The Trauma Survivor Gift Guide
Read on for our favorite gift ideas for trauma survivors – and how you can give back to the PTSD this holiday season.
The holidays can be a difficult time of year for trauma survivors. The end of the year can bring about small challenges like travel stressors or holiday parties – and big ones like lack of alone time or reminders of one’s past experiences. If you have a survivor in your life, they could use a bit of extra support and care this holiday season – so we put together our first annual Trauma Survivor Gift Guide, helping you help your loved ones.
Read on for our favorite gift ideas for trauma survivors – and how you can give back to the PTSD community at the same time.
1. Freedom From Torture Holiday Cards
If you’re planning on sending holiday cards to your loved ones this year, consider the card options from Freedom From Torture, a nonprofit organization that provides rehabilitation and protection to survivors of torture. With a variety of card and gift wrap options, Freedom From Torture’s gifts are a simple way to let someone know you’re thinking of them, while standing in solidarity with survivors of torture.
Price: $7 per pack of 10
While you’re sending holiday cards to far-afield family and friends, you’ll need stamps. The U.S. Postal Service offers Healing PTSD stamps, which raise funds to help those impacted by PTSD. Featuring a photo illustration from photographer and trauma advocate Mark Laita of a green plant sprouting from the ground, these stamps can offer a meaningful reminder of the hope and healing on the other side of PTSD.
Price: $18 per sheet of 20
Candles are a go-to gift for almost anyone – but they can be especially fitting for trauma survivors. Certain scents associated with relaxation (including lavender, vanilla, and others) can create a calming environment that helps trauma survivors heal, signaling to the nervous system that it’s safe to slow down, breathe, and settle into the present moment. The ritual of lighting a candle can be an intentional moment to practice self-care and healing techniques.
The best part? 5% of Calyan Revenue is donated to empower brave survivors of human trafficking on their healing journey – so these gifts not only support the trauma survivors in your life but also the ones who need extra resources this holiday season.
Price: $15-34
For a gift that’s full of both beauty and impact, consider the goods from Purpose Jewelry. Founded to support women escaping human trafficking and help them find economic freedom, Purpose Jewelry employs women in cities like Mumbai, India, Cebu, Philippines, and Kampala, Uganda, offering income, education, healthcare, and community in the wake of deep trauma.
Pricing: $30-60
5. “Getting Unstuck from PTSD” Book
For the readers in your life, they might appreciate reading material that supports their recovery. “Getting Unstuck from PTSD” by Patricia A. Resick, Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, and Stefanie T. LoSavio is our top recommendation – as the first self-help workbook based on cognitive processing therapy (CPT), one of the gold-standard treatments for PTSD, this book features step-by-step exercises, practical tools that you can download and print as needed, and empathic stories of people working toward recovery.
For a free option to give alongside, download our Trauma Survivor Guide, a free resource we made in partnership with actress, writer, and trauma advocate Gabrielle Union – it contains education, advice, and tips to help folks struggling with trauma.
Price: $24.95
6. Pulse of Potential Weighted Animals
Some trauma survivors may be familiar with the concept of Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT), a calming technique that applies gentle pressure to the body – similar to the feeling of a hug. This pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for helping you relax, recharge, and feel safe.
Pulse of Potential has turned this concept into their collection of weighted stuffed animals. These plush companions weigh 2.2lbs and have extra-long front legs that hug you back, helping to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety and overwhelm, and calm racing thoughts. Plus, the company donates a share of their proceeds every year to mental health organizations that actively support mental health.
Pricing: $58.90
7. Conscious Step “Stop Violence Against Women” Sock Box
Socks are a stocking staple for a reason – they’re cozy, warm, and always a crowd pleaser. But these socks from Conscious Step are particularly meaningful, as each gift box purchase provides access to justice for six survivors of violence through The United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.
With over a dozen patterns and multiple size options, these socks can provide much-needed support for both loved ones and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Price: $29.95
Non-profit organization Help Heal Vets believes in the healing power of crafts. They supply veterans with free craft kits – everything from leather-working to jewelry and more – to help them build greater self-worth and focus on the present. Some kits focus on restoring fine motor skills and concentration; others help relieve anxiety and depression. If you have a veteran in your life, consider requesting a fee kit.
Price: Free
Everyone loves a cozy sweatshirt. FreeFrom, a national survivor-led organization on a mission to build a world free from gender-based violence, gives 100% of every purchase to help survivors build wealth, safety, and power through their handcrafted products.
With options including “Survivor Made,” “Trust Survivors,” and “Healing Happens Here,” the trauma survivors in your life will feel seen and heard with this gift.
Pricing: $59.99
10. Donations to Mental Health Organizations
If you’d rather give monetary support (or you’ve vowed to avoid purchasing more stuff – we hear you), a donation to a mental health organization in your loved one’s name could be the most impactful gift of all. Here are a few organizations doing incredible work supporting trauma survivors and those who need support:
- RAINN – supports survivors of sexual violence in the U.S.
- Survivors of Torture, International (SOTI) or Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) – direct services for torture survivors
- Give an Hour – provides free mental health care to people affected by trauma, including veterans
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – education, advocacy, and support programs
- The Headstrong Project – mental health treatment for the U.S. military community
While the holidays can be difficult for trauma survivors, for most, a show of support goes a long way. Sometimes the most meaningful gift for someone with PTSD is your presence, your support, and your understanding. Your loved ones with PTSD will thank you for it.
