1st Annual Holiday Gift Guide

Welcome to Caregiving Club’s 1^st Annual Caregiving Holiday Gift Guide. We curated our list in three areas: Wellness for the Caregiver showcases items to help support caregiver self care; Wellness for Older Adults are recommendations for caregivers and others to give to parents and grandparents; and Wellness for the Home promotes our mission that well home design helps support better health and wellness.

We know shopping is underway early this year and some supply chain issues can make our favorite choices unavailable but we checked and as of December 7, all of these items were still available and projected to arrive prior to December 24. We also wanted to be mindful of economic challenges for caregivers. Most of our gift options are under $100 to help the budget crunch many are facing this holiday season. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!

Wellness for Caregivers

1. Mini Workout

No time to get to the gym or even watch an online exercise class? No problem! Bone strength requires lightweight lifting which makes these Bala bracelet or ankle weights from Bandier ($49 for two, also found at Athleta and Dick’s Sporting Goods) a perfect gift to give yourself a workout while walking around the house or doing daily tasks. Since caregivers are great multitaskers, work from home warriors will love this under the desk mini pedal bike from Amazon ($45). It is quiet and gives your legs great stimulation to help get you to those 5,000 – 10,000 steps per day that support cardiovascular and brain health. You can also use it as an arm exerciser for upper body strength by placing it on a tabletop.

2. Dreamland

Getting into deep REM sleep at night is essential to giving caregivers the stamina and alertness needed throughout the day. Silk sleep masks, such as our favorite from Slip ($50)  help keep blue light emission under wraps (blue light awakens the body through the night). Linen mists or roller ball for wrists, also from Slip ($34, $19 and $30 from Nordstrom, Sephora, Anthropologie and other stores) help induce sleep and Slip silk pillowcases (starting at $89) or the pillowcase/mask set ($122 from Amazon),  have been shown in some studies to improve skin and hair hydration.

3. Your feet will be singing a happy tune

Loving our feet makes our whole body feel better. These slipper shoes are better than typical pandemic footwear choices of average slippers or Uggs. My fave are Birdies (starting at $98), including the best selling “Heron” in Black and “Starling” in Crimson. The designers use 7-layer comfort technology that supports the foot with proper soles and give a boost in the style factor providing fashion when you need to run errands or meet friends for a quick coffee.

4. Scents of the season for body and soul

Bubble baths are great ways to stimulate the immune system but caregivers often don’t have the luxury of time to soak in a tub. The next best option? Taking a few minutes to slowly wash hands under warm water with beautifully scented hand wash. Our faves are Molton Brown full size $30 each or $25 for a trio of shower gels in ornament packaging (also available at Neiman-Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon). This line offers so many wonderful scents that can transport you to a coastal seaside, a jasmine and rose scented garden or the tropical oasis of ylang ylang.

5. You knead this

Time for a massage is something most caregivers can’t fit into an overwhelming schedule. But having a handy self-massager may fill the gap. We like the models that allow for full body massage options such as the Deep Kneading Neck Massager with Heat – Shiatsu Neck Back and Shoulder Massager for Home ($39 Amazon)

6. The season of lights

Winter often brings with it a season of SAD (seasonal affective disorder). The lack of sunshine in our days, brings gloomy moods and low-grade short-term depression. Getting more vitamin D helps boost mood but caregivers can also brighten their outlook through light therapy. Whether feeling down, experiencing jet lag, struggling with sleep – the Mayo Clinic advises light therapy can help. It is also being used with Alzheimer’s adults to help avoid sundowning episodes. Happy Light from Verilux ($70 from Nordstrom)

7. To all caregivers – thank you!

Caregivers need a laugh once in a while. They also need affirmation that the care they provide is the greatest gift anyone can give. This personalized bobble head of YOU (send in a photo and be turned into a mini you at MyFaceBobbleHeads.com $80) can be placed on a desk or elsewhere as a daily reminder of the gift you give every day to loved ones (and the fun bobblehead brings a smile to your face). Do you know a caregiver? This gift is a very presonal way of saying “thank you for all you do” this holiday season.

