2007 Top Holiday Gifts for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Many people enjoy the holiday season and shopping for others, but there are times when finding that perfect gift for a loved one can be a challenge. Could you imagine shopping for someone with a disability such as hard of hearing or even total deafness? This list will explore gifts you can purchase for someone who has hearing problems.

1. A VibraLite3 Watch

These watches are amazing. They light up, give vibrating reminders and are attractive. They come in several styles, colors and prices ranging from $30 to $70 dollars on sites like Amazon.com. I counted at least a dozen Vibralite models and eight different colors.

2. Face To Face Communicator

These are some of the most advanced communications devices for deaf people today! Face To Face Communicators like the ones by UbiDuo are instant type to text messengers that allow people to text messages from one device to another person holding the second device. Think of it as an instant chat messenger. Instead of a deaf person having to type, send and then wait for the message to translate into an audio file, they just whip out the Face To Face Communicator modules and hand one to the other person. Around $2,100.00 but worth every penny.

3. Bionic Buddy and other special stuffed animals

The Bionic Buddy is a special stuffed monkey that helps children learn how to wear their hearing implants. He comes with his own little implant and sound processors to provide great examples for kids. There are also stuffed plush dolls that have hands you can adjust to make American Sign Language signs. Adcohearing.com has about 10 different dolls and animals ranging from $16 to $45.

4. Board Games

Yes, there are board games and CD Rom games made for the deaf and hard of hearing. Con-SIGN-Tration is a CDROM fashioned after the classic concentration memory game except it uses specific words and signs from ASL. Around $20 everywhere I saw it online.

5. Weather Alert Kit

This is an entire kit built for the deaf and hard of hearing that helps alert them when the weather changes or an emergency such as a fire is going on. One system like the KA300 Monitor System comes with a special translator that interprets weather alerts within 30 counties as well as a special alarm with a strobe light and a 95db audible alarm. The kit also includes a bed shaker, rechargeable batteries and an AM/FM radio. With all these benefits, this particular kit costs a mere $420.