Lack of time and stress are two constants in a caregiver’s life, and gifts that make their hectic days a little easier are always welcome. So whether there is a caregiver on your list, or you’re looking for some hints to drop to Santa, here are some of our favorites:

• Who doesn’t love gift certificates? And around the holidays, there are a myriad of gift card options. How about narrowing it down to much needed services, like house cleaning, landscaping or snow removal, laundry, transportation or even meal prep and delivery. Hint: If you live nearby, home-made versions of these coupons will also work.
• A night on the town. Tickets to a movie, play or concert when a favorite band is in town can provide a nice jolt of energy, and why not throw in dinner? Be sure to arrange for someone to look after the person’s loved one during the event.
• For the entertainment minded. A subscription to Netflix or Hulu, or DVR service such as TiVo lets your caregiver watch favorite shows or movies when convenient. For someone a little more bookish, consider an e-reader like a Nook or Kindle. These high-contrast tablets limit eye strain under light or dark conditions, perfect for someone who spends many hours sitting bedside.
• A caregiving primer. New caregivers are often overwhelmed by what they don’t know. A book about caregiving or about their loved one’s condition can provide information and reassurance. Three suggestions: The Fearless Caregiver: How to Get the Best Care for Your Loved One and Still Have a Life of Your Own; The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss; and Creating Moments of Joy: A Journal for Caregivers.
• Rejuvenation. Find a licensed massage therapist who can come to the home. And rather than one long massage, ask the therapist if shorter treatments are available—this might inspire the caregiver to make it part of his or her routine.
• A New Year’s jump start. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. How about a few sessions with a personal trainer or a fitness membership? Remember that trial memberships often run for a period of time, which may not work with a caregiver’s schedule, so ask about one based on number of visits.
• Small luxuries. Caregiving often comes with financial stress. Look for a small luxury related to a passion or hobby—a set of spices or condiments for a cook, a skein of cashmere for a knitter or crocheter, sterling silver fittings for someone who makes jewelry.
• Treats that feel good. Send a batch of cookies from Cookies for Kids’s Cancer, which funds pediatric cancer research, or put together a soothing sampling of de-stressing teas.
• Some pampering. Gift sets of hand cream and hand soap from Caldrea, or a trio of scented hand creams from Neal’s Yard Remedies or L’Occitane, can keep oft-washed hands from becoming dry.