10 Cool Holiday Tech Gifts And Gadgets For Grandparents
From a heated foot massager to a wireless record player, here are 10 cool tech gifts all grandparents will love.
This holiday season, let comfort and technology go hand in hand when it comes to giving gifts to grandparents. Although sweaters, socks and blankets make for a cozy gift, level up with easy-to-use tech gifts and gadgets anyone over 50 will love.
In fact, seniors are embracing technology more than ever. According to 2023 AARP research, the average adult age 50 and over is expected to spend $912 on technology purchases, up 11 percent from 2021 and up 130 percent from 2019.
The same research also showed that eight of 10 respondents said that technology has become a necessity in their lives. Of the 3,000 people over 50 years old surveyed, 86 percent own a smart phone, 70 percent have a smart TV, 59 percent use a tablet, 31 percent have a home assistant, 28 percent own a wearable device and 24 percent have a smart home-tech device.
The survey also found that 94 percent text, 88 percent email, 74 percent are on social media and 67 percent video chat. The majority of respondents also said they’re on Facebook and YouTube.
So with most using technology in their everyday lives, amp up your gift giving this season gift your tech-savvy grandparent with a gift they’ll love.
From a collection of winter clothes with warming technology to a smart frame to a Wi-Fi-enhanced Roomba, here are 10 cool tech gifts and gadgets for grandparents for the holiday season.
Kindle Paperwhite
Price: $139.99
Where to buy: Amazon.com
The Kindle Paperwhite comes with eight gigabytes on a 6.8-inch screen and glows with an adjustable warm light. The newest model has up to 10 weeks of battery life and turns pages 20 percent faster. It has a flush-front design that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight, and is waterproof.
With Kindle Unlimited, readers get unlimited access to more than 2 million books and audio books. Kindle Paperwhite can also be paired with an Audible subscription with Bluetooth headphones or speakers to listen to stories.
iRobot Roomba i3 EVO
Price: $226.96
Where to buy: Amazon.com
The latest iRobot Roomba can be connect to Wi-Fi, and Alexa, and can tailor clean each room with smart mapping. The iRobot Roomba has a built-in, three-stage cleaning system with 10 times the suction power. With its Imprint Smart Map, Roomba can be scheduled to clean at any at any time while navigating walls and furniture. It also has a patented dirt detection technology than can pinpoint problem areas with more mess. Sensors are also used to identify where the small vacuum can and can’t fit.
Loop Digital Photo Frame
Price: $137.49-$169.99
Where to buy: Loopfamily.com
The Loop digital photo frame is the simplest way to share pictures and vidoes with friends and family on a 10-inch touch screen. The frame connects to Wi-Fi and has 16GB storage. Loop uses the simplest technology with an easy two-minute set up. Grandparents can send pictures and invite friends to share photos directly through the app.
Amazon Echo Dot
Price: $22.99
Where to buy: Amazon.com
With three colors to choose from, the latest Amazon Echo Dot connects to SiriusXM, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and Bluetooth. The Echo Dot has improved audio with crisper vocals, deeper bass and vibrant sound. It can play music, audiobooks and podcasts as well as provide weather updates, answers to questions and even hear jokes. Users can even set a timer and alarms hands free. Compatible smart home devices can also be controlled and prompted through Amazon Echo. A mic-off button is included added privacy controls.
Apple AirTag
Price: $29
Where to buy: Apple.com
Never lose belongings again with the Apple AirTag. The AirTag can be attached to keys or placed in a backpack another which can be tracked via radar in the Find My app. Apple devices can also be tracked using the AirTag and can be shared with up to five people. To find a missing item, simply play the sound through the built-in speaker or speaking into your Apple device by saying “Hey Siri, find my keys.”
Fieldsheer Mobile Warming Collection
Price: $80-$330
Where to buy: Fieldsheer.com
A pair of socks, gloves, shirts and jackets can all be heated by a simple mobile app. Different heat levels can be controlled through mobile-warming technology and is Bluetooth-based. The heating technology includes wireless pairing for its thin warming panels and a long battery life.
Lively Jitterbug Smart3 Smartphone
Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Bestbuy.com
The Jitterbug Smart3 is for the perfect grandparent who isn’t the most technology savvy or just simply doesn’t want to be. From video chatting to text messaging to getting directions, all of the prompts are easily listed on the screen with large text, no guessing required. The Android phone also has an Urgent Response button for emergencies. Voice typing makes it easier to texting and some plans allow for an on-call care advocate for overall health and well-being.
Victrola Stream Onyx Record Player
Price: $399.99
Where to buy: Bestbuy.com
Play record favorites with the Victrola Stream Onyx that enable wireless streaming of vinyl records through Sonos systems. The modern design wireless record player has a matte finish and a slipmat that helps keep records in pristine condition. The Victrola Stream app allows for quick setup and connects the turntable wirelessly to the Sonos system in seconds. The turntable then fully integrates with the Sonos app with a light-up control knob for volume control.
Nest Hub Smart Display with Google Assistant
Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Bestbuy.com
The second-generation Nest from Google offers up a seven-inch display which makes it easy to listen to music and watch shows and videos. Smart home features such as alarm systems and lights can be controlled through Nest through simple tap and voice commands. The display even helps non-morning people wake up with a sunrise alarm. Keep in touch with family through its built-in speakers and broadcast messages through the house to tell everyone that dinner is read. Nest can also track sleep rhythms if put next to the bed and detect movement and breathing changes using a Motion Sense feature. Access mobile apps through Nest and even book restaurant reservations by simple talk commands.
Renpho Foot Massager
Price: $99.98
Where to buy: Amazon.com
The Renpho heated foot massager offers deep kneading for tired muscles and plantar fasciitis and fits feet up to men size 12. The massager boasts a rotation ball, rolling stick and a heating foot massager offering a shiatsu foot massage. With multiple intensity features, the foot massager provides a comfort level for everyone. The remote-less model offers an easy-touch panel that can be controlled by ones foot and has a removable washable cloth for easy clean-up.