Unique Gluten Free Gift Ideas For Mom, Dad, Friends & More - Amy Burkhart, MD, RD (2024)

By Amy Burkhart MD, RD

Updated 2024

Are you looking for a great gift idea for friends or family who follow a gluten-free diet? Want something unique? Look no further. Here are options* to fit any budget. From practical to extravagant, the perfect gluten-free gift is here.

Looking for an economical gift? Start here!

• Authentic New York Bagels-shipped! Order a dozen of the most amazing gluten-free, kosher, and dairy-free bagels. Modern Bread and Bagels delivered! : Made in a 100% gluten-free Jewish Deli in New York City. Or their new location in Los Angeles. They ship their bagels and other products.

• A gift card to a favorite gluten-free restaurant-This can be modified to fit any budget. Choose their favorite restaurant or use my free 100% gluten-free restaurant locator for simplicity.

• Pop socket-gluten-free pop socket-An economical choice, ideal for anyone with a phone!

• Chocolate that is art!–Earth and Sky Chocolates creates chocolates that are edible works of art. Gluten-free options are available. Beautiful to look at and yummy to eat! Not recommended for people with celiac disease due to the risk of cross-contamination.

• Gluten-free travel items: Previously used items like toasters, colanders, and cutting boards can’t be used safely by anyone on a strict gluten-free diet. Buy one or all of the following for your favorite gluten-free traveler: Toaster bags, collapsable colanders, silicone cutting boards, small portable blender,
  collapsable bowls/cutting boards, and inexpensive, practical items that can easily fit into any travel bag. And don’t forget translation travel cards, describing specific dietary needs from celiac disease to food allergies. Cards to fit any need available.

• Gluten-free condiment packets– Perfect for the gluten-free college student or traveler. Or anytime a bit more flavor is needed. Sauces often have to be avoided when dining out. These easily packable options are appreciated. Gluten-free soy sauce or a range of other gluten-free condiments are available.

• A lunchbox that doubles as a food warmer – Perfect for the person who often has to “bring their own”! Crockpot Go- portable crockpot lunchboxor the Hotlogic mini portable oven are great options.

• Gluten-free beer-making kit-To make the budding GF brewmaster smile, try this economical gluten-free beer-making kit.

• Keychain Supplement holder When taking medications or supplements is needed on the go! This subtle, economical, and waterproof container attaches to a keyring and is a covert way to carry what is needed.

• Cookbook-There are many gluten-free cookbooks available. The particular choice can be tailored to a person’s palate. For the adventurous, consider an ethnic cookbook that may not be gluten-free but contains easily adapted recipes. Indian, Persian, or Thai recipes are easily modified to be gluten-free. A few cookbook examples are listed below, some more well-known than others. There are so many to choose from!

Greek without gluten

Gluten-free cookbook in Spanish

Gluten-free and low FODMAP cookbook

The Alternative Baker

Gluten-free on a shoestring

Gluten-free slow cooker meals

The Food Lab: My personal favorite. While not specifically a GF cookbook, it teaches you about cooking. If you know the “why’s,” you can modify recipes to fit any dietary need.

• Pizza stone-Gluten-free pizza is an easy, quick meal for many. A pizza stone makes it taste that much better!

• Gift basket– A quick internet search for a “gluten-free gift basket” will provide you with ideas and pre-made baskets to fit any need. If you are feeling energetic-create your own basket with their favorite gluten-free foods. Add some new ones for fun!

Vegan and gluten-free gift basket

Dairy and gluten-free gift basket

Gourmet gluten free gift basket

Tate’s GF chocolate chip cookies gift box

College student “ survival junk food” basket

Organic fruit gift basket

• Magazine Subscription– Several magazines focus on gluten-free diets and food allergies and cater to the gluten-free community. They provide a year of information and recipes.
• GFF magazine
• Gluten-Free & More
• Gluten-Free Heaven
• Australian Gluten-Free Life

*not an all-inclusive list

• A grill grate– When cross-contamination and budget need to be considered, a small grill grate is a gift for any barbecue lover. ! Place it on top of a barbecue grill, and no more worries about cooking on a shared surface at that summer barbecue.

