Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Type One Diabetes: Thoughtful Ideas for an Inclusive, Fun and Healthy Holiday

Valentine’s Day is all about love, and for those managing type one diabetes (T1D), it’s another opportunity to celebrate in a way that’s healthy and fun. While food centric holidays can be tricky for those of us with T1D, you can still enjoy the festivities with a little planning and a careful approach to carb counting. Just remember: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to completely revolve around candy to be special. —Ellie

Here are some creative ideas for celebrating the holiday with love, laughter, and blood sugar balance in mind:

Gifts That Aren’t Candy (or Toys)

Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to give presents that aren’t sweets. Here are some thoughtful ideas:

• Board Games at the Local Coffee Shop: Sip on something sugar-free and enjoy a few rounds of your favorite games.
• Family Movie Night (Fort Optional!): Set up a cozy movie night with blankets and pillows, and, this is the hard part, try to stay awake. Pop some popcorn and make it a family event. If you’re managing T1D, keep snacks simple and carb friendly.
• One-on-One Time with Mom or Dad: The best gift for kids and parents alike could be just some extra quality time. Take a walk, read a book, do a craft together, build Legos, work on a puzzle, take in a basketball game, or—in keeping with the Valentine’s them—have a heart-to-heart chat.
• Temporary Hair Dye: Add a splash of color to your Valentine’s Day with temporary hair dye. This was a huge hit with Ellie when she was a tween. It’s a lighthearted way to express yourself and shake things up.
• Stay Up Late: If you’ve got younger kids, let them stay up later than usual to make the day feel extra special. Whether it’s watching a movie or just hanging out, that extra time can make all the difference.

Last-Minute Gift Ideas (Instant Downloads)

Short on time? Here are a few “instant download” ideas that can make a thoughtful gift (no shipping required):

• E-books or Audiobooks: Download a book or audiobook that fits your love’s interests.
• Online Classes or Workshops: Give the gift of learning with an online class. You can choose from photography, fitness, embroidery or any hobby that appeals.
• Subscription Services: A month-long subscription to a streaming service or an audiobook platform is a gift that keeps on giving long after Valentine’s Day.
• Printable Art or Crafts: Etsy is full of downloadable art or DIY projects that you can print and give instantly.

Classroom Valentine Exchanges Candies: A Handy Tool for Treating Low Blood Sugar

If your little one is participating in a classroom Valentine exchange, you’ll often find candies individually packaged for each kid. These candies can be perfect for treating low blood sugar! Most of these sweets contain around 11-15 grams of carbs—an ideal amount to raise blood sugar levels when needed. They’re portioned out for convenience, so you don’t need to measure or guess when treating a low. While those candy hearts may be part of the day’s festivities, they also serve a practical purpose. Keep a few of the candies handy. Ellie’s favorites are Skittles, and we’ve been known to buy them on sale after Valentine’s Day as an alternative to (or supplement of) glucose tabs.

For more info on Valentine’s candy, please check our past post, “How Sweet It Is… Helpful Hints for Leftover Valentine Candy“.

Valentine’s Day is about connection, love, and making memories. Whether it’s through a special activity, heartfelt gift, or just spending quality time together, the focus doesn’t have to be on food. There are countless ways to enjoy the day while managing T1D, and it’s a great opportunity to create new traditions that center around love. Happy Valentine’s Day! May it be full of joy, laughter, and love in all its forms!