With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about gifts for your friends and loved ones. If someone on your list is a newly recovering addict or alcoholic, finding the perfect present to show your support and encouragement for their new lifestyle can be difficult. This may be especially true in the early stages of their recovery, when they’re likely experiencing significant physical and emotional challenges.

To help your giftee maintain a positive outlook and stay focused on their goals, consider gifts that center on self-care, fitness, and healthy living. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Gym memberships

Engaging in physical activity and getting in shape is important for people who are trying to stay sober. Working out releases endorphins, lessens feelings of anxiety and depression, and increases self-confidence. Studies even suggest that regular exercise can reinforce recovery efforts. Try giving a trial membership to a gym, yoga studio, or specialty fitness center, like a rock climbing gym or cycling studio.

2. Spa certificates

Everyone enjoys being pampered from time to time. For someone in the middle of recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction, a trip to the spa may be especially appreciated. Taking a few hours to relax with a massage or a facial, or just luxuriating in a hot tub or sauna, can help put their minds at ease and be a much-deserved break from all of life’s stresses.

3. Meditation apps

Some recovery programs emphasize the importance of practicing mindfulness. Encouraging self-awareness and honesty, mindfulness is all about living in the present moment and accepting oneself without judgment. A consistent meditation practice helps to strengthen mindfulness skills, and a gift subscription to a guided meditation app, such as Calm, can help recovering addicts incorporate this practice into their daily lives.

4. Gratitude journals

Establishing a grateful mindset can have a positive impact on recovery, encouraging serenity, stability, and satisfaction with one’s life. One way to enforce this mindset is to keep a gratitude journal, writing down the things that bring happiness and peace. While this can be done with a simple notebook, a specialized gratitude journal makes a fun gift. Try The One-Minute Gratitude Journal by Brenda Nathan or 101 Joys Make a Rainbow by Hannah Rogge.

5. Inspiring books

A thoughtfully selected book is a timeless gift for anyone. For recovering alcoholics or addicts, you may consider giving a memoir of addiction, to help them relate to others who’ve been through their same experiences. Try Dry, by Augusten Burroughs, or Lit, by Mary Karr. Alternatively, certain self-help books can provide self-compassion and encouragement at a time when it’s most needed. Some popular self-help books that may be appropriate for a recovering addict are Rising Strong, by Brené Brown, or Lovingkindness, by Sharon Salzberg.

6. Time together

For someone who’s recovering from addiction, there’s no better gift than your ongoing love and support. Offer to take them out for lunch or dinner, and listen to what they’ve been going through. Demonstrate that you’re there for them during what might be one of the most challenging experiences they’ve ever faced. A little one-on-one time can go a long way.

The journey to alcohol addiction recovery starts now

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone, but it can be especially stressful for people who are in recovery from alcoholism and addiction. If you are struggling with sobriety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. With so many resources available for overcoming addiction and alcoholism, you can get back on the road to recovery today. Contact us at (858) 784-7867.