• Spiralizer (Zoodle Maker)– A spiralizer is the perfect gift for any cook, but it is even better for a gluten-free cook. Make gluten-free noodles from zucchini or other vegetables in a flash.

• Gluten-free mug or t-shirt – When you need a gift for a gluten-free coworker whose preferences you aren’t sure of, check out these gluten-free coffee cups and gluten-free t-shirts on Etsy.

• Gluten Free: The Definitive Resource Guide A must-have book for anyone starting a gluten-free diet. Detailed and organized, it will be a resource they return to often.

• Reusable lunch bags/food containers: A “must-have” for anyone on a special diet- a reusable lunch bag or other food containers. Think of these items as an expression of someone’s unique personality. Find one that fits the person/child you are buying for. Here are a few options to get you started.
• Retro
• Funny
• Labeled gluten-free
• Eco-gluten-free lunch
• Stainless steel lunchbox
• For the concert/event go-er! A clear, stadium-approved lunch bag

Make your favorite kid smile with one of these!

• Individual cupcake holder – A cupcake holder is a necessity for birthday parties and school functions. There are several options available.

• Make or buygluten free play dough. You can purchase pre-made gluten-free playdough, but I find it hard to use and even more difficult for little hands to manipulate. A better idea is to make your own; it is easy. Decorate a cute air-tight container for additional smiles! A fantastic gluten-free playdough recipe here. It’s easy!

• Children’s books-There are many books aimed at children who adhere to a gluten-free diet or have celiac disease. These books help a child understand their need for a special diet and make them feel part of a bigger community. These also make excellent gifts for family members, teachers, and school libraries

Eating gluten-free with Emily

Willie Villie meets Casey Kramps in Sprueville. A book about celiac disease.

Gluten-free kids cookbook

• Gluten Free Camp-Sign the child up for a gluten-free camp such as the one provided by the Celiac Community Foundation of California.There are several others around the US and globally. A quick search will find one in your area. This is an incredible way to create a community for a child and allow them to realize they are not alone in having to adhere to a restricted diet and the struggles that come with it. And they are fun!

Show them you care.

• Apollo Neuro—Stress-reducing/sleep-promoting bracelet—Apollo Neuro is a wearable device. Its innovative technology uses specific vibrations to promote sleep, reduce stress, and improve energy and focus. Access their Father’s Day Special Code for $40 off one or $200 off two.

• Weighted blanket– Sleep is a foundation of health! This blanket by Luxome comes in different weights for comfort and is machine washable. Can be a great way to help get a good night’s sleep.

• White noise machine– This sound machine has a selection of 29 sounds, volume control, and can be plugged in or charged. Perfect for the noisy household or the “light sleeper.”

• Weighted sleep mask-Blackout mask with a little bit of weight/acupressure to help ease tension and promote healthy sleep.

• An air purifier or an air purifier that connects to Google Home or Alexa– Air quality is vitally important to good health, especially during the winter months or in any enclosed space. Here are two options with different features.

• Theragun Mini– Dietary restrictions add additional stress to an already hectic world. This small version of the popular Theragun is at a more affordable price point and is very effective and relieving muscle knots and tension.

• Rolling foot massager– Many people on a gluten-free diet have additional aches and pains or other health conditions. This foot massager is my favorite and can help relieve muscle pain and promote relaxation.

• Heating Pad– This heating pad can help relieve stomach pain or muscle discomfort that is more common in people on a gluten-free diet for health reasons.

• Compression Socks– These compression socks can help provide more energy and stamina throughout the day. POTS, or Dysautonomia, is more common in people on a gluten-free diet or people with celiac disease. These socks can be a game-changer for them. We are also seeing more POTS after COVID , so this can help this population as well.

• Electrolytes NUUN and LMNT– Hydration is important! I like NUUN for its portability and ease of use. LMNT is great if you need even more hydration due to its higher salt content. Perfect for athletes or POTS/Dysautonomia folks who may need an extra boost of energy.

• Stainless steel water bottle with time markings– Many people are more prone to hydrate with a goal. This stainless steel water bottle has time markings and avoids the use of plastic.

