CC’s Gluten Free Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Posted onAuthorCeltic Celiac

It’s that time of year again, the holidays are upon us (as is the incessant holiday music). So, it’s time for some gift giving ideas for that gluten free or otherwise food restricted person in your life. Hell, even a foodie might love these ideas. REMEMBER: Speaking from experience I say try your best not to default to food items specifically, try to think outside the gluten free pasta box and think of ideas that will make their life more fun and easy! For more ideas check out my lists from 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 for some further ideas.

Books 

– Flavor Bible– I LOVE this book. The book looks at every ingredient or cuisine imaginable and tells you what goes best with it, as recommended from chef’s around the country. It also tells you the season, tasting notes, and other information. It’s perfect for the home cook, especially someone who is beginning to rely more on home cooked meals and is looking to add some experimenting to their list. (~25$)

–Thug Kitchen– This book is a bit vulgar, but is certainly something to consider if you need a little crass humor. Learn to cook without any frills, and with a bit of curse words. From what I’ve seen so far most of the recipes can be modified to be gluten free. (~15$)

– The Lagasse Girls– Yes those Lagasse Girls, the daughters of famous chef Emeril. After learning they needed to elimate gluten Emeril’s daughters created this book by taking some american favorites and made them perfectly gluten free for the home cook. (~20)
– Gluten Freedom– Written by one of the top Celiac Disease researchers, Alessio Fasano, this was one of my favorite reads of the year, and I’m happy to put it on this list. This is a great find for someone on the ‘newer’ spectrum of the gluten free life style or anyone considering a gluten free diet. It is full of up to date research, facts, recipes, and tips for leaving the best gluten free life. (~20) 

– 2015 Gluten Free Buyers Guide – This guide rounds up the best gluten free products on the market based on the Gluten Free Awards from GFreek. The best of categories range from brews to bagels to munchies! (~10$)

Kitchen Gadgets

–Tim3 Machin3– First off let me say that this is a time sensitive purchase expiring in 15 days (December 10th)! This is basically a rice cooker on steroids capable of doing so much more than just cooking rice. There’s a button for quinoa, homemade yogurt, oatmeal, steaming, and so much more. (Price varies depending on your pledge level)

– Popcorn Machine- Air popped popcorn is a healthy snack, and a flavorful one if you add your own seasonings. My air popped popcorn maker is one of my most used kitchen gadget, I use it at least once a week to make popcorn in flavors such as curry, garlic and Parmesan, and cajun. Pair it with some gluten free popcorn kernals and you’ve got a goodie bag. I use this popper. (price varies)

– Tardis Tea Infuser– Tea is another one of my go to gluten free comfort foods, if you can find a gluten free brand. This infuser both meets my need for tea AND my need for geeking out over Doctor Who. I’m sure you know a Doctor Who fan, but if you don’t there are a variety of fun tea infusers out there! (~20$) 
– Canning Set– Canning is a GREAT way to ensure your food is gluten free, since you know exactly what’s going into it. It’s also a fun things to do, and is a perfect way to save food that might otherwise go to waste. I’ve been loving it this year, so if you know someone who enjoys cooking and wants to dabble in some more extensive experimenting. (~ 130$)

Gluten Free Cosmetics and Accessories


– Red Apple Lipstick Products– Finding safe cosmetics is HARD! But, this line of cosmetics (lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip gloss, exfoliates and other beauty items) is free of typical harmful toxins found in cosmetics as well as gluten, soy, corn, and dairy. (price varies)

– Celiac Disease Bracelet– Looking for a gift that gives back? Try one of these Bracelets from Eden Stones. They make nine handmade ‘Celiac Sister Sets’, each of which is made of semi precious stone beads and a silver wing pendant. A percentage of each purchase go towards the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. (~40-45$)

– Celiac and The Beast Swag– For some perfect gluten free themed t-shirts, sweat shirts, and other swag consider checking out Celiac and the Beast’s line of goodies. She’s fantastic, and so are her items with their skull and wheat design (oh an cupcakes!). Her book that came out last year is also worth checking out for it’s honesty and humor! (price varies, ~15-50$)

Subscriptions

– Cuisine Cube– For an interesting twist on the staple gluten free food gift consider purchasing a Cuisine Cube subscription for your gift receiver. Several safe products will be sent each month for either one month, three months, or six months. It’s a great way to get to know some new gluten free products. (~30-35$)

– Living Without’s Gluten Free & More Magazine– This is a great gift for anyone living a food restrictive life. It focuses on the strength and positive aspects of living an allergen free life and offers recipes, positive stories, helpful substitution tips, product reviews, and much more. There is also a recipe index that tells guides you through which recipes are free of what allergens. You can also purchase back orders and special editions. (~6-42$)

– Gluten Free Works Health Recovery– This online guide is a one stop reference guide for gluten free research, lifestyle tips, professional recommendations for health and wellbeing (going indepth on gluten related disorders), and other life style tips. A subscription allows you full access to all the materials, including printable items. (~20$ per year)

Celtic Celiac @ http://celtic-celiac.blogspot.com/