It feels like it happens every year, the months go by in a flash and before you know it, the holiday season is upon us. And now it’s time to find that perfect gift for those closest to you.
Breakthrough T1D is here to take some of the stress out of gift-giving and we’ve put together a holiday gift guide with some creative and fun ideas that can not only work for people living with T1D, but others on your list, whether they are family, friends, or colleagues. Knowing that the most treasured present is the one that comes from the heart.
Everyone loves being cozy
Sweaters, fuzzy blankets, tuques, scarves and mittens – these are simply Canadian essentials, and there is no shortage of styles, patterns and colours you can choose from.
Find some inspiration at a place like Simon’s, a Canadian store that has both household items and clothing, and that delivers across the country.
Or with enough time and energy, you could crochet a scarf or hat. You could even treat yourself to a crochet kit for a beginner, making it a gift to yourself too!
And keeping feet warm and comfortable can be even more important for people with T1D. Compression socks, and anti-fatigue mats can help with fatigue and aching in the calves and feet.
Consider non-skid, seamless and moisture-wicking socks, and pair them with a fun pair of cozy slippers (make sure they’ve got a solid and padded sole and a closed toe and back to prevent slipping). There’s nothing worse than waking up to cold floors on unprotected feet.
A fancy medic-alert bracelet
It’s advised that people with T1D wear a medic alert bracelet. And you may remember the more utilitarian style from your childhood. But did you know they come in a variety of styles, including necklaces and additions for a smartwatch band?
You can find the entire collection here: https://www.medicalert.ca/products
Keeping skin soft and supple all winter
The winter cold makes skin dry, cracked and uncomfortable. This can be especially challenging for people living with T1D. Well-moisturized skin also helps with glucose monitoring. Consider stuffing the stocking of your loved one with T1D with luxurious and rich moisturizers. Look for ones that contain urea.
Gifts to stimulate your brain
It’s easy to want to ‘couch rot’ when the days get short, cold and dark. And there is nothing wrong with a day or two doing very little. But why not also consider gifts that challenge the mind. Trivia games, sudoku, 10,000-piece puzzles, or even just old-fashioned books are gifts that can help keep the mind stimulated during that period between Christmas and New Year’s when it’s hard to remember what day or time it is!
Fun and creative insulin pump and CGM stickers
Started by a Canadian diagnosed with T1D when she was 33 years old and someone who loved colourful designs and stylish jewelry, Edda decided to create her own line when she found there were limited options in Canada.
In addition to a range of beautiful insulin covers and CGM stickers, Pimp My Diabetes also offers stylish diabetes bags and jewelry. And they have a full range of clothing and apparel options for both people who have T1D and their loved ones.
Check out the full range of items here: https://pimpmydiabetes.com/
(*Please note that Breakthrough T1D receives no funding from any of the suggested links, they are just to help you get started)
Gve the gift of breakthroughs
Maybe you don’t know what to give a colleague, or that one friend who’s really hard to shop for.
Supporting a charity, including Breakthrough T1D Canada will help you to feel good while doing good. And a donation not only helps today but can create a lasting legacy. Your support can help Breakthrough T1D in our mission of making every day life better for the close to 300,000 Canadians living with T1D, while we drive towards cures.
And if you donate today, your gift will be matched 2x up to December 31, 2025, allowing you to double your impact, and receive a final tax receipt before the end of year.
And here’s our gift to you!
Please also accept our gift to you – an electronic holiday card that you can fill in with your own message and use to help raise awareness of type 1 diabetes in Canada.
Download by clicking on the card
No matter how stressful or busy the holiday season gets, always remember that you can’t go wrong with a gift given with genuine consideration and thought.
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From everyone here at Breakthrough T1D, please accept our sincerest wishes for a happy, restful and restorative holiday season, and all the best for the coming new year.