8. Give your pain a copper response

Wear and tear on our bodies starts to take affect in our 50s. Back pain, achy muscles and weakening joints are a reality of living longer. But shoulder pain and back pain can also be caused by chronic stress – something caregivers often experience. These undershirts from Tommie Copper (Amazon $60, more colors and 1^st time buyer discounts on Tommie Copper) help provide support to help strengthen our bone frame and maintain things such as good posture.

9. Freeze frame

Time for a facial? If you are caregiving, probably not. Next best thing is a home facial but again, dealing with messy masks is an obstacle. Which is why we love Charlotte Tilbury’s new solution – Cyro Recovery Mask ($55 Charlotte Tilbury also at Nordstrom, Sephora). This easy, fast facial uses cryotherapy which encourages blood flow and reduces inflammation and puffiness. Throw the mask in the freezer 30 minutes before, put it on with Velcro straps, massage the knobs on the forehead for a few minutes and ahhhhh…

10. Got hugs?

Sometimes caregivers need a hug even if it is one we give ourselves. These Minky blankets (adult $189– extra plush, mid weight, super soft plush, hugs blankets, travel sizes ($89) or scarves for $25-$30) are truly the most luxurious, soft, comforting blanket we’ve found. The large sizes might be pricey but you can opt for a scarf that provides the same feeling all day long. Great gifts for older loved ones as well.

Wellness for Older Adults

Life stories for better health

The need for relevancy and desire to share stories is something we all experience as we age. Help older parents and grandparents create their story using the LifeBio Memory app available on iOS and Android. It uses visual prompt photos while capturing your loved one’s audio recording and has been used for those with early stage dementia to tell their stories. It is also a great tool to help older adults avoid loneliness through social interactions with family and others. Artificial intelligence helps turn the recordings into a beautiful book for all family members. LifeBio has a variety of life story gifts from $19.95 to $149 in both low-tech or high-tech options. Reach out at info@lifebio.com. 

2. Light up the night (the right way)

Sleep trouble and falls at home are a reality of getting older. Having safe lighting is a great solution but it has to be in the right place and the right color. Studies have shown that blue light emission from smartphones and other digital devices and even beside lamps wake up our bodies. Instead we need amber or orangey-red nightlights, such as this Amber nightlight on Amazon ($11) that is auto-sensing to go on in the dark and off in the light. Another great option is under bed LED light strips from Vansky ($18 on Amazon)  that allow you to see without stimulating the brain into thinking it’s time to wake up. And, Phillips Hue strip lights which is controlled via an app and Bluetooth connection offer the latest in smart home tech chromatherapy ($80 at Best Buy).

3. Pimp your loved one’s tablet with customizable apps and settings

Tablets have become one of the best tools for older adults, especially to facilitate videochats and telehealth visits not to mention audio books and online entertainment. One great option for those over age 75 is grandPad, a customized smaller size tablet for $59-$79 per month (hardware included). No need to have passwords or attempt to launch an internet browser – this tablet is simple, easy and made for older digital adopters. The tablet comes pre-programmed based on your loved one’s desired apps and important information (such as one-button telecalls to family caregivers or emergency response), and comes with a monthly subscription to provide phone and internet access as well as help monitor your loved one’s communication and entertainment customer service needs.

4. The fire department loves this gift

The U.S. Fire Association 2020 report found 50% of home fires were caused by forgotten or unattended stove cooking. iGuard is an automatic stove shut-off system using an easy to attach sensor box connected to and near the stove along with an app for alerts and monitoring. If a stove is left on, within 4 minutes of the sensor indicating no one is near the stove, an alert is sent to the older adult and their family caregiver and within 5 minutes the stove is completely shut-off. Most other models wait until a smoke alarm goes off which can take 8-15 minutes. While the cost of $499 may seem pricey, consider that damage from home fires average $16,500 but the loss of life or injury to a loved one is immeasurable.

