10 Cool Holiday Tech Gifts And Gadgets For Grandparents
Grandma and grandpa show up when we need them most, so when it’s time to give back check out our list of 10 tech gifts to keep that connection going strong.
Grandparents are breaking the stereotypical images of the rocking-chair-bound, knitting and fishing enthusiasts of days gone by. As the digital age has transformed our world, our parents and grandparents are getting more tech-savvy.
So, it’s wise to think outside the box when it comes to gifting for the greater generations.
According to a survey by Pew Research Center, adoption of key technologies by those in the 50 to 64 age group and the above 65 age group has grown considerably since a decade ago. And the gap between the oldest and youngest adults has narrowed when it comes to technology usage. The survey found 83 percent of those aged 50 to 64 years old owned a smartphone, while 45 percent of those 65 and older used social media sites.
So don’t leave out the grandparents in when pursuing gift ideas in the tech department. CRN rounds up 10 great grandparent tech gifts that will keep families connected and entertained.
Lovebox Color & Photo
Grandparents love keeping up with the grandkids, and the Lovebox Color & Photo will keep everyone connected in more ways than one. The Lovebox is a connected messaging device that pairs with an app to go beyond regular communication and deliver special expressions of affection. Families can send special notes by text, photos, drawings or stickers via a device housed in a special heart-emblazoned box and schedule the messages to appear at certain times to let grandma and grandpa know when to check.
Docking Station Nightstand Organizer
The Docking Station Nightstand Organizer from T Taranto is a wooden docking station for grandparents’ devices and daily essentials. It’s big enough to fit wallets, glasses, watches, keys and has dedicated space for a smartphone, making it a useful device manager with sophisticated charm. The whole unit is 10 x 6 x 7 inches and has one port for charging.
Apple AirTag
The Apple AirTag is a useful device for anyone, but the grandparents will appreciate having a tool to keep track of their things. The AirTag simply attaches to keys, pocketbooks and more and helps locate anything grandma and grandma want to keep tabs on. An easy app lets the items find their way home with the tap of a button. AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices. The process is anonymous and encrypted to protect privacy.
MeatStick X Set
Give grandma (or grandma) a cool tool that will change the grilling game with the Meatstick X. The device can withstand the harshest cooking environments and can check meat temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours (most likely very well done at that point). The X charger allows the cook to keep an eye on temperatures up to 260 feet away.
Meta Portal TV
While we were home during the pandemic, many of us learned the ins and out of videoconferencing via our smart devices. The Meta Portal TV makes the process easier for everyone by turning any TV into a video call center. If grandparents can plug in an HDMI cable they can use this device, which comes with just a camera unit and a simple remote. All they will need is a Facebook or WhatsApp account and a Wi-Fi connection.
PhoneSoap Smart Sanitizer
We all want to keep our most vulnerable family members safe from bacteria, viruses and germs. Grandparents will appreciate the PhoneSoap Smart Sanitizer’s ability to use UV disinfection and air purifiers to kill 99.99 percent of germs like E. coli, salmonella, staph, influenza and many more. The device uses powerful UV lightbulbs to safely disinfect a phone in 10 minutes or less.
Hot And Cold Plant-Based Milk Maker
Here’s a device grandparents will go nuts for: The Nutr Machine makes plant-based milks at the push of a button. Grandma or grandpa can make dairy-free milks right at home using the device and the nuts of their choice. Nutr’s website has many nut-based recipes that offer dairy-free choices for the environmentally conscious or those looking to change up their diets. The best part: They can control exactly what goes into the mix—no preservatives or chemicals necessary.
Charging Cord Bracelet
Here’s a fun one for grandparents on the go: This braded USB Type-C charging cable bracelet lets them mix convenience and style. Wear on the wrist or attach to a purse, keychain, backpack, briefcase or any accessory—providing an alternative to clumsily stuffing unruly cords into a bag for travel. The bracelet is waterproof and stain-resistant and is compatible with any mobile device using USB Type C.
Wearable Pulse Oximeter
As the COVID 19 pandemic raged on, a lot of people turned to health-related devices to help bring peace of mind. The Wellue Wearable Pulse Oximeter can continuously track oxygen level, pulse rate and perfusion index via a free app for a mobile device. The device can be used for 16 hours after fully charged and stores four sets of 10-hour data to create reports. It supports synchronizing the data to the software management via Bluetooth.
Quick Smartphone Holder/ Monocular
Grandparents can easily shoot close-up videos with their smartphone with the smartphone adapter from The Sharper Image. The included adapter holds most smartphones, including multi-camera phones, and provides up to 8X magnification for sports, concerts, nature and more. Grandparents can use it without the adapter as a stand-alone 8X magnifier. The adapter is compatible with iPhones (excluding the Pro Max models) and Android/Galaxy phones up to 3.75 inches wide.
Click & Grow Smart Garden
Let grandparents harness the therapeutic properties associated with gardening without all the fuss of a full garden with the Click & Grow Smart Garden line of devices. Smart gardens provide zero-effort gardening solutions perfect for urban areas or for people with mobility restrictions. Using specially developed “Smart Soil” and a simple automated system, the devices help grow plants quickly and easily without pesticide or other harmful chemicals. The included grow lights provide a natural light cycle of 16 hours on and 8 hours off.