Picking the Right Gift with Safety in Mind!

Are you running out of gift ideas for the kids? Here is what ophthalmologists are keeping in mind as they put together their holiday shopping lists, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

  • Arts & craft supplies to get the creative juices flowing are a fun gift for all ages. Paint sets, coloring books, easels, jewelry beads for younger kids, or knitting/sewing kits for older kids are a few ideas. Just check the recommended age group on each of these before buying.

  • Outdoor-inspired gifts. Sports equipment like snow gear, roller skates, a trampoline, hiking boots, or the classic bicycle gift are all good ways to encourage healthy outdoor play. Have a kid athlete in your life? Get them the proper protective eyewear for their sport of choice.

  • Educational games for all ages. As your toddler's hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills naturally develop, toys such as building blocks or puzzles become easier. Age-appropriate board games for learning how to count, tell time, memory games, and other educational themes are good options. For older kids, find classic board games in foreign languages—such as Guess Who or Scrabble—to practice basic language questions and grammar in a new language.

  • Social card games, such as Tabletopics Teen Edition or What Do You Meme, are great for getting teenagers to interact with friends and family.

  • Ugly produce food kit subscriptions will surely get a few laughs and secretly encourage eye-healthy eating. These services deliver good produce not being sold on farms for cosmetic reasons straight to your door. Cook a meal together as a family or set your master chef teen up for success with these nutritious ingredients.

For more information, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology's website.

Source: Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington