I Used to Buy Booze as a Gift. Now I’m Sober. WTF Do I Do?

It’s funny, I once heard someone say how there are literally hundreds of words for the term “drunk” (smashed, sloshed, over-served, sauced, wasted, tipsy, tanked—you get the idea), but only one word for not being drunk — sober.

And that kind of sucks, because the word “sober” doesn’t imply fun and frivolity. Rather, as the dictionary states, its alternative meaning is “having or showing a very serious attitude or quality.”

But that’s just NOT true! Of course, getting sober is painful and certainly no walk in the park, but we are NOT a glum lot — people in recovery are funny, silly, clever and full of life.

It sounds so incredibly cheesy (and I hate cheesy) but it’s true: the gift of sobriety is the most wonderful gift one could ever receive (in my opinion, at least).

Thing is, you can’t give it to someone. As much as you can hope and help and try to point people in the right direction, it’s up the alcoholic to open her eyes, see her situation for what it really is, and make a change. Which is not easy (it took me eight years to even understand I had an issue) and unfortunately, it’s a not a notion you can wrap up neatly and put in a pretty gift box.

But what you can do is celebrate your friends’ and/or families’ sobriety (or attempts to get sober; continuing to try is one of the bravest things a person can do). Give them a gift that simply says: “I’m here for you,” whether it’s on the serious or silly side.

So use one of the following five gifts to add some color to your recipients’ recovery — and life. Reinforce how effing awesome we all are. Plus, these gifts are not just for sober folk. Anyone looking to find peace, clear their heads, make a major lifestyle change, or just learn to quiet their minds for a few minutes a day can benefit from some of these sweet, “sobering” gifts.

TN125_sober_1_7201. Sober Chick T-Shirt

This charming jersey tee says it all — and who can resist an adorably rendered, hip little chick?

$28, cafepress.com

TN125_sober_2_7202. Enlightenment Singing Bowl

Used as meditation tools for centuries, singing bowls create an almost otherworldly sound when the rim of the surface is struck and then circled gently with a stick, causing a magical, musical vibration. The sound is soothing and soft, plus, it’s a great coffee table piece: it’s interesting, pretty and something everyone will want to try.

$60, bighappybuddha.com

TN125_sober_3_720
3. Gratitude Symbol Necklace

Gratitude. Underneath it all, isn’t this what the holidays are truly about? Show someone how grateful you are that they are sober and in your life by giving them a handcrafted, sterling silver gratitude necklace. It’s simple, sweet and even comes in a pretty purple gift box, so you won’t have to worry about wrapping.

$65, etsy.com


4. Sanity Cards

These ain’t your mama’s meditation cards. Filled with wit, humor, sarcasm and sass, these fun-loving inspirational flash cards don’t talk down to you like so many other recovery “tools” I’ve worked with. But just because they’re funny doesn’t mean the messages aren’t 100% serious — and incredibly insightful. They’re perfect for that person in your life who’s growing weary of the standard (and somewhat archaic) AA-fare. They’re also great for anyone seeking some positive direction or a new outlook on life.

$22 for a deck of $32, dontgocrazy.net

TN125_sober_5_7205. Keep It Simple: Daily Meditations For Twelve-Step Beginnings And Renewal

Daily meditation books are so helpful and you can never have enough of them. Stuff a sober friend’s stocking with this great beginner’s book, which is filled with encouraging words for those who need really need them at the moment.

$13, amazon.com

Tell Us in the Comments

What do you think?

2 Responses

  1. The TueNight Gift Guide: Part One | Tue Night

    […] Susan on Gifts for Your Sober Pals […]

    Reply
  2. The TueNight Gift Guide Part Two | Tue Night

    […] Susan on Gifts for Your Sober Pals […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.