Holiday Gift Guide for Someone in Eating Disorder Recovery
For many, the anticipation of opening gifts during the holiday season is a magical, joyful experience. For individuals recovering from an eating disorder, gift-giving can be especially triggering and anxiety-provoking. While this festive time of year is often stressful for individuals with eating disorders due to the focus on food, many may not realize that gifts — even those that are goodhearted — can be potentially harmful and may elicit negative emotions. Extra care and sensitivity go a long way when giving gifts to those in eating disorder recovery.
by: Amanda Nussbaum
The holidays can be an overwhelming time of the year for a variety of reasons, but they are often especially challenging for those in eating disorder recovery. Holiday festivities frequently revolve around food, socializing, and exchanging gifts as part of holiday parties, grab bags, or simple get-togethers. Friends, family, peers, or colleagues may not know what kind of gift to purchase for someone who has struggled with an eating disorder. Indeed, certain presents that may appear “standard”, could be triggering or cause anxiety for those in recovery. A gift-giver may not realize this could happen because they want to show their friend or loved one that they are loved and supported, without making them feel uncomfortable. Buying gifts for an individual in recovery can be challenging. Below are some thoughtful ideas for presents that might be appreciated and not be harmful to someone’s recovery:
Self-Care Gifts: Although self-care is different for everyone, it is an important part of helping someone in recovery to relax and feel calm. Gift choices in this category include candles, facemasks, lotions, a soft blanket, a stuffed animal, essential oils, bath items, and plants. Fidget toys, like a stress ball, can also be a good idea. There are monthly self-care subscription services like Brave Box, which is created for people with eating disorders.
Journals and Stationery Gifts: A nice gift for a person who enjoys writing is a reflection journal with inspirational quotes. Other stationery supplies, like a calendar with affirmations, a new set of markers, laptop stickers (Red Bubble has many options), calligraphy pens, or watercolor paints also make for great gifts.
Accessories: Accessories are great choices that do not involve size numbers. Gifts such as jewelry, charm bracelets, gloves, slippers, fuzzy socks, nail polish, or hair accessories can make people feel comfortable. Eating disorder recovery-related jewelry pieces are available on Etsy. Other companies, like Mantra Band, sell bracelets and necklaces with uplifting quotes.
Hobby-Based Gifts: A hobby can serve as a distraction and keep the mind busy when in recovery. Some thoughtful presents consist of coloring books, crafting supplies, word searches, puzzles, and games. Books can also be a good gift idea, as long as they do not involve topics like food, exercise, or body image.
Handmade Gifts: People appreciate the thought that goes into a gift, so DIY presents are a great, sentimental option. A “52 Things I Love About You” deck of cards contains customizable 52 reasons why someone is appreciated. Another handmade gift idea is to create an inspiration jar filled with quotes on pieces of colored paper, so there are mantras associated with different feelings. You can paint stones with recovery quotes, write a letter, or even make them a playlist of songs.
While the holidays are primarily about spending time with loved ones, gifts are still a major part of the holiday season. Though it is the thought of a present that counts, family and friends should bear in mind that some presents are not always appropriate for someone in eating disorder recovery. Items such as clothing, exercise equipment, gym passes, desserts, restaurant gift cards, cooking supplies, or alcohol should be avoided because these presents place an emphasis on food and appearance and could be triggering. Being sensitive and taking the time to carefully select gifts can go a long way and make the holiday season a little easier and less stressful for someone in eating disorder recovery.
If you’re looking for extra recovery support during the holidays, we are excited to now offer Winter Break Virtual Support for College and High School Students, with several flexible short-term intensive programming options. All of our programs are offered in a virtual format and will be open on a rolling admissions basis with individualized treatment plans tailored to one's schedule during the holiday season. Click the button below for more information!
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Amanda Nussbaum.
Amanda is a recent graduate of Ramapo College, where she majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She enjoys being creative, writing, and editing videos, and is passionate about health, wellness, and lifestyle. Throughout college, Amanda volunteered with the Girls on the Run organization, which helps young girls develop a positive self-esteem. She also mentored a young girl through Ramapo College’s chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister. Amanda’s involvement in these organizations helped her realize that she wants to work for a company that has an impact on others, while still being creative with marketing. In the future, Amanda hopes to work in the marketing or communications department of an organization that focuses on teenagers and young adults, and their health and self-confidence. She enjoys contributing to the BALANCE blog!