One of the best parts of the holiday season is gift-giving. This season is filled with thoughtful generosity and present sharing. For many, the joy of gift exchanges is highly anticipated and planned. However, gift-giving can be challenging if you or someone you know struggles with food and body image distress. The holiday season can be incredibly stressful and triggering for those struggling, so it is vital to find gifts that relieve stress instead of amplifying it.

By: Alexandra Carter

Below is a list of gift ideas for someone struggling with or recovering from an eating disorder.

Inspirational Gifts

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors can make a person feel isolated and lonely, especially during the holiday season. One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give inspires them and reminds them that they are seen. Opt for gifts that promote self-reflection, peace, relaxation, and encouragement.

There are many books with motivational quotes, affirmations, and uplifting messages that can make special gifts. You could also give meaningful jewelry and wearable affirmations like those from Lillian & Co and Mantraband. These will allow your loved one to carry positive intentions as an anchor to their recovery.

Journals can also serve as a recovery-aligned gift that promotes self-reflection, an essential aspect of healing. There are many different types of journals, so choose the one you think your loved one will enjoy.

Another inspirational gift to consider is that of self-care. A critical component of recovery is discovering what brings you joy and peace beyond disordered behaviors, so giving the gift of self-care is a thoughtful way to encourage that.

Some ideas to consider are shower and bath bombs, nail polish, face masks, slippers, fuzzy socks, a cozy blanket, or essential oils. Check out companies like Lush, Bursera, Minky Couture, and Virtuvi.

Although none of these gifts independently give freedom, peace, and happiness, they can promote relaxation, self-compassion, and peace while supporting the recovery journey.

Practical Gifts

Practical gifts are another excellent option for recovery-aligned gifts. Tactile objects offer self-soothing and distractions from distress. Fidget spinners, stress balls, or aromatherapy jewelry are just some options. These are practical and unintrusive ways of supplementing and supporting recovery.

Another option is a book to get lost in. Stay away from self-help books; find their favorite author or genre, or even get a bookstore gift card. Books can be a great way to quiet intrusive thoughts while offering a reprieve from reality.

You could also gift them accessories. These are useful and fun to wear while staying clear of size and appearance. Some ideas are socks, hats, scarves, slippers, and jewelry. Help your loved one feel comfortable, fashionable, and cozy for the holidays.

These practical gifts allow you to offer your loved ones gifts that can support their recovery realistically and thoughtfully.

Experiential Gifts

Experiential gifts are also an excellent choice for recovery-aligned gift-giving. Doing things outside of recovery can be incredibly beneficial to remind you that you are so much more.

You can give anything hobby-related, from macrame kits to knitting or crocheting projects, embroidery supplies, or clay to sculpt. Consider art supplies, coloring books, or paints. These crafts can be therapeutic and rewarding, focusing on skill-building and creativity.

You could also gift them an experience. Get movie or theater tickets, a museum pass, or a trip to the zoo. See a local attraction or gift an art class. Book a massage or a day at a spa. If you’re considering this option, stay away from food-related activities, like cooking classes, food tours, or restaurants. Although thoughtful, these can be triggering.

Supportive Gifts

The final gift category is less of a physical gift and more of something to remind your loved one how important they are to you. Give the gift of support. Never underestimate the power of letting someone know you love and support them, especially in eating disorder recovery.

This could be a thoughtful note or a heartfelt card. It could be a reminder that you are available to call when your loved one needs you or a silly joke to make them laugh. Whatever feels genuine to you. Avoid messages like “get well soon” and focus on expressing your pride and support for them.

Supportive gifts can also include helping your loved one get professional support. Recovery is a gift, and getting support is crucial. You or your loved one can reach out for help by contacting a trusted doctor or mental health provider or connecting to a treatment facility like BALANCE.

Give the Gift of Recovery Support

May your holiday season be full of merriment, gifts, and celebration. Let this be a time of joy as you thoughtfully exchange gifts and spend time with loved ones. Use the suggestions above to make sure the gifts you give are recovery-aligned to help those struggling to feel safe and supported.

And if you are interested in giving or getting more support, check out BALANCE’s exclusive Winter Program. This 12-day intensive program will help jumpstart recovery while fitting conveniently into a winter break schedule. Connect with our Admissions team to learn more.

This post was written by Intuitive Eating | HAES Content Creator, Alexandra Carter (she/her).

Alexandra Carter is a professional actor, turned certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Health and Wellbeing Coach, turned Content Creator. After moving to NYC for her undergraduate degree in Musical Theater, Alexandra spent 10 years working all over the world as an actor/singer/dancer. Through her own healing journey, Alexandra found her way to the anti-diet space and went on to gain coaching and counseling certifications, in addition to starting her own coaching business. It was there she fell in love with content creation as a way of sharing ideas, genuinely connecting with people, and affecting powerful change. Alexandra is thrilled to be on the team at BALANCE, combining all her skills and passions to foster authentic healing.

References

HEAL, P. (2020, April 24). 15 gifts you can give to a loved one in eating disorder recovery. The Mighty. Retrieved November 22, 2022, from https://themighty.com/topic/eating-disorders/gifts-to-give-someone-in-eating-disorder-recovery/

Jones, G. (2022, January 27). Best care package ideas for a person who has an eating disorder. More. Retrieved November 22, 2022, from https://more-love.org/2019/02/11/best-care-package-ideas-for-a-person-who-is-in-an-eating-disorder-treatment-facility/

Holiday gift giving for those in recovery: A little sensitivity goes a long way. National Eating Disorders Association. (2018, December 19). Retrieved November 22, 2022, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/blog/holiday-gift-giving-those-recovery-little-sensitivity-goes-long-way

2022 Eating Disorder Recovery-Aligned Gift Guide