OT- Suggestions for a 1 yr sober gift

[left210]

My brother has his one year "birthday" as they call it in AA. He is a recovering alcoholic and this is the longest he has ever made it and he is truly on the right path now. I would like to get him something special for this occasion. Any suggestions?

 

[crisrn2003]

Is there something he's really been wanting, but hasn't bought for himself? What about a get away somewhere like an overnight trip to B&B for himself and someone special. Is he into anything like fishing where you could get him a special fishing reel? What about tickets to a sports game he likes/favorite team? Does he like clothes? Maybe a cool leather jacket? A watch or piece of jewelry he could keep and remember you and his special occasion by? A season of DVD's of his favorite TV show? Take him to lunch or dinner to celebrate with you and praise him on his efforts, ordering a birthday cake for him?
Congrats to him! Thats an amazing accomplishment.

 

[debster812]

My GodFather is 26 years sober.

Every year on his 'birthday' his daugter (my cousin) sends him flowers.

 

[meandtheguys2]

You could get a nice 1 year coin and get it framed. Not the one from a mtg., that he might want to keep on his person.

Yeah for him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[shortbun]

I think something small that he could keep in his pocket, a rubbing stone or a special coin. A quiet but always there congrats! I know lots of people in recovery and they celebrate quietly-is that weird? It is supposed to be a private and anonymous group. Does he talk about it with strangers or just family. Maybe ask him.

 

[Kitty-chan]

How about something symbolic of 24 hours? AA focuses a lot on taking things one day at a time, what some people call the "24 hour plan." So, a nice watch, a clock, a calendar, something that focuses on time?

Another symbol some sober people think of is the camel. A camel walks for a loooong time without a drink. I remember at one point in time there was a gift shop for sober people called "The Sober Camel."

Or how about a toy wagon, to symbolize your support for him "staying on the wagon?"

I think it's wonderful that you want to celebrate this milestone with him. He's lucky to have such a supportive sister!

 

[Microcell]

Does he have kids? I would say a picture of them on a keychain or something he can put on the wall. A constant reminder that he is doing the right thing by his kids would be a nice idea.

 

[IDoDis]

How about something from one of those wedding-type stores in the mall (called "Things Remembered")? When my DH accepted Jesus as his savior, some friends gave him a nice black coffee mug with that date on it and the words "John 3:16" engraved on a pewter plate that was attached to the mug. You could do something similar with the date he recovered and maybe an uplifting quote from AA.

 

[left210]

Thanks for all the ideas. I wanted to do something symbolic that he would have that would remind him of this special occasion. I thought about an engraved keyring from Things Remembered but I was trying to think of something to put on it that would be supportive or inspirational when he saw it but I dont know what it would be. As you know there is not much space to put something but I couldnt think of somehting related to AA. I know on the back I would put something like We are so proud of you, etc. But I wanted to put something short but inspirational on the front. Any suggestions?

 

[bgdiznee]

How about the quote "One day at a time" if it would fit, or The initials ODAT. This might work, especially if the AA uses it as part of their program.

 

[left210]

bgdiznee - I live in Indiana but work in Louisville.

 

[LetsgoDisney!]

My DBrother is almost 7 yrs sober - There are a lot of gift websites- try googling alcoholics anonymous gifts etc and many sites will come up- They have everything from the special coins on key chains (I think that's what I got him the first year), plaques, stones etc. He'll also get a coin from his sponsor- My bro always carries that. I also sent him a card in the mail- very simple but telling him I was so proud of him- he was very touched with it. Congratulations to him!
Donna

 

[LISMYLIFE]

Congrats to your brother! Here is a link to a gift a gave a good friend. It is pretty neat.

recovery-discovery.com/prayer.htm

 

[bgdiznee]

Hello Life210. We are not natives but we've lived in Louisville about 12 years now. I'm very happy for your brother and I hope he continues on his road to recovery.

 

[PoohNPiglet]

I know some one who battled an addiction and I gave them a gift from Successories Specifically I gave the Never Give Up framed picture. I don't know how much you want to spend but they have clocks (like another poster mentioned) with these pictures next to them. If I had more money, I would have gotten a nicer one than what I did. There are some really nice ones up there, search for "Life is a Journey", "The Essence of Destiny", "The power of Belief", "Change", etc. There are many, many to choose from. Most have clocks, mugs, etc to go with the sayings. I think many can be personalized. So many of them have such nice pictures that I would fill my walls with them! I hope this helps.

 

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

What about finding a nice print of The Serenity Prayer and getting it framed? My Dad will be close to 20 years sober this year! Wow, how time is flying by!! Congrats to your brother!

 

[left210]

What about finding a nice print of The Serenity Prayer and getting it framed? My Dad will be close to 20 years sober this year! Wow, how time is flying by!! Congrats to your brother!

We are on the same idea. My local Things Remembered store is closed and last night I thought of a framed Serenity prayer but have been calling all morning with no luck so far. I have called all of our local christian book stores. Unfortunately the celebration is tonight so I hope I can find one. I think one of the stores said they might have a poster of it that I could get a poster frame for but was really looking for something nicer. My other idea was a life recovery bible.