There are many different venders where you can buy gifts for
the blind and visually impaired. These do not have to be practical, there are many fun items you can give your
loved one. When choosing a gift, think about getting them an activity you can do together. Doing this will
be a year-long gift for your loved one.
Most importantly, think of the needs of your loved one. It is not important to spend a lot of money
on them, they are more interested in you showing your love and desire to spend
time with them.
Handmade Gifts made for and by the Blind and Visually Impaired
I whole-heartedly support artists who make items by
themselves. My daughter is a BFA
Painting art student and produces beautiful artwork and jewelry. Some of her art is inspired and created with my visual impairment in mind. She choses subject matter, colors, and style to make sure I am able to see it genuinely. You can see some of her work here.
One way you can give your loved one a
wonderful gift is to purchase one from a blind or visually impaired artist or
one that supports the blind and visually impaired. Here is a small sample of such vendors on
Etsy.
- Through Borrowed Eyes: Handmade personalized Braille jewelry by a visually
impaired artist and educator .
- Beadtography: Original braille Art photography and beaded jewelry.
- HALO System: Home Appliance Label and Overlay System (HALOS) a spin on the traditional bump dots designed specifically for home appliances.
These are just a sampling of what is available. the search bar is your friend. If you can't find it on Etsy, try just a Google search for "blind artists," for example.
Other great places to support:
- The Blind Life has an Amazon shop with many great products. I fully support his shop and YouTube channel. He provides many great videos on living blindly. YouTube, Amazon shop.
- Two Blind Brothers: A line of clothing that supports research and employs the blind and visually impaired. They also have a line of sunglasses and sruffed guide dogs. They encourage you to "shop blind."
Gifts
that you can use with your loved one
One of the best gifts you can give is your time. Here are some ideas of items you can give that you can use with your blind or visually impaired loved one:
- Playing Cards - many available in large print and in Braille.
- Books - a favorite story you can read to them
- Beeping balls: soccer, football, tennis, basketball,
baseball, any sport you can think of, there is probably a ball that has been
adapted. Just think how excited your
blind or visually impaired child would be when you give them a ball that they
can play with you or other children.
- Board games - many available in adaptive format. (also see my article on activities)
- Gift card to a restaurant, spa, etc., you will take them out to
- Homemade coupon book for things they can ask you to do for them (chores, outings, grocery shopping, etc.)
- Roller Blades and skateboards: What kid doesn’t want to do these
activities. The Blind Life has a video
showing how this is possible. The Omnisense cane tip is found at the Low Vision
Shop. Info on the Omni Sense technology here.
- Skis and Snowboards: Many ski resorts provide lessons for the blind and visually impaired. For example, the Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports provides programming all over the state. Just contact your favorite resort or look up adaptive snow sports in your state or region.
As you can see, the sky's the limit. Bringing back an activity that blind or visually impaired feels they have lost will be a gift that keeps on giving.
Other great gift ideas
Anything soft or tactile
Braille, large print, audio books
Braille, talking watches or clocks
Music CDs or a streaming music service subscription
Coloring books: not just for kids. Available in raised line, and large print
Links to vendors
- Sharper Image Coupon Code: SM1GEAB333 discount
at checkout. Has different types of
magnifiers
Donate
If you really don't know what to give, then donate to an organization that funds research or supports the disease that afflicts your blind or visually impaired loved one. Many local agencies also need donations of time and money. Sone examples are:
Foundation Fighting Blindness
American Council of the Blind
National Federation of the Blind
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