If you have macular degeneration or know someone with macular degeneration, you may be wondering what is a good gift to give them for Christmas.  We are wondering ourselves what to give my 85 year old father-in-law who has wet macular degeneration. You may find just the right gift for that person by rephrasing your question from “What do you want for Christmas?” to “What do you want to do?”  What I mean by this is ask the person what activity or task they struggle with because of poor vision?.

Large Number or Talking Watches

Is it telling time? Then give the gift of a large number or  a talking watch. These watches have large bold black numbers on them with a large face while the talking watches will say the time by simply pressing a button.   A wall clock with large numbers hanging on the wall is an easy way to tell time while at home. Maybe it’s the alarm clock that has become too difficult to set or to read. Again there are talking alarm clocks with easy to see large numbers.

Low Vision Games

Maybe your loved one enjoys playing cards or games. Did you know that you can get large print playing cards for $5.00?  Other favorite games that are available in large print are Sequence, Rummikub, and Scrabble. Don’t let poor vision keep you from engaging in these fun, social activities. Keeping your social live active is good for your emotional health while mentally challenging games helps to keep the mind sharp.

Large Button Phone

Perhaps seeing the numbers on the home phone or cell phone is becoming a challenge. There are many large button phones with lighted key pads for those with macular degeneration. One touch speed dialing to frequently used numbers makes a low vision phone especially easy to use. There are also large button cell phones that have a voice activation feature. Just say, “Call Linda” and the phone will automatically dial Linda’s number.

Lighted Magnifying Mirrors

It is amazing the difference there is in the bathroom mirror that hangs on the wall versus a lighted magnifying mirror.  The combination of the light and magnification makes grooming a much more pleasant experience. From styling one’s hair, to shaving or putting on make-up this vision aid for someone with macular degeneration will be much appreciated.

Of course the best gift of all is the gift of time. Offer to take your loved one or friend out shopping or to a concert. Everyone enjoys a special meal at a restaurant or a ride in the countryside. Perhaps you could offer to help with some household chore or yard work that needs to be done. Maybe a ride to the hairdresser or the dentist would appreciated. There is no better gift than the gift of friendship.

For more ideas for gifts for those with macular degeneration or other vision problems visit:

Low Vision Gifts

Better Health for Better Vision

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com