5. Jewelry that can save your life

There are a lot of personal emergency response systems (PERS) to help older adults in emergencies, such as a fall at home. But let’s face it, no one wants to wear a pendant or belt attachment that screams “I’m older and frail” and many older adults don’t like wearing a special watch or wristband. We love Invisawear PERS necklace ($126) – it’s marketed as safety devices for all ages and it looks like gorgeous jewelry. Bellissima!

6. Playing footsie

About 1/3 of American adults suffer from neuropathy or have diabetic foot care needs. Several models help massage and stimulate legs which helps with chronic pain. On the high-end we have Cloud Massage ($299 from Amazon) that allows for feet and calves or the more affordable option Shiatsu Dome Foot Massager (no calf option) on sale at Sharper Image for $149).

7. Socks that make you smile

This is one of my favorite companies founded by a father-son venture. John’s Crazy Socks (starting at $12 a pair and offered in wide-calf, compression, ankle, knee highs, slipper socks sizes). The designs are inspired by co-founder John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome. John’s affinity for crazy socks paired with his love of making people smile not only mean these fun socks spread happiness but a percentage of the purchases fund the Special Olympics. I gave my family socks based on their favorite things: Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice,” hockey, Elvis, book club, bacon and “Star Wars” and it made our holidays more fun than ever.

8. Go strolling by poling

I first learned about urban polling from Barbara Beskind, the 97-year-old fellow and occupational therapist working with design firm, IDEO. These are great gifts for an older adult who wants tools to engage in walking for better core strength, balance and cardiovascular health. Urban Poling starts at $99.

9. Coffee break

Well home design includes appliances that are easy to use, have automatic shut-off to avoid overheating or fires, are smaller to lift given less muscle strength as we age and that are stylish. Update your loved one’s favorite coffeemaker with these appliances that fit the bill: Cuisinart on Amazon ($40), or splurge on the retro 1950s design from Smeg automatic kettle at Williams Sonoma ($169). Also, a great stocking stuffer are smart plugs that turn most kitchen and household appliances into app or voice controlled devices that work with your smart home systems such as Alexa (Amazon $15).

10. Eyewear on the go

After age 35 our eyes require some help even if it is to read texts or our favorite book. This innovative design from Thin Optics ($12 – $15) has revolutionized eyewear on the go with a portable slider that attaches to your smartphone. You’ll never need to search for eyeglasses again!

Wellness for the Home

We start with our favorite biophilic design elements for well home design: fire, water, wind, air, natural elements including greenery.

Fire – Candles

I’ve been buying and gifting Diptyque Paris candles since I discovered them in Paris in the 80s. Not only are they styish but the scents are beyond compare to any other candle I have tried. My favorite scent for winter is Feu de Bois or “firewood” ($68). For a little nostalgia, home town candles from Homesick or Amazon ($30) are also great gifts and give memory scent from those locales.

2. Water – Indoor Fountain

Trickling water has a zen affect which is why most spas incorporate them into their interior design. This one from Ferrisland Lily Water Tabletop Fountain (Amazon $42) is the perfect size for a small tabletop or shelf and makes a beautiful gift.

3. Wood and Wind – Chimes and Cooking

Wind chimes bring back memories of my grandmother who loved the sound of tinkling chimes in a gentle breeze. This one,“Amazing Grace” personalized wooden wind chime from Things Remembered can be personalized with a wood engraving and the Tranquility chime from Hammacher Schlemmer ($49.95) is perfect to set on a patio, desk or in a special place indoors. For a personalized wood gift, this cutting board from Rustic Fitch on Etsy starting at $19 is both beautiful and eco-friendly (a tree is planted for every product ordered).

4. Go Green – Plants

Small inside gardens are one of the home design elements most used on HGTV shows. Plants help bring oxygen into rooms and help elevate mood during winter months when trees and leaves are stark. These indoor gardens remind us of green living and the promise of spring.  We love this Boxed Herb Garden from Harry and David ($31 – $45) or Juniper Bonsai from 1-800-Flowers ($32-$80 depending on size).

