The magic of the Christmas season is upon us. In the beautiful Salt Lake City Valley, the signs are all around us from the lights in Temple Square to the extravagant, interactive displays downtown. Busy, busy are these December days full of holiday celebrations, family gatherings, and shopping for the perfect gifts. Although the excitement is palpable for some, the holiday season can be difficult for those in recovery. Giving a purposeful gift to your loved one in recovery can show them how much you care about them and their recovery. Below is a list of 10 thoughtful Christmas gifts to give your loved one and how each can aid in their recovery.
A Personalized Journal
Journaling is a therapeutic process that provides a safe and private space for individuals to express their thoughts and emotions. It is an effective tool for processing emotions, relieving stress, tracking progress, and setting goals. Journaling also provides the opportunity for self-reflection. Choose a journal that reminds you of your loved one or something that suits their personality. Adding a personal touch such as an engraving of their name adds to the thoughtfulness of your gift. Complimentary additions to the journal are high-quality pens, colored pens, or even inspirational stickers.
An Instant Camera
The power of a photograph is unmatched. Most times we capture images of those that are special to us or things we find beautiful. An instant camera provides the user with a photograph instantly after it is captured providing a tangible memory they can hang on to and look at any time they wish. This is a fun way for your loved one to document the important friendships and experiences that they have during their time in recovery. These photos can even be added to a journal to add to the completeness of the experiences documented.
A Personalized Photo Book
For our loved ones in recovery, the holiday season can be extremely difficult, stirring up feelings of loneliness and isolation. Gifting a photo book full of photographs is one of the coolest gifts to receive. Gather as many photos as you can find. These can be recent or from years past, anything that reminds your loved one of a positive memory. Photo books can be made on a variety of digital platforms that provide design help. You can also purchase a traditional photo book and place the photographs in the book. If you leave empty pages then your loved one can add any new photos and positive memories that they are making in recovery.
A Self-Care Basket
Self-care baskets can be customized for your loved one and made for both men and women. The point of rehabilitation is self-care, making this gift a perfect fit. Items that can be placed in the basket include (but are not limited to) soaking salts, body scrubs, lotions, candles, a positive daily message box, massage tools, stress balls, snacks, and herbal teas. Using your imagination and knowledge of your loved one, self-care baskets can show them how much you know them and how much you care.
Inspirational Reading Material
Your loved one is in recovery and self-help is of utmost importance. In residential treatment, your loved one will likely have some free time on their hands and a little reading material is always nice. Inspirational reading material doesn’t always have to be a self-help book, although there are some really great ones out there. If your loved one is spiritual you can go that route, or if they’re a sports fan you can choose an inspirational book about an athlete. Anything with a positive, uplifting message can bring joy and inspiration during this challenging time and provide valuable tools for their future.
A Therapy Light
Therapy lights, also known as light lamps, can help to boost mood, regulate sleep, improve energy, and help with your natural circadian rhythm. Not only can it provide the previous benefits, but using the light regularly will also help establish a routine which is important in recovery and for a well-managed life. If your loved one is in a residential addiction treatment center in Salt Lake City, a therapy light might be the perfect Christmas gift since the days are short and the weather can be gloomy, giving them the joy of natural light year-round.
Hobby Kits
Hobby kits can be extremely helpful to those in recovery. Hobby kits can provide a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and aid with stress relief. These kits are also a nice way to engage socially with others when a project can be completed with others. Hobby kits can be found almost anywhere and for any interest. Planting kits, for example, are a wonderful way to connect with nature and develop a sense of accomplishment by watching your seeds grow. Overall, hobby kits are a purposeful gift that helps promote mental health and well-being.
A Shared Experience
The gift of time is priceless, showing your loved one that they are worth the most priceless thing you have. Planning an experience can be simple and inexpensive or can be extravagant. The point is that you are spending time with your loved one showing them that fun can be had without drugs or alcohol. Simple excursions can be road trips to a local attraction or a dinner date and movie. If you want to take it to the next level, plan a weekend excursion doing something they have always wanted to do like sky-diving, a hot-air balloon ride, or a luxury spa day.
A Yearly Subscription
It might sound silly, but there are many yearly subscriptions you can purchase for your loved one that can help them during their recovery. There are many apps available for yoga, meditation, and prayer that can aid your loved one by providing valuable tools for stress management and emotional regulation. These practices promote mindfulness and self-awareness, which help with recognizing and addressing triggers and cravings. To add to that, regular engagement with these apps can help build healthy routines and develop a sense of inner peace and resilience, supporting long-term sobriety and overall well-being.
Engraved or Personalized Jewelry
Jewelry is a classic gift that is given to special people in our lives. Engraving jewelry adds a personal touch to a ring, necklace, bracelet, or watch. Adding a message unique to your loved one shows how important they are to you by the thought put into the gift. The addition of the date can serve as a reminder to your loved one of their recovery and also your love for them encouraging them along their way.
With the giving spirit, finding a meaningful gift for a loved one in recovery is a beautiful way to show your care and support during the holiday season. These thoughtful and purposeful gifts not only spread joy but also provide encouragement and tools to aid in their recovery experience. Whether it’s through promoting self-care routines, offering inspiration, or creating lasting memories together, each gift on this list is a testament to your love and understanding. As you celebrate this magical season, remember that the greatest gift you can give is your unwavering support and presence. With your compassion and kindness, you can make this Christmas a truly special one for your loved one in addiction treatment.
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