Gifts for a blind person

Hezzawithkids

My brother was registered blind 2 years ago and I'm looking for inspiration as to what to get him for Christmas. Last year I bought him some nice wine and a cashmere scarf so I'd like to do something else this year. My only other idea is an audio book was he wasn't really into books before he lost his sight and I don't think that's changed. The RNIB provide him with all the gadgets he needs to get around and he is learning braille but isn't too bothered about it (he's a computer geek and has all the text-to-speech software etc).

Would love some ideas or websites that can help - I've done a few searches but can't find anything that he hasn't already got or that he wouldn't be interested in. Thanks.

DigForVictory

My first thought would be aftershave - he may be blind, but shouldn't be anything wrong with his sense of smell. He may have an old favourite, but an assortement of differently scented shaving stuff might appeal?

From that, things for the garden/windowbox that feel nice & smell nice - if you go for herbs, they taste nice too! Bulbs are more complcated as he'll have to remember *where* the smell might be *when*.

If you have the energy, you might offer to sort out a "white garden" where season by season the floral stuff is white, but something is always scented. Several sweetepas, & some roses spring to mind, but not all techies are into gardens.

Most like their food though, so I'd probably start with a few live herbs & see how that went.

Likewise a wine or whiskey tasting? Warn the folks running it, but if you've transport included, a fun present!

McKneff

Smellies from the Lush Shop....

quidsy

Does he like music, maybe an e voucher to download some tunes.

vikki_louise

I don't have any personal experience of being blind but I would recommend trying not to think of him as blind at the moment. As your thinking what do I get a blind person you come up with audiobook and then remember as a person he was never much into books. I would try and think of what you would get him or what he would like anyway, chances are it might still be suitable. Saying that men are so hard to buy for even without vision problems added in!

VfM4meplse

vikki_louise wrote: »

I don't have any personal experience of being blind but I would recommend trying not to think of him as blind at the moment.

I completely agree with this, but can also see why a "sense-based" gift is a logical choice.

As we get older, we get enough material "stuff" - and it's nice to offer and experience instead. Sometimes it's with asking what the recipient would like (saves a lot of time in guessing and ensures the gift is appreciated!) and going to the trouble of arranging it. Eg concert tickets. Help with something in the home environment, perhaps? A full body massage?