Hiring a caregiver can change your entire life—whether you are the individual needing the care, or you are hiring them to help a family member. Caregivers are individuals with amazing talent for caring for people, and many have at least a basic medical training.
But what can you buy a caregiver for Christmas? We have several suggestions, which include extra time off, an activity out together, or a gift card. Keep reading to learn more.
1. A Day Off With Pay
We know this won’t work for everyone, especially if you are using a caregiver service. But if you hired privately, see if you can arrange for other care for a day, like a friend or family member who is willing. Then, let your caregiver know, as a Christmas gift, that you want them to have the day off and still bill you for it anyway. This can give them a chance to Christmas shop or spend time with their family for the holidays.
2. Personal Care Products
Individuals who spend most of their time caring for others often don’t set aside a lot of time for self-care. If you can’t give your caregiver a day off, then a basket of personal care products is the next best option. We recommend grabbing several items, so they can try out a few different things. Alternatively, if you already know their favorite scent, you can buy them lotion or body wash in that scent.
Don’t forget options like a massage or a spa day if you can afford them, as these gifts are cherished by everyone! If you aren’t 100% certain what service they would like, consider purchasing a spa or Massage Envy gift card.
On a tight budget? Tea, a bottle of wine, or some incense can also make an amazing (and inexpensive) self-care gift for a caretaker.
3. A House Cleaning
Again, your caregiver likely spends most of their time helping you, and is ready for bed when they arrive home. Because of this, a house cleaning, paid for by you, can go a long way.
We do want to mention that this gift isn’t for everyone, as some individuals already have housecleaners, and others prefer to do the cleaning themselves. But you can always offer it, asking what day you can book it for, allowing them the opportunity to decline.
4. Food
Food is an excellent gift for anyone, at any age. But like with most of the other gifts on this list, take the time to get to know your caregiver so you can choose the right food gift for them.
Examples:
- Young/single/lives at home: some snacks or sweet treats are perfect!
- Have a family of their own: a tray of cookies or a pan of lasagna they just have to pop in the oven can be much appreciated.
- Older/unsure: a restaurant gift card, which features several restaurants (like the Darden brand card), is probably best.
5. Something You Can Enjoy Together
Chances are, once you find a good caregiver, you will employ them for several years. When this is the case, a non-physical gift, like a shared activity, can make an amazing Christmas or birthday gift.
For example, you could take them to a movie (letting them choose the movie!) and then cover the cost of snacks. You can also order a new board game that you can learn to play together. You could also do a lunch out, picnic, or happy hour—whatever you think they will like best!
6. A Cruise
Now, we know this sounds expensive, but hear us out. Most cruise ships are specially designed to make travel easier for older individuals; that being said, you may still need a caregiver while you are on board. So, if you were already considering a cruise for yourself (and already know you like them) consider paying the fee for your caregiver to come along. While cruises can be expensive, there are frequently deals, especially when you start adding people (or rooms) to an existing reservation. Although you caregiver will have to help you while on the cruise, there are many times they won’t need to help you, making this a great gift for them as well! Just make sure you allow ample time for them to explore on their own!
Of course, if you aren’t planning to cruise anytime soon, this isn’t the right gift for your caregiver.
7. Cash
We know giving cash isn’t always the most fun, but sometimes this is what your caregiver needs most. A nice cash bonus around Christmas can go a long way toward ensuring they are able to enjoy the holidays as well.
If cash is the only thing on this list that suits your caregiver, don’t be afraid to make it something fun to unwrap. If you are giving $50, for example, you could get it all in $1 bills and put them in a large, wrapped box. You could also fold the $1 bills into origami shapes—just use your imagination!
8. Let Them Pick Their Own Gift
I did this one year for a friend, and it was one of the best gifts I ever gave. I asked her to meet me at Crate and Barrel, and when we got there, I told her to pick out whatever she wanted, up to $30. It wasn’t much, but she had so much fun walking around the store deciding what she would pick. In the end, she chose a jar for dog treats that she never would have considered otherwise.
If you choose this option, just ensure you pick a store they like, and that fits in the budget you plan to give. Some ideas include Barnes and Noble (if they like to read), Dick’s Sporting Goods (if they like sports), or Target, if you want them to have plenty of options. We like that you can choose whatever budget you want for this gift, and we know your caregiver will love picking something out.
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