Key takeaways:
- The gift of a non-dollar store brand of readers has the potential to delight.
- Options are available across styles and price points.
- Help them hold onto the nice pair.
The practical move is to invest as little as possible in reading glasses, also called readers, also called cheaters.
“Why would I spend more if they’re just going to get lost?”goes the reasoning. And explains why most people have more than one pair.
We can’t argue with that.
Except…isn’t a gift often a splurge that the recipient wouldn’t make themselves? The difference between dollar store eyewear and a higher-priced pair is significant in style, quality and comfort. A higher quality, higher priced pair of readers will make an impression.
Think of the thoughtfulness such a gift could communicate—you cared enough to read the correction on the stem of their glasses. It’s intimate and yet not as presumptive as picking out a pair of prescription glass frames for them.
If your intended has multiple pairs, there’s room to be a little inventive with your selection. You don’t make the shots you don’t take!
Your gift-giving options range from budget-friendly to designer styling and pricing. Most higher end readers are available in the full range of magnifications. Many are made for men as well as women. An added plus: They often ship with a nice case.
Budget-friendly readers
This pair of thick black frames is from Peepers, which famously appeared on Oprah’s list of her favorite things. Peeper’s offers blue light filtering to minimize computer-related eye strain, non-blue light filtering, and zero prescription frames for those who just like the look of glasses on their face.
In Sofia Vergara, Foster Grant has its own stylish celebrity. This multifocus pair averages 4 stars over more than 2,600 reviews.
Mid-range readers
Eyebobs is a business founded more than 20 years ago to bring something different—”art-worthy”frames to people who view glasses as a fashion accessory. (And for those who do, it’s particularly soul-crushing to wear those cheap, disposable frames.)
You could go with the original style half rim glasses.
Or the “personality”styles such as this style appropriately called Chutzpah’d.
Readers that don’t look like readers include the aviator-style. From the self-described “anti-aging brand,”they’re available in three colors (chrome light blue, polished gold rose, matte gold charcoal).
Reviewers rave about the blue light filtering of the Caddis glasses. No worries about taking them on and off, the hinges are made to withstand 25,000 flex cycles.
Luxury readers
Many of the luxury brands are in on the action.
Your intended could sport frames by Persol, the favored brand of George Clooney, Julie Roberts and, earlier, Steve McQueen. However, it will take a bit more effort. You’d buy the luxury priced Havana/Demo frame, for example, and then go to an optician for lenses with the magnification.
The same is true for these Oliver Peoples Gregory Peck frames styled after what the actor wore in To Kill a Mockingbird.
How to hold onto readers
Losing these nicer readers need not be a foregone conclusion. Head off the protests—”these are too nice, I’ll lose them”—with one or both of these, which go beyond the typical lanyard or chain:
As seen on Shark Tank, the Readerest Magnetic Eyeglass Holders are a clip that attaches to clothes, similar to those strong magnetic badges used at conferences to avoid damaging business attire. They’re available in several colors, including pearl variations.
For those who just want to keep the eyeglasses in sight, consider this sunglass caddie. Assuming the golfer image on the front isn’t a deal killer, the magnetic back of this case can be used to hang on a golf cart, yes, but also on a refrigerator. The case is open because it’s meant to hold, not enclose. Available in six colors.
