Do I Say Anything?

[Googles]

I got food as gifts from my extended relatives. They often give food as gifts. Last year my relative searched a lot for a baking mix that went with a cookbook and was gluten free. But I don't think they really understand what gluten free means. This year everything she sent me food wise contained gluten. I am very thankful for the gifts that they gave me. I don't know if I should mention when I thank them for the gifts that they got me that I will be sharing the food with friends since I can't eat any of it. I don't want them to think I don't appreciate the gift, but I don't want them going and buying me food year after year that I can't eat. Any advice? Thanks. Just another piece of information. Since I live on the other side of the country I don't see these relatives so they don't understand about the whole gluten free thing as they haven't been part of that part of my life as I was diagnosed after I moved. 

[StephanieL]

I would say thank you and take it to a neighbor, work or the police station for them to enjoy.  They were informed and tried but it's hard to remember esp if they don't see you all the time.  I say be grateful and pass it along.  My DH doesn't drink (hasn't ever since I have know him so over 20 years).  He was gifted a bottle of wine for Christmas.  He took it, said thanks and that was that. 

[LauraTX]

In cases like this, you really have to judge based on your relationship with the person, etc.  If you don't feel that mentioning "My friends really liked those things you got me, I had to give them to them since they contained my allergen, so they say thank you, too! haha!" (Kind of a way to say it with humor)... Then I would wait until around your birthday, or a few months before Christmas next year, and just let people know to avoid giving you food since you have a food allergy that can make things difficult.  I use both of these techniques depending on the person.  With my general extended family, anytime around holidays I tell them, or tell someone to tell them, just don't get food for Laura.  Kind of like when I extend an invite to someone to come to my house, I always remind them to let me handle the food so they can just relax, and that jogs their memory, since it may not be at the top of people's minds.

 

People who you are not close to, or who may not handle being told things like "I can't eat your gift but thanks!" well, just let it pass and like StephanieL said, give it to someone who will enjoy.  But if you are going to see someone year after year, sometimes it is a sanity saver to throw out the "no food for me" message early before the holidays.  Just use your best judgement, be grateful, but remember you don't have to be completely dishonest with everyone every time.

[sunny2012]

I get food from a good friend all the time. Even gluten-free foods can be cross contaminated when shelved among gluten flours, breads, and such. She just does not get it. So I simply thank her for her thoughtfulness and toss the entire package or bag.

 

Some people simply don't realize that we can end up starving to death if we constantly take risks. And I am not certain that constant destruction of the intestinal lining won't lead to scaring that prevents healing after too much assault.

[heatman]

If you decide to say something you could suggest that since your diagnosis you've been cooking a lot so kitchen supplies (such as bowls and whisks) are always a great gift. They're still food related gifts and very useful! I know around the holidays it can be so hard to get family to understand what gluten-free really means! Good luck.

[GF Lover]

My brother gave us a hugh box of chocolate confections for Christmas (in person).  It had chocolate covered pretzels in their too.  I didn't say anything to him as he was giving a gift.  They will be enjoyed by my neighbors.  I don't worry about it.  It's once a year and I don't expect everyone to keep track of my health issues.

 

Colleen

[Googles]

Thank you everyone. This is the first time I've had to deal with this as most people stopped giving me food once I was diagnosed. This relative being the exception. 

[bartfull]

I had no problem at all giving away the peppermint bark a neighbor gave me. I just thanked him and said it looked good, then gave it to one of my students later. (It might have been safe but there's no way I'll eat something made in a gluten eater's kitchen.)

 

But then another guy gave me some homemade cheesecake. I disposed of that too, but now I've got a craving for cheesecake.  Guess I'll have to make a gluten-free version for myself pretty soon.

[Seeking2012]

I got food as gifts from my extended relatives. They often give food as gifts. Last year my relative searched a lot for a baking mix that went with a cookbook and was gluten free. But I don't think they really understand what gluten free means. This year everything she sent me food wise contained gluten. I am very thankful for the gifts that they gave me. I don't know if I should mention when I thank them for the gifts that they got me that I will be sharing the food with friends since I can't eat any of it. I don't want them to think I don't appreciate the gift, but I don't want them going and buying me food year after year that I can't eat. Any advice? Thanks. Just another piece of information. Since I live on the other side of the country I don't see these relatives so they don't understand about the whole gluten free thing as they haven't been part of that part of my life as I was diagnosed after I moved. 

 

Just email or facebook your relatives a list of safe brands (Bob's red mill gluten-free, Udi's, Dove, etc) or ask everyone to not give food as gifts.

[julissa]

I teach at a gym and got some food from some of my students. they don't know me well, so I just thanked them and gave it away. anyone who knows me would never give me food, LOL