Choosing the perfect gift for a sober friend or family member can be a bit tricky. Milestones in recovery deserve meaningful celebration, which is why we’ve gathered these thoughtful sobriety gift ideas to inspire you.
Whether your loved one is celebrating one day, 100 days, or one year of sobriety, there are plenty of gift options for birthdays, sobriety anniversaries, or holidays that can offer encouragement and support during their recovery journey.
Gift Ideas for Someone in Sobriety
Gift-giving can be challenging for anyone, and many people default to giving a bottle of wine or a case of beer. While this is often a simple and effective option, it’s not appropriate for someone in recovery. So, what should you do?
Fortunately, there are plenty of thoughtful gift ideas that can show your loved one you care and support their recovery journey. Here are some excellent gift suggestions for the sober person in your life:
Journal or Diary
A journal may seem simple, but it’s a wonderful gift for nearly anyone in recovery. Whether it’s for organizing their thoughts, recording their journey, or expressing themselves creatively, a journal provides an outlet for reflection.
It can help keep your loved one mentally engaged and even serve as a coping tool during moments of craving or difficulty. There are many high-quality journals, diaries, and planners available online, with sites like Amazon offering a wide selection.
Yoga Mat
Many individuals in recovery turn to yoga as part of their sobriety journey. While substance abuse is widespread, treatment options can be limited, and yoga has emerged as a promising tool for managing substance use disorders. Though more research is needed to fully understand its long-term benefits, yoga has shown positive short-term outcomes.
A quality yoga mat makes for a thoughtful gift, encouraging your loved one to stay healthy and use yoga as a way to cope with cravings and maintain their well-being. There are numerous yoga mat options available on sites like Amazon to choose from.
SodaStream
Many individuals in recovery tend to replace their substance use with other habits like smoking, chewing gum, or drinking soda. However, these habits can become costly over time.
A SodaStream machine makes a great gift for someone who enjoys soda, as it helps save money and reduce waste. Additionally, SodaStream offers the option to make carbonated water, providing a healthier alternative to soda.
Personalized Sobriety Date Medallion
As individuals progress in their recovery, they often celebrate key milestones like three months, six months, or one year of sobriety. It’s common to receive a medallion or token to mark these achievements. While some organizations provide these, you can also find personalized sobriety date medallions online to commemorate your loved one’s journey.
Books
Books make thoughtful gifts, especially for those in recovery who have embraced new hobbies. Whether your loved one enjoys science fiction, history, self-help, or other genres, there are countless options to choose from. If you’re unsure of their preferences, a gift card to a bookstore like Barnes and Noble is always a great alternative.
While your loved one may enjoy stories unrelated to addiction, books that support their sobriety can be particularly meaningful. There are numerous recommendations and reviews for addiction-related books, including inspiring memoirs by individuals who have overcome substance use disorders, such as Anthony Kiedis and Steve-O.
Recovery-Related Items
There are plenty of sobriety-themed items, like mugs and clothing, that can celebrate and promote your loved one’s recovery. Many people in recovery take pride in their progress and enjoy sharing it, making these gifts an excellent choice. However, for those who prefer a more private lifestyle, it’s best to steer clear of such gifts.
There is no shortage of sobriety-related products, including keychains, mugs, and apparel, with options ranging from inspiring to humorous. Choose something that aligns with your loved one’s personality and preferences.
Donation
Many individuals in recovery become more involved in charitable work and volunteering. For those who aren’t interested in sobriety-related gifts, a meaningful alternative is to make a donation in their name to a charity they support. This thoughtful gesture reflects their values and can be a deeply appreciated gift.
Art Supplies
As mentioned earlier, many sober individuals have more time on their hands and use it to pursue activities they love—art being a popular choice.
In fact, art therapy is becoming an alternative care option in many rehab treatment centers to help patients cope with addiction-related challenges during sobriety. For those who want to continue their artistic side after treatment, art supplies can become quite expensive.
The cost of constantly purchasing items like paint brushes, paints, and canvases can quickly add up. Whether your loved one prefers painting, drawing with colored pencils, or other mediums, there are many tools available to support their future art projects.
For something more unique, consider gifts like a 3D printing pen, allowing them to create 3D sculptures. Some of these innovative tools are also relatively affordable.
DIY Kit
Along with art projects, do-it-yourself (DIY) kits can provide a productive and engaging way to help your loved one stay occupied. Early sobriety often comes with feelings of boredom, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can trigger relapse if not properly managed. Offering a DIY kit can give them a creative outlet and help keep their mind off cravings.
There are plenty of DIY kits available online, allowing your loved one to explore new hobbies and skills. Whether it’s a gardening kit, cooking kit, or something else that aligns with their interests, these kits provide both entertainment and personal growth.
Activities
Not everyone enjoys material gifts—many people prefer quality time with those they care about. In this case, planning a day filled with special recovery-themed activities can be a meaningful gesture.
Creating a surprise itinerary of fun activities gives you the opportunity to spend time together while helping them focus on something other than cravings. This thoughtful approach not only offers support but shows them that you’re there for them throughout their recovery journey.
Classes
Keeping your loved one engaged and distracted from their sobriety and the associated urges is crucial for preventing relapses. One effective way to do this is by enrolling them in classes. The specific classes you choose should align with their interests.
For instance, if they enjoy art, art classes can be an excellent option. For those who prefer physical activities, consider yoga or martial arts classes. Regardless of the choice, participating in classes will keep them occupied and focused on something enjoyable rather than on their sobriety challenges.
Now What?
As highlighted, there are numerous thoughtful sobriety gift ideas for individuals in recovery. Remember that sobriety doesn’t have to be a difficult journey. By considering their interests and preferences, you can find a meaningful gift that resonates with them.
Sobriety can be challenging, and doing it alone can feel overwhelming. Acknowledging the reality of a substance use problem can be a difficult process. However, providing support through treatment options can make a significant difference.
Rehab facilities in Clarksville, Indiana, such as Sunrise Recovery, can assist your loved one in overcoming addiction. Sunrise Recovery offers access to medically supervised detoxification, inpatient treatment, and intensive outpatient programs. These programs include individual and group therapy sessions designed to help patients manage sobriety, cope with urges, and prevent relapse.
If you’re interested in exploring a personalized addiction rehab treatment plan for your loved one, get in touch with our admissions team today at +1 (877) 978 – 6747 or you can send us a message.
