Thoughtful Caregiver Gifts That Make A Big Difference

Thoughtful Caregiver Gifts That Make A Big Difference

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Looking for a thoughtful caregiver gift that shows your appreciation for all that the family and professional caregivers do? You are at the right place.

But first off, let me say I am happy you are reading this post because it means you have decided to do or buy something nice for the caregiver when most people only focus on the patient and I am here to help you find the perfect caregiver gift.

Be it Christmas, their birthday, Caregiver appreciation day, etc. these gifts will make them feel loved.

“Caregivers are every bit deserving of attention and support, just as much as the patient.”

P.S: This post contains affiliate links from Amazon and other retailers. If you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a small commission. Pls check Privacy Policy and T&C for more information.)

Caregiver Gift Ideas

(Scroll down to the bottom for nursing home caregiver gifts ideas.)

Thoughtful Caregiver Gifts That Make A Big Difference

Practical Caregiver Gifts

You don’t have to feel guilty if you don’t have a lot of time to give – kids need help with school, deadlines approaching at work, you started a new business/ job… life took over, etc.

Luckily, there are plenty of thank you gifts you can buy online that will make their life a whole lot easier. Here are some of my suggestions-

1. Robot Vacuum

The most practical gift for the family caregiver if you can’t help them clean or order a cleaning service (the expense adds up fast) all the time.

This robot vacuums and mops the floor!  It is the time saver every family caregiver can use and appreciate. Imagine how many hours it can add back into their routine?

There are many varieties on the market, this robot vacuum just happens to be what I really like.

2. Stress Management Cards

Stress is the number one reason behind caregiver burn-out. This is especially the case with family caregivers that are not professionally trained to combat the stress that comes with taking care of the sick or elderly.

These ‘Stress- Less Cards‘ are perfect for developing stress relieving techniques that stop the mind’s automatic response to a stressful situation.

These cards are as powerful as meditation and recommended by healthcare professionals.

There are 50 cards in the deck full of techniques to help relieve stress and anxiety. The best part is that these cards are compact and lightweight so they are easy to carry around if need be.

If you feel that your caregiver is starting to show signs of stress, these ‘Stress Less‘ cards might just be what they need at the moment.

3. Book For The Caregivers

There are plenty of books with great advice for caregivers to manage their well-being in their daily life. But this book is a much-needed help guide that every family caregiver can benefit from.

The book shares tips on managing bills, keeping track of doctor visits, learn about caregiver’s rights and where to look for low-cost help, etc.

Many caregivers feel lost in the sea of information that is spread all over the internet- some credible and some not so credible.

The caregiver can learn so much from this book-things that they were already worried about but didn’t know who to ask or where to go and things they didn’t know they need to plan for.

If you plan to give the caregiver a book they can really benefit from, then definitely check this book out.

4. Caregiver Log Book

Scheduling multiple doctor appointments, nurse visits and keeping a track of billion other things while taking care of the patient is a lot to remember. It can be really frustrating.

A log book built for caregivers is the easiest way to make sure nothing important is ever missed and all the important information like insurance details, medical history, daily schedule is available at a glance.

Much more than anything a planner will provide them with much needed mental relief, checking things off the list is definitely a great feeling.

5. Body Massager

It’s not only the ill or the elderly that has aches and pains. Caregivers forget to take care of themselves when they are taking care of the patient, and soon enough aches and pains of different types follow.

A nice massage on sore areas after a long day will ensure they get a nice sleep and wake up feeling better.

A good quality portable and cordless full body massager with heat control that is suitable for use on multiple areas of the body is an excellent gift idea for a family caregiver or someone you know who works as a professional caregiver.

This is a gift that will keep on giving for several years if used properly and save them money on chiropractor visits.

You can also consider buying a smaller, yet effective massager like the affordable pillow massager available on Amazon.

6. Automatic Pill Dispenser With Alarm

Managing multiple pills and the pill schedule for the patient can be stressful for the caregiver. This is especially true for a cancer caregiver etc.

This is why an automatic pill dispenser can come in super handy taking the stress out of managing pills daily. 

It is best to choose one that has a safety lock to prevent unwarranted use, is programmable to allow for setting up pill dispensing schedule, and enough compartments to hold multiple medications.

7. Gallon Water Bottle

Seems like an unusual gift? It is, but it does make sense for a family caregiver who often forgets to keep themselves hydrated through the day.

The Gallon Water Bottle is an excellent idea to ensure they remember to drink the required amount of water every day. Inexpensive gifts like these are what the recipient will appreciate and remember.

8. Stress Balls

If you notice any signs of increased stress, these stringy stress ball will help the caregiver. Unlike other stress balls, this ball is better in quality and the string makes it easier to hold and use.

Family Caregiver Appreciation Gifts

9. Caregiver Coffee Mug

More than just a morning dose of positivity, these mugs are full of appreciation and recognition for the caregiver.

No matter which one you choose, these are bound to put a smile on their faces and earn you a big HUG.

