Christmas in July

It may be July, but many savvy shoppers are already preparing for the holidays by shopping now.

No groaning.

I do not happen to be one of them. I shop in the middle of December;however there are lots of very organized people who are starting to make their lists and they are already checking them twice.

If that’s you, consider supporting diabetes research as you plan your 2008 gift giving.

Check out these sites and cool gift ideas.

Stick Me Designs: Seriously Stylish Diabetic Accessories.

And they are!

“My hopes are that our designs will fill a much needed void where style and
medical necessity come together”, says Stick Me Designs founder Rickina
Velte, who is herself a diabetic.

Cafe Press: We’ve mentioned them before here at Battling Diabetes. But they are worth a second look with humorous mugs, t-shirts and accessories.

In-your-face diabetic messages to wear, to soothe your inner and outer diabetic diva!

The Gift of Hope:

In 1971, several Minneapolis-area parents of children with diabetes wanted to do something to fight the disease, so they started selling holiday greeting cards to raise money for diabetes research.

Since then, the program has raised $22.2 million for diabetes research. Now named the American Diabetes Association Gift of Hope, the program continues to thrive on the passion of people who care

Gift of Hope has a catalog for shopping, plus online shopping and provides internet specials.

As fall approaches they will again have the Holiday Art Search for artwork to feature in holiday Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards and gift items. Eligible art must be created by or dedicated to a person with diabetes. Selection is based on quality, creativity and sales potential. Each winner receives $500. The annual art search typically produces 11 to 15 winning entries.

The site hasn’t been updated yet for the 2009 Holiday Art Search whose deadline is in November, but the brochure is available here.

For a mature diabetic in your life, check out Medicool Diabetic health and beauty supplies.

American Diabetes Association Shop:

Can you say COFFEE??

Along with a wide variety of shirts, hats, cuddly bears and accessories the American Diabetes Association Shop has java! Check out Grounds For A Cause, or grab a cool travel mug or an ADA Bistro mug.

Thinking candy, or maybe chocolate?

Diabetic Candy . com has an array of diabetic and low carb sweet treats, catering to not only diabetics but any one who is health conscious.

Advance Health Care Shop has an array of cool stuff,

but this bag caught my eye!

It will hold everything for the gal on the go.

I’m exhausted from all this shopping. But I hope I have put you in the mood to start your holiday list.

Now get out that pad and paper ….