Wondering what are the best gifts for the blind? Read our top 10 gift list for the blind.
Whether it’s for a birthday or Christmas, buying gifts for blind people is often harder than it seems. Yes, your friend, family member, or colleague may not be able to enjoy traditional gifts that require relying on visual cues, but with some research and creativity, you can find great gifts a blind person can enjoy and find useful.
To help you get started, we’ve assembled 10 perfect gift ideas.
10 Unique Gift Ideas for the Visually Impaired
1. Board Games
You may be surprised to learn that there are many board games for blind people. In fact, some of the classics have an adapted version specifically for this population. The most popular ones include:
- Scrabble
- Checkers
- Monopoly
These games come in large print versions, as well as editions with braille pieces and tactile markings on the board. They make excellent gifts for blind children or people who love board games.
2. Adapted Kitchen Gadgets
While useful gifts aren’t always the most exciting, for blind people, anything that makes household chores easier, is an especially great gift. Consider kitchen gadgets they could use to make their daily lives easier. The MaxiAids Talking Microwave is a great example. It has added accessibility through spoken prompts to set the desired power level and cooking time, as well as check the current power level and more.
3. Handheld Braille labeler
A handheld Braille labeler is perfect for blind people who could use help organizing their belongings. Most models have tactile dials with Braille letters or print letters for easy use.
4. Playing Cards
Card games for visually impaired or blind children are fun gifts the receiver will surely enjoy. Uno has a special edition for blind people to make this game accessible for all.
5. OrCam MyEye
OrCam MyEye is a premium voice-activated device that attaches to a blind person’s glasses and serves as a screen, book, or sign reader. The device can scan any surface and can even recognize faces.
OrCam connects with Bluetooth and has an in-built speaker to read signs and text and respond to voice commands in over 20 languages. Blind people or individuals with visual difficulties can lead a more independent life with this device, which has already been tested by thousands of people worldwide.
6. Gift Cards
Be creative and include an accessible Braille card as a birthday gift for your beloved friend, family member, or colleague. Personalized Braille cards can contain a personal message embossed in Braille that can be mailed directly to the person’s address.
Pick cards for all occasions and find customized solutions at major retailer websites or in special stores.
7. Adaptive Gadgets
Numerous voice-controlled gadgets exist on the market. Their number increases day by day. Here’s a list of just some available devices blind people can enjoy:
- Voice command alarm clock — This smart clock responds to voice commands, talks back, and is relatively affordable.
- Echo Dot — Amazon’s smart speaker allows visually impaired people to use Alexa to set timers and perform other commands around the house.
- Talking watch keychains — These tiny, affordable devices make a great addition to any visually impaired person’s assisting equipment. The small watch acts as an alarm clock, talking timer, and calendar.
- Smart Braille Watch — Consider smart Braille watches with tactile dots on the face for people with vision impairment who care about elegance and style.
8. Reading Magnifiers
Book and reading magnifiers and other low-vision optical devices can either be handheld or mounted on a stand. Choose the option that best fits your special someone’s daily lifestyle and habits and surprise them on their next birthday or a special occasion.
You can try LED pocket-illuminated, full-page, or handheld magnifying glasses.
9. Guide Dog
If the person you’re buying a gift for is legally blind and can show a need for a guide dog, you can help them get a four-legged friend assistant sooner. Numerous nonprofit organizations provide guide dog services, so you have many options to explore.
Surprise your mother, sibling, or child with a gift they’ll never forget and cherish forever.
10. Text-to-Speech Software
Text-to-speech software can convert printed or digital text into speech. Numerous software options are available today, like Speechify, NaturalReader, Murf, VoiceDream, and others.
People with visual impairments can benefit from features like offline text to speech, voiceover capability, digital device integration, reading any type of text, listening at a lower or faster speed, and much more.
The person can use the text to speech software on their iPad, iPhone, or any other Apple or iOS device. Most modern programs have natural-sounding voices, making the experience realistic and intuitive.
Speechify – The Gift that Keeps Giving
Gift-giving for a special occasion or the holiday season doesn’t have to be a challenge if you’re buying for people with low vision. Adaptive gadgets and games, audiobooks, and smart devices can all be on your next holiday gift list for a visually impaired person.
Surprise the visually impaired person by offering them a valuable and purposeful gift. As a leading text to speech software, Speechify is a perfect match.
This app works on all devices (iOS, Android, tablets, and computers) and can read any text aloud using computer-generated and natural-sounding voices. The blind person can use it to read any text aloud, including blog posts, news articles, emails, or even text messages.
Access to an app like Speechify allows the visually impaired person to overcome their disability and enjoy visual content. This thoughtful gift also comes with a free trial. Learn more by visiting Speechify.
FAQs
What do you give a blind person as a gift?
Blind people can enjoy board games, specially adapted gadgets and devices, and reading magnifiers. Surprise your loved one with vision loss with a guide dog if you think they’re ready.
What do blind people need the most?
Items like low-vision CCTVs, clocks, watches, magnifiers, educational products, and Braille products are particularly helpful for blind people.
How do you help a blind person keep busy?
With proper levels of adaptation, a blind person can read magazines and books, play board games or chess, do crafts, or exercise at home. They can also listen to music and radio talk shows or browse the web.
What can you do for a blind person to make them feel good?
While around a blind person, don’t change your vocabulary. Offer assistance but don’t push it too hard. Communicate when you enter or leave the room. Offer to play games or listen to a podcast together.
