Finding the perfect holiday gift for your loved one or your friends who are undergoing addiction recovery can sometimes be very challenging.
Not only do you want it to be special, you also want to give something they can use or enjoy.
Whatever your budget is, here are some wonderful gift suggestions for people in addiction recovery.
1. Personalized Journal
Having a journal can be very useful for people who are undergoing a sobriety journey. This is because they are often encouraged to write down their feelings, their plans, their successes, and their goals. It serves as an outlet for them to be able to express and address their thoughts.
Giving them a great looking journal can inspire them to write more and become motivated to keep up the habit. If you have the budget for it, you can have the journal personalized with their names to make it extra special.
2. Your Favorite Book
While an obvious choice is to give a self-help book to a recovering addict, this might not go well for some people. Some might feel offended, ashamed or attacked if you give them a self-help book, especially if you don’t have a close relationship with them. Receiving a self-help book is just a reminder of the person’s past and may make the situation awkward.
A better idea is to give a book that you love. It can be an inspiring memoir, romance fiction, or an exciting thriller. The genre does not really matter as long as you feel that it will be a pleasurable read for them. Don’t forget to add a note telling them why you love the book and why you wanted to share it with them.
3. Grocery Basket
An inexpensive yet very practical gift is a basket of food. Many people in recovery are still trying to pull through difficult times and they can use any help that they can get, including food items. You can give themed dinner items like pasta basket, coffee and tea basket, spice collection, or basic pantry items. Try to avoid giving junk food and items that go bad. Stick to things that have a long shelf life.
Make sure to make the packaging a little more festive by putting it in a holiday basket with ribbons and trimmings!
4. Scented Candles
Aromatherapy candles are simple and affordable but most people appreciate them because they can be very relaxing. For someone who is in recovery, lighting up a scented candle can help them calm down and relieve anxiety or depression.
5. Gym Memberships
Being active is recommended for people who are in recovery as this can help them regain their health and physical strength. Exercise has also been shown to help increase the happy hormones naturally.
Consider giving a one-month gym membership or a set of exercise group classes. Examples ae yoga classes, Zumba dance classes, boxing, CrossFit, and pilates.
6. Concert or Play Tickets
Another wonderful idea is to give them tickets to a concert, a play, a comedy show, or a dinner theater. These types of activities are very entertaining and they can enjoy them even without alcohol. Look for events happening in your area and you can even consider going with them and making it a date!
7. Skill-Building Classes
Skill-building classes are very useful for people who are looking for new hobbies or passions in their lives. When you give the gift of learning, it’s like giving an opportunity for the receiver to discover something new about themselves and even make use of that skill to build a new life and career.
Examples of skill-building classes are cooking classes, art workshops, public speaking lectures, computer lessons, beauty classes, etc.
8. Spa Treatment
The gift of relaxation is a gift that is guaranteed to be appreciated by almost everyone. A spa treatment like a body massage, facial, or a foot spa treatment are amazing ideas that are perfect for people in recovery.
9. Paid Holiday
This may be an expensive option but it would be perfect to give to a close family member or a spouse who is going through addiction recovery. If you choose to give this gift, it will be better if you or another sober family member will be able to accompany the recipient during the trip.
You can give a weekend hotel staycation in a resort in your area, an out-of-state vacation, or if you can afford it, a cruise or a holiday overseas.
Gifts to avoid:
An obvious gift to avoid for a person in recovery is alcohol but aside from that there are some gifts that you need to reconsider. Most of these are valuable items that they can sell and exchange for cash.
- Jewelry
- Gadgets
- Cash
- Glassware
- Weapons
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Morningside Recovery by Lighthouse.