A Holiday Shopping Guide for Medical Families & Parent Caregivers
Part 2 — For Caregivers
And… we are back with PART 2 of our 2021 holiday gift guide, developed with medical families, kids with disabilities and parent caregivers in mind.
This part of our gift guide focuses specifically on gifts for caregivers! We are talking about gift items that the moms, dads, kinship and all other family caregivers out there are sure to enjoy this holiday season. There are also ideas for families who have in-home nursing or respite support.
(If you are still in need of gift ideas for the kids in the family, check out PART 1 of the gift guide. It was previously posted on our blog at tinyurl.com/2s4be43e.)
TO: MOMS & MOM-FIGURES
- A Quality Pair of New Shoes
Can we get a round of applause for arch supports?! Seriously, though… mom-caregivers are non-stop! The role they play in the family often means that they are on their feet. All. The. Time. And boy, can that make the old dogs bark! A new pair of quality shoes with good arch and ankle supports may be the perfect gift for the always-busy, mom-caregiver. Dansko and Berkenstock clogs are popular brands among family caregivers, as are traditional running/walking shoes.
- Certificate for Housekeeping Service
Between medical management, personal care tasks, appointment scheduling, phone calls with doctors, and errands to pick up medications and other items… and all of that on top of any outside-the-home job… It is no wonder many caregivers feel like they are constantly running behind on basic house cleaning! A gift certificate for a good, deep cleaning service would be appreciated!
Mindfulness Cards
With all that there is to accomplish during the day, it is natural for parent-caregivers to feel exhausted, overwhelmed and anxious. Mindfulness practice strategies can help family caregivers clear their minds of stress and reestablish calm breathing. A simple pack of mindfulness cards or a journal can support the emotional wellbeing of mom-caregivers and encourage them to take a moment for self-care.
- “Mom Coupons”
One gift moms always appreciate from their young kids are cute, handmade “coupons” entitling them to “One at-home manicure” or “One time cooking dinner” or some other home task. They are both thoughtful and adorable! (Shoutout to Alaina Kube, Parent to Parent Coordinator, for this suggestion!)
- Electric Mug Warmer
There is a quip that goes: “How to Make Iced Coffee: 1. Have kids. 2. Make coffee. 3. Forget you made it. 4. Drink it cold.” It is both funny and true. That is why an electric mug warmer would be a much appreciated gift for the mom-caregiver you know and love.
- Salon Day Gift Certificate
Parent-caregivers understand the struggle of carving out time in their schedules to take care of themselves. But, taking time for self-care and respite is important! Sometimes, even a simple haircut can make you feel completely rejuvenated. This holiday season, encourage mom-caregivers to take time for themselves with a gift certificate to their favorite, local salon.
- A Standing Coffee Date
Schedule a year’s worth of coffee dates with your mom-caregiver friend. She may appreciate having a reason to get out of the house and spend an hour of adult time with a friend each month. Three cheers for that special mom-to-mom time with your girls! Amiright?!
TO: DADS & FATHER-FIGURES
- Gift Certificate for “Maker” Classes or Workshops
A gift certificate for a “Maker” Workshop can make a great gift for dad-caregivers who like to tinker or make things with their hands. The SnoCo Makers is a group of local hobbyists and people interested in creating. They have a MakerSpace workshop in Everett. Not quite ready for in-person meet-ups? No problem! There are countless opportunities to get involved in maker workshops online.
- Comfy Loungewear
When it comes to home-based caregiving, comfort is key! When shopping for a dad-caregiver, consider gifting him some comfy sweatpants or other loungewear. In addition to comfort-level, look for a quick-drying material in dark colors, because… you know — kids.
- Quality, Dad-Kid Time
Giving a dad-caregiver some special, quality time with his child is a wonderful gift. Create a “day out” package for the duo with a gift certificate for lunch and a movie, bowling or some other fun activity you know they will both enjoy.
- A Good Pair of Slippers
Who doesn’t love a good pair of comfortable slippers?! Of course, there are many options available for purchase online, but a pair with thick rubber soles provides dad-caregivers the extra traction they may need to respond to a busy toddler or an unexpected medical situation.
Stainless Steel Syringe Set
For dad-caregivers of kids with feeding tubes, a fancy, stainless steel syringe or two can make a great gift. These are more environmentally friendly than your typical plastic syringes, can be cleaned and reused countless times, and free you from the worry of running short on your monthly allotment of feeding supplies.
- A Relaxing Massage
Caregiving can take a significant, physical toll on the body. Every caregiver needs time to relax and work out the kinks.
- A New “Go-Bag”
It is common practice for families of kids with serious medical diagnoses to keep a “go-bag” backpack with emergency medical supplies, medication lists and personal items for overnight hospital stays near the front door of their homes, or in the back seat of their cars. Having a medical bag handy can be life-saving! Giving a dad-caregiver a nice, new duffle bag or backpack to replace an old and well-used one is a thoughtful (not to mention, practical) gift. When shopping for go-bags, keep color in mind — consider family preference, but also the importance of the go-bag being readily identifiable by emergency personnel. (My family has an oversized, red backpack that we use as a go-bag.) Also, for many families, a rule of thumb is: the more pockets, the better!
*Shoutout to Medical Dad Jason Hendrickson for some of these ideas!
TO: NURSE CAREGIVERS & HOME-HEALTH AIDES
- Personalized Ornament
If your caregiver is someone who celebrates the Christmas holiday, the wide world of the internet offers many ornament options. There are ornaments for both home health-aides and nurses (and just about every other health professional you know!). If you order soon, you may have just enough time to have the ornament personalized with their name and still arrive before December 25th.
Cute, Insulated Lunch Bag
In-home caregivers may pull long, ten- or twelve-hour shifts in your home. While they may place their lunch in the family refrigerator, a nice, insulated lunch box still makes a great gift.
- A “Jar of Thanks”
This is a fun gift you can work on with your kids. Purchase a large, gallon-sized jar and a pack of cute notecards. Take time thinking about the times you were especially thankful to have your caregiver in your life. Write a short story on each card and place it in the jar. If you are feeling extra thankful, try writing a card of thanks for each day of the coming year.
- A Meaningful Mug
For the caregiver who runs on coffee or tea, consider a warm beverage mug with a cute quote or meaningful print. Fill with tasty chocolates or hot cocoa packets and a candy cane for an extra dose of sweetness.
- Something Unique, Sentimental or Handmade
There is nothing quite as touching as a gift given from the heart. If you are someone with a special skill (like quilting or knitting), then you have the ability to make the caregiver in your life a truly unique and one-of-a-kind gift. Another option for families who have grown exceptionally close with their in-home caregiver is to create a special scrapbook with family memories and photos that include the caregiver, or simply print one really special photo of your child and that caregiver and have it framed as a gift.
Happy holidays to everyone! Wherever you are, and however you celebrate, may this season bring a sense of calm and peace; joy, hope and light.
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Whitney Stohr is a Parent to Parent Coordinator at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her three-year-old son Malachi and husband Jason in Lynnwood. Connect with her online at whitney@arcsno.org.