Finding a present for someone who is living with or caring for someone with a chronic condition can be challenging. Depending on the situation, certain items may not be appropriate. For example, a Santa that sings every time you walk by it, while annoying to many, can be very unsettling for someone with a neurological problem, such as MS or brain injury. Season tickets can be a bit iffy, as people with diseases that have flares or fatigue can’t always be sure they will be able to go.
Condition specific gifts-such as a T-shirt with a slogan, or a book about the illness-may be welcomed by some and not appreciated by others. If you don’t know how the person may feel about such a gift, select something else.
If you are living with a chronic condition, and/or in the role of caregiver, you may, like most Americans, be financially strapped and wondering what to do about the holidays. The last thing you want to do is over spend and end up with “buyer’s remorse” in January.
I’m hearing of all sorts of creative ways that people are dealing with the economic situation and the holidays. Some people are hosting “recycled gift parties”-bring something from your home that’s in good condition that you aren’t using. Yankee Swaps are very popular where I live and of course many families have been drawing names for years now. Whatever way you wish to do it, gifts should be for those that mean something to you.
Below are several categories of gift giving that might be helpful.
Gift Giving on a Dime
The most important gift we can give one another this holiday season is our time and support. Simple, well thought out gifts mean a great deal. A card letting someone know how special they are to you and why, will be treasured for years to come. Below are some things to consider-beyond the usual baked goods items. Remember only give gifts of time if you can truly redeem them.
• Dinner and a movie. You provide the meal, movie and the popcorn on their choice of night.
• Game night. You provide the game, the snacks and drinks. They get to pick the night.
• Make a CD of music you think someone will like.
• Gifts of services that you will provide are always welcome. These can include: babysitting; car care; making necessary repairs on their house; house and pet sitting; massage; lawn care in the spring; cleaning out the gutters; washing windows; or anything else that may be on the “honey do” list. The possibilities are endless. You can make your own gift coupon or download a free coupon template.
• Make a recipe book of family favorites. Go to Creative Studio for Home for a free recipe template. If you have a recipe with a unique ingredient, such as a particular spice, give a copy of the recipe and the spice.
• If you have a hobby you enjoy, share it with family and friends. Make up a “kit” so they can try it. If you enjoy genealogy, share your research with your family by making a “family tree.” For other ideas, check out some of the “Take a Break” activities.
• If you have the time and energy, invite your friends and family to a special crafting evening or afternoon. Your gift to them is giving them a chance to make something for others.
• Re gifting is just fine, as is recycling. For example, if you have a collection of cookie cutters that you no longer use, give a few of them along with your favorite sugar cookie recipe.
• For kids and teens, they’d love a coupon letting them off their chores, staying up an hour later etc.
Caregivers, and those they care for, can spend enjoyable time together creating joint gifts. For example, family members would love to have all of grandmother’s recipes for holiday dinners. She may no longer have the ability to write them down, but with some help, this can be a gift that lasts for many generations.
Techie Stuff
• The Wii Fit, Dance Dance Revolution, Sony PlayStation Move and Kinect for Xbox may not do much as far as burning calories, but there is growing evidence that they help older adults improve balance. Since falls remain the leading cause of the injury-related deaths in the elderly, this is a fun way to help a parent or grandparent stay steady. It also offers new ways for families and friends to interact.
• Nook or Kindle reader. Very helpful for those with motion disorders. Can also adjust the size for easier reading.
• Cordless phone, Track phone, if they don’t have cell service, with a prepaid amount of calling hours.
• Subscription to Netflix. For as little as $8 a month, you can watch unlimited movies and TV programs on your computer. If you have devices like Wii, Xbox 360 you can use them to watch movies and shows on your TV. At this time of year, there are all sorts of deals.
• Software for their computer
Gift Certificates/Memberships
• Gift certificates are always welcome. If you aren’t sure what they’d need or appreciate, you can give them a Visa or other credit card with a specified amount on it. The advantage is that they can use the card anywhere they want. If you want to make it more specific, consider gift cards to the following:
- Spa
- Beauty salon
- Massage
- Area restaurants, particularly ones with take out. These are very handy on those days when you don’t have time or energy to cook.
- Local pharmacy
- Local supermarket
- Where they like to shop on-line (iTunes, Amazon.com), by mail (Lands End, LL Bean) or in person. Note that most stores today allow you to use the gift card at their website or store.
- Health food store
- Yoga or fitness classes. It helps if these are “as used” classes and not for a month. If they have a flare during a given month they’ll loose out.
- Garage for an oil change
• Memberships to places such as Warehouse Club; Local PBS or public radio station; area zoo, museum; community supported agriculture share (this provides lots of fresh produce during the growing season)
Other Ideas
• Goldfish or other fish that requires minimal maintenance.
• Bird feeder, wind chime or outdoor plant that can easily be viewed from a window.
• Magazine subscription
• Flameless candle. Avoid scented candles as many people have a negative reaction to them.
• Craft or hobby materials-Don’t hesitate to make this an early gift if it helps them make presents for others.
• Fruit or healthy snack basket-fruit of the month club
• Donation to a favorite charity
• Comfy clothes, such as-Terrycloth bathrobe-makes it easier to dry off after getting out of the tub; Socks; or PJ’s
• Pet supplies
• Car care items-such as new floor mates, windshield wiper fluid
• Green items for the house. A basket of items such as CFL bulbs, faucet aerators and low flow showerheads will be a gift all year round when they open their utility bills and find smaller bills.
• A basket of items they can use to have a party at some point-such items might include matching cutlery, napkins and plates; candles; wine glasses and wine; crackers and other food items that have a long shelf life.
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