Go beyond the generic with practical tools and tips for stress-free gift-giving.
The holidays will be here before we know it. While they can be a lot of fun, they can also be stressful. A big part of that stress is the challenge of giving gifts, and if you’re blind, you'll need some extra strategies in your toolbox. Don't worry—I've got you covered.
For many people, it's hard to remember that when picking out gifts for others, it's about what the recipients' likes and wishes are, not those of the giver. It can be hard to remember what everyone in your network likes to receive, especially if you're an extrovert like me because you likely have more people to remember. This is when making lists is helpful. I actually have a folder in my Google Drive called, "Gift Notes," and in that folder, I have files for each person. These files contain lists of what the people in my life like to get as gifts. Of course, I don't walk up to them and ask, "Hey, what would you like me to give you as a gift?" Obviously, the answer would be something cheesy, I mean polite, like, "Anything, as long as it's genuine. I really enjoyed all the gifts you've given me so far." I therefore think picking up on hints is a language in and of itself, and I have had to learn to be fluent in this language to be successful in making these lists. I wish I had a more straightforward answer, but at least you get to write, "Picking up on hints," under the, "Languages:" section of your resume.
Once I know what the people in my life want, I go out shopping. I have a few adaptive tools I use, depending on what I want to do. For example, when shopping, I use the Ally app, Envision glasses, and iBill. I use my Envision glasses when shopping for anything but clothes, jewelry, shoes, makeup, and craft supplies to let me know what each item is, its price, and its color. I just hold each item up to the camera in the glasses and the information will be verbalized at a volume that only I will be able to hear since I'm wearing the glasses. I use the Ally app (Android, iOS) to find out the same information about clothes, makeup, jewelry, shoes, and craft supplies. I point my camera at the items and the information requested is verbalized. Pro tip: I wear headphones when using Ally so as not to disturb other shoppers. I use the iBill if I have to pay with cash during checkout. I just insert a bill into the device and press a button to ask for the amount to be verbalized. For example, if I insert a $10 bill into the device and press the button, it will say "5" out loud at a volume that will not give me irritated sighs from other customers.
Once the gifts are prepared, it's time to organize them into gift bags or boxes. I label each gift bag or box with the recipients' names in print, but I also have a labeling technique so I don't mix up the gifts because, well, I can't read print. I use a machine called the Perkins Brailler, also known as the Perkins Braille Writer, which is a machine that is designed for brailleing on paper rather than digitally. I use laminated plastic labeling sheets and braille the names of the recipients. I then stick the label on an index card that I tape to the gift bag or box. I just remember to remove the index cards when giving out the gifts.
I hope these tips were helpful and not generic. With these tools, gift-giving doesn't have to be more stressful for the blind and visually impaired than it is for the sighted. Good luck with it all, and with your resume as well!
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