7 Great Gifts for Someone in Recovery

December 15, 2020

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‘Tis the season to be thinking about gifts for people you love in your life! Choosing what to buy for friends and family isn’t always the easiest task, but it can be especially hard for a loved one in recovery. There are some gifts that are clearly off-limits, such as a bottle of wine or liquor-filled chocolates. What things make the best gifts for people in recovery? Read on for thoughtful, personal ideas that won’t break the bank.

1. Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oils are known to promote relaxation and a sense of calm. They help put people at ease. When someone is in recovery, managing stress, anxiety, or depressive feelings is important. For some, feeling overly stressed can put them at risk of relapse. It’s crucial to have coping mechanisms for these feelings.

Using essential oils is a form of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses sense of smell to help with mood. Even research shows that aromatherapy helps to reduce stressful feelings.

An essential oil diffuser with a set of essential oils is a perfect and unique recovery gift. Saje has great options, but you can also find essential oils on Amazon and at in-person stores like Whole Foods. Some essential oils to consider are:

Lavender
Frankincense
Orange
Ylang-ylang

2. Engraved Journal

An engraved journal is a thoughtful recovery gift. Don’t want to have it engraved? Opt for a journal with a cover design that reflects your loved one’s personality. Flowers, a map, or an inspiring quote are all good choices. Not only is this recovery gift personalized, but it supports a person’s sobriety.

Journaling is a great way to work through thoughts and feelings as well as set goals for the future. Starting the year off with a customized journal helps to set the intention of continuing to turn inward, which can help someone get to know themselves better. An engraved journal is much more than a stack of lined paper—it’s the gift of getting to know you!

3. Herbal Teas & a Mug

A collection of herbal teas makes a wonderful gift for someone recovering from addiction. It is an especially nice gift for an alcoholic in recovery. Since alcoholic beverages are no longer in the picture, a healthy alternative is a great idea. Herbal teas come in so many different varieties. Not only do the flavors vary, but the properties of the herbs change as well. Some herbal teas have medicinal properties that can support mental and physical health, especially aiding sleep and relieving stress. These are all possible health concerns someone in recovery may have.

For sleep, look for:

Valerian
Chamomile
Passionflower

To ease stress, good options are:

Green tea
Licorice
Lavender

The Tea Spot® makes great tea bundles to check out. To complete the gift, a travel mug or set of mugs is a great added touch. And if you want a gift that keeps on giving, sign them up for a tea subscription service, like Dollar Tea Club.

4. Spa or Massage Gift Certificate

There are few things better than a day at the spa or a great massage. A gift certificate to a local spa or massage therapist is sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face. Having a bit of “me time” is important for any person in recovery.

And the spa isn’t just for women! A massage or facial is a great gift for men too. Ensure both male and female therapists are available at whatever place you choose, so your loved one feels comfortable when they go. Check out Groupon for discounts and savings!

5. Engraved Jewelry

Engraved or personalized jewelry makes an ideal gift for someone in recovery. Engraved jewelry can be a 1-year sobriety gift, a 10-year sobriety gift, or anything in between. Receiving a beautiful piece of jewelry that represents a person’s journey through addiction and recovery is powerful. Your loved one will have a nice memento of their success in recovery.

Engraved jewelry can range from a necklace or bracelet like one from Etsy® to high-end options from Tiffany & Co. and everything in between This means you’re likely to find something within your budget. Make sure to look into options well in advance, as it may take a little extra time to get the item engraved.

6. Yoga Subscription

Recovery is a time of personal growth. Focusing on inner growth is helpful during recovery, and mindfulness is one way to do this. Mindfulness practices are often used in holistic treatment programs. Yoga is one of the most well-known forms of mindfulness, where mind and body connect through the breath.

A yoga subscription is a wonderful recovery gift to support mindfulness and personal growth in sobriety. In-person and online classes make great gift ideas. In-person classes give your loved one the opportunity to meet others and feel the group energy of the class. On the other hand, someone who is new to yoga may be more likely to join an online class. Online subscriptions are also usually less expensive than in-person classes.

7. Photobook

Memories last forever. Share your good memories with a personalized photobook. It’s important that a person in recovery knows they are loved and that the good times shared with friends and family mean something. Plus, it can be a source of emotional support during stressful or hard times. Looking at smiling faces, love, and joy is a great reminder of what a person has in their life.

Photobooks can be made by scrapbooking, or you can add all your photos to a site like Shutterfly and get the book printed. Both options can take time to put together, so be sure to plan ahead.

When it comes to buying the perfect gift for a person in recovery, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart. The amount of money it costs is not important. When someone knows that you care about them, even the smallest token can mean the world.