I know parents of children with life-threatening allergies. In some cases, exposure to a minute (and visually undetectable) amount of the particular allergen is enough to cause anaphylactic shock. And that exposure doesn’t have to mean ingestion: more and more severely allergic kids can’t even touch an amount equivalent to a few molecules without launching themselves into a life-threatening reaction.

I’ve discovered a great product for parents who are living with a child with those kind of allergies.

The product is called Grippies, and they are from “Eat, Learn, Live”, a not-for-profit organization that helps children and families learn how to live with enthusiasm, despite allergies. Grippies are theme-based protective gloves that allow your child to play at the park or other locations, without having to worry that a trace of allergen has been left behind on sports or play equipment.

Younger children will love these. You can have any number of themes, from “spider” to “penguin”. You can find holiday theme gloves like “halloween girl” or “christmas”. You can also find gloves that suit the more fashion minded child, in various colors and styles of applique.

Gloves are sized to age 8, although I personally know some 10 or 12 year olds who still like the local park! Perhaps there will be enough demand to have ELL develop additional sizes and styles.

Grippies are made out of a choice of materials: jersey or 100 per cent cotton. The gloves are made to wear for an outing and then be washed. Your order will include a mesh bag for washing, to protect the gloves’ design.

I think this is a great idea. Why should the allergic kid have to sit by the sidelines? In addition, the more fashionable and interesting the gloves are, the more likely a playmate will ask about them, providing another opportunity to educate and inform others about allergies and their consequences.