Need some ideas...Easter Baskets??...10 yr old boy just diagnosed 3/12

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kerryc1998 Posted: Fri, Mar 27 2009 4:52 PM

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I am trying to find some ideas for my little man's Easter Basket. He is 10 loves sports, and just diagnosed Type 1. Any thoughts are appreciated. Unfortunatley like most kids he loves candy but we all know how that story goes...

Thanks!

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kat replied on Fri, Mar 27 2009 8:44 PM

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Hi Kerry,

Sports memorabilia, books, silly stuff like slinky, frisbee, new little gadgets from sporting goods or toy stores.  How about a wind-up flashlight and/or radio?  On a bigger budget - - a gps for geocaching.

In case you haven't yet encountered the dangers of sugar-free candy, a word of caution:  The sweetner generally used in sugar-free candy can cause extreme tummy upsets.  We all have different tolerance (or lack thereof) to it.  I'll never forget the time I gave my brother sugar-free jelly beans.  He ate all of them (despite my warnings) and ended up having to take a whole day off work.

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jen1229 replied on Fri, Mar 27 2009 8:46 PM

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How about some little sports related toys?  Does he have an electronic game, llike a game boy or nintendo DS?  If so, how about a new game for it?  How about putting fruit, like grapes  and an orange in his basket instead of all candy and some sugar free lffe saver.  Be careful of sugar free foods because the sugar alcohols can cause an upset tummy.  I'm told that if you freeze grapes they are like sweet frozen popsicles.  How about a small bar of dark (75-80% cocao) chocolate.  I don't have any children but I think that if he were to get a toy he has wanted (which will last long after the candy is gone) he might be OK with the rest.

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Spirit replied on Sat, Mar 28 2009 6:44 PM

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Chocolate itself doesn't have any carbs.  It's the butter fat and sugar that is added to it that can cause the problems.  Perhaps a trip to a good candy store might yield some dark chocolate pieces that would satisfy his sweet tooth and not upset his readings too much.   A couple of snack sized candy bars might do the trick, too (give the rest of the bag to a friend).  Ya gotta have some Easter candy! The other suggestions you have are great.  Maybe a movie pass or a small gift card to a favorite store?  If it is a mix of limited candy/sweets and other goodies he will still have a full Easter basket. 

Spirit

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donw replied on Mon, Mar 30 2009 12:05 PM

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I am with Spirit on this one.  Just because we have diabetes does not mean that all candy is outlawed.  A small bag of dark chocolate M&M's or his favorite bar (bite sized) along with the other stuff should bring a smile.  The last thing any of us want to be is different.   IMHO, an Easter Basket without some candy might as well be empty.

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Debbie Butler replied on Mon, Mar 30 2009 3:00 PM

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You have all mentioned some great ideas for fun non-food items for an Easter basket.  Some families also like including a small amount of the child's favorite candy (like a small chocolate bar or a small package of jelly beans), but these items still need to be considered for their carbohydrate content whether the items are sugar free or not.  So depending on your child's diabetes management plan, your child may need to take insulin to cover the carbohydrates or include the items in a meal plan.  Also if your child is eating sugar-free candies make sure it is in moderation as it will indeed cause GI distress and remember that sugar free candies are not always “carb-free."

-Debbie Butler, LICSW, CDE