Christmas is fast approaching, and the closer it gets the more many people will
begin to panic in their quest for the “right” gift for those they care about. As time
runs down, a sale on boxed chocolates, membership in the Dessert of the Month
club, or that cookbook of high fat, high carb pasta dishes all seem like good
options despite their potential unsuitability for the person with diabetes.

Loosely grouped into categories, and running the gamut of cost ranges, whether
you’re buying for a loved one, suggesting something for them to buy for you, or
even just looking for suggestions of things to buy for yourself, you’re bound to
find something suitable here.

Medical Items:

• If your recipient has no, or poor, health insurance - a new glucose meter or a
  box (or more) of test strips for the meter they already have
  
• Prepaid gift cards from their local pharmacy (make sure they can be used
  for prescriptions and won’t expire too soon)
  
• Carrying case (insulated if on insulin) to hold test supplies, snacks, food log
  etc.
  
• Seamless socks
  
• Medic Alert bracelet or similar easily recognized identifier
  
• Good moisturizing hand & body lotion (check for allergies and/or preferred
  scents)
  
• An insulin pump
  

For the Kitchen:

• A pair of nice chopsticks (guaranteed to slow down eating habits)
  
• Sampler pack, or basket with assorted low carb or carb-free sauces, syrups,
  drink mixes etc
  
• Cookbooks - low carb, low fat, exchange system - whatever fits with their
  eating plan
  
• Good set of measuring spoons & cups
  
• Digital food scale
  
• Special mug with assortment of sugar free flavoured coffees or specialty
  herbal teas
  

Knowledge:

• Books:
  
• First Year Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by
  Gretchen Becker
  
• Diabetes for Canadians for Dummies by Ian Blumer
  
• Diabetes for Dummies by Alan Rubin (there is also a UK edition)
  
• Canadian Type 2 Diabetes Sourcebook by Sara Rosenthal
  
• You: On a Diet: The Owner’s Manual for Waist Management by Michael F.
  Roizen & Dr. Mehmet Oz
  
• Guide to nutritional information for food (carb, fat, protein etc.)
  

• Membership in Canadian Diabetes Association; American Diabetes
  Association or whatever national association is in your area
  
• Magazine Subscriptions:
  
• Diabetes Health
  
• Diabetic Living
  
• Diabetes Self-Management
  

Exercise:

• Videos or DVDs, at a level the recipient can handle - some ideas include
  pilates, aerobics, chair dancing etc.
  
• Exercise equipment:
  
• Hand weights
  
• Exercise bike (recumbents are very comfortable)
  
• Treadmill  
  
• Cross-country skis  
  
• Gift card for an athletic store to purchase some good walking shoes
  
• Light weight walking stick, especially for rural walkers
  
• Membership or passes for their local swimming pool or gym
  
• CDs by their preferred artists, fast enough for dancing around the house
  

Relaxation:

• Video or DVD of their favourite comedy. Laughter is a great healer.
  
• Aromatherapy products
  
• Table top water fountain
  
• Supplies for their favourite hobby
  
• Gift certificate for a massage or a Spa Day
  

Miscellaneous:

• Double-sided picture frame to hold their before and after photos if they’ve
  lost a significant amount of weight.
  
• Attractive notebook and pen for their food log or journal
  
• I.O.U. for a shopping trip to an out-of-the-way store or shopping center
  
• Make, or have made, a certificate to celebrate their continuing good
  glucose levels
  

And for the truly extravagant among us:

• A session at the Joslin Diabetes Center or a week at a health spa
  

Gift shopping for the person with diabetes may not be as easy as
stocking up at the local Chocolatier , but with a bit of thought you can still
put the perfect gift in their stocking or under the tree.

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