Top pick
Digital photo frame
$47.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Send a photo from your phone and it pops up on their frame.
Good to know: It needs wifi at their place and someone who'll keep sending photos.
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
Connection and joy
Seeing the grandchildren should not need a tech lesson every time. How picks are chosen
What to look for
- One tap to answer, or it won't get used.
- Digital frames put family photos in the room without anyone having to operate anything.
- Set it up before giving it. A device handed over in its box tends to stay in the box.
All Connection and joy picks
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Top pick
Simple video-call tablet
Video calls for people who can't manage a normal tablet.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Window-mounted bird feeder
$29.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Brings the birds right up to the glass.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Large-button cordless phone
$64.95 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Big buttons, and they can carry it from room to room.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Easy indoor herb garden
$59.39 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Plants to look after that don't take much work.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Weighted lap pad
Rests across the lap, and the weight can be calming.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Custom photo book of family
$23.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
Grandkids and memories they can hold.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
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Top pick
Samsung 32" portable moving TV
$579.99 as of Nov 1, 1:12 PM PST
A TV on a rolling stand, so it can go to the bedroom or kitchen with no rewiring.
Good to know:
Skip this if:
You run out of this.
Common questions
- What is the easiest video-call device for someone not tech-savvy?
- Look for a large-screen smart display or a senior-friendly tablet that answers calls automatically or with one tap, so there's nothing to set up each time. A loud speaker and a big screen matter most.
- How do digital photo frames work for family?
- Family members send photos from their phones, and the frame updates itself over Wi-Fi, with nothing for the recipient to do.