I love gifts.  I do.  I love ’em all.  Handmade ones, gifts that are hugs, gifts that I give, you name one and I’ll love giving it!  The last few weeks I’ve jotted down some really interesting items that I think would make a beautiful gift to someone with food allergies (or a parent) that not only is lovely to receive, but also says, “I really care about your food allergies”.  Below is a list of very unique items that I think you’ll enjoy checking out.  If you have some fun ideas, please add them in the comments below and then I’ll paste them into the body of this blog post.  Please note: none of the businesses mentioned below asked me write about them or paid me to mention them–they are items that I believe you might find enjoyable or not.  Most don’t have a clue I’m writing about them..until now.

This is only half of the  12 cupcakes we received.  We enjoyed chocolate icing with sprinkles and piped out our crazy designs happily!

12  Unique and fun holiday gifts that would tickle the fancy of anyone with life threatening food allergies–or their parents…

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• Divvies Cupcakes with a tub of frosting that you decorate!  I was thrilled beyond words when I received my box a few months ago (thank you Divvies–they learned I had never moved past Bingo Bars and Cookies and took action.  Note:  I was not paid to say lovely things about them).  I piped the chocolate icing, my daughter sprinkled, we ate and then we shared.  Not only were the cupcakes rich, nut free, egg free and dairy free–they were an activity in itself!  You receive a tub of icing, cupcakes and sprinkles and a box which turns into a gift/serving container to boot!
• A Kyle Dine, Music about Food Allergies CD or better yet….a video song dedication!  Yes!  For $30 Kyle will sing one of his songs and dedicate it to your child.  Leslie Allfree of AllFree Living (food allergy consultant) said it was the best $30 ever spent!  I believe you need to order before Dec 12th for the CDs to be shipped in time and I don’t know his turn around on the song dedication video.
• I simply love anything from Allergy Apparel–they just have such a nice selection of fun stuff–adorable epinephrine carriers, lunch boxes, painfully cute clothing, labels and even little toothpick style allergen flags to use at parties.   I usually have to cut myself off from ordering more than I need.
• For the adult (and possibly entire family) who is feeling that familiar weight of the world on their shoulders: From Diagnosis to Living Again™, from Allergy Words Consulting!  Private (or group) coaching sessions-in person, on the phone or via skype, to help you say good bye to stress.  Aleasa Word, food allergy coach, is raising children with life threatening food allergies and EOE.  She has such a hopeful and positive approach.  I simply love just being on facebook with her!
• I am seriously biased since Trust Your Journey is co-owned by a friend of mine, but how can anyone walking in our boots not feel inspired by their statement jewelry, tee shirts, hats and accessories. I always wear my Trust Your Journey Bracelet when I do anything related to food allergies and when I am being pushed outside of my comfort zone, I wear my TYJ heart necklace.  The symbolism of strength and trusting I’m doing exactly what I need to be doing is flat out inspiring and grounding for me.
• I think the Anaphylaxis training video from EpiCenter™ Medical Inc, is a great gift for those who either care for someone or who coach or work with children or adults managing life threatening food allergies.  It is the gift that could save a life.  Also, Gratefulfoodie readers will receive the largest discount ever- 40% off  offered by using the code GRATEFUL until December 31st, 2013.

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This is what the Kyle Dine song dedication might look like!

I LOVE books…the remaining ideas are my current book favorites…

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• The Princess and the Peanut remains one of my favorite books since I really enjoy the art work and my favorite part is when the prince cleans out the pantry to keep the princess safe.  I had the honor of meeting Sue Ganz Schmidt, the author of this book and she was even more interesting and fantastic than I had imagined!  Do you know that she does not have a food allergic child, but was inspired by food allergic children to write the The Princess and the Peanut?
• I also love reading Nutley, the Nut-free Squirrel , by  Stephanie Sorkin since I believe the book supports community and teaches how a community can rise to the occasion when a member develops food allergies.  Very cute artwork too-ridiculously adorable!
• Bonus idea: Not only you can buy the book, “Allergic Girl: Adventures in Living Well with Food Allergies”, you can schedule a Skype or phone food allergy coaching session with her too!  Sloane Miller is an adult who grew up with life threatening food allergies.  She understands dating, socializing and yes…kissing with food allergies.  Our local Food Allergy Support recently held a live New York City to Reno Google + lecture with her and it was incredible.
• “A Little Bit CAN Hurt”, is written by my friend Donna DeCosta, who just happens to be an physician, food allergy support group leader and mother of two food allergic children.  Her book title says it all.
• I would be remiss if I left out my beloved Henry Ehrlich (Henry–note that I spelled your name right this time) and “Asthma Allergies Children: a parent’s guide”.  I adore Henry since he is dedicated to taking some of the more complex scientific and medical concerns regarding  life with food allergies and asthma and breaks it down into bites that make sense.  I think of him as an interpreter bridging the gap between the allergist and the patient.
• A subscription to Allergic Living Magazine along with some Divvies Chocolates or Sun Cups to nibble while reading would equate to pure heaven in my world.  Of course, I love Lucy’s gluten free cookies too-they just taste so yummy with tea.

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Well, there you have it!  My list for this week.  I think I’m going to have to pull together a fab cookbook list too or pairing ideas like the Allergic Living Magazine idea along with some Divvies?  Please add your favorite food allergy related Christmas gifts below.

Reader Ideas:  The Girl Who Cannot Eat Peanut Butter – a rhyming picture book about #foodallergies http://bit.ly/peanutallergy