Sobriety itself is a gift. When in the grasps of addiction, it can be hard to see the bigger picture. Addiction can leave you feeling hopeless, alone, and desperate. That is where the gift of sobriety comes in. Sobriety can give you gifts that you may have long since forgotten. When you live a sober lifestyle, it can be beneficial to recognize and appreciate the gifts that recovery from addiction is giving you. It can also be beneficial for those supporting a loved one during sobriety to know these gifts and help their loved one recognize them. 
Gifts for When Your Loved One is in Recovery
The gifts that sobriety provides are intangible. However, they set the foundation for a happier life. While every individual celebrating sobriety may find different gifts their journey has given them; the most common ones include gratitude, a sense of hope, finding acceptance, mental clarity, self-love, humility, compassion for yourself and others, a better understanding of yourself and others, an entire community of support, honesty, joy, forgiveness for yourself and others, health, mended relationships, and a new sense of confidence.
Appropriate Gifts for a Sober Anniversary
Each of these gifts provides a sober individual with an all-encompassing passion for life. If you, or someone you love, are celebrating sobriety, encourage recognition and appreciation of the gifts sobriety brings. Likewise, if someone you love lives a sober life, you may want to help them celebrate and recognize the milestones. Maybe even just daily life. Having the support of loved ones is essential during recovery and in sobriety, and giving gifts to those experiencing this journey can make a large impression. It can give them hope, make them feel loved and recognized, and help to mend broken relationships.
Suggestions for the Best Sober Birthday Gifts
Having a loved one in recovery can be stressful. You may worry about them, about saying or doing the wrong thing, or about making the wrong impression. Individuals starting their recovery journey may feel confused, hopeless, lost, and alone. Let them know you are there for them and that they are loved during this time. Gift giving is a universal symbol of support and love. When your loved one is in recovery, you may check with their facility to ensure you are giving proper gifts. Some facilities may limit what is allowed or have restrictions to maximize success. There are common gifts to give those in recovery, though. After you have gotten the go-ahead, and if you would like to give your loved one a gift, here are some ideas that will support them.
- A journal
- A magazine subscription
- A photo journal
- Word games or puzzles
- Self-care items such as lotions and soaps
- Books
- Scrapbook supplies
- Art supplies
Always remember that you can ask your loved one’s facility for ideas as well. These individuals specialize in treatment for addiction, and they can guide you to the most useful items your loved one may benefit from.
Intangible Gifts and Their Impacts on Sobriety
Intangible gifts that celebrate sobriety can make a lasting impression on your loved one. Sometimes it can be as simple as spending time together just talking. Showing that you are there for them, you support them, and are proud of them can provide a sense of stability and pride for your loved ones. In addition, simple actions that cannot be held can go a long way. Some intangible gift ideas for you to give your loved one can include:
- Learning a new hobby together
- Having coffee together in the morning
- Spend a night watching movies together
- Host a sober party celebrating their sobriety
- Take them on a camping trip
- Attend therapy for yourself to learn how to support your loved one
- Attend meetings with your loved ones if they wish
Spending time with your loved one is one of the biggest ways you can show your support. Give them the gift of your time. Time is valuable, and those precious sober memories you create will be something you and your loved one will cherish forever. If you want to gift your loved one a tangible gift, there are great options for that as well.
Gifting Tangible Items During Sobriety
Tangible gifts are those that can be held. Frequently individuals are worried about giving gifts to their newly sober loved ones. This can be for many reasons, but one of the biggest concerns is giving something that may interfere with their loved ones’ sobriety. Not to worry, though- several sobriety-friendly gifts will make the last impression and show your loved one that you care and are proud of them.
- A journal to document their sobriety journey
- A sobriety calendar to keep track of milestones
- A spa day gift certificate
- Personalized jewelry or keychains
- Guided Lessons can include yoga, meditation, cooking classes, arts and crafts, anything.
- Tickets to an amusement park or skydiving attraction
- Sobriety memento- anything that honors the date of sobriety
- Houseplants
- A Bible
- A book of daily affirmations
Your loved one will understand any hesitations you may have with giving them money. If they do not understand, encourage them to speak with their counselor or sponsor on the subject. Highlighting your loved one’s sobriety and making gifts personal are sure ways to ensure a hit, no matter what the gift is. You can always ask your loved ones if they need anything and use their cues as to what you may help them most with.
Starting the Recovery Journey and Living Sober Life
Here at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we understand that medical detox and inpatient treatment are only the first steps on the lifelong journey of addiction recovery – the recovery process does not stop simply because you have completed treatment. That is why we are an all-encompassing facility. Our program provides comprehensive aftercare services to each of our clients. We believe that a long-term continuum of care is essential to long-term recovery, and our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is dedicated to helping you along every step of the way – from medical detox to sober living housing and outpatient treatment. So don’t wait any longer- reach out today for more information on our unique aftercare recovery programs and start your journey to a sober life.
