4 Helpful Tips for Gifting Your Loved Ones Sunglasses

Regardless of who you’re planning to spoil, among the most ideal and practical gifts are sunglasses. Firstly, they help protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which numerous studies have associated with an increased risk of cataracts, pterygium, and macular degeneration through prolonged exposure. Secondly, beyond eye protection, sunglasses also serve as fashionable accessories that can be worn for various occasions, from summer beach trips to outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing.

However, with so many styles and designs available, it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect pair of sunglasses for a loved one. So, below are some tips to help you narrow your options and ensure the recipient enjoys their new eyewear.

Prioritize the UV rating

The main purpose of sunglasses is to shield the eyes from sun damage, so ensure that the pair you choose has lenses equipped with 100% UV protection against both UVA and UVB rays. In some cases, the UV protection rating is labeled as UV400, which indicates its ability to block harmful light rays with a wavelength of up to 400 nanometers.

Remember that UV protection isn’t dependent on price, as there are affordable options from sunglasses retailers like Eyebuydirect that are certified to be sun-safe.

Choose frames that suit their face

When shopping for sunglasses as a gift, consider how the frames will fit the recipient’s face shape and overall features. Sunglasses typically have sizing options, allowing you to choose petite frames for smaller faces and XL frames for larger faces. There are also brands like Gentle Monster, which offers frames specifically suited for typical Asian features, like a low nose bridge.

Meanwhile, leading optical retailer Sunglass Hut has a frame advisor tool that can help you find the best glasses for face shape, whether your loved one has a round face with soft angles and slightly wider cheekbones or a square face with more angular lines for the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. It uses facial scanning technology to analyze features and provide a tailor-made selection of styles, such as geometric frames that help contour round faces.

Find something similar to their personality and style

The perfect pair of sunglasses will also depend on the personality and sense of style of the person you’re planning to gift it to, so make sure you know them really well. For example, a friend who lives an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle can benefit from wraparounds that provide maximum coverage or polarized sunglasses that block glare for improved visibility.

Classic black frames, such as the Ray-Ban Wayfarer popularized by iconic actors like Tom Cruise and Jude Law, are the best fit for the more reserved individuals with a minimalistic yet timeless approach to dressing. Interestingly, these signature frames also have brightly-hued and mirrored versions that may be suited for your more fashion-forward friends looking for a pop of color in their everyday outfits.

Get them a gift card from a quality sunglasses brand

Lastly, you can never go wrong with getting your loved ones a gift card from a trusted sunglasses brand, thus providing them the option to shop for their own quality frames. As covered in a previous post, GiftYa’s list of merchants includes the luxury eyewear brand Ray-Ban, from which recipients can choose various types of sunglasses ranging from the popular Aviator and Clubmaster to the wearable tech Smart Glasses.

Check out GiftYa’s services to find out how to send a personalized gift card through text and make your loved one feel more appreciated.