Like it or not, the holiday season has officially begun. Starbucks released their holiday cup, Target is full of all things Christmas, and stores across the country are trying to lure folks in by rolling out “Black Friday” sales earlier than ever this year.
This time of year feels equal parts exciting and exhausting for me. I love spending time with my family, eating lots of delicious food, and taking part in traditions, like making peanut bars with my grandma, or lighting a big bonfire with my in-laws on Christmas day. But it can also feel hectic to host family, coordinate activities, and maintain routines during this time.
One thing that always gets me excited is the idea of gifting. I understand that for some people it can be overwhelming, but gifts are a love language for me (right behind acts of service). Thoughtfully choosing items that I know the gift recipient will enjoy and use brings me so much joy.
Which is why I’m excited to share these gift ideas. Gifts don’t have to be expensive or extravagant to be impactful. In fact, I find some of my most treasured gifts were things that weren’t expensive at all, but that made my life a little easier, or were given to me at the perfect time to remind me of something I needed.
This month, I’ll be sharing three sets of gift guides:
- Gifts for the Caregiver
- Gifts for the Care Recipient
- Gifts for caregivers & Care Recipients to enjoy together
(note: gift guides contain affiliate links. When you shop through the links, we earn a small commission, but there’s no extra charge for you. Thanks for supporting Caregiver Collaborative and helping us continue to bring you great content all year long!)
Up first: The Gift Guide for Caregivers
We know caregivers like you work so hard to support your loved ones & you deserve to have things that make your life a little easier, allow for moments of joy or calm in the chaos, and are just plain fun.
If you are a caregiver, why not treat yourself to something fun from this list, or better yet – share it with your friends and family to give them some great ideas!
If you aren’t a caregiver, but you’ve found your way here because you’re looking for some great ideas for the caregiver in your life, we hope you find some great ideas to get them exactly what they need!
For the Caregiver Who Could Use an Energy Boost:
Let’s face it – what caregiver couldn’t use a little extra energy in their life? This coffee pot & grinder make a great gift and adding a little fancy coffee to the mix is a great touch!
OXO 8 Cup Coffee Maker & Conical Burr Grinder
I admit, I consume a lot of coffee During the pandemic, I started making more and more coffee at home, and set out to find the perfect coffee pot to suit my needs and tastes. I’ve been through a few in the past few years, but this one is my all-time fave. I love that I can grind fresh beans every day, and the 8-cup model keeps my consumption from being completely out of control. I also love the thermal pot, and the fact that I can brew 1-4 cups or 5-8 cups with specific settings for each. You can even brew directly into a cup if you’re just wanting one!
Cameron’s makes great coffee! They’ve got a ton of flavors. I like their darker roasts best for daily drinking, but the flavored coffees make such a fun treat and are perfect for gifting. And we also love that it’s made roasted right here in Minnesota.
For the caregiver who is always on the go
As a caregiver, you’re probably juggling a lot. Between work, school, caregiving responsibilities, family obligations, and trying to squeeze in some time for your own hobbies – there’s a lot to keep track of.
I own this exact backpack and it’s a life saver. I love that it’s not huge, but can easily fit my laptop, notebook, and a few items a need to survive the day. The straps are surprisingly comfortable. I’ve also used this as a carry on when I went on a trip last spring, and it was so easy to stuff under the seat and easily access the items I needed in-flight. As an added bonus, it comes in a lot of fun colors so you can choose the best one based on your personality!
Tile Mate Bluetooth Item Tracker
I don’t know about you, but being on the go so much means I’m constantly trying to keep track of my keys, phone, wallet, ear buds, and a million other things I need to keep my day on track. These tile trackers are the perfect solution for people who are constantly losing things or can’t remember where they put them (despite my attempts to use the backpack for this exact purpose).
Paperage Notebook & Pilot Precise Pens
If you’re like me, always being on the go also means I have a lot of details to keep track of. I love having a small notebook and my favorite pens on hand to make lists, take notes, or jot down ideas. I love that these also come in lots of fun colors! The paper in the notebook is thick, and the pens write like a dream. These are easily two of my favorite things I have in my office (yes, I have favorite office supplies, and no I am not ashamed to admit that).
For the caregiver who deserves a break
Caregivers deserve to take a break sometimes, too! Why not cozy up with a book and blanket, or get a little extra sleep?
I love the feel of real books, but you can’t deny the convenience of the Kindle for people who love to read, especially if you’re running out of room on your bookshelves! We also love that you can borrow books from the library right from your Kindle.
Chunky Knit Throw & Dearfoam Memory Foam Slippers
The only thing better than curling up with a good book is doing so with some extra comfort. Enter this blanket and slippers. The chunky knit style is so nice and cozy, and I love these slippers because the keep my feet warm but also have a little extra support.
After an evening of digging into your favorite book, it’s time to get some rest. This year, it feels like the changing of the seasons has been particularly challenging for me to adjust to, so this item is at the top of my own list. I love that it has lights that help you wind down at night and wake up in the morning, and the sound machine just might help drown out the racing thoughts that tend to go through my head right as I crawl into bed for the night.
For the caregiver who could use a little self-care
Caregiving can be an exhausting, and it can be tough to remember the little things we need to take care of ourselves.
For caregivers who are juggling a lot, remembering simple things like skincare can be a real challenge. This lip sleeping mask has been all over my Instagram feed lately, so I finally broke down and bought it. I can’t wait to give it a try. I love that it’s got ingredients I can pronounce, and promises to help soothe dry lips, which is so key in these long MInnesota winters!
Another essential for long winters, especially for caregivers – and especially if you’re like me and wash your hands constantly to avoid getting your loved one sick. This cream is so nice for locking in as much moisture as possible, and I love that I can stick it in my backpack or purse. It smells nice too, which is a huge plus for me!
Speaking of getting sick, I feel like it’s closing in around me. Flu, COVID, RSV, and whatever other viruses are going around and I’m trying so hard to avoid getting sick. For caregivers, getting sick can be extra challenging since it often means needing to find someone else who can step in, or risk getting your loved one sick too. Nuun Immunity tablets to the rescue! These things are so handy for popping into my water bottle and giving me the vitamin boost my immune system needs, and they taste pretty good too!
As we enter into this busy season, we’re sending you strength and cozy vibes. We hope you found some great ideas for yourself or the caregiver in your life! As we put the finishing touches on our next gift guides, we’d love to know if you have any requests or ideas. Shoot us an email or drop us a note on social media.
Happy gifting!
Erin
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