5. Natural elements – clutter tamers

Not only do these baskets bring natural fibers into home design, they also serve as declutter tools that help support wellness in the home and help older loved ones avoid trip hazards. Gather magazines, pet or kid toys and bathroom necessities in these catch-alls that make a respitality-ready home. Target has a variety of coiled rope baskets for keeping clutter tamed such as larger ones with faux leather handles ($25) or one with stylish tassels ($15). A higher end version is available in a variety of colors and sizes from West Elm ($69 – $129)

6. Air – summery breeze for wintry days

During hot summer months I use a little hand or desk fan to help me cool off fast. Fans of all sizes are best for cooling because they cool the body rather than air conditioning which cools the entire room (fans also save on electric bills and are healthier for older adults to use in the bedroom). But even in winter, feeling a fresh breeze in your face is a mood booster. When winter months mean windows stay closed try these hand fans for a little breeze in your hair and take a few moments to visualize a drive along the coast. Small four-inch rechargeable models like Brookstone ($19.99 on QVC) or the Geek Aire ($22 at Home Depot) are powerful enough to give you that summer breeze but can take up very little room or go all-out style with Lexon wino fan in gold from Neiman Marcus ($40).

7. Sentimental journeys home

This gift idea comes courtesy of a dear friend who gave me one of the most personal gifts this season. It was a watercolor illustration printed on notecards of the front of my home. Make your childhood home or favorite city or place or even a group family photo into a beautiful watercolor notepad, cards, etc. through the brilliant talent of illustration artist, Lori Richmond, who creates custom, special commission designs (price upon request).

8. Get smart

It doesn’t take much to turn your home (or your older loved one’s home) into a smart health hub. Constant Companion and Blue Star Senior Tech are our go-to sources for smart home technology, not only because they integrate all your digital devices into one system but they back it with excellent customer service and the highest levels of privacy and hacking protection (Constant Companion’s founder and CEO is a cybersecurity expert who used to work for the federal government.) Pricing based on individual system needs. Contact: home@constantcompanion.com or use code CARE20 to get a 20% discount for Caregiving Club readers on Blue Star Senior Tech purchases which also benefit veterans organizations.

9. Get out of jail free

With so much time spent on digital tools and smartphones, unplug and play a nostalgic game with family and friends this season. Most board games are under $50 and be found at several retailers including Kohl’s, Target, Walmart and Amazon and support the Danish philosophy of hygge (coziness). We love Monopoly, not just for its staying power (it was introduced in 1935) but its patriotic connection. During World War II, this board game was used to help American and British POWs escape Nazi prisons. Real money was hidden between Monopoly dollars, picks and compasses were disguised as playing pieces and real maps were hidden within the game board. Since games were allowed in the prisons, it raised no suspicions and ultimately helped estimated thousands of prisoners escape.

10. The family stone

More than 70 million families live with the cremated ones of a departed loved one. But often, these remains are kept in a closet or garage or attic. An innovative start-up company has come up with an alternative to ashes that takes a page from the gravestones we can visit. Parting Stone, uses scientific laboratory methods to turn a loved one’s cremated ashes into beautiful solidified pebbles that can be displayed in the home or garden (and provided to several family members since many pebbles come from one person). With a cost of $695, it is a more affordable option to bural and is a keepsake reminder that uses natural, clean technology to create an everlasting daily presence of a lost loved one. The company also creates solidified pet remains for our beloved furballs.

Other Caregiving Shopping Resources

Other Caregiver Shopping Resources:

The Alzheimer’s Store

CareWell

firstStreet

Note: We are not an affiliated marketing partner of any of these brands or goods and make no commission from our recommendations. Also, read Caregiving Club’s disclaimer – we cannot verify pricing, availability or product performance of the recommendations above.