Diabetes Gift Guide
Shopping Ideas for People with Diabetes
People with diabetes are more than their diabetes. They are first and foremost people, each with talents and interests unique to them. But if you are looking to give someone with diabetes the gift of encouragement and good health this holiday season or any time, here are some traditional and not-so-traditional ideas to help get you started.
Shop Online!
If you could shop and actually help raise money for diabetes research, awareness, and a cure, would you? Of course! For all-year round shopping, visit the dLife eMall. When you make a purchase, the retailers will make a contribution to the dlife Foundation to help better the lives of people with diabetes.
Stylish Carry-All
For the person with diabetes who has everything – and carries it with them – how about a stylish bag to tote around their diabetes supplies?
Holiday Cards for Diabetes
The members of the diabetes community have created some beautiful holiday cards that you can use to celebrate the season and make a difference. Check out the selection at the dLife Foundation.
Nintendo Wii
The new interactive video gaming system from Nintendo, Wii, is design to entertain all ages. This is a great gift that brings the family together. Staying active with a video game? Yes, using the motion-sensitive Remote controller and motion-sensitive analog Nunchuk controller to play such fun games as Dance Dance Revolution and Showtime Championship Boxing keeps the blood pumping and the calories burning.
GPS Navigation System
Can’t find the right gift? Portable or Handheld GPS gadgets are great gifts for drivers with diabetes, as they minimize stress by keeping you on track and they can also help your loved one find their new doctor’s office with ease!
The StressEraser
Help your love ones get stress under control with this new device by Sharper Image. The StressEaser is designed to calm your mind and relax your body in just 15 minutes. If your budget isn’t ready for such a splurge, how about a back massager from your local bath and body store? It’s all about lowering stress this season.
Scented Candles
Light up their lives with a basket of scented candles. There are new fragrances available for the season that many would enjoy and the soothing scents can help take the edge off a difficult diabetes management day
Groovy Patches®
These fashionable patches cover the sterile pads surrounding the insulin pump injection site. Great gift idea for teens that love to accessorize. http://www.groovypatches.com/index.php
Cell Phone/Telephone Card/ Pre-paid Phones
Ideal gifts for just about anyone! These pre-paid items can keep people with diabetes in touch with their support team, or can be used in case of an emergency.
Personal Trainer
Pre-paid sessions with a personal trainer can help someone get started or continue on a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes all it takes is a little guidance from a professional to get you on the fast-track to taking control of your diabetes.
Sugar Free Gift Baskets & Gourmet Gifts
Baskets filled with items carefully selected for diabetics. This great gift gives your loved one a little treat that’s safe to eat!
Subscriptions
There’s nothing quite like having a glossy magazine to thumb through for inspiration. How about the gift of a 12 months subscription to a magazine or journal that focuses on diabetes and a healthy lifestyle? This is an excellent way for individuals to keep updated with the latest news and trends in the diabetic community, and to have a little fun, too!
Homemade Gifts
An easy way to personalize your gifts. Get the kids involve in making cards, artwork, and scrapbooks filled with memories. Great gifts for grandma or grandpa. Add humor by making look a like sock puppets for kids and adults.
Shovel Snow
Take a few hours to shovel someone’s driveway or sidewalk. A helpful way to show that you care during this holiday season, and a great way to burn calories!
Eco-Friendly Gifts
Ideal for the environmentally conscious person on your shopping list. Focus on buying items made from recyclable material. A potted tree or taking a friend off a junk mail listing are great gift ideas. Get creative with wrapping paper and reuse old paper such as old newspaper or old maps.
Religious Gifts
Cater gifts to a person’s faith or spirituality. Research useful gift items such as; books, clothing, jewelry and ornaments related to their religious faith.
Adventurous Gifts
Give someone the once in a lifetime experience they always desired. Sign them up for bungee jumping or skydiving. And if you’re feeling bold, sign yourself up, too!
Humorous T-Shirts
Tapping into the lighter side of diabetes management, these humorous diabetes-themed T-shirts can add some much needed laughter to the holidays.
Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08