Stuff the Stockings and Fill the Crackers!

So the Christmas holiday is just around the corner and you’re on a mission to make it perfect for everyone. Every year I face the same dilemma and every year my biggest problem is what to put in the stockings and crackers of my bariatric friends. Obvious high-calorie food gifts are out but what can you replace them with? Here are a few ideas I have used over the last 4 years (and dropped hints about too for those items I would like to see in my own!).

Consider for Stocking or Cracker:

* sounds obvious but a small gift basket or package of some protein drink samples wouldn’t go amiss. Check out our Click Protein Drinks they’re a delicious hot and cold coffee option for all bariatrics to savour.

* While you’re thinking of it …why not a special shaker bottle to make easy mixing of the same.

* A dishwasher-safe water bottle or cold drink dispenser is another idea along the same lines.

* An attractive and size-specific insulated lunch box or Bariatric Bento Box for meals on the go or al-desko.

* Measuring quantities and portions becomes a doddle if you have a great set of measuring cups and spoons or pre-measured food containers holding just the right bariatric-sized portion.

* An iTunes giftcard for rocking and working out to some great music while exercising.

* Likewise some small but essential gym wear or accessories – I’m thinking of sweat bands, resistance gadgets and even ankle or wrist-weights.

* You may get your vitamins from your health professional or buy your own special ones but appreciate some of the more specific ones. That’s how I heard about Head High Hair Supplements which we now stock. My sister very kindly popped a months supply in my stocking and it has really helped with making my hair much thicker. So if you know someone who is suffering with hair loss or thinning (and obviously know them well enough for this to be taken as a thoughtful gift) then here’s the thing.

* A gift certificate for clothing will always be welcome – clothing size changes at an alarming rate in the early stages of post-op.

* Sachets of dried flavoursome herbs and mulled wine spices are a great idea for the bariatric cook.

* An app writer or memory stick for downloading and saving recipes and bariatric advice will suit those who are technically minded.

* A tube of hand cream or body lotion will be welcomed especially if it helps tighten the skin after weight-loss.

* An LED booklight for bedtime or dark room reading of your ‘Return to Slender’ cookery books and favourite magazines.

* Sugar-free sweeties (in small quantities) are a treat but nothing fits a cracker better and suits the bariatric finer than a USN Protein Bar Believe me when I say they taste so good that everyone will want one!

* To ease the stress after a long day why not treat your fellow bariatric to a mini massage roller?

* Green fingered friends will appreciate some seeds for planting (herbs perhaps) or a special box for storing them in. Or a gorgeous pestle and mortar for their preparation?