Finding the right gift for someone with a visual impairment can be complicated. But great gifts come in many forms. This year, we’re even including some gifts that don’t cost anything, because the best things in life can actually be free. The gift of empowerment, we know for a fact, is priceless!
Image shows: A wrapped present with red and white wrapping paper on a table.
1. These Gifts are Priceless.
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OE Subscription – Free
Sign someone you love up for monthly email updates providing the best practical tips and most encouraging advice for living with vision loss. And get them connected to the OE Patients Podcast, a must for listeners with low vision, available on OE, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sign up here: OEPatients.org/signup
Image shows: Hand holding smartphone and using Aira app in supermarket.
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Aira Quick Calls – Free
Everyone with vision loss should know there are professional agents available to assist with all kinds of tasks that require less than 5 minutes. Call for help reading cooking directions, setting a thermostat or appliance, confirming a location, and more.
Read more: Aira Adds A Free Tier
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Hadley Video Tutorials – Free
As close to a private instructor as you can get for training on the use of Apple, Android and Microsoft accessibility features.
Visit: Hadley.edu
2. Handy Gifts to Give or Get.
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BoldWriter Pens – $15.00 for 20 pens
A must-have stocking stuffer. This is the most coveted and appreciated writing tool for low vision users. Its dark bold line never bleeds through paper. Buy on Amazon.
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AutoDrop – $5.00
Another great stocking stuffer that everyone will thank you for. This guide for getting the drops into the eye – not all over the face – is inexpensive enough to give in multiples. Learn more about this in our article, AutoDrop Is A Real Eye Opener.
Available on: Amazon
Image shows: Whole fresh oranges on a sky blue background.
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A Case of Oranges
Citrus is getting a lot of good press, and oranges are always a crowd pleaser. We are learning that an orange a day, may keep the vision loss at bay – particularly in the case of age-related macular degeneration. Send someone you love a case and help them get into the regular habit of enjoying the benefits.
For more on that, go to 5 Sight Saving Habits to Start Now.
Image shows: Box of large sized Bicycle playing cards on top with three cards below.
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Large Print Playing Cards – $6
We love the easy reading whimsey of these larger than life playing cards.
Check out: Amazon
Image shows: Graphic image of stand mirror in white on green background.
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Magnifying Mirror – $9+
You don’t have to have low vision to love this gift.
Read more: Top 15 Best Magnifying Mirrors in 2020 Reviews
3. Gift a Subscription.
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Audible – $90+ year
Treat someone you love to a subscription and they’ll get to enjoy 1 new audiobook of their choosing each month. Visit the Audible website and you might even find a special deal.
Image shows: Hamilton on Broadway.
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Broadway Shows Online – $70+ year
Giving a front row seat to a Broadway smash hit, including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hanson, Kinky Boots and more, is as easy (and economical) as accessing a streaming service like Netflix, Disney+, Broadway HD and Amazon Prime. Subscription prices begin as low as $8.99 a month.
For more about all this, read:
Where to Watch Broadway Online
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GoGo Grandparent – $9.99+ month
The service will not only get you an Uber or a Lyft without a smartphone, it now accepts phone orders for delivery of meals and groceries. Open an account for someone you love or upgrade them to GoGo Gold.
Here’s how it works: GoGo Grandparent Gets an Uber Without an App
4. Talking Tech and Smart Devices
Image shows: Apple iPad and AirPods on a gray mat.
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Apple iPhone or iPad – $299+
Tops in terms of accessibility, these are big gifts that keep giving in more ways than we can possibly count.
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Apple AirPods – $159
A most desirable gift for anyone, but particularly sweet and thoughtful for someone with vision loss who depends on the audible features of their mobile devices. Pairs with Apple devices without needing even a click. Find on the Apple website.
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Kindle – $119
At this point, the Amazon Kindle is a classic and an old favorite among people needing a boost in contrast or font size, and one of the truly easy electronics to operate. Visit the Kindle website.
Image shows: Gray Google Home mini.
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Smart Speakers – $50+
Alexa, Google, Siri, it’s your pick, we love them all! A variety of models to choose from, with something for everyone. This is a most desirable gift and it’s perfectly fine to have more than one around the house.
Here’s why they’re great for people with low vision: Smart Speakers You Ask They Answer.
Image shows: Apple Gift Card.
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Apple Gift Card – $25+
For people with vision loss Apple Accessibility is top line and the Apple Gift card is a crowd pleaser. Now there is one gift card from Apple for all products from Apple. It can be purchased online and sent by email or mail, and your recipient can use it to buy Apple Books, Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV, Air Pods, iPads and all other things Apple.
More at: Apple Gift Card
Image shows: Amazon Fire 7 tablet unboxed.
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Fire Tablet with Alexa – $50+
The tablet with Alexa built-in will read Kindle & Audible books aloud – just ask.
Read more: Alexa, Read My Book
This article was previously published November 21, 2018 and updated November 20, 2020.
Please note that this article was not paid for, affiliated with, or endorsed by any third-party companies. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author’s.
