‘Tis The Season To Shop Confidently with Vision Impairment! 

Posted by AbleNews, Written by Jeremy Morak, Marketing Manager, Lighthouse Guild 

The holiday season is upon us once again! This time of year is always a time to focus on giving, but shopping for gifts can sometimes create unnecessary stress. For people who are blind or have low vision, there are unique challenges in addition to ordinary gift shopping pressure—reading labels, clothing sizes, price tags, colors, etc.

 Finding the perfect gift should bring joy, not frustration. Jeff Ambury, a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and Orientation and Mobility Instructor at Lighthouse Guild, provides the following tips to make gift shopping easier, more fun, and hassle-free. 

Use Chat Functions on Shopping Websites 

Many online retailers, like Target and Walmart, offer chat functions that connect you with customer service representatives. If you know the gift you want to purchase but need help navigating the website, representatives can guide you to the correct item. This can help ease the hassle of finding items in the store and trying to read inaccessible labels with small type. 

Use Helpful Apps 

Take advantage of apps like Aira and Be My Eyes, which connect you with trained professionals or volunteers who can use your phone’s camera to guide you through shopping. These apps can help you identify and select gifts in stores or even help with online shopping, making the process much easier. If you prefer to shop independently, apps like Seeing AI can help you identify colors, read price tags, or describe an item. All of these apps are free to download. 

Get Creative and Make a Handmade Gift 

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t bought—they’re made. Whether you’re knitting a scarf, baking – – – cookies, or writing a heartfelt poem, homemade gifts are personal and meaningful. Plus, they demonstrate that you have put thought and care into creating something special for your loved ones. Ask for Help If you prefer to be physically in a store to purchase gifts, there’s no shame in asking for help. A trusted friend or family member can assist with finding items or navigating the shopping process. Many stores also have staff members who can assist with locating specific items, answering questions, and providing helpful advice. Just be clear about what you’re looking for, and feel free to ask questions. It’s all part of the fun of sharing the holiday spirit.

Give Yourself Time 

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. Start at least a few weeks in advance to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect gifts. Make a list of all the loved ones you plan to shop for and include up to three gift ideas for each person. Then, narrow down your options based on what they would appreciate the most and what is feasible for you to obtain. Spreading your shopping over several days instead of cramming it all into one will keep the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. 

Consider Gifting Experiences 

Not all gifts come in boxes! Consider giving tickets to a holiday event like a concert, theater show, or sports game. Or treat someone to a festive meal at a favorite restaurant. These experiences create lasting memories and are a wonderful way to share the joy of the season. If you like to cook, a homecooked meal is a great way to show someone you care about them. 

By planning and using helpful tools, gift shopping can be a fun, stress-free part of your holiday celebrations. Enjoy the season, and happy shopping!