Guest blog by Beverly Nelson of standupforcaregivers.org
It takes a special kind of person to dedicate his or her life to helping others. Many of us have caregivers in our lives that look after and tend to our loved ones. Caregivers put aside their own needs for the needs of others, so why not help them maintain the balance by gifting them with a little bit of self-care to show your appreciation for all that they do. This list contains gift ideas that let caregivers focus on themselves for a change.
- Give Them a Spa Day
Nothing compares to a day all to yourself, devoted completely to rest and relaxation. If anyone deserves a day to be spoiled, it’s caregivers. Think of all the time they have spent making sure the needs and wants of your loved ones are met. Giving a certificate to a spa resort would be the perfect way to say “thank you” to the person who cares after your loved one.
- Gift Cards
Another way to provide caregivers with a chance to spoil themselves is by giving them some personalized indulgence. Gift cards are a simple yet effective gift idea that can be catered to caregivers’ interests. Buy them multiple cards so they can spend a night eating at their favorite restaurant, followed by taking in a movie they’ve been wanting to see. With the number of options out there, there’s literally no limit to the kind of experience you can provide.
- Yoga Classes
Self-care comes in many forms, and sometimes that includes caring for our minds and bodies. A great way to help caregivers focus on their own needs is by giving them the gift of paid yoga classes. Yoga is known to benefit the mind and body in many different ways. Yoga classes could also give caregivers the chance to experience a different activity they might not have tried before.
- A New Book
Sometimes, the best way to indulge ourselves is to dive into a good book. Books keep our minds active and healthy, as well as motivate and inspire us. There are plenty of books available that are written with caregivers in mind. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series has a book dedicated to these special kinds of people, and Roz Chast’s memoir in pictures titled Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant, gives a humorous take on elderly care that will put a smile on any caregiver’s face. A new book might just be the perfect gift for senior caregivers.
- Journals and Wellness Planners
Being a caregiver is sometimes a stressful job that comes with plenty of physical, mental, and emotional burdens. When tasked with such a demanding job, it’s important to take steps to tend to your own mental health. Personalized journals are a great gift that let caregivers write down their thoughts and provide an outlet for some of the burdens they face. Wellness planners are another great way to let caregivers organize themselves and also focus on their mental health as they deal with the daily challenges of their job.
These are just some ideas of how we can show our appreciation to the caregivers in our lives. The most crucial thing to remember when shopping for a caregiver is to give them a chance to check up on their own health and happiness from time to time. If your gift helps them take care of themselves, then it’s a gift worth giving.
Photo Credit: Pixabay