10. Tote Bag

They can carry this bag to the doctor appointments or when they are out running errands. The tote bag is nothing short of the badge that recognizes the difference they make to the patient’s and the family’s day to day life.

11. Caregiver T-Shirt

Did you know National Caregiver’s day is observed every year in the third week of February? The caregiver t-shirt is a great way to celebrate them this month.

But I bet, they will be rocking the t-shirt longer than just February.

P.S: These T-shirts comes in a variety of colors.

12. Personalized Coffee Tumbler

Personalized gifts are always well received and they make the recipient feel special.

You can gift them a personalized insulated good quality tumbler that you can customize with wordings of your choice like a sweet message and their name. 

A caregiver coffee tumbler like the one below, although not personalized, will also remind them of your appreciation and gratitude daily.

Thoughtful Gifts For The Caregiver

13. Positive Thoughts Blanket

It is not only the patient that needs some words of encouragement every now and then but the caregiver as well.

This inspirational thoughts blanket will lift up their spirits on difficult days. Reading positive words have a lot of benefits for the brain. They stimulate the brain, help it relax and reinforce positive thoughts.

This blanket will embrace them on difficult days when you can’t be with the caregiver.

A caring gift that is fit for a caregiver and even for a patient recovering post-surgery or on bed rest.

Is a loved one currently on bed rest or bedridden? Check out this guide full of helpful and practical gift ideas for a loved one who is bedridden or on bed rest.

 14. ‘Availability Booklet’ For The Caregiver

[Here’s the trick to how you can make time and make it count when you don’t seem to have much time to give.]

If you yourself are very busy and cannot afford to be present all the time to help out regularly with chores, here’s what you can do-

> Check your schedule and see if you can spare a few hours or a full day a few times a month.

> Make a nice coupon booklet for the caregiver! (See Suggestion Below).

> Don’t forget to mention on the coupons how and when you can help.

The coupons below are just some of the ideas. It would be easier for the caregiver to ask for help if they know your availability.

Psst– I used Canva  (it is free) to make these printable coupons. They have a lot of different templates to choose from, which makes it so much easier to prepare coupons like the ones below.

Just create an account, select ‘Coupons’ under templates, add your text, download, and hit print- it’s REALLY that easy!

If you don’t have time to create coupons like below, another great option is to use mini envelopes with cards (on Amazon) to make your coupons.

15. Care Package

A care package or basket for the caregiver is a thoughtful gift idea especially if you live too far away from the caregiver and the patient.

It is the best way of letting them know that you are thinking of them. You can buy care packages online or create one yourself.

There are so many things you can include in the care package- make it a chocoholic care package, a popcorn lover’s dream, include healthy snacks or not so healthy snacks, personal care items, etc to make it your own creation.

I have found some care package ideas for caregivers on Amazon that you might find helpful, like below.

Mental Health Gifts For A Caregiver

16. Bible Verses Flip Calendar

The bible verses flip calendar is full of encouraging words that will keep them going. Each page has a unique verse that will bring them mental peace and comfort.

17. Angel Of Caregivers

A sentimental gift that will also help them cope with stress during difficult times. 

A willow tree figurine like the one above is also a great appreciation gift.

Comfort Gifts For The Caregiver

18. Comfy Pajamas

Most family caregivers spend a lot of time at home in their pajamas. PJ’s are comfy, don’t require ironing and easy to move around in. Is it really a wonder that they practically live in them?

If you want to give a gift that brings comfort into their tired and stressful day then a nice set of pajamas should definitely be on your list.

Suggested: Nursing Home Friendly Gifts for Elderly Father or Mother

19. Cozy and Functional Slippers

They spend so much time at home so gifting them home slippers makes sense, but not just any cozy slippers- gift them cozy functional slippers that offer much more than just warmth like these non-skid, waterproof, machine washable slippers that can be easily worn outdoors for a quick run to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc.

The foam provides support for the arches and the heel of the foot so these can be worn all day.

Suggested: Perfect Gifts To Take For A Man in The Hospital

20. Hobby Gifts

Most often caregivers stop focusing on any extracurricular activities that don’t bring any benefit to the patient. However, it is imperative that they do things for themselves to help maintain a level of fun and interest in their day to day life.

Hobbies are an excellent way of relieving stress and to enjoy a few moments doing something enjoyable.

If they already have a hobby, give them something that makes their hobby more enjoyable.

If you are not too sure, give them something that you think might interest them. Start with something that almost everyone usually appreciates such as puzzles, crafts, reading etc.

For a more man-centric hobby, for a male caregiver, you can also gift a beer brewing kit, cards, puzzles etc.

Along with the gift, take out time to talk about their hobbies with them and take interest in how they are enjoying your hobby gift. Not all discussions have to be patient-centric!

21. Monthly Subscriptions

Getting a gift every month can make anyone feel happy. For the caregiver, it is definitely something they will look forward to every month.

A monthly subscription can be a healthy snacks box subscription, magazine subscription, book subscription, beauty box subscription (like Birchbox, Sephora, etc.

