Self-Care Gifts for Special Needs Parents and Caregivers

Self-care gifts for special needs parents and caregivers are great ways to show support and empathy.

When to Give Self-Care Gifts

Self-care gifts are great at major holidays, birthdays, or just because. They are also much appreciated at transitional or difficult times. This can be after a difficult diagnosis, school planning meeting or hospitalization. The start of school or school breaks is another time self-care gifts are helpful. These are time special needs parents and caregivers may struggle with focusing on their own needs.

You can also gift yourself! Remember, as the saying goes, “self-care isn’t selfish.”

In the last few years, I have begun getting myself a “back to school” gift. This helps me care for myself as I deal with the anxieties my children deal with during this difficult transition. It also helps with my own anxieties as both a caregiver at home and professionally.

I also chose a “start of summer break” self-care gift. This gives me something to look forward to in the final whirlwind days of the school year. It also gives me something to do for myself at the start of Summer Break.

Why are Self-Care Gifts for Special Needs Parents and Caregivers Important?

Caregivers are often very focused on the needs of others. Taking time or resources for themselves can be a challenge.

Special needs parents often deal with barriers such as isolation, lack of support, lack of respite care, and burnout. Read this article to learn more about the barriers special needs parents face. Better understanding will allow you to better support and empathize with the caregivers in your life.

Parents with children who are mentally ill or have challenging behaviors often receive little to no support. This issue is often referred to as the “non-casserole disease.” This lack of support is discussed in this article in Psychology Today. It is also shared by mothers in this 60 Minutes interview.

Considerations When Choosing Self-Care Gifts

The ultimate goal of selecting a self-care gift is to support the caregiver and provide an opportunity for self-care.

However, there are a few considerations to have in mind when choosing a gift.

Will the Recipient Actually Use the Gift?

Many caregivers are so focused on their children that a gift card may be used for a child instead. While this is nice, it does not support the ultimate goal.

Switching to caring for themselves is difficult.

Possible Solution: Provide a gift card the entire family could enjoy. For example, my family enjoys going to a local movie theater. Gift cards allow us to enjoy a movie and help take some financial burden off my plate. 

Possible Solution: Another great option is a gift card to a local restaurant you know the family enjoys. Gift cards can free up cooking time to rest.

Can the Recipient Actually Use the Gift?

A gift card to the spa for a massage or a mani-pedi sounds like the ideal self-care gift. However, if the caregiver does not have respite care, then using the card becomes very difficult. Unless you are also providing childcare, the recipient may feel guilty and sad about not being able to use it.

This problem exists for other stores as well. If the recipient cannot easily go to the store or eat-in only restaurant, you will want to consider other options.

Possible Solution: Check that gift cards can be used online or for take-out/delivery.

Possible Solution: Provide usable bath and body items, such as soaps, that can be used frequently. These gifts do not require leaving the home or long periods of time to use. Nail polish may be difficult to use if a child has sensory sensitivities or if time is an issue.

Will the Gift Actually Help Towards Better Self-Care?

I struggle with a sweet tooth and have been focusing on improving my physical health. Food gifts are common, but will such a gift lead the recipient not to self-sabotage instead of self-care?

Possible Solution: Instead of sweets and desserts, gift fruits or vegetables. Healthy snacks or oven ready meals to nourish the body are another great choice. Make sure to avoid allergens. 

Gifts to Promote Self-Care

Gifts that Encourage Rest and Sleep

Sleep and rest are so important for self-care. Gifts to support sleep can be very helpful. Here are a few great ideas.

Aromatherapy

Eye Masks

Silk Pillowcases

Self-Care When You Are Exhausted: Slow and Gentle Self-Care has more ideas on this topic.

Gifts that Encourage Physical Self-Care

In addition to sleep, taking time for physical self-care is important for caregivers. Here are a few gift ideas to support the caregivers in your life.

Water Bottle

Hand Soap

Tea

Gifts that Inspire

Special needs parents and caregivers can often use some encouragement and inspiration. Here are a few ideas.

Inspirational Affirmation Cards

Encouraging Bracelets

Gifts that Encourage Hobbies

Hobbies are a great outlet for self-care. Focus on activities that can be done at home. Does the caregiver you have in mind already have a hobby? Or have they expressed interest in learning or trying something new?

My favorite hobbies include reading, adult coloring books, crosswords, sudoku, and puzzles. I am including some of my favorite items here for inspiration. You will find more information in Hobbies to Boost Self-Care for Special Needs Parents. We also have dedicated posts on Coloring as a Hobby and Puzzles as a Hobby.

Coloring Books

Art Supplies

Puzzles

Time: Another Type of Gift

While this article has focused on physical items, another priceless gift is that of time.

Providing respite care is invaluable. This is when you stay with the child(ren) so the parent can take some time away.

If you are unable to provide respite, visiting your family member or friend is another option. If having visitors is too stressful at the moment, swinging by with a meal or flowers is an idea.

You can also call, text, email, or send cards. Reaching out to show you care is of great value.

If appropriate, you could also give the gift of time. For example, a housekeeping service or a respite care service if there is one in the area.

Self-Care Gifts for Special Needs Parents and Caregivers: Summary

Whether you are looking for a gift for a special needs parent, a caregiver, or for yourself, self-care gifts can be very beneficial.

Today we looked at some considerations when selecting a self-care gift. We also shared several potential gifts.

If you have a friend or family member who is a special needs parent or a caregiver, please share this website with them. If you want to be of more support, check out ideas in our article Finding a Good Support System as a Special Needs Parent.

You may also want to read our article Better Holidays for the Special Needs Family.

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