A Christmas List for the Sober and Sober Curious
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This list is for you, your partner, or a friend that is alcohol-free, stopping drinking for good or attempting a healthier lifstyle. They're all items that support you or your AF loved ones in their sober quest and are all locally owned / Australia made products that I will be adding on to my letter to Father Christmas.
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So, let go of the sober anxiety this year and grab Christmas my the baubles. Enjoy it and spend the money you would have splurged on a yucky booze... on you instead!
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I hope you find something you like for a.... Merry 'Sober' Christmas! x
I know this is early, but seeing as everywhere I go there are bulgy eyed elves singing about Santa’s sleigh I thought I may as well hang up some fairy lights and join the party.
I'll be honest and say that Christmas used to be a trigger for me. The pressure to drink, party games, a ridiculous amount of cooking and silly family arguments made for an overwhelming environment. But somehow, with gritted teeth and a few fizzy apple Mocktails, I've made it through the past three years with only one family fall out (a dispute over bubble and squeak). Pretty good going I reckon.
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This year I've decided to look forward to Christmas. I'm going to set aside the dread and embrace the awkward, be satisfied with a tasteless jumpers, flashing reindeer earrings and the tangerine rolling around in the bottom of my stocking. I'm going to soak up every minute and appreciate the simplicity of being with my family, and hopefully I will get to open some nice prezzies.
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These days I'm hoping for practical gifts, something that lasts, is eco-friendly and has purpose. Or perhaps an experience that make me feel pampered or exhilarated. (but nothing as extreme as a bungie jump or as dull as a Macarme class! That's just me though!)
Project Prago Insulated
Drinkware
They have designed a range of premium insulated drinkware, bottles & cups that are built tough enough to travel, functional and stylish enough to go anywhere you go. Every PARGO sold helps a person in need gain access to clean water.
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Indigo Bay create personalised morse code bracelets.
These are made to order and make the perfect gift for a sober friend. Add your sober date or just a message.
These bracelets have meaning, but you choose what they mean to you.
Made to tie on and leave on until they fall off.
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Personalised Sober Jewellery
Will & Bear Hats
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Will& Bear's mission is to reduce impact through thoughtful designs, give back to the planet and create a culture that cares for the environment, to inspire all to preserve it. These hats really are slick and are made here in Australia.
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'Will & Bear was born in 2015 from the place we feel most inspired; on the road. Alex (Bear) was looking for a hat that wasn't intimidating, was practical, long-lasting and felt natural in the Australian outdoors. Loz (Will) watched Alex struggle to find something that he felt comfortable trying on. When we couldn't find what we were looking for, we set out to create it'.
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Curated with Conscience
Eco Hamper
Gifts with gorgeous design and incredible quality but first and foremost, socially conscious.
Beautiful gifts that do good. This was my pick -
An artisan chocolate care package for cosying up on the couch on rainy days. Featuring vegan, hand-crafted chocolate creations, and a stunning reusable coffee cup created from repurposed coffee bean husks.
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https://curatedwithconscience.com.au/collections/all/products/chocolate-therapy-vegan
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Re-Usable
Clay Coffee Cups
Help save the earth one reusable coffee cup at a time! This collection of handmade reusable coffee cups come in three sizes to suit the needs of all coffee drinkers. Small 6oz, Medium 8-10oz & Large 12-14oz, Made from durable high fired stoneware & fitted with a BPA free 100% silicone lid for easy sipping. Heat resistant bands also available.
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Liquorice Moon Studios are the handmade ceramic creations of Eve Simmons, from the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
With a focus on creating unique & special items, Eve aspires to produce functional objects that are a pleasure to use in the home, to enrich & inspire everyday rituals such as having a coffee or serving dinner to your family.
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https://www.liquoricemoonstudios.com/collections/pottery-workshops-classes
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Platters
Beautiful handmade resin boards that are perfect for that healthy Christmas platter.
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'I wanted to make functional artworks at an affordable price so began making Cheese Platters. My resin boards differ from other resin works out there as mine are created from an artists’ way of thinking rather than a view for business. Each piece is unique, and I take great care to prepare and finish the artwork well.
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https://www.seajayart.com.au/shop/
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Lyres Mocktail Mixers
& Spritzers
Beautifully Crafted Non-Alcoholic Spirits
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Many years in the making, Lyre’s exquisite range of lovingly crafted non-alcoholic spirits was borne from a quest to make the impossible possible – giving the freedom to drink your drink, your way. Not just provide an alternative to those who don’t wish to imbibe alcohol, but ensure everyone can enjoy the mirth and merriment of a soiree or shindig.
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With Lyre’s it’s up to you – replace some of the alcohol in your drink to make a low alcohol Lyre’s or make your classic favourites as a no-alcohol option simply by selecting from the many Lyre’s variants in our extensive range.
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Love Thy Self Diary
Master your self love, self compassion and self-confidence with our beautiful 150 page hard cover Love Thy Self A5 workbook and journal.
First it's about you, fall in love with yourself first.
Give yourself the love that you so easily give away.
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This workbook is all about building your self love! Throughout this workbook we explore our self worth, our confidence, our self esteem, our self compassion and self love techniques.
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https://insitemind.com.au/products/love-thy-self-workbook-journal
Massage Voucher & Scented Candle
A massage is the perfect gift for someone that has given up drinking.
Not only is it relaxing, it also means we get some alone time. I think the further away from home the better (preferably Bali!) for busy people that extra down time in the car with a good podcast is all part of the pamper session.
I recommend giving the voucher with a nice scented candle from Ashley and Co.
https://shop-au.ashleyandco.co
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Anything from T2
From tiny tea shop to global brewing force!
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Born and brewed in Melbourne, Australia, at T2 Tea we get a kick out of turning the world of tea on its head. We love to create brews that take you on a journey, travelling near and far to source the best teas from all over the planet.
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Sip by sip, we’re building a generation of tea lovers on every continent – a brewing force for good coming together over the humble cuppa to celebrate our difference to make a difference.
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A Well Deserved
Time Out
When it all get too much....
Listen to an episode of Sober Awkward.
I know this may seem like a sneakily placed, mindless plug, but really, this can be a great tool for anyone struggling on the big day.
If you need a time out, a break from the chaos and some advice... go for a walk and stick on the 'Guide to your first Sober Shindig' You'll get a giggle and some amazing tips and tricks on making it though the festivities unscathed and without shouting at your mother-in-law.
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Find Sober Awkward wherever you get your podcasts
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https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dng1lTL9Comxmr3DLKTYP?si=YnZ1ZUTgTpOO9Z4j30qh_g