
The Blind Information Vacation Present Giving Information has the right suggestions for that hard-to-satisfy pal. And, should you occur to consider in paying it ahead, I even have some ideas for you in the direction of the tip.
The intro I wrote in November 2019 to my first Vacation Present Giving Information stays as true now because it was then. Should you’re like me, it may be onerous to search out that excellent present for a pal or beloved one. Typically, it’s onerous to search out one thing even mildly artistic.
Some individuals have a buying gene however that’s not me. If in case you have a pal who’s blind or visually impaired, the duty probably will get even more durable. Who higher than The Blind Information to supply a Present Giving Information?
This information is evergreen (see Sources beneath). Meaning I’ll periodically refresh it. Including gadgets. Dropping gadgets.
And that is the place the viewers participation half begins. I’ll be scanning for the latest, coolest gadgets. However I need you doing the identical factor. I’m relying on you to alert me while you uncover one thing game-changing in thriving with blindness.
There are a variety of cool present concepts however as I’ll remind you later within the submit, crucial present is usually free, besides to your time. Give the present of shared experiences. An evening out. Fancy dinner. Lengthy weekend. Trip. A few of these clearly value cash however the larger part is the present of your time. Invaluable.
Present Giving Information – it’s not simply concerning the holidays
I believe the true pleasure of giving presents is to see one thing cool. Then you definately suppose, I wager Individual X would love that. And you purchase it and ship it to them immediately. That’s joyful giving.
The shock additionally brings pleasure fairly in contrast to opening a pile of presents on a vacation reminiscent of Christmas. We’re blessed to have the ability to purchase that pile of presents and I really feel lucky.
However typically I additionally really feel overwhelmed. I don’t want in any approach to appear ungrateful. As a substitute, I’m suggesting altering issues as much as enhance the joyfulness. Maybe that additionally partly addresses the despair some expertise after they can’t afford to purchase presents on the holidays.
The Secret of Giving Nice Items
There’s one other end result of switching to spontaneous present giving. Now you usually tend to get one thing the opposite individual actually desires. Have you ever ever had this response? You open a package deal and have a look at the present and suppose one among two issues:
What is that this factor? That is the worst type of state of affairs. You open the package deal and weakly say, “Wow, very cool.” And the opposite individual says, “Are you aware what it’s?” And also you sheepishly say, “Not likely.” Should you’re fortunate, you’ll really suppose it’s cool after they clarify the present’s function. In any other case, it simply will get worse. Have you ever ever been there?
What Made You Assume I’d Like That?
The opposite state of affairs is when you understand precisely what the present is. Sadly, you possibly can’t think about why the opposite individual would suppose you’d need it. How do you suppose Ugly Sweater contests acquired began?
If a beloved one or pal is blind, maybe you’re feeling that present giving will get much more difficult. I believe that’s a sound notion for most individuals. Clearly, you possibly can watch your pal and determine gaps {that a} intelligent present might tackle.
Maybe you may as well ask some open-ended questions. How do you retain monitor of what’s in your fridge? How do you discover your approach to a brand new vacation spot? What about avoiding overhead obstacles?
At worst, they’ll let you know it’s an issue after which you are able to do your personal analysis to discover a answer. What works even higher is that if they are saying it could be a lot simpler if I had Product X. However I might by no means afford it. Increase – there’s your reply! The best present (should you can afford it).
Present Giving Information – leverage your native affiliation for the blind
It’s nice in case your pal tells you precisely what they need. It’s even higher in the event that they’ve already examined it and really realize it’s excellent. But when that doesn’t occur, how do you discover an important present? Your greatest place to check new assistive expertise is the native affiliation for the blind.
Examples (see Sources beneath) embrace the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, or Keystone Blind Affiliation. You could find a neighborhood affiliation for the blind on the hyperlink below Sources beneath.
Most states even have some type of South Carolina’s Assistive Know-how Program (see beneath). They’ll usually be listed in the identical listing. They serve many incapacity sorts. Some gadgets shall be free and others shall be loaners to substantiate the expertise works nicely for you.
Attempt Earlier than You Purchase
Assist with a customized match and attempting earlier than shopping for are simply two causes to make a go to to your native affiliation. Let me clarify. Novel assistive expertise continuously sounds recreation altering. And maybe it’s.
Even established expertise can sound like an enormous step up from no matter you at present use. However will it meet your wants? Imaginative and prescient loss undoubtedly happens alongside a spectrum and there are such a lot of variations on what individuals can see.
Attempt before you purchase saves a variety of trouble and value. It additionally ensures you’ve gotten expertise that works for you.
The workers on the affiliation can even be sure that you perceive the best way to use the expertise to its full functionality. They’ll assist you study the shortcuts and different subtleties that you simply may not uncover by yourself.
However wait, there’s extra
There’s a completely completely different risk with this present giving information for somebody who’s blind. And it ties to visiting that native affiliation for the blind. For somebody who desires, however can’t afford cool new assistive expertise, your present shall be deeply appreciated. However maybe there’s one thing much more invaluable than your monetary help.
People who find themselves blind or visually impaired usually really feel remoted. Transportation options can be difficult for somebody who’s blind. That’s very true throughout the holidays when extra persons are utilizing public transportation. Extra challenges come up in northern climes when snow is piling up.
That results in two alternatives related to the present giving information. You may present transportation to your pal or beloved one. You can even simply present one thing which may be much more invaluable than cash. And that’s time and companionship.
A win for all!
