Tried-and-tested gifts for the sober curious friends in your life
It’s fairly common practice to pick up a nice bottle of wine for your hostess or a bottle of whiskey for your in-laws around the holidays. But what about for the people trying to cut back, or planning on participating in Dry January this year? What about your child’s teacher? Though there is a time and place for it, gifting alcohol is not always appropriate or appreciated.
I’ve put together a list of my favorite sober(ish) products that I’ve personally used or tested in the past year to bring you some of my top recommendations for your family and friends, or to fill your own stocking with.
Stock and shipping times will change rapidly as the holidays inch closer, so act fast!
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For the Mixologist or Newly Pregnant…
We Are Raising the Bar Kits
For the person who appreciates a well-crafted drink, I recommend Raising the Bar, which is a monthly zero-proof cocktail program that ships curated box sets right to your door, every month. Each box includes a rotating theme and the ingredients make 3 unique recipes, and at least 10-12 drinks. It’s an incredible value and fun way to try out the best of the best on the non-alcoholic market. I’ve received a box every month this past year and always find something new I love. Box subscriptions range from 3-12 months or you can try a single box out. Prices start at $50, you can use code “Soberish15” for a discount at WeAreRaisingtheBar.com.
Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Spirits
After trying over 60 non-alcoholic spirits in the past two years, this is a brand I know I can always trust to deliver. Their stand-out products are their Tequila (Best of 2024 Award), Gin, Aperol and Bourbon. They’re perfect for crafting non-alcoholic drinks at home, and I also love their canned Margarita, which I always serve or bring to parties. You can save with code “Soberish” at FreeSpirits.com and several of the bottles are also available on my 2024 Amazon Holiday Gifts.
Mocktail Books & Recipes
Just released this fall, I love “The Happiest Hour” mocktail recipe book by Mocktail Mom which features over 100 delicious recipes to try at home. Another fun stocking stuffer is the “Make it a Mocktail” recipe deck by Derick Santigo, an award-winning mixologist. It features individual recipe cards with tasty recipes and beautiful photography. Both available on my 2024 Amazon Holiday List.
For the Wellness Girlies
Seek Health Home Test
For women planning on participating in Dry January or cutting back on alcohol next year, Seek is an invaluable home health test that measures how alcohol is impacting your body. With a simple prick of your finger and mail-in blood test, you can monitor 7 biomarkers across core health categories that are sensitive to alcohol (you can watch a reel on my experience taking the test for the first time here). Test before and after dry January to see how drinking less has a positive impact on your health. They also provide tips and lifestyle changes to help improve your scores. For women who still drink a little but want to make sure they are on top of the health impacts, information is your superpower. Use code “SoberishMom” at SeekHealthTest.com
Cured CBN Night Caps
With a combination of CBD and CBN these are your best friend for a rejuvenating night’s sleep. CBD is scientifically proven to help you relax and CBN (a derivitaive of THC but minimally psychoactive) is known for its sedative qualities. With a 6:1 ratio of 30mg of CBD and 5mg of CBN per capsule, these help me fall asleep, sleep more soundly through the night, and wake up refreshed with zero grogginess. Bundle them with the Serenity Gummies for a beautiful gift set (see below). From $70, use code “Soberish” for 15% off at CuredNutrition.com
Wine Lover’s Bundle
After sample dozens of disappointing non-alcoholic wines, this is a bundle that won’t let you down. This Syrah is one of my favorites and I always recommend a few dashes of All the Bitter in your non-alcoholic red wines to help improve the body, mouthfeel and complexity (read why here). An excellent gift choice or bottle to serve during the holidays, get one or both for a lovely bundle. From $25, both available on my 2024 Amazon Holiday Gift Guide.
Red Light Therapy Panel
I was skeptical of red light therapy but convinced by our doctor to purchase a full-length panel in 2020 after my husband’s hip surgery. Both his surgeon and physical therapist praised it for it’s anti-inflammatory benefits and muscle recovery. It’s amazing for helping me recover from intense workouts, and is also scientifically proven to improve your skin texture, reduce acne, fine lines and help with anti-aging. I use it 3-4x per week for 20min and absolutely feel the benefits. It’s an investment in your health, but every bulb is still going strong almost five years later. From $750 on my 2024 Amazon Holiday Gift Guide.
For All the Buzz and None of the Booze
Kava Haven
One of my break-out stars this year is Kava Haven, the first non-alcoholic spirit you can actually feel (watch my review here). Made with noble kava, this drink will help you unwind and relax without any of the hangover. It has zero added sugar and a refreshing lemon-ginger flavor that I love to drink on the rocks with a little sparkling soda. The effects are both relaxing and improve sociability, making you feel a little happy and giggly. This one is so fun to share with friends and perfect for people who want a little buzz without any THC or alcohol. $45 per bottle (17 servings) with code “SoberishMom15” at KavaHaven.com
Serenity Gummies
These gummies help me take the edge off in the evenings and have been such an amazing alternative to the nightly glass of wine I was in the habit of drinking. They have a powerful combination of ashwagandha (helps you relax and improve sleep), CBD, l-theanine (helps reduce anxiety), reishi mushroom extract, and a microdose of THC (about 1mg per gummy). These won’t get you “high” unless you take more than one, but give me a pleasant, relaxing feeling in the evening. I like to bundle these with the Night Capsules for the gift of a perfect night’s sleep. From $60, use code “Soberish” for 15% off at CuredNutrition.com
Cycling Frog
Not all THC products are created equal, and these drinks and gummies are one of my favorite ways to unwind on the weekends with friends. The flavors are unmatched with none of the weird earthiness you may have tasted before (Black Cherry and Cran-Razz are my personal favorites). Each can offers a combo of THC + CBD (doses vary) for a lovely relaxed and giggly feeling, and no hangover the next morning. Code “SoberishMom” stacks on any sales or orders for an extra 5% off at CyclingFrog.com
Happy holidays from mine to yours!
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