Written by Chad Birt on Fri Dec 06 2024.
Being a family caregiver can be an always-on job. The hours are long and your to-do list never seems to end. It’s no surprise then, that 60% of caregivers report feeling burned out, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While a vacation may not be in the cards, the holiday season presents a perfect chance to prioritize self-care. Setting aside some “me time” can help reduce anxiety and depression, ease caregiver-related stress, and combat overwhelm.
To support these efforts, we’ve created a shoppable list of our favorite self-care products. Whether you’re a caregiver yourself or want to brighten the life of someone who is, these items can make a great gift basket and support caregiver well-being.
The items featured on this list are some of our best-selling, highest-rated self-care products. To make shopping easier, we’ve included real customer feedback whenever possible, under the heading: “Hear It From a User / Caregiver.”
If you’re curating a gift basket for yourself or another caregiver in your life, make sure it includes at least a few of these items.
Washing your hair with a high-quality shampoo may not sound very exciting, but it can be a wonderful addition to any self-care routine. The warm, running water and smell of shampoo provide a relaxing sensory experience, while shampooing itself stimulates the scalp and eases tension.
This Tena shampoo is a customer favorite. It smells great, contains moisturizing aloe vera, and is enriched with B5 to make hair even easier to comb.
Key Benefits & Features
This shampoo is for full body bathing and hair cleansing in the bath or shower while maintaining skin integrity
Contains conditioning and anti-static properties plus provitamin B5 to make hair even easier to comb
Mild formula is designed especially for fragile skin
Price: $10.95 - $77.00
Activities like bed bathing, changing incontinence products, and handwashing can affect your skin, causing it to dry out, chap, and become scaly. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion effectively addresses these issues by providing clinically proven moisturization that lasts up to 24 hours. The unique formula locks in moisture, soothes irritated skin, and is non-greasy.
Key Benefits & Features
This lotion is gentle and non-irritating, so it’s suitable for people with sensitive skin and skin sensitivities.
Dermatologists have recommended Aveeno products for over 70 years. This lotion is safe, moisturizing, and effective.
This lotion improves the skin’s elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skin folds.
Hear It From a User: “Aveeno hand and body lotion is always so good. It moisturizes the skin without heavy perfume. Five stars!” - Barbara B.
Aquaphor hand and body moisturizer can be used as a lotion or first-aid ointment. It’s dermatologist-recommended and clinically proven to restore smooth, healthy skin. Aquaphor applies easily, doesn’t smell, and keeps the skin comfortable, especially during periods of strong wind and cold weather.
Key Benefits & Features
This multi-purpose ointment protects and soothes dry skin, chapped lips, and cracked hands and feet.
Aquaphor is a great addition to any first-aid kit. It can protect minor cuts, burns, and scrapes, and speed up healing.
Aquaphor is fragrance and paraben-free, so it’s safe for people with allergies and sensitive skin.
Hear It From a User: “5 stars! I’ve used this for years. [It was] recommended by my doctor and [I’ve] been very satisfied.” - Margaret G.
Price: $23.07
The Intellinetix Pain Relief Eye Mask is a comfortable, rechargeable device providing targeted vibration therapy that aids in pain relief from migraines, headaches and sinus pain. Small vibrating motors contained within the mask provide external stimulation which is often felt as a “tingling” sensation” and can help to block the pain signals traveling to your brain.
Key Benefits & Features
Made of soft, breathable cotton material, the mask is comfortable to wear and the smooth ergoBeads inside create a gentle massaging effect around your eyes.
Great for resting, meditation, traveling strain and for eye relief after hours of computer work or gaming.
Turned on and off at your leisure and offers customized therapy modes so you can choose from three distinct levels of vibration to help provide the perfect level of relief. Fully charged, they will operate approximately 45 minutes.
Lightweight, comfortable and non-invasive treatment option for patients with headaches or sinus pain. Available without a prescription, Therapy Mask is a new alternative, helping provide relief without pills.
Price: $51.98
Try this cold therapy mask if long caregiving hours have left dark bags under your eyes or you need to relax after a long day. Made of soft, breathable cotton, it’s gentle on the skin. The mask can be placed in the fridge or freezer before use for added comfort. It also contains ergoBeads that massage the skin, providing a soothing experience.
Key Benefits & Features
The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit, regardless of the wearer’s head size.
The mask conforms to the eyes and facial features, blocking out excess light.
The ergoBeads inside create a gentle, massage-like effect on and around the eyes.
Hear It From a User: “Best mask ever! I loved this mask so much [that] I bought four more. [It’s] extremely comfortable; like a weighted blanket for your eyes. [It] does not press against your eyelids. I use it everywhere!” - Cheryl W.
Price: $14.80
This Bed Buddy home relaxation mask is designed to relieve sinus and tension headaches while reducing puffiness around the eyes. It can be microwaved for moist heat or placed in the freezer as a cold compress. With an elastic band to hold it in place and a satin back for added comfort, it offers a soothing experience whether at home or on-the-go.
Key Benefits & Features
The mask contains essential oils and natural herbs to help you relax, restore, and rejuvenate.
The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit, regardless of the wearer’s head size.
Can be used to relieve tension headaches, sinus headaches, or puffy, swollen eyes.
Nothing takes the edge off a cold winter day, like a cozy pair of socks. These McKesson slipper socks are made of a soft, breathable polyester-nylon knit and come in five colors: Teal, light blue, royal blue, red, and grey. The grips on the bottom provide traction and prevent slipping.
Key Benefits & Features
The highly elastic, comfortable cuffs hold the socks in place without being constrictive.
These socks are comfortable, colorful, and machine-washable.
The soft, breathable nylon keeps your feet warm and cozy.
Hear It From a User: “These socks are the warmest. They keep their shape and don’t stretch out! I love the grips on the bottom that are shaped like paw prints! All around great quality!” - Kaitlyn J.
Price: $19.99 - $132.00
We believe holiday self-care should be affordable and accessible to all caregivers, regardless of budget. That’s why we offer fast, free shipping on all orders $49+. Signing up for our Autoship program can save you even more. New Autoship enrollees get 30% off their first order and an additional 5% off future orders on qualifying products.
Creating a gift basket for yourself or a loved one can be intimidating, especially if you aren’t familiar with all of the products we offer. Don’t stress! Our compassionate, supportive Care Team is here for you. They speak English and Spanish and are available. Call (800) 696-2273 or email support@carewell.com. We’re here for you!
To help you make the most of your FSA funds, we’ve created a shoppable list of our favorite winter skin care products. Stocking up on essentials is a great idea this season, whether your loved one suffers from dry skin or you want to simplify bed bathing. This guide has a little bit of everything.
Read More >
The holiday season can offer equal joy and stress, especially when finding the perfect gifts for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. As the condition progresses, you must get more creative with gift-giving to find something they will use and enjoy.
Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
