Gift Basket Ideas for Those with Diabetes
For anyone, diabetic or not, receiving an assembled basket of items is a much appreciated gift. Gift baskets are a great way to recognize the interests and pleasures of the recipient.
Care should be taken, though, not to simply pick a number of items with the words "diabetes" or "diabetic" on them. The person with diabetes is much more than just a diabetic.
Suggested Items
Food Items
There are many items that are labeled sugar-free. Not every person with diabetes is comfortable with sugar substitutes, though, so a basket full of these types of items might not be appropriate.
Instead, consider a good quality dark chocolate, above 75 percent cocoa content, with no added sugar. Popcorn is another healthy snack item, as are fruits (consider a fruit-of-the-month club gift). Nuts are also a good choice, as long as you are sure the person being gifted does not have any nut allergies.
Mixes of various types, packaged in attractive containers, allow the gifter to share a favorite recipe. Some suggestions include dried non-starch vegetables, with a dehydrated soup base and a recipe, all packaged in a soup cup; the ingredients for a dip mix in a pretty serving container; or spice mixes labeled for different uses. All are welcome and not terribly expensive to create.
Items that Pamper
Those with diabetes need to take good care of themselves. Good choices might include a set of soothing lotions and powders, soft socks or slippers with no seams, or gloves that are soft and warm but not binding.
A gift certificate for a spa treatment would certainly be appreciated.
Scented candles, particularly those with lavender, sandalwood or rosemary, can help relieve the daily stresses we all face.
Diabetes-Specific Items
For the diabetic who needs to carry their testing medication equipment with them, an attractive tote would be nice. An alternative might be for the diabetic who wears an insulin pump. For that person a gift certificate to a local tailor or seamstress to design pouches to hold the tubing would be a unique and helpful gift.
St. JoseMaria Escriva is the Catholic Patron Saint of Diabetics. Charms and necklaces are available honoring him.
A home blood pressure reader is a great tool for the diabetic who is keeping an eye on their overall health. So is a compact food diary or a small food scale.
Of course, there are many cookbooks available that focus on maintaining a healthy, diabetic-friendly diet. Subscriptions to diabetes magazines offer recipes and diet planning ideas as well. There are also electronic menu planners and recipe managers available for a phone, tablet or computer.
Ideas for Children
There are a few learning toys designed primarily for younger children. They teach kids how to recognize their symptoms, and how to manage them. Jerry the Bear, Joe Toucan and Ruby the Bear with Diabetes are some of the toys available (although it can be tough to locate one of these). There are also books and computer games for all ages.
Sources: Jerry the Bear, dLife and DiabetesMine
Photo credit: poppet with a camera on Flickr
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