Someone you love has gone off the booze. Cutting down, Dry January, stopped for good, whatever. And now you've got to buy them a present.
Panic. A candle? A herbal tea selection? A book called Mindful Living? Please don't. They'll smile politely and regift it by February.
The golden rule: a treat, not a hint
There's a big difference between “thought you'd love this” and “thought you might need this”. One is a gift. The other is an intervention with wrapping paper.
The best alcohol-free present lets them join in. A drink for the Christmas toast. A beer for the match. Something nice for Friday night.
Don't do this
Don't buy a bottle of wine “for when you're back on it”. That's like buying a cake for someone on a diet and saying “for later”.
Don't make a speech. “I'm so proud of you for your journey.” Mate, it's Secret Santa.
And don't buy fizzy grape juice and pretend it's champagne. They'll know. Everyone will know.
Do this instead
For the beer fan: the Yorkshire Alcohol Free Beer Gift Box, six cans from God's own county. Football fan? Add Fierce Beer 1983, brewed with Aberdeen FC.
For the toast: Pierre Zéro Sparkling Chardonnay, French fizz at a true 0.0%. Everyone gets a glass, nobody gets left out.
For the G&T lover: Pearsons London Botanic and a bottle of Mediterranean tonic. Add a lemon and a bow. You're basically Father Christmas.
For after dinner: Pallini Limonzero, proper Italian limoncello at 0.0%. Serve ice cold. Feel sophisticated. Spill it on your Christmas jumper anyway.
If they've become a runner
Some people stop drinking and start running. Five-hour runs, every Sunday, forever. They swapped hangovers for hamstrings. Still out the game. Buy them a drink anyway. They deserve something nice at the finish line, and they've definitely got enough running socks.
Add a note
Gift sets come with a gift note, up to 200 characters. Keep it short and warm. “Cheers to you” works. “Happy Christmas, legend” works. “I see you've changed” does not.
The deal bit
Mix any 6 drinks, gift sets included, and get 5% off, up to 15% for 24. More ideas in our gift guide.
The serious bit
Order early: orders ship in 2 to 3 working days, and December gets busy. You're not in Home Alone, and this isn't the airport. Every drink shows its exact ABV, so check the label if your person needs zero.
