The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Low Vision and Blind Individuals

The holidays are a time of giving, and what better way to celebrate the season than by choosing thoughtful, practical gifts that empower and bring joy to those with low vision or blindness? Whether you're looking to treat yourself or surprise a loved one, My Tools for Living by Penny Forward offers an incredible selection of accessible items designed to enhance independence, simplify daily tasks, and make life a little brighter.

In this guide, we’ve curated a range of gift ideas to suit different lifestyles and interests. From assistive tools that bring ease to the kitchen, to fun and engaging games for social gatherings, and last but not least tech innovations that inspire exploration and productivity, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for a family member, friend, or yourself, these gifts are perfect for the holiday season and beyond.

Read on for personalized recommendations, tailored to the needs and interests of individuals like you or your loved ones, and discover items that bring accessibility, enjoyment, and confidence into daily life. Let’s make this holiday season extra special with gifts that truly make a difference!

Explore Our Holiday Picks Below:

  • For the avid cook who values independence in the kitchen.
  • For the gamer and social butterfly who enjoys game nights with friends.
  • For the retiree who treasures reading, puzzles, and time outdoors.
  • For the tech enthusiast who loves exploring new gadgets.

Find the perfect holiday gift to treat yourself or someone you care about at My Tools for Living by Penny Forward.

Maria

Maria is a 42-year-old woman with low vision caused by macular degeneration. She enjoys cooking, staying organized, and spending time with her family. Maria values tools that help her maintain her independence at home and simplify her daily activities.

Gift Ideas:

  • Liquid Level Indicator: The liquid level indicator is a simple yet essential tool for Maria in the kitchen. By emitting a sound or vibration when a liquid is near the top of a cup or glass, it helps her pour drinks confidently without worrying about spills. This tool is perfect for ensuring her independence during everyday tasks like making coffee or serving water for her family.

  • Talking Kitchen Scale: Cooking is one of Maria’s favorite activities, and the talking kitchen scale ensures that she can measure ingredients with precision. The audible announcements of weight allow her to bake and cook with confidence, ensuring her recipes turn out perfectly without relying on visual cues.

Vox-2 Talking Kitchen Scale with four buttons on front

  • Bump Dots: Bump dots provide tactile feedback, making it easier for Maria to identify and use buttons on her stove, microwave, and other appliances. These small, adhesive tactile markers help her navigate her kitchen independently, saving time and reducing frustration.

Large Can-Do Bump Dots - Orange are designed for for individuals with low vision, tactile are a valuable solution for your labeling needs.

  • Big Blue Loud Boost Button Talking Clock: The Big Blue Button Talking Clock is an easy-to-use timekeeping solution for Maria. With a single push, it announces the time in a clear, loud voice, and a second push provides the date. This accessible clock helps her stay organized and on schedule throughout the day, whether she’s preparing meals, running errands, or enjoying time with her family.

Loud Boost Button Talking Clock announces the time and date with a loud, high-quality English-speaking voice. While this alarm clock is a good choice for anyone, it is ideal for those who are blind or who have low vision, such as the elderly.

    David

    David is a 28-year-old blind musician and tech enthusiast. He loves exploring new assistive technology and spends his free time playing the piano and participating in game nights with friends.

    Gift Ideas:

    • Hable One: The Hable One portable braille keyboard is perfect for a tech-savvy individual like David. It allows him to quickly and efficiently navigate his smartphone, send messages, and access apps. Its compact design makes it convenient for use at home or on the go, helping him stay connected and productive with cutting-edge assistive technology.

    • Braille Playing Cards: David enjoys socializing with friends during game nights, and braille playing cards ensure he can fully participate. With braille markings on each card, he can independently identify suits and numbers, creating a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.

    4 cards starting with Ace of spades, 7 of hearts, jack of clubs, and 4 of diamonds, with braille markings over the numbers

    • Braille Uno: Braille Uno adapts one of the world’s most popular card games for blind players. It’s a fun and easy way for David to enjoy game nights while engaging with friends and family in a fully accessible way. The braille markings allow him to strategize and compete just as anyone else would.

    braille Uno cards showing a green skip card, a blue 1 card, a wildcard, and the back of a card with the Uno logo.

    • Talking Food Thermometer: The talking food thermometer is a practical tool for David to ensure his drinks and meals are at the perfect temperature. It announces the temperature aloud, making it easy for him to cook or prepare beverages with confidence and precision.

    All Purpose Talking Thermometer features a small digital display timer and a yellow off/on button on the front of the device below the LED display.

    • Tactile Chess Set: The tactile chess set lets David enjoy the classic game of strategy with friends. The tactile pieces and board allow him to distinguish between the different pieces and their positions through touch, providing an accessible and engaging way to challenge his mind and bond with others.

    Chess set with black and white game pieces on a wooden chess board.

      Evelyn

      Evelyn is a 65-year-old retiree with glaucoma, resulting in reduced peripheral vision. She enjoys reading, solving puzzles, and spending time outdoors. Evelyn looks for gifts that enhance her hobbies and encourage her active lifestyle.

      Gift Ideas:

      • HumanWare Explore 5 Electronic Magnifier: The compact, portable design of the HumanWare Explore 5 makes it ideal for Evelyn to take anywhere, whether she’s solving puzzles at home, reading books at the park, or identifying small details like labels in a store. The device’s adjustable magnification and high-contrast settings cater to her needs caused by glaucoma, allowing her to see clearly in various environments.

