Choosing gifts for children with visual impairments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At the end of the day, children who are blind or visually impaired want what everyone wants which is fun, connection, and a chance to explore the world around them. The key is finding toys that engage their other senses, spark curiosity, and make them feel included. Whether it’s something musical, scented, squishy, educational, or even mainstream, the right gift can light up their day.

I have came up with some ideas broken down by age group:

Infants and Toddlers (0–3 years)

At this stage, babies and toddlers learn through exploration. Toys that make sounds, have different textures, or introduce cause-and-effect are great choices.

• Musical rattles and shakers – Simple instruments like tambourines, maracas, or toy pianos provide hours of fun while helping with motor skills and rhythm. I had these types of toys, and I played for hours, making my own songs as I went.
• Soft textured balls – Squishy balls with ridges, bumps, or nubs give them something safe to grip and explore. When I was a teacher, I had my preschool students play with these to help with tactile skills, and just getting used to the feel of different textures.
• Scented plush toys – Stuffed animals with lavender or vanilla scents can be soothing and engaging.
• Stacking cups and shape sorters – Choose ones with distinct textures or that make sounds when stacked. Even just a simple stacking toy or shape sorter will work though.

Preschool (3–5 years)

Preschoolers are bursting with curiosity and creativity. Gifts that encourage imaginative play and introduce early learning concepts are perfect.

• Musical toys with buttons – Think xylophones, keyboards, or toy drums with simple sound features. I had a little keyboard, which I used to learn musical notes, and could play just about any song by ear.
• Playdough or modeling clay – Great for tactile creativity, and you can add safe scents like lemon or cinnamon for extra fun. This also helps blind children to strengthen fingers, which will be very important for using the braille writer.
• Storytime audio players – Devices that play children’s books aloud can build a love of reading early on. I always enjoyed listening to audio books, and still do to this day. I had a tape player, and Mom recorded a tape with all my favorite stories on it so I could listen nonstop.
• Textured puzzles – Large puzzles with raised shapes or pieces that feel different can be both fun and educational. I also really liked doing this activity with my students, because it made them learn problem-solving skills at an early age.
• Classic toys like Mr. Potato Head, I still remember how much I loved mine as a child. The different pieces were fun to swap, and I played with it for years.

Early Elementary (6–8 years)

This age group often loves experimenting, learning, and being active. Hands-on activities and toys that let them explore the world are always a hit.

• Braille or tactile board games – Games designed with tactile features so everyone can play. When I was little, a vision teacher adapted Sorry and Uno for me, and those games became family favorites. In addition, we played games like Connect-4, Tic-tac-toe, and Ginga which didn’t really need much adapting because they are usually accessible right from the box.
• Science kits – Safe kits that let kids mix, touch, or even smell different materials can be exciting.
• Squishy stress balls and fidget toys – These can help with focus while being fun to squeeze and stretch.
• Talking educational toys – Toys that teach letters, numbers, or simple facts through sound. My Grandma got me a few educational toys like this, and Mom adapted them by placing braille letters on the print letters. She told me I needed to feel the braille letters if I wanted to play with the toy, so I was practicing braille while playing.

Older Kids (9–12 years)

Older kids enjoy more independence and often want toys that feel a little more “grown-up” while still keeping things fun.

• Portable music players or Bluetooth speakers – Perfect for kids who love music and want to listen independently. I always had a CD player everywhere I went, so I could listen to music or an audio book.
• Scent-based kits – Candle-making kits, or essential oil sets can be engaging and age-appropriate. I enjoy essential oils because they help me relax.
• STEM kits – Electronics sets that talk, or tactile building kits, can spark creativity and learning.
• Talking watches – I was gifted one as a child, and I loved it, especially because it had a rooster alarm that made me laugh every morning.

Teens (13+)

Teenagers often prefer gifts that align with their hobbies and interests, while still being sensory-friendly or accessible.

• High-quality headphones – For music, audiobooks, or podcasts; these will also come in handy as more and more assistive technology is being introduced.
• Tactile jewelry-making kits – Beads, braiding, or bracelet-making sets give them a creative outlet.
• Scented candles or room diffusers – A fun way to personalize their space. I’ve always had some kind of candle in my room.
• Accessible tech gadgets – Smart speakers, accessible apps, or talking devices can be both useful and exciting.
• Musical instruments – My first tambourine was a gift, and I ended up using it in my church choir during Christmas shows. That little gift opened the door to performing and being part of something bigger.

Where to Shop

Finding accessible toys doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few great places to start:

• Amazon – Wide selection of sensory toys, musical instruments, and squishy balls for all ages. I’ve even seen things for blind people on here such as braille and tactile coloring books.
• Walmart or Target – Great for mainstream toys like Play-Doh, musical toys, and fidget items.
• APH (American Printing House for the Blind) – Offers braille and tactile games, educational tools, and learning kits designed specifically for children with visual impairments.
• MaxiAids – Specializes in accessible products, from tactile games to talking educational toys.
• Lakeshore Learning – Excellent for educational toys and sensory play materials.
• Etsy – Unique handmade sensory toys, scented play items, and custom tactile crafts.

The best gifts don’t just entertain—they help children explore, create, and feel included. Whether it’s a squishy stress ball, a musical instrument, or an accessible board game, you’ll be giving more than a toy, you’ll be giving a meaningful experience. When a child unwraps a gift, they’re not just opening a box, they’re opening something special that says, “I love you, you matter.”