There’s a lot that factors into developing cooking and eating habits that help support a new diabetes diagnosis. Learning better portion control, cooking with less fat and healthier fats, and having high-quality tools and equipment that inspire preparing healthy, delicious food. So, if you are planning on giving gifts to a relative or friend who wants to follow this eating plan, here are some ideas of useful kitchen tools and gadgets, from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) and elsewhere, to help them on this journey.
There’s a lot that factors into developing cooking and eating habits that help support a new diabetes diagnosis. Learning better portion control, cooking with less fat and healthier fats, and having high-quality tools and equipment that inspire preparing healthy, delicious food. So, if you are planning on giving gifts to a relative or friend who wants to follow this eating plan, here are some ideas of useful kitchen tools and gadgets, from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) and elsewhere, to help them on this journey.
Diabetes-Friendly Gift Ideas Under $20
- The ADA’s Portion Control Plate with Lid: This 9” plate (available in red or green) with vented lid for microwaving, helps newbies know how much of what type of foods—vegetables, protein, and carbs—should be eaten at each meal.
- The Diabetes Placement: A simple visual guide to managing portions without needing to weigh, measure, or calculate anything.
- Oil mister: Fill a mister of your choice with your preferred oil and spray on foods or pans instead of pouring from a bottle. This means less calories and fat per meal. Try getting an assortment of misters to fill with different oils like olive, avocado, canola, or others.
- Reusable storage wraps and bags: Since we’re being careful about our diet, how about being careful about the environment? Available at many different stores and brands, try this planet-friendly food storage for leftovers.
Diabetes-Friendly Gift Ideas Under $50
- Digital kitchen scale: This may be one of the most important pieces of equipment for a healthy kitchen. Look for one with an LCD display and a variety of measurement options and unit conversions.
- Immersion blender: A handheld immersion or stick blender allows cooks to purée soups in the pot or emulsify dressing in a jar. There are corded and cordless versions, and some come with whisks, choppers, and other attachments.
- Steamer pot: Steaming food is a healthy cooking method alternative that doesn’t require oil. A variety of foods can be steamed like vegetables, chicken, and shellfish.
- Dutch oven: This heavy-duty kitchen item can be used for many different styles recipes. You can make braised meats like Cider Braised Chicken, soups, or use in a recipe that requires going from cooking on the stovetop to an oven.
Splurge-Worthy Diabetes-Friendly Gift Ideas
- Quality nonstick pans: Healthier cooking means using less fat to sauté or cook foods like veggies and fish. A great nonstick pan means less oil and, if you’re willing to splurge a little, it can also go from stovetop to oven or broiler.
- Air fryer: For the person who loves crispy foods but is giving up fried dishes, an air fryer can make up for it because it uses little or no oil. Choose between a standalone version or one as part of a toaster oven.
- Good quality knives and a honing steel: No one needs a matching set of knives, but a good chef’s knife, a paring knife, a serrated bread knife, and a slicing/carving knife are the cornerstone for a home cook. A honing steel maintains the knife’s edge between sharpening.
If you need more ideas, be sure to check out the ADA’s Shop Diabetes! No matter your budget, the person who receives the gift will certainly be touched by your support of their diabetes management journey. Happy holidays!