• Brain retraining program– The brain can be retrained. Think of these programs as options to rewire your brain. This may be helpful for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, long COVID, and other conditions that can be difficult to treat. They are a new way to approach these conditions that often accompany folks on a gluten-free diet. I have seen them provide great benefits. Three options are; DNRS, Dr. Gupta Program ANS Rewire.

• Vibrating massage ball or roller For those muscle knots and pains that can make a day challenging! Getting “glutened” can wreak havoc on someone; this aids recovery and just feels great!

• Migraine relief- Many people eliminate gluten because it helps their migraines. This great “stocking stuffer” idea can also help if migraines still occur.

• Stylish Shower Seat When feeling under the weather of low energy is an issue, and standing in the shower is a problem, give this stylish acrylic shower seat a go. Easy to clean and affordable, you won’t even notice it is there until it is needed.

For a more personal touch

• Reservations and a “safe” meal– People on restricted diets relish in not having to research a restaurant and talk ahead to the chef/manager. Do the work for them. Search out safe gluten-free dining options (or stealthily ask them for suggestions).. Call ahead, make reservations, and let them dine worry-free. If someone has to be very careful with cross-contamination you may want to use the next suggestion.

• Research a 100% gluten-free restaurant or bakery in your area and take them there. One of the best treats for someone on a restricted diet is to be able to eat without worry! Use my free worldwide 100% gluten-free dining guide locator to choose a location.

• Cook a “safe” meal for your friend or loved one. This will require a coordinated effort with the person you are cooking for. Ask them questions regarding safe gluten-free meal preparation, honor their answers, and their need to double-check ingredients and preparation methods without judgment. They will appreciate your efforts more than you can imagine. This will also teach you how to safely cook for them in the future once you see how easy it is!

• Tickets to the theater or sporting event- Do a little research on what show or game someone might like to see. Make sure ( be sneaky) they are available that day, and buy the tickets. Looking for gluten-free food at baseball parks, look no further!

• Purchase a course or course subscription– A great choice for anyone who loves to learn. Coursera, Masterclass, Udemy, or Skillshare are all great options.

If you are buying for the “person who has everything” or wanting to teach your little ones about the importance of giving,

Cconsider a charitable donation (money or time) to an organization or research center in their name.. This supports gluten-free awareness, research and ultimately your friend or loved one.

Research Centers:

• Beth Israel Deaconess Celiac Center

• Celiac Disease Program Harvard/Beth Israel Deaconess/Mass General/Boston Children’s Hospital

• University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

Support Groups:

• Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California

• Celiac Disease Foundation

• Gluten Intolerance Group

• Beyond Celiac

If cost is not a worry, or a splurge is the intention.

• Plan a gluten-free getaway: For a special someone, plan a gluten-free getaway. Let them relax, enjoy, with no worries about food!

Here are two dedicated gluten-free stops

Inn on Randolph 100 percent GF inn located in the Napa Valley

Anamaya A dedicated gluten-free resort in Costa Rica

For a list of gluten-free B & Bs in the Eastern US ( not dedicated but with GF options)

• Personal Chef-This is every persons’ dream who is on a restricted diet! This will require some research as it is region-dependent, so I am unable to give links. It also involves discussion with the chef regarding their familiarity with gluten-free cooking and knowledge of cross-contamination risks for someone with celiac disease or severe non-celiac wheat sensitivity. The work and investigation you put into this gift will bring endless smiles to anyone on a gluten-free diet! A chef for the day, a week, or more won’t matter-any relief from cooking is a dream!

• GF food delivery servicecan be a one-time gluten-free meal delivery or ongoing, depending on budget.

• Bread Maker- The Zojirushi breadmaker is “the ultimate” in bread makers for the gluten-free baker. Read this summary for additional gluten-free bread maker options.

• A wine club subscription– Wine is gluten-free. For the enthusiast, a wine club subscription is a fun idea. Looking for a new twist- try a dry farm wine club.

• High-Performance Blender-my favorite is the Vitamix brand. The superstar of blenders for the smoothie enthusiast and cook.

• Subscription for non-alcoholic craft drinks such as Curious Elixirs. A fun new trend for the health-conscious social butterfly.

I hope these ideas make your gluten-free gift giving memorable, easy, and fun!

Happy Holidays to all!