The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it the stress of finding that perfect gift for the important people in your life. Why not let Breakthrough T1D give you some ideas to help you really spoil your loved one living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
We’ve put together a gift guide with some fun holiday suggestions and ideas that can also work for just about anyone on your list. Whether you go simple, complicated, homemade, from a store or a gift card – know that the best gift is always the one chosen with care and thought.
For the person who loves to relax
Feeling great in your skin
With the winter cold comes dry skin, and this can be a particular challenge for people T1D. It’s also better for glucose monitoring when the skin is well moisturized. There are so many different brands and scents to choose from, so this can be a stocking stuffer that is practical, but also feels luxurious.
Find some ideas here: https://www.vitalitymedical.com/blog/10-best-lotions-creams-for-diabetic-dry-skin.html
Fun, cozy socks and slippers
Tired and painful feet are uncomfortable for anyone, but especially people with T1D. Compression socks can help with fatigue and nerve pain in the feet. Non-skid, seamless, moisture-wicking socks, or a funky pair of slippers (make sure they’ve got a good sole and a closed toe and back to prevent slipping) can ease the dreaded cold floors of winter. Plus, there is nothing better than feeling toasty, warm and cozy.
And for cuter socks and slippers.
Plants to add life to a home
It’s hard to go wrong with gifts that spruce up a living space. Easy to care for plants, like cactus or snake plants can add comfort and decoration while not requiring much maintenance.
There are also a variety of plants that help to purify the air in a room.
Find some inspiration and ideas here: https://foli.ca/ or https://plantsome.ca/
There’s nothing like being cozy
Sweaters, blankets, tuques and mitts – we all need them in the winter in Canada, and they offer warmth and function.
Find some inspiration here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/market/mittens or https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Carhartt/
Gift to stimulate the mind
Puzzles, board games and video games all help pass the time over the cold winter days. Maybe your child loves beading or making jewelry. Books, journals, crossword puzzles, sudoko or trivia games – all of these are great ideas to keep your loved one occupied and tapping into their creative side while hibernating over the long winter months.
For the fashionista in your life
Quirky and stylish diabetes supply bags
When you have T1D, you need to carry supplies with you, so why not make it cute and creative!
These fashionable accessories are often designed by people who have diabetes and understand that practicality doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too.
Glow up your pump and monitor covers
Consider these beautiful pump and glucose monitor covers by HyperPumpART. Stylish, lightweight and durable, these covers are reusable and handcrafted by their creators Shonna (who lives with T1D herself and Ricky). You can purchase them pre-made or get a gift card so the person with T1D in your life can choose their own.
See them here: https://hyperpumpart.com/ or on their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hyperpumpart
Clothes specially designed for people with diabetes
Breakthrough T1D supporter Warrior Hill designs clothing to be worn while playing sports that accommodate pumps and glucose monitors, and a portion of proceeds supports T1D research.
Learn more: https://www.warriorhill.ca/
(*Please note that except for Warrior Hill, Breakthrough T1D receives no funding from any of the suggested links, they are just to help you get started)
Gift the gift of philanthropy
We know that not everyone does gift exchanges over the holidays. Or maybe you’ve been searching for an appropriate gift for a colleague.
Donating to a charity, including Breakthrough T1D Canada will help you to feel good while doing good. The gift of philanthropy is one that helps both today and tomorrow. With your support, Breakthrough T1D can continue helping the close to 300,000 Canadians living with T1D – and their loved ones – live better, healthier lives today while we invest in the most promising research into cures for tomorrow – and get us closer to our ultimate goal, a world free from T1D.
And if you donate today, your gift will be doubled up to December 31, 2024, with a generous match.
Whatever gift you choose, if it’s chosen with consideration and thought – it will always be the right choice. From everyone at Breakthrough T1D, wishing you and yours a happy and peaceful holiday season, and a very happy 2025.
Thank you for supporting Breakthrough T1D and the T1D community.
