As Recreation Therapists know, the holidays truly are the most magical but BUSY time of year.
With everything going on, searching for the perfect gift for those in your life can sometimes turn into a time-consuming task that ends with just another gift card to Target.
Right now is the perfect time to spread a little extra cheer to a Recreation Therapist (RT) in your life and what better way than to find a thoughtful gift that screams, I APPRECIATE YOU!
Whether you are shopping for a family member, co-worker, or yourself (self-care right?!) this list of 15 Thoughtful Gifts for Recreation Therapists is sure to spark some creative juices in your holiday gift hunt.
(Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.)
1. Mindfulness Cards
Mindfulness practices are research supported to help us improve our well-being and become more aware of the good all around us. The Greater Good Toolkit — 30 Science-Based Practices for A Meaningful Life is visually beautiful but also evidence-based to foster resilience and compassion. RTs could use these cards with their clients or in their own mindfulness practices.
2. Intention Setting Journal & Planner
RTs are intentional people who love reflecting and making big plans for the future. So why not gift an RT in your life with Oprah’s Life the Life You Want Planner! As the website says, “The Oprah Daily planner equips you with everything you need to begin a regular practice of intention-setting and self-reflection, bringing you closer to a life filled with connection, joy, and a deep sense of satisfaction every day”.
3. Therapeutic Recreation Swag
One thing that holds true for all RTs is that we LOVE our field. We found this incredible career and we want the world to know just how impactful it truly is. What better way to advocate for the field of TR than to flaunt some creative and cute swag! Here are a few of my favorite TR Swag sellers where you can find apparel, stickers and so much more: Rec & Chill, ReCreateCrafts, HodgepodgeCreateCo and SownInGrace
4. Meal Plan Service
After a long day of work, RTs deserve a delicious and nutritious meal to refuel. But it can sometimes be difficult to meal plan and cook after running programs all day long. A great gift for a busy RT would be a gift card to their favorite meal prep service to make cooking a tasty meal both easy and enjoyable. In my opinion, two of the best meal plan services out there are Hungryroot and Good Food.
5. Tote Bag
Whether we are getting into the office in the morning, heading to a meeting, or running from group to group – RTs LOVE a good tote bag! Why not gift an RT with a practical and fun tote bag, with educational or inspirational messages like this Coping Skills Alphabet Tote Bag to show the world they care!
6. Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug
RTs need A LOT of energy to perform at an optimal level, and the energy is often sponsored by caffeine. The thing is, RTs can often get pulled into multiple directions at once, leaving their delicious cup of joe to go cold. This Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug is the perfect solution to keeping their coffee nice and tasty during the most hectic of days.
7. Water Bottle (Self-Sanitizing)
Water is the essence of life. It gives us energy, helps us think clearer, and just makes us feel oh, so much better than when we are borderline dehydrated. This Philips Self-Cleaning Smart Water Bottle is the perfect gift for an RT who is both trying to be healthy and avoid catching a bug this year.
8. A Book
Reading is one of the best activities someone can do for their intellectual health and enjoyment. Whether it’s a fictional dystopia or a non-fiction personal development book, gifting a good read to an RT is a great idea. If you are looking for inspiration in the Educational world, check out my Must Reads for RTs here.
9. Inspiring Wall Art
Whether it’s for their work office or at home, inspiring wall art is a surefire way to make an RTs day. Here are a few selections of inspiring wall art that any RT would love Growth Mindset, It’s Okay and Safe Space.
10. Skillshare
RTs are always up for learning more about a topic that inspires them. Skillshare is a platform that they can use to learn new skills and hobbies that will leave them feeling energized and refreshed. From Photography to Portrait drawing to Music Fundamentals, Skillshare truly has it all.
11. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
An RT’s work environment/office can often be a hectic plan which can be a very frustrating experience when they are trying to accomplish important tasks like group notes. A truly thoughtful gift would be a pair of headphones like these Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones to help block out distractions. They can also be used during an after-work walk or workout to truly get in the zone.
12. Mini Portable Phone Charger
Pretty often, an RT will rely on their phone during their days. From thematic music playlists to setting the group-tone, or timers for purpose-driven games they are playing with their clients, the use of a charged phone is crucial for success. To avoid the dreaded low-battery warning, gift them with a portable charger like one of these iPhone Charger / Android Charger to ensure their battery life stays in the green all day.
13. Meditation Seat Cushion
As RTs know, a regular meditation practice is incredibly impactful on our mental, physical and spiritual well-being. A great way to show a special RT in your life that you care is a meditation pillow like this, Buckwheat Meditation Cushion they could use in their practice, allowing them to fully relax and reap all of the benefits from slowing down and being present allows.
14. ClassPass
RTs preach daily to those they serve the life-changing magic of physical activity. A movement is a form of self-love that RTs thoroughly enjoy doing. ClassPass is a fantastic way for RTs to get out in their cities and town to try new classes and gyms to find a movement type that best works for them. From yoga to HITT to breathwork classes, ClassPass truly has it all.
15. Blue Light Glasses
The reality is, we spend a lot of time each day looking at screens. From checking our emails to catching up on our friend’s TikTok accounts we cozy up with tech on the regular. Blue Light Glasses help to reduce the harmful effects blue light can have on our circadian rhythms and vision health. Gift an RT a pair like these Computer Blue Light Blocking Glasses and it will surely be a hit.
I hope you enjoyed this list of 15 Throughout Gifts For Recreation Therapists.
Let me know in the comments below a gift idea that I missed.