Holiday Gifts For People With Food Allergies

Written by: Lisa_MacColl

Seasonal gifts for people with food allergies can be tricky, because many standard commercial baked goods and chocolates may be off the list. For kids with food allergies, there are funky epipen carriers, or delicious allergy friendly chocolates. For adults with a gluten intolerance, gluten allergy or any other kind of food allergy, there are magazines, gift baskets and pampering products. Here are some food allergy friendly ideas for unique gifts.

1.    EpiPen Covers and Pouches

Practical doesn’t have to be boring. There are a number of options on the market for covers and pouches for EpiPens. They vary in size to hold 2 EpiPens, a Twin injector or an EpiPen and emergency supply of Benedryl. (all prices do not include shipping)Here are links to a couple of my favorites:

Kozyepi is Made in Canada, comes in a variety of colors, and can be worn with a clip or as a belt. The cost is $35 for the duo or $30 for a single. Kozyepi also has pouches designed to hold asthma puffers. The cost for the puffer pouch is $20. These are fun and funky and practical at the same time. You can enter to win a free Kozyepi case from Allergy Sense.

Made in Canada. Moxie Pouches offers EpiPen covers in fun, kid-friendly styles that comes with a strap and can be hooked on a belt, worn around the waist or across the shoulder. The cost is $24.95.

E-belt products are built to last and would be perfect for the boys and men on your list. They have EpiPen belts, EpiPen and puffer combos, and EpiPen, benedryl and puffer belts. This could be the perfect gift for the man with food allergies or other reactions that could trigger anaphylaxis. Cost ranges from $40-$120 depending on the style.

2.    Labels made easy.

An easy, fun way to remind people of food allergies, Mabel’s Labels has labels that you can customize with a name and the food allergy information on it.  They are dishwasher safe, durable and cost $18.50 for a pack of $20 labels.

Id Me labels have fun labels that include pictures of the most common food allergies: dairy, soy, wheat, shellfish, peanut, egg and tree nuts. They are dishwasher safe and can be attached to lunch boxes, lunch containers and serve as a fun reminder for food allergies. They are $18.75 for 25 labels.

3.    Allergy Alert Bracelets and Jewellery.

One of the smartest things a person with food allergies can do is wear a medical alert bracelet that lists their allergies. Medic Alert is perhaps the best known, and they offer monitoring in addition to the bracelet. If you are looking for a way to alert people to a food allergy, there are some great, fashionable options including Lauren’s Hope.  There are styles for men, women, boys and girls in a wide range of styles and price ranges. Choose from mood changing beads, silver, gold or pearl accents, pendant, bracelet or ankle bracelet style, and styles specifically designed to withstand summer camp. Prices vary.

4.    Food Allergy Friendly Chocolates and Candy.

There are a couple of good sources for food allergy friendly candy and baking supplies. Located in the US, but happy to ship to both the US and Canada, the Natural Candy Store lists their products by Gluten-free, Allergen-free, Corn-free and provides complete ingredient listings. They also feature Kosher and Feingold candy.  Pure Fun is a Canadian company that provides complete ingredient listings, and is known for its gluten free, casein free, dairy free and candy made without artificial colors, flavors or other additives. One of their most popular items at Christmas is their organic candy canes. Peanut Free Planet is always a great site. They offer a wide range of baking ingredients, candy, chocolate, gift baskets and gift certificates. They also feature organic, kosher and classroom sized products.  Located in the US, and happy to ship to Canada.

5.    Food Allergy Friendly Gift Baskets.

Why not pay a quick trip to your local specialty food store and put together a basket of food allergy friendly goodies. For example, a celiac would be thrilled to receive a basket of gluten-free shortbread or other holiday treats. Many specialty bakeries will have gift baskets ready-made to make your shopping easy. Sweet Alexis offers gift packs and gift certificates. Products are available dairy free, egg free, peanut free and tree nut free.

6.    Magazine Subscriptions.

Give a gift that lasts the whole year (or two, or three…) There are so many great magazines that include information about living with food allergies. Allergic living magazine, Living Without, Vegetarian Times or a non-allergy magazine such as O Magazine or Real Simple.

7.    Pampering Products.

Did you know that some body lotions contain almond oil which would trigger a reaction in someone allergic to tree nuts? Some facial scrubs contain walnut shells. If you want to pamper someone, make sure you read the labels for the ingredients. The Body Shop has a complete list of ingredients for all their products on their website. Some of their soaps contain soya, so be sure to check individual products for their ingredients.

Derma e products are natural, contain no artificial colours and are paraben free and organic. There is a complete list of ingredients on the website.

Nature’s Baby Products has a complete line of natural products that are organic, free of chemicals, artificial colours, and chemical preservatives. There is a full line of body care products, and the ingredients for each product are listed on the website.

With a bit of advance planning, gift giving for food allergy sufferers can be as easy as kissing under the mistletoe.  Happy shopping!

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