Present Options For Anybody
As I appeared again final yr, I believed I had made a rookie mistake. Lengthy-time readers know two issues I had been forgetting:
- People who find themselves blind need to do the identical issues they did earlier than they misplaced their imaginative and prescient. So why had I solely been suggesting assistive expertise presents?
- Services and products designed for people who find themselves blind usually perform higher than their equal for people who find themselves usually abled.
Okay, perhaps I haven’t missed on the second. The SleepPhones are an exquisite answer for somebody who’s blind. However they’re additionally nice for somebody who’s sighted. Purchase them for everybody in your checklist. Whether or not they’re tremendous lively and wish the sportswear possibility. Or like to calm down with music or an eBook and wish the “pajamas to your ears” model.
Grownup Drinks, Anybody?
Are you aware somebody who enjoys a whiskey drink occasionally? I’ve two nice recommendations. And, I can communicate from private expertise after I endorse them.
Proof Syrup
I first discovered about Proof Syrup from a pal’s submit on Fb. I completely adore it with a Manhattan or Outdated Customary. And it really works equally nicely with whiskey, bourbon, and rye.
I personally favor the Maple Bacon Outdated-Customary Cocktail Syrup. However I consider you’ll discover many extra selections relying in your taste preferences. Use this referral hyperlink and also you’ll obtain $10 off orders over $40 (will solely work as soon as should you already purchased final yr).
Please let me know should you strive one of many different syrups. I’ve been particularly within the margarita syrup however I like my very own recipe a lot I haven’t been very extremely motivated to experiment.
Additionally they have a wide range of mini packs so you possibly can strive a number of completely different flavors. They usually’re continuously including extra.

Smokeshow
Have you ever ever had a smoked cocktail? I had my first one a number of years in the past when visiting my daughters in Charlottesville. I beloved it and questioned if I might create one thing comparable myself. However the options I discovered on-line all appeared too complicated.
That each one modified with the Smokeshow. I’ve now smoked Manhattans and Outdated Fashioneds. However that’s simply the beginning. I’ve additionally smoked a Gin & Tonic, an Apple Cider Margarita, and mulled wine. They’re continuously updating their recipe checklist. So the enjoyable by no means ends.
Prepared to affix me? Use this referral hyperlink and the EdHenkler Low cost code to get began and avoid wasting cash.
Doesn’t that wafting smoke fireplace you up (see what I did there)? Smoking darker-colored liquor appeared pure. However I’ll admit that it didn’t appear logical with one thing mild reminiscent of a Gin & Tonic.
They really helpful a lighter smoke taste, like Apple and it labored completely.
Experiment, get pleasure from!
And be sure you share the outcomes of your experiments so I can verify them with my very own style buds.


Ceaselessly Requested Questions
At the least I hope this shall be a continuously requested query. Does it make sense to purchase each collectively? Try my video which ought to reply your query. And for bonus factors, spot the error within the video.
And now, the Present Giving Information for Somebody Who’s Blind
This stuff from earlier guides are nonetheless nice selections:
- SleepPhones: I do know many individuals love earbuds however I’ve by no means been a fan. They really feel too invasive and likewise have a tendency to dam out an excessive amount of ambient sound. This isn’t too massive a deal should you’re sighted. For somebody with compromised imaginative and prescient, lacking audio cues within the atmosphere may be harmful. Try the “pajamas for the ears” that are excellent if you wish to go to sleep to music. The RunPhones are excellent should you’re heading outdoor and even staying inside for a exercise. Select your favourite SleepPhones possibility right here.
* Low cost: Use ED10 for a ten% low cost
** For everybody: You don’t must be blind to fall in love with SleepPhones. You simply must be somebody who makes use of earbuds and would love another.
2. Thriving with Imaginative and prescient Loss eBook Sequence: I’ve a Thriving with Blindness eBook sequence, which incorporates 5 eBooks. Extra books shall be added, together with ones primarily based on all the e mail sequence listed below my Sources tab. Order a number of right here.
3. Apple App Retailer Present Card: If you wish to assist however aren’t certain what to purchase, take into account an Apple App Retailer present card. Your pal or beloved one can use the present card to purchase paid accessibility apps reminiscent of Envision AI or BlindSquare.
4. Two Blind Brothers: The Two Blind Brothers have an incredible story, which I associated some time again. They simply appear to maintain upping their recreation. They’ve the reply should you’re on the lookout for some exceptionally comfy clothes. Or different artistic presents for the house, your pet, or extra. All whereas supporting an important trigger.
Nonetheless Craving Extra Present Giving Choices?
- The American Basis for the Blind publishes an exquisite and extra complete information practically yearly (see Sources beneath).
- For somebody who’s blind and of employment age, discovering significant employment may be the very best present of all. Please direct them to my Jobseekers tab and even sponsor them below Rent The Blind Information.
My Requests of You
Do you’ve gotten a favourite little bit of assistive expertise or e book/eBook? If you’ll share these favorites within the feedback or on to me, I’d prefer to periodically replace this present giving information so the individuals who love you possibly can bathe you with presents you really need.
Paying It Ahead
Have you ever completed all your present buying and nonetheless have some cash left? Or maybe you get pleasure from making some end-of-year charitable donations. I guarantee you that your native affiliation for the blind can be very appreciative of a donation. I additionally need to direct you to one among my private favorites.
The ASCEND Collective is the nonprofit arm of Abilities ASCEND. They advocate for Navy Veterans and Spouses, the Incapacity Group, and Justice-Concerned / Second Probability candidates. They offer a voice to underserved communities throughout the U.S. And that’s completely aligned with Abilities ASCEND’s mission to extend the meaninful employment of the teams highlighted above.
Please take into account a donation.