Yo, Santa

It's that time of year when people are feeling the love and giving the stuff. What do you give a caregiver? I know I would have been happy with two full-time, qualified, live-in helpers. One for him and one for me, both paid for by someone else. But since not everyone has billionaire money, here are some cool gift suggestions for the caregiver in your life:

• Hand sanitizer. It’s gotten a bad rap but I bet those doing the rapping aren’t mothers or caregivers.

• Baby wipes. Yes, for the obvious and also for the not so obvious like quickly cleaning a bathroom counter when company announces it’s coming by. Most baby wipes have no antibacterial properties whatsoever, but the bathroom will LOOK clean and that’s what matters. They’re also good for quick wipe downs of certain shall we say shower-adverse loved ones.

• A good diaper bag. Lots of cool colors and styles and endless compartments to hold snacks, drinks, baby wipes, Manpers and your personal stash of Valium, if applicable.

• A Netflix account.

• An iPad or other device on which to watch said Netflix account.

• Wine, beer, single malt scotch or the caregivers' preferred beverage of choice.

• Patience, compassion and understanding.Yes, those are quite give-able.

• A Person.  This is the Person a caregiver can call at 2 in the morning and start the conversation with “Gurrrrl, you won’t believe…”

• A posse, also known as a circle, consists of several Persons. It is a caregiver's village. Their tribe. Their peeps. Sometimes all they have to do is call or text to say, "Your favorite restaurant will be knocking on your door at 6 tonight with dinner. Love you two!"