5 Christmas Gift Suggestions For Someone In Recovery

There are many ways to support your loved one’s recovery from addiction. For example, during the holidays, you can offer a gift that enriches their life and reduces their risk of relapse. Here are five of the best gifts for people in recovery.

1. Books

In the midst of addiction, your loved one may have spent nearly all their time getting and using drugs. As they recover, they’ll need to adopt new hobbies to avoid boredom (which is a common cause of relapse). 

One of the most popular hobbies among people in recovery is reading. In particular, many people enjoy reading books about addiction recovery. Whether fiction or nonfiction, these books can make your loved one feel less alone and teach them important coping skills. 

Some of the most popular recovery-related books include:

  • Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff
  • The Big Fix: Hope After Heroin by Tracey Helton Mitchell
  • Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola
  • Rewired: A Bold New Approach to Addiction and Recovery by Erica Spiegelman 
  • Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein 
  • Recovery by Russell Brand

If you’re not sure what books your loved one would enjoy, consider getting them a bookstore gift card. 

2. Journal

Although it’s simple, a journal can significantly decrease your loved one’s chance of relapse. Many people in recovery use journals to:

  • express difficult feelings
  • process traumas 
  • track recovery
  • practice gratitude 
  • explore concepts learned in therapy

In addition, some people regularly revisit old journal entries to see how far they’ve come. This practice can motivate them to continue on their recovery journeys. 

Even if your loved one already has a journal, they may still enjoy an upgrade. For example, you could buy them a journal made with high-quality materials. You could also get a personalized journal that features your loved one’s name and favorite color. 

If your loved one doesn’t want a new journal, consider buying pens, erasers, or other journaling accessories. 

3. Gym Membership

Exercise plays an important role in addiction recovery. It promotes better sleep, eases stress, and improves mood by boosting natural, pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins. All of these effects reduce the risk of relapse. 

If your loved one has expressed interest in hitting the gym, consider buying them a gym membership. This gift can motivate them to maintain a regular workout routine. 

If a gym membership sounds too expensive, consider these other exercise-related gifts:

  • running shoes
  • gym bag
  • yoga mat
  • water bottle
  • wireless headphones
  • a gift certificate to a yoga class 

4. Fun Experience

In the past, your loved one may have found it difficult to enjoy themselves without using drugs or alcohol. Reintroduce them to the world of drug-free fun by gifting them an exciting experience. 

For example, you could give them tickets to a movie or play. You could also choose a simpler event, such as dinner at a restaurant, or a more luxurious event, such as a day at a spa. 

Just make sure the experience aligns with your loved one’s interests, and be sure to avoid events that feature alcohol or other drugs. 

No matter what experience you choose, your gift will help your loved one learn that they can relax and have fun while staying sober. 

To make the gift extra special, send your loved one on a scavenger hunt that leads to the ticket or gift certificate for the experience. 

5. Engraved Jewelry

Many people in recovery wear rings, bracelets, or other pieces of jewelry with recovery-related engravings, such as sobriety anniversary dates or inspirational quotes. 

Along with looking nice, engraved jewelry could save your loved one from relapse. When they feel a craving, the engraving could help ground them in the present and motivate them to maintain their recovery.  

Some people won’t feel comfortable wearing jewelry with obvious references to addiction. Thus, unless you ask your loved one first, you may want to avoid engravings that specifically mention the disease. 

Instead, consider simple, common sayings like “One day at a time.” You could also engrave a photo of someone who inspires your loved one to stay sober, such as their child, partner, or pet. 

To learn more about addiction recovery, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. We provide dual diagnosis treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and other forms of evidence-based care. 


Sources:

National Institute on Drug Abuse — Chasing the Runner’s High

United States National Library of Medicine — Benefits of Exercise

United States National Library of Medicine — Relapse prevention

Written by
Northeast Addition Editorial Team

©2024 Northeast Addition Center | All Rights Reserved

This page does not provide medical advice.