Is your loved one celebrating a sobriety milestone? If you’re wondering how you can commemorate their recovery within AA or a similar 12-step program, here is your guide to 10 thoughtful gifts to celebrate sobriety.
In the United States, more than 17 million people suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence.
Alcohol is the most widely used addictive substance, which–when you consider the visible role it plays in culture–isn’t that surprising
Because alcohol dependency can be so hard to overcome, we should recognize those who have worked hard to maintain their sobriety. When you are living a sober life, each day is worth recognizing. One year of sobriety, then, is a milestone worth celebrating.
A one-year sober gift is a great way to show the sober person in your life that you recognize their hard work and are proud of their accomplishment. It may seem trivial, but a little token can go a long way in making someone feel supported.
Below, we’re reviewing ideas for thoughtful gifts to celebrate sobriety. Read on to learn more!
1. A Journal or Diary
Sobriety is a journey, and one of the most important parts of any journey is being able to look back and reflect on it. A journal or diary is a good gift for recovering alcoholics because it provides a way for them to record their thoughts.
In a personal journal or diary, you can be honest with yourself in a way that you might not always be with other people. It’s a good way to memorialize your struggles and relive the many successes that come during a year of sobriety.
2. A Fun-Filled Getaway
One of the best things about being sober is getting to be present for moments that you always experienced through the haze of alcohol. Vacations make for great sobriety gift ideas because they are a way to enjoy something new.
Of course, it is important to be conscious of your loved one’s sobriety when planning a getaway.
You don’t want to take them to an all-inclusive resort. Consider day trips to amusements parks or museums. Cities, where you’ll be walking around a lot and seeing different cultural sights, are also a good option.
3. Books
Giving a book as a one-year sober gift may not seem that exciting, but you have to consider it as more than a thing. When you give someone the gift of a book, you give them more than a physical object. You give them a way to expand their world, learn new things, and get lost in a story.
Look for captivating fiction novels or collections of short stories. You could also consider a biography of an inspiring figure or another motivating non-fiction book.
To make the gift feel more personal, consider writing your own inscription or dedication. Every time the recipient goes to read the book, they’ll know that you’re proud of them.
4. Inspiring Jewelry
For those going through alcohol dependency recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous is a powerful tool and resource. It provides alcoholics with a community, and the support they need to stay committed to their sobriety.
To recognize this, considering gifting the sober person in your life a piece of jewelry or small item that includes their favorite inspiring AA phrase. At a store like The Token Shop, you can find rings, necklaces, and other accessories. Things like money clips that incorporate inspiring mantras are other great ideas.
These gifts can be beautiful and subtle reminders that sobriety happens one day at a time. No one has to go through it alone.
5. Picture Collage
If you want to give a recovering alcoholic a creative gift, consider something that captures the spirit of that person’s first sober year.
Putting together a photo collage or framing a few select pictures is the perfect way to commemorate being sober for one year. It can be pictures of you with that person or photos of them doing things they couldn’t have done if they were still drinking.
6. New Clothes
Being sober is an opportunity to regain or grow self-esteem or self-confidence. These things are hard to come by while in the middle of alcohol addiction. Some people discover new healthy habits, like exercise or clean eating, they didn’t imagine they could enjoy.
A shopping spree may seem superficial, but it’s a fun gift that celebrates someone’s internal beauty by making them feel great on the outside too. Instead of giving a gift card, carve out some time for you and your loved one to spend the day shopping together.
7. Artwork
A new piece of artwork to hang on a wall or stand up on a mantel can be a great way to commemorate a landmark occasion. For a one year sober gift, considering turning an affirmation or inspiring phrase into a painting.
You could also commission a custom portrait or a landscape scene. These pictures are calming for recovering alcoholics.
8. Housewares
Getting rid of alcohol in your house changes the kind of glassware you use on a daily basis. We think of wine glasses and champagne flutes when buying glassware as a present, but they don’t make good gifts for recovering alcoholics.
Instead, consider beautiful water glasses or handmade mugs. They recognize that all dining experiences are special, especially when they don’t include alcohol.
9. Plants
Giving a plant as a one-year sober gift can be the start of a beautiful tradition. Each year, on the anniversary of your loved one’s sobriety, you can give them an additional plant and watch as their collection grows.
From hanging plants to succulents, this gift is a great visual way to mark the time passing.
10. A Creative Class
When someone has eliminated drinking from their life, it can seem as if there’s so much more time in the day. Trying to fill boredom with something other than alcohol can be difficult, especially at night.
A cooking class, art class, or other creative workshops can be a great way to spend time being productive and having fun, without alcohol. Consider the person’s interests and sign them up for something you know they would enjoy learning more about.
Want More Ideas for Gifts to Celebrate Sobriety?
For recovering alcoholics, sober milestones are worth recognizing. Choosing thoughtful gifts to celebrate sobriety is a great way to let the recovering alcoholic in your life know that you’re proud of them and you support them on their sober journey.
For more gift-giving ideas, please contact us at any time.