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Diabetes Gift Guide from dLife

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.

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 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.

Xbox Kinect
Like the Wii, the controller-free gaming system from Xbox, Kinect, is full-body gaming, keeping your loved one active. At the wave a hand or the sound of a voice, controlling movies and music is also possible with this system.

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 StressEraser 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. Certain aromas and scents have also been found to enhance and promote psychological and physical well-being.

Groovy Patches®
These fashionable patches cover the sterile pads surrounding the insulin pump injection site. Great gift idea for teens that love to accessorize.

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.

Smartphone
Do you know someone who's a bit more technologically advanced? With a smartphone, people can access more advanced computing abilities and connectivity compared to a basic feature/cell phone. The best part? Downloading diabetes applications on a smartphone. The tools are right at your fingertips! Like the dLife App for the iPhone—it offers BG tracking, plus all the videos, recipes, and experts you can find at our website (99 cents for download).

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. Don't think they're up for the one-on-one attention? Purchase some group class passes instead!

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-month 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 involved 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.

NEXT: More Gift Ideas

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08