Can you hear the sleigh bells jingling? As the festive season approaches, many people are searching for gift ideas for blind friends, family members, or loved ones with visual impairment.
Choosing the right Christmas gift doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little thought, you can find accessible gifts for blind or partially sighted people that are meaningful, practical and genuinely enjoyable. This guide shares 12 thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for blind and visually impaired loved ones, designed to suit a range of interests, abilities and budgets.
1. Personalised and Accessible Gift Ideas for Blind People
Personalised gifts can be especially meaningful when they’re accessible. Think about what the person enjoys — music, pets, favourite quotes, hobbies or crafts — and choose something they can feel, hear or easily see.
For people with low vision, use large print, clear fonts and high-contrast colours.
For people who are blind, focus on tactile elements such as engraving, embossing or textured materials.
Personal gifts don’t need to be visual to be special — they need to be thoughtful.
2. Traditional Christmas Treats as Gifts for Visually Impaired People
Festive food gifts are always popular. Classic Christmas treats such as gingerbread, chocolate oranges, Christmas biscuits and sweets make lovely stocking fillers.
To make food gifts more accessible:
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Label items in Braille or large print
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Consider allergies and dietary needs
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Package items so they’re easy to identify by touch
3. Festive Drinks and Warm Treats for Blind or Low-Vision Friends
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are excellent Christmas gift ideas for blind or low vision people, especially during winter. These treats can be enjoyed independently and shared with visitors.
A small selection of festive drinks pairs perfectly with traditional sweets and cosy evenings.
4. Scented and Sensory Gift Ideas for Blind People
Scented gifts such as soaps, lotions and essential oils can be comforting and enjoyable. When choosing scents for someone who is blind or visually impaired, opt for gentle, subtle fragrances.
Candles should only be gifted if the person can use them safely. For many people, essential oils or button-operated diffusers are safer alternatives.
5. Practical Lighting Gifts for People with Low Vision
For someone who is partially sighted, additional lighting can be extremely helpful. Head torches or hands-free lights are useful for:
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Crafts and hobbies
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Evening navigation
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Low-light environments
Extra lighting can increase confidence and independence at home.
6. Tactile and Touch-Based Gift Ideas for Blind People
Tactile tools are practical, empowering and often overlooked gift ideas. These include:
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Bump dots for appliances
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Tactile labels
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Clothing and cash identifiers
They help blind and low-vision people navigate everyday tasks independently.
7. Talking Gifts for Blind and Visually Impaired People
Talking devices are excellent, accessible gifts. Popular options include:
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Talking watches
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Talking thermometers
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Talking kitchen tools
These items provide spoken feedback, making everyday activities easier and safer.
8. Accessible Games and Tactile Puzzles for Blind People
Games don’t have to rely on sight. Tactile puzzles, 3D brain teasers and sensory toys are enjoyable for all ages.
These gifts are great for shared family time and encourage inclusive play.
9. Braille and Large-Print Card Games for Blind Players
Accessible playing cards in Braille or large print are ideal Christmas gifts. Card games help create shared moments and allow blind and sighted players to enjoy games together.
10. Handmade and Accessible Gifts for Visually Impaired Loved Ones
Handmade gifts such as scarves, hats or blankets can be deeply meaningful. When crafting for someone who is blind or visually impaired:
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Choose pleasant textures
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Avoid tiny visual details
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Use contrast or tactile features where possible
Accessibility makes handmade gifts even more special.
11. A RealSAM BookClub Subscription: A Meaningful Gift for Blind Readers
A RealSAM BookClub subscription is one of the most thoughtful gift ideas for blind people who enjoy stories.
A BookClub subscription includes:
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Access to 45,000+ audiobooks from the RNIB Talking Books Library
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Monthly BookClub reading picks
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Accessible news and magazines
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A friendly community of blind and low-vision readers (join our Facebook forum here)
It’s a gift that lasts all year and supports independent, accessible reading. Click here to give the gift of accessible reading.
12. RealSAM Devices: Give the Gift of Accessible Technology
For someone who finds smartphones difficult, RealSAM devices offer simple, voice-controlled access to communication and content.
RealSAM phones and Pocket devices are designed specifically for blind and partially sighted users, helping them stay connected with confidence throughout the year.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Blind or Low Vision Loved Ones at Christmas
These gift ideas for blind and visually impaired people focus on accessibility, independence and care. The most important part of any gift is knowing that it works for the person receiving it.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it — and remember, it’s the thought and understanding behind the gift that truly matters.
