea.
Can’t afford to fill a basket, consider something much
simpler such as matching socks and nail polish; journal and pen set; favorite
hand or body lotion, etc.
Arts and Crafts: I
could write volumes about the importance of using your hands to engage in
creative activities. Not only does it reduce stress, increase immune function,
but it also elevates mood. An art kit-colored pens, pencils, markers, water
colors, paper etc.-might make a good gift. There are a variety of craft kits
that can be picked up at places like Michael’s or Joann Fabrics.
Puzzles and Games:
Be it a jig saw puzzle, crossword, Sudoku, hidden word or something else,
activities that can be worked on when there is time, can be fun and relaxing.
There are many apps for activities like this.
Bring the outside in:
Nature is a healing force so things like a Zen garden, plants, flowers, water
feature, bird feeder, wind chimes or even a sound machine featuring nature
sounds can be calming and relaxing.
Gift Cards:
Always a great way to ensure that people get something they’ll want, the
variety of gift cards are never ending. In additionto the various ones at your
local grocery store, consider things like cleaning service and respite care.
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