The holidays are upon us and trying to find the perfect gift for anyone can be tricky.
If you have someone living with diabetes on your shopping list, the holidays just got trickier.
What do you do when traditional boxes of holiday candies, peppermint bark and hot cocoa are not allowed on the wish list?
Holiday shopping for someone with diabetes is not impossible, it just takes a little creativity.
The team at Quest Health Solutions put together this quick list to find the perfect gift for anyone you may know who is dealing with diabetes this holiday season.
Holiday Gift Idea #1 – Decorative Bags and Totes
Diabetes often requires many supplies.
- ❖ Continuous Glucose Readers and Sensors
- ❖ Lancet Devices and Holders
- ❖ Test Strips
- ❖ Alcohol Patches and Cotton Balls
- ❖ Glucagon Emergency Kit
- ❖ Fast Acting Glucose
- ❖ Medications
- ❖ Snacks and Water
A decorative or designer bag is thoughtful yet functional at the same time and makes a great gift.
Holiday Gift Idea #2 – Medical Id Jewelry
While medical id jewelry is necessary for many patients, it has also come a long way from the traditional and standard silver bracelet. A quick search on the Internet will yield vendors that sell a variety of other options. Bracelets now come in stainless steel, gold, rose gold, suede and even cultured pearl options. There are now necklaces and other options, like id’s that can be affixed to cell phone cases. These are unique gift ideas that add another way to help diabetes patients stay safe.
Holiday Gift Idea #3 – Books
Knowledge is power and books are a great way to spread information and educate diabetes patients and loved ones in the process. Whether it’s an informative book filled with diabetes care and self-management ideas or a cookbook filled with recipes and meal planning ideas, books are a great gift for anyone living with diabetes. Another idea is to give the gift of blank pages to allow someone to tell their own story and personal journey. A journal is a special gift that allows for self-expression, growth and provides a release from the pressures of living with diabetes every day.
Holiday Gift Idea #4 – Exercise
“For people who have diabetes—or almost any other disease, for that matter—the benefits of exercise can’t be overstated. Exercise helps control weight, lower blood pressure, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, and improves general well-being. There are added benefits for people with diabetes: exercise lowers blood glucose levels and boosts the body’s sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance and has been linked to lowering HbA1C values in people with diabetes.”1
If hiring a personal trainer is not in the budget, then any fitness related gift will do. From Fitbits to Apple Watches, there are many devices that can act as their own personal trainer. Sign up for a fitness class that you can take together or fill a gift bag with athletic gear, weights, a yoga mat or anything that will encourage movement.
Holiday Gift Idea #5 – The Gift of Food
A private chef or cooking class would be a wonderful gift for anyone, especially for those learning to cook for diabetes. If that’s not an option, there are many other food gifts to choose from. Portion control containers or a food scale that help to measure food is a thoughtful gift to help stay on track. Instead of holiday boxes of tempting treats, opt for the many sugar-free and healthier substitutes that are available on the market today. Or, fill a basket filled with healthy alternatives and favorites that will avoid unnecessary spikes in blood sugar during the holiday.
Holiday Gift Idea #6 – Sleep and Relaxation
Lack of sleep can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and negatively impact diabetes. While you can’t necessarily give the gift of sleep, there are a number of sleep related and stress reducing gifts that can help friends and loved ones get a better night’s rest. Here’s a quick list of ideas:
- ❖ Eye Masks
- ❖ Bubble Bath
- ❖ Essential Oils and Creams
- ❖ Fuzzy Socks and Slippers
- ❖ Luxurious Robe
- ❖ Foot Massagers, Massage Guns or Massage Gift Certificates
- ❖ High Quality Sheets and Blankets
Holiday Gift Idea #7 – Comic Relief
Sometimes laughter is the best medicine and can help to keep blood sugar levels in check. Tickets to a favorite comedian, concert or even a night out on the town are fun gift ideas that may generate some comic relief. If the recipient of your gift giving has a good sense of humor, a quick Internet search for diabetes t-shirts will yield several designs with quirky sayings that are sure to spark some laughter this holiday season.
Holiday Gift Idea #8 – A Gift That Keeps Giving
A donation to the American Diabetes Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is a philanthropic way to give this holiday season. Giving a gift in someone’s honor will show that you support the cause and help others in the process.
On behalf of all of us at Quest Health Solutions, we wish you a healthy, happy and safe holiday season. This is a time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy all that the season has to offer. Living with diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate with everyone else. Be cautious, plan ahead, make the right food choices and most importantly enjoy the holiday.
Quest Health Solutions is here to support you during the holidays and always. We are committed to providing diabetes education to our patients and healthcare providers. To learn more about how Continuous Glucose Monitors can help you manage your diet during this holiday season, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School (2020) available at Click Here accessed on 5 December 2021.