The love month is here and while it’s true that you should be showering your partner with acts of love all throughout the year, doing it on Valentine’s Day is as good a time as any. This is the reason why many Valentine-themed gifts and promotions flood the shops during February.
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However, if your partner is recovering from an addiction, it can be difficult to think of gifts that signify love and romance. Wine and dine? Nope. Champagne and strawberries? Sorry. The usual romantic stuff usually involves alcohol. Plus, giving expensive gifts like jewelry that can be exchanged for cash is usually not recommended. So, what do you give a sober partner? Here are some ideas that you can check out.
1. A box of chocolates
Who doesn’t like chocolates? A box of nicely wrapped chocolates may seem like an easy way out but it won’t go unappreciated. Getting your loved one a box is better than going empty-handed. Chocolates are known to help give you a natural dopamine boost.
Chocolates are also a good gift whatever your budget is. If you’re trying to save money, you’d be surprised that you can find fancy Valentine’s chocolates like Godiva, Ferrero, and Ghirardelli from $5 to $15 at groceries and supermarkets like Target. If you have money to spend, you can also opt for artisan chocolates from French chocolatiers.
2. Gourmet picnic
If you’re not living in an area where it’s still freezing in February, going on a picnic is always a good idea. Fill a basket with treats like cheese, grapes, berries, nuts, crackers, and jam that you could graze on. You can also add in sandwiches and pasta salad for a heartier meal. Spend the day by the beach, at the park or go on a road trip and stop at a spot overlooking nice sights while feasting on the picnic treats you’ve packed.
3. A luxury pillow
Luxury gifts are often discouraged especially if your partner is early in recovery. This is because these luxury items like jewelry, shoes, or bags can be exchanged for cash and the money might be used to buy drugs or alcohol. But if you want to give something luxurious, why not give your loved one a luxury pillow?
Luxury pillows are similar to what you would normally find in 5-star hotels. They are specially created for comfort. When you give someone a nice pillow as a Valentine’s gift, it’s like gifting them with a good night’s sleep as they can prevent back and neck pains.
There are different kinds of pillows so choosing the right pillow is quite tricky because it all boils down to preference. This idea might be a more suitable choice for couples who’ve been together for a long time. If you’re not sure what type of pillow your partner prefers, then it might mean you need to spend a bit more time with your partner under the sheets to get a better idea (wink, wink!).
4. Couples spa treatment
A wonderful date idea for Valentine’s day is to give your partner a couples spa treatment. You can spend the day together relaxing and unwinding. Massage therapy is also very helpful for people in recovery. Many spas often offer treatment packages that you can take advantage of. If Valentine offers are too pricey, book a few days after Valentine’s.
5. Singing Telegram
If your partner is the type who appreciates big gestures, there’s nothing more public than sending a singing telegram. Yes, they still exist! It’s a cute and charming way to show your love especially if you are not verbally expressive yourself. If you have the talent (or the guts) to do it yourself ala Ashton Kutcher in the movie A Lot Like Love – why not? That will earn you more points!
6. A puppy
If your partner is an animal lover and has been hinting about wanting to get a new pet, bringing them a new pet on Valentine’s Day will make them love you more. Just make sure that your partner is ready for the added responsibility of having a pet before you give them one. Before buying from a pet shop, try to check out animal shelters for rescue pets. It’s a great idea to bring your partner to the shelter so they can choose one themselves.
7. Romantic sober cruise
If you want to take it up a notch, vacationing together even just for a weekend is a wonderful idea. If you’re a new couple, going on a sober cruise together is an opportunity to bond and grow closer together. For older couples, having a new experience together is a way to bring a spark into the relationship and discover new things together.
If you or your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.
Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.