      Humanware Explore 5 electronic magnifier which features a high definition LCD screen with physical buttons that include a bright orange camera big button and big gray buttons to increase and decrease size. The device is magnifying an area of text on yellow paper to increase the size to make it easier to read. On the LCD screen is a large magnification. There is a handle coming off the device to the right.

      • Bold Line Notepad and Bravo Pilot Pen: Evelyn’s love for journaling and making lists is supported by the high-contrast lines of the notepad, which make it easier for her to write within the lines despite her reduced peripheral vision. The Bravo Pilot Pen provides a bold, smooth ink flow that enhances visibility, making her writing experience more enjoyable and frustration-free.

      Bold line note pad measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches with 14 lines that are .56 (9/16) inches apart. 100 sheets per gummed pad. Great for those who are low vision and visually impairedBravo Bold Line Pen uncapped

      • Large-Print Crossword and Large Print Word Search Books: These accessible puzzle books provide Evelyn with an engaging and fun way to keep her mind active and sharp. The large, high-contrast print reduces strain on her eyes, allowing her to focus on her favorite hobby for longer periods. The puzzles also help her maintain her cognitive health and stay mentally stimulated.

      Large Print Crosswords Book #1Large Print Word Search in a spiral book.

      • Large-Print Calendar: The large-print calendar helps Evelyn stay organized by allowing her to clearly see appointments, events, and important dates. With easy-to-read numbers and text, she can maintain her independence in planning her days without relying on others for assistance.

      • ID Cane: The lightweight, compact ID cane is a perfect tool for Evelyn to carry while navigating outdoor spaces. Though she is often accompanied by someone, the cane discreetly signals to others that she has low vision, promoting understanding and consideration in public settings. Its portability and ease of use make it a practical addition to her active lifestyle.

      The Advantage Revolution Identification Cane, a lightweight graphite 7-section folding cane, designed for individuals with low vision to signal their visual impairment. Available in lengths of 48" and 52", it offers portability and ease of use for daily activities. Users can choose their preferred length for a comfortable fit.

        Noreen

        Noreen is an assistive technology specialist that has low vision. She enjoys reading graphic novels, playing video games, and traveling around the city. In her everyday life, Noreen utilizes items that enhance her independent living within the home as well as items to enhance travel to and from the office on public transit.

        Gift Ideas:

        • CloverBook Plus Electronic Magnifier: The CloverBook Plus offers a large screen and advanced magnification features, making it perfect for reading graphic novels with intricate illustrations and scattered text. Its ability to provide high contrast and adjustable magnification allows Noreen to enjoy her favorite hobby with greater comfort. Its portability also lets her take it on the go, making it a versatile tool for her work and leisure.

        The Irie CloverBook Pro Electronic Magnifier is shown with it's antenna extended and an enlarged math sheet displayed on it's screen.

        • Flame Retardant Mitt & Ove Glove: These gloves provide exceptional heat protection while cooking, giving Noreen the confidence to handle hot pans and dishes safely. With their textured grip, they reduce the risk of accidents in the kitchen, enhancing her independent living at home. The gloves' bright colors and tactile features also make them easier to locate.

        This 17 inch fire and heat retardant mitt protects up to 425 degrees fahrenheit and is great for those who are partially sighted or blind. This protective 13 inch oven mitt comes in an olive green quilted pattern.The Ove Glove - Hot Surface Handler oven mitt is great for the kitchen, the barbeque and handling other hot surfaces around the house or projects around the home. The Ove Glove dramatically extends the time you can handle a hot object in your hands. The tough exterior layer of the glove is designed as a thermal insulator to slow the temperature increase in the soft, doubleknit cotton interior of the glove. If exposed to an open flame, the outer layer of the glove is flame resistant and does not melt.

        • Lettuce Knife: The lettuce knife’s lightweight design and serrated blade are perfect for slicing through lettuce or vegetables without browning them. Its bright, high-contrast handle makes it easy to spot in the kitchen, supporting Noreen’s low vision needs. This practical tool helps streamline meal preparation, allowing her to maintain her independence.

        Green Plastice Lettuce Knife in a verticle position

         

        • Travel Task Lamp: A task lamp with adjustable brightness and color temperature is essential for Noreen when reading, working, or playing video games. The focused, high-quality lighting reduces eye strain and improves her ability to see fine details, whether at home or in her office. Its portability makes it useful for different settings, including her workspace or living room.

        Task lamp in all white with silver handle above. LED lights are visible on the open arm with the Ottlite logo visible. in the center

        • Ambutech White Cane: The Ambutech White Cane is a vital travel tool for navigating the city safely. Its lightweight and durable design make it convenient for daily use, while the tactile grip ensures comfort during her commute. The reflective material increases visibility to others, enhancing her safety on public transit and while walking.

        Ambutech Folding Graphite Cane - Hook on Roller Tip offer unique composite construction and Fingerguards that protect the elastic cord and ensure a snug joint fit, even after many miles of use. Strong and lightweight. Greater flexural strength than aluminum canes.

        This holiday season, give the gift of independence, accessibility, and joy with thoughtful products tailored to the needs of individuals with low vision or blindness. Whether you're treating yourself or surprising a loved one, the right tools can make everyday activities easier, hobbies more enjoyable, and life more fulfilling. At My Tools for Living, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of high-quality, accessible items that enhance quality of life and foster independence. From assistive kitchen tools to engaging games and advanced technology, there’s something for everyone. Explore our full range of products today and make this holiday season one to remember with gifts that truly make a difference. Visit us at My Tools for Living by Penny Forward to start your shopping journey!

        A red present with a bow surrounded by lights on a table. In the background is a menorah and a Christmas tree.
        Back to blog

        Leave a comment

        Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.