There are great subscription boxes for men as well like this one

It might not seem much, but even a little joy when most days are spent worrying and thinking about the worst is cherished. It tells them they are being thought of by someone who cares.

A magazine subscription in their area of interest is an extremely affordable gift that will keep on giving!

22. Amazon Prime Membership

What makes Amazon prime membership a comfort gift for a caregiver?

It has plenty of benefits from two-day shipping, grocery delivery, great discounts, etc. But that’s not all, Amazon also has an exhaustive collection of movies and TV shows and this list is ever-expanding.

The caregiver might miss a lot of live TV as their schedule varies every day, but they can watch a show or follow a TV series watching it online at their disposal when they have a moment to pause.

You don’t have to pay $119/ year either. There is an option to get it at a discounted rate for medicare/ EBT holders .

23. Gift Cards For The Caregiver

Gift cards are truly one of the best gift ideas for a caregiver be it a male caregiver or a female.

Nowadays, gift cards are available for anything imaginable, there is definitely a gift card out there that will bring a smile to the caregiver’s face!

If you can’t manage to devote time then consider gifting them a gift card for laundry services, house cleaning services, online grocery delivery services, etc.

Your gift of ‘time off’ from doing chores can help improve their quality of life greatly. They can use the free time to attend to important things or self-care necessities that they usually put on the back burner.

A gift card for leisure activity such as a gift card from their favorite restaurant, movies, retail store, yoga class, bar, pizza store, etc is also a great idea.

These are perfect for days when they are too tired to cook, want to order something nice for themselves from their favorite store or spontaneously have time to drop by a yoga class, etc.

Jewelry Gift For The Caregiver

24. Charm For Their Bracelet

Do they like to sport a bracelet from time to time? The caregiver charm is adorable and meaningful. They will love to add it to their bracelet.

25. Pendant

The caregiver angel pendant has so much meaning for a caregiver, they are no less than an angel themselves! The pendant is an expression of your thoughts.

Gift Of Support For The Family Caregiver

26. Support Groups

Caregiving can be isolating. It is common for caregivers to stop socializing altogether. This makes it difficult for them to seek help for their own well being.

Family and friends can be huge support but not if the caregiver starts to avoid making contact.

Luckily, there are support groups in almost every city that comprise professionals that have a deeper understanding of the issues facing the caregiver. They are well trained to handle and support caregivers.

Look for a support center near the caregiver. Help the caregiver reach out even if it doesn’t seem like a crisis at the moment. Prevention is better than cure!

27. Financial Help

If a family member has taken the role of a caregiver for a loved one, it might be hurting their bank account.

Caregivers give up on a lot of things to take care of the patient. Sometimes it hurts them financially when they can no longer keep a job due to their responsibilities at home.

Financial stress can feel embarrassing and debilitating. The caregiver might find it difficult asking for help.

Ask them if they need help financially. It could be helping with a mortgage or paying monthly bills etc. Get in touch with other family members to see how you and others, together, can contribute.

A gift doesn’t have to be a product or service necessarily, helping out financially when they most need it can be the best gift they can ever receive.

Gift Idea For Nursing Home Caregivers

Caregiver week is the perfect occasion, apart from Christmas, to send the nursing home staff an appreciation gift.

Nursing home staff/ hospice staff/  or elderly care staff do so much to maintain the quality of life- not just of the patient’s alone but the patient’s family as well so it is important to express your gratitude for their services.

Suggested: Thoughtful gifts for caregivers after the death of a loved one

28. Paid Caregiver Gift Basket Ideas

A gift basket is a great caregiver week gift for assisted living caregivers.

Food items are always a popular gift of choice for nursing home staff appreciation, as most facilities staff are not allowed to accept gifts.

Make a gift basket that is easy to share between the staff and make sure to send the gifts at different times to cover the day shift and the night shift. I have also mentioned some suggestions below if you want to send in something sans an occasion.

‘Expressing your gratitude to the caregiver should not require an occasion.’

Here are some additional caregiver gift basket ideas for nursing home caregivers

Some more ideas perfect for nursing home staffers include sending them breakfast/ lunch items. Check my list below.

 Here is a quick  reference sheet you can save for later  

Appreciation and gratitude gifts for the nursing home caregivers. Thoughtful and meaningful gifts that say your are thankful for all that they do for your loved ones. Check out more ideas in my post

If you need gift ideas for a loved one recovering after surgery or having surgery soon check out my Post Surgery Gift Ideas That Help With Recovery

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Caregivers work selflessly, never asking for much in return. They truly deserve a caregiver appreciation gift every once in a while be it their birthday, a thank you gift or for any other reason.

Hope this list helped you find something for your family or professional caregiver! If you found this post helpful, spread the word, and share it on social media!

Also, check out the most helpful gift ideas for someone suffering from arthritis.

Caregiver gifts that show your love, appreciation & support. This guide is full of thoughtful gift ideas for family caregiver, male caregiver or paid caregivers like nursing home staff etc.

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