Gift Ideas For Caregivers

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a caregiver on your list? Whether you are showing appreciating for a family caregiver's selfless efforts, or thanking a professional caregiver for their dedication, the list below should give you some good ideas .


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1. A Nice Thank You Card


A sincere thank you card is still a classic way of letting someone know that you appreciate everything they do. 


This can be the best choice for the person you don't know well, or for the professional caregiver who isn't allowed to accept gifts. 

2. Gift Card

Although caregivers are proud of what they do, they may feel sometimes like it becomes their whole identity. A gift card can be a generous way to let a caregiver choose something for themselves that does NOT have anything to do with caregiving. 

3. A Live Plant

A beautiful plant can recharge the atmosphere in more ways than one. Not only does it filter the air and create a spot of beauty, its luscious living leaves serves as a reminder to focus on the positive aspects of life, rather than the more negative realities that caregivers are facing daily. 

4. Respite Care

For the overworked and overwhelmed family caregiver, a day (or more) of respite care would be a welcome gift. You can offer to take over their duties for a few hours so they and their partner can go out, or you can arrange for professional respite care to give them a longer, much-needed, worry-free break. 

5. Gift Baskets

For caregivers who work for a facility, expressing gratitude can be difficult. There may be a policy in place that prevents individuals from accepting gifts. 


However, you may be able to gift all the people in the facility by giving a gift basket of edible goodies they can enjoy equally while on break. Specify upon delivery that you intend this to be for ALL employees, not just management. 


If you know a facility caregiver well, and wish to applaud him or her more personally, you can arrange to meet them on their off hours. As long as your gift is discreet, then it shouldn't be a problem. 

6. Donations

For a facility that is small, or privately owned, you can ask about donating something that is very needed. For example, we had a woman who, when she found out she could not give gifts directly to aides and nurses, donated a large amount of supplies that we could use. (small hand sanitizers, pens, lanyards, etc. ) 


Some facilities may not allow this, but you can certainly ask about policy. If you can't show them appreciation with gifts, you could always write up a glowing review of the staff and send it to their main office, or a review of the whole facility and send it to your town paper. 

7. Personalized Journal

Caregivers have a lot on their minds. Why not a lovely personalized journal to capture those thoughts and memories? Add a nice pen, too!

8. Movie Box

Family caregivers probably don't get out much. So why not make staying home more fun? A nice gift box filled with uplifting movies (really, stay away from tearjerkers here), popcorn, treats and drinks can provide hours of escape for the caregiver. A bonus is that this is something they can share with their elderly loved one. 

9. Candles

I think it is pretty well accepted that you can't go wrong with a candle. When you care for someone at home, the air can take on the same aroma as a hospital, thanks to medications and cleaning agents. 


Candles can freshen the air and make the house seem like a home again. Plus, the gentle, flickering flames can be relaxing for both caregivers and the elderly. 

10. Something Needed

Although not the most fun gift, an item that the caregiver really needs for their caregiving tasks might be a good idea. Caring for an aging relative comes with many expenses, and not all of them are covered by insurance. 


No one likes to admit they can't afford something necessary or useful, but this may be the case. If so, and you know this item would really make life easier, look into it. 

11. Gifts for the Spirit

Indulge the caregiver in some spiritual relaxation with incense, essential oil, healing crystals, prayer books, stress balls and other gifts to help open the senses and encourage healing meditation. 

12. I'm So Mad Book

A friend who lost her father years ago suggested this idea. Essentially, it is a journal for venting. As she was coping with end of life care, she was having a hard time keeping her emotions level.


 Her husband bought a cheap blank journal and customized all the pages with angry faces, and prompts such as: 

• "Today, I am so mad about:" 

• "I wish I could just:"

• "I really hate:" 

By writing down her frustrations, her anger, her resentments, and her fears, she was able to find peace. She later burned the book as final closure. 


These aren't meant to be read by anyone else, so a book with a lock would be nice. Or maybe present the book in a small locking box. 

13. Survival Kit

This is much like a gift basket, but with a sense of humor. If you know a caregiver who faces their day with sass, then they might appreciate this kit. Simply fill a  caregiver survival bag or box with fun (and useful) items such as: 

• Bottle of Tylenol
• Small bottle of wine or other liquor
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Gloves
• Gum or mints 
• Stress ball
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• Huge pre-printed "To-Do" list pad
• Gift card to a pharmacy or Amazon
• Do Not Disturb sign
• Journal or appointment book
• Pens
• Motivational or inspirational book/s on caregiving

Once they have used their own supplies, a bag can be a great way to keep all their loved ones supplies organized while on outings. 

14. Worry Dolls

A cute  Guatemalan worry doll is one of my favorite things in the world. You can't have too many, and they also make great stocking stuffers for the elderly . 


 These Guatemalan toys are used by children to rid themselves of worries. Just tell a worry to a doll, then sleep with the doll under your pillow. Your troubles will disappear while you sleep!


These little dolls are heartwarming and fun at the same time, and can be carried in a pocket or purse as well. 

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• 10 Gifts You Should Absolutely Take to a Nursing Home.