Holiday gift ideas for the person with diabetes in your life

Holiday gifts and diabetes
 

The holiday season is a time for giving, and finding the perfect gift for someone with diabetes is a thoughtful way to show you care. Whether you're looking for something to help them manage their condition, show your support, or simply bring a smile to their face, we've got you covered. Here are some fantastic holiday gift ideas that are sure to make the person with diabetes in your life feel special and appreciated.
 

Thoughtful and practical gifts

These carefully chosen gifts not only show your care and understanding but also help them maintain their health and well-being.

1. Medical ID bracelets are often essential for people with diabetes, but they certainly don't need to be boring. Lauren’s Hope is a company that offers custom engraved medical ID bracelets that are both stylish and functional. These bracelets can be personalized with important medical information, providing peace of mind as well as a chic accessory. 
    
2. The Lokai Diabetes Bracelet is not only a unique piece of jewelry, but one that also supports a great cause. Lokai bracelets are unisex and infused with water from Mount Everest and mud from the Dead Sea (aka, the highest and lowest points on our planet) as a reminder of the highs and lows of life. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from each bracelet goes to Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. It's a gift that gives back!
    
3. Custom T-shirts can be a great gift for other members of your loved one’s diabetes support squad. This “I wear blue for my ____” shirt on Etsy can be personalized with messages of encouragement and solidarity, making it perfect for family members and friends who want to help raise awareness and showcase their support.
    
4. A food journal or wellness planner like this one from Life & Apples can be a helpful tool for people with diabetes to stay organized and on top of their diabetes management. Planners with dedicated sections for meal planning, glucose tracking, and exercise logs are best for people with diabetes, and can help them keep track of their overall wellness.
    
5. Fitness trackers make great gifts for both athletic and non-athletic friends and family. Physical activity is important for managing glucose levels, and a fitness tracker can be a great motivator. Look for trackers that monitor steps, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. Some popular brands include Fitbit, Garmin, and the Apple Watch.
    
6. An insulin cooler travel case is perfect for those who travel and need to keep their insulin at the right temperature. The Frio insulin cooler travel case is a practical option that ensures their insulin stays cool and safe, no matter where their journey takes them.
    
7. A diabetes-friendly cookbook can provide delicious and healthy meal ideas, and we know eating well is a key part of managing diabetes. For those looking for some new holiday dessert recipes (or who just have a sweet tooth!), The Diabetic Goodie Cookbook offers nearly 200 easy, blood sugar-friendly recipes with no artificial sweeteners.
    
8. A diabetes-friendly meal delivery service is ideal for those who love to eat but hate to cook. You can order and ship a week or month’s worth of meals from diabetes-friendly meal deliveries. Companies like BistroMD and Mom’s Meals meet specific dietary needs.
    
9. A donation to a diabetes organization can be the best gift for those who want to make a bigger impact. Consider making a donation to a diabetes organization in your loved one’s name. Organizations like Breakthrough T1D, Life for a Child, Beyond Type 1, and TCOYD are doing incredible work to support those with diabetes and fund research for a cure.
    

Stocking stuffer ideas 

Stocking stuffers are a delightful way to add small yet meaningful touches to your holiday gifts, especially for someone managing diabetes. These thoughtful stocking stuffers are sure to bring a smile.

1. Check out Diabetes.shop for our latest diabetes tech accessories. Some of our favorites include:
   • Pump Peelz™ sticker skin: A stylish skin can brighten up their insulin pump, and this cheerful yet elegant Winter Flowers pattern is perfect for making a statement this holiday season.
   • Silicone skin: If you’re looking for a solid color option that also provides increased grip, this silicone skin in a deep wintery blue shade will help protect their pump in style.
   • Lenny™ the Lion pump carrying case: Perfect for littles, this plush Lenny the Lion carrying case is both adorable and practical, featuring a zippered pouch to hold their insulin pump.
   • StayPut™ oval patches: Help your friend or family member channel their inner Grinch by popping an extra pack of green-themed adhesive patches into their stocking.
      
2. Funny diabetes stickers can bring a touch of humor to daily diabetes management. Perfect for decorating notebooks, laptops, glucose meters, or even insulin pump cases, they also serve as a reminder that living with diabetes doesn't mean you can't have fun and express your personality. Some humorous ones we found include:
   • Proud Member of the Broken Pancreas Club 
   • It’s Me, High, I’m The Problem, It’s Me 
   • I Can Do Anything Except Make Insulin
      
3. Custom temporary tattoos for kids are helpful when attending big, crowded events. These temporary medical alert tattoos on Etsy are a good alternative to medical bracelets as well. Give the gift of peace of mind!  
    
4. Glucose tabs are a must-have for anyone with diabetes to quickly raise blood sugar levels in case of hypoglycemia. Shop on Amazon for glucose tabs that offer a tasty twist to this essential item, are easy to carry around, and can be a lifesaver when blood sugar levels drop unexpectedly.  
    

Other gift ideas 

Still looking for something? Try these more universal gift ideas that can work for anyone on your list! 

1. Aromatherapy candles can help lift someone’s mood. Diabetes got you down? A bright citrus scent can cheer you up. Feeling the mental burden of carb counting? A lavender scent can help relax you. Gift one, or create a gift basket with a variety of scents. 
    
2. Scented soap is a timeless holiday gift, and always appreciated when people are trying their hardest to stay healthy during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Help your friends and family keep it clean, whether you opt for some uniquely carved bars or some sweetly scented body washes.
    
3. Flavored oils, vinegars, or spices can be a fun and thoughtful alternative to the usual food-focused holiday gifts, especially if you’re unsure of someone’s food allergies or preferences. If you’re planning on dropping off a gift to a friend or neighbor, flavorful oils and vinegars, sauces, or spices allow them to tweak their own dishes to their liking.
    
4. A cheerful holiday plant can brighten up anyone’s interiors. Whether you opt for a traditional cherry-red poinsettia (glitter added or not!), or something more creative like this Candy Cane Amaryllis from Harry and David, nothing says festive quite like a colorful floral arrangement.
    

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