Navigating the Gift-Giving Season: Phones and Watches for Kids
As the gift-giving season approaches, many parents consider buying their kids their first phones or connected watches. Before diving into this decision, I want to share my perspective: delaying this purchase as long as possible is often the best approach.
It’s far easier to navigate the occasional battle of kids asking for a phone or smartwatch than to manage the many ongoing negotiations and oversights that come with handing over a device. Once a connected device enters a child’s life, it opens the door to increased access, distractions, and potential risks.
That said, if you’ve decided to move forward, my team and I have worked hard to compile a detailed chart of recommendations to help you choose the best option. We’ve spent many hours sorting through the ever-changing landscape of prices, contracts, features, and functionality to bring you a clear and actionable guide. Please double-check all details before deciding, as these factors can change.
Of note we report on the top selling phones and watches. There are others out there and more come on the market all the time but we wanted to focus on the most popular ones.
One note on terminology: I prefer the term “simple phones” instead of “dumb phones,” as these devices are anything but dumb.
Finally, if you choose to delay giving your child a simple phone or connected watch, consider talking to other parents in your community to work together. Shared boundaries and mutual support make this process much easier and more effective for everyone involved.
(Watches are below)
Phone cost: The phone itself is free. However, at checkout, you can buy a phone case for $9. You’ll also need to pay for a monthly subscription/ plan. Though based on Samsung hardware, it is branded and customized with Bark’s parental controls, making it distinct from standard Samsung models.
If you cancel the Bark subscription, the Bark Phone cannot be used as a regular phone, as its functionality is tied to Bark's software and services.
If you lose the Bark Phone, the replacement cost depends on the specific model. Bark typically charges $199–$249 for a replacement device, but it's best to confirm directly with Bark for the latest pricing and policies.
The initial cost of a Bark Phone is $0 for the device, plus a monthly subscription starting at $49/month, which includes the phone, Bark’s monitoring software, and services. The exact pricing may vary depending on the plan you choose.
Internet plan (it has its own carrier plan you’ll need to sign up with): Plans start at $49 per month for unlimited talk and text on wi-fi only and go up to $89 per month for data.
You can not sign up with Tmobile or other carriers.
Contract: You do not sign up for a contract. If the phone is lost, replacing it costs around $150 to $250. No matter what you do, you have to pay for 3 months of service when you get the initial phone.
Limit of time /calls/messaging/ data: Each plan includes unlimited talk and text, but parents can still set limits on phone and messaging time if needed. You can not put limits on data per se, but you can limit how long they can spend on certain activities.
Video Calling: Video calling isn't available, but you can download Skype, a communication platform. While parents can't monitor video calls, they can oversee text messages.
Contact restriction: Parents can approve and deny contacts.
Web browsing: Limited; however, it depends on the plan— parents can monitor their child’s device through the Bark parent app
Apps: Parents can add social media, games, or streaming platforms through the Bark parent app, which allows them to control which apps are installed and accessible.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos & videos): Yes, through the Bark parent app
Link: https://www.bark.us/
Phone cost: Pinwheel offers a range of phone models, with upfront fees ranging from $99-$599 upfront. It’s a purpose-built smartphone designed for kids, combining safety, functionality, and parental control. With no access to social media or unapproved apps, it fosters a balanced approach to technology while keeping kids connected responsibly.
Internet plan (you’ll need to add to a separate carrier): To use the Pinwheel phone, you'll need to pay a monthly subscription starting at $15. This subscription allows you to manage your child's Pinwheel and customize settings for your family. Additionally, you’ll need to connect the phone to your family carrier, such as T-Mobile or Verizon.
Contract: It is not required. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and customers can keep their current phone number if they choose.
Limit of time/calls/messaging: Parents can manage and pause screen time.
Video Calling: Video calling on the phone itself isn't available. However, you can download the Messenger Kids app, which allows approved contacts to video chat.
Contact restriction: Parents can approve and deny contacts.
Web browsing: No
Apps: It does not offer social media or video games; rather, it offers educational and creative apps that parents can approve.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photo & videos): Yes, there’s a parent portal that allows parents to manage and monitor the device remotely.
Link: https://www.pinwheel.com/
Phone cost: The phone costs $150-$200 upfront. It’s designed to keep children safe while providing essential communication features. Without internet access, social media, or an app store, it promotes a distraction-free environment while maintaining parental peace of mind.
Internet plan (it has its own carrier plan you’ll need to sign up with): Its plan ranges from $25 per month (unlimited talk and text, wi-fi only) to $35 per month (unlimited talk and text, 3 GB of mobile data).
Contract: Signing up with no contract costs $29.99 per month, 1 year contract is $26.99 per month, 2 year contract is $24.99 per month
Limit of time/calls/messaging: The phone plans are unlimited. However, parents can manage screen time on their child’s device.
Video Calling: Yes, kids can make and receive video calls with friends and family (pre-approved contacts) on Gabb Messenger by sending a one-time invite link.
Contact restriction: Yes, it’s parent managed.
Web browsing: No
Apps: It does not offer social media or video games; rather, it offers essential apps, like a calendar, clock, and calculator.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos, and videos): Yes, parents can monitor certain aspects of the phone through the parent portal, but the monitoring features are somewhat limited compared to phones designed specifically for parental oversight.
Link: https://gabb.com/gabb-phone
Phone cost: The phone costs $200 upfront. It offers safe connectivity, adjustable features that grow with your child, and robust parental controls.
Internet plan (it has its own carrier plan you’ll need to sign up with): Plans range from $20 to $30 per month.
Contract: No contract. However, a 3-year monthly warranty (in case the phone is damaged or lost) is available for $6.95.
Limit of time/calls/messaging: The phone plans are unlimited. However, parents can manage screen time on their child’s device.
Video Calling:
Contact restriction: Yes, it’s parent managed.
Web browsing: No
Apps: Parents can add apps through the Google Play Store, with automatic restrictions on adult content, dating apps, and other mature categories.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos, and videos): Yes, parents can monitor their child's Troomi phone through the parent portal, which allows them to manage contacts, view messages, track location, and control app access.
Link: https://troomi.com/troomi-phone-pro/
Watch cost: The watch ranges from $150 to $180. It’s a kid-friendly smartwatch that combines communication and safety features, allowing children to call or text trusted contacts. GPS tracking, parental controls, and no internet or social media access offer parents peace of mind and freedom for kids.
Internet plan (you’ll need to add to a separate carrier): The watch works with most major carriers, so parents will need to add it to a separate carrier/ their own family plan.
Limit of time/calls/messaging: Depends on the family plan with the external carrier.
Video Call: Yes, the Gizmo Watch 3 and GizmoWatch Disney Edition support video calling, with a three-minute limit per call.
Contact restriction: Two-way voice calling + messaging with up to 10 contacts.
Web browsing: No
Apps: There are no apps to download; however, there are text and call, location tracking, setting reminders, and tracking steps.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: The Gizmo Watch 3 features a built-in camera.
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos, and videos): Yes, parents can monitor the watch using the GizmoHub app. The app allows them to track the watch's location, manage contacts, set up alerts, and control other features to ensure their child's safety.
Link: https://www.verizon.com/connected-smartwatches/verizon-gizmo-watch-3/
Watch cost: The watch costs $150 upfront. It’s a safe and simple smartwatch for kids, offering calling, texting, and GPS tracking features. Designed with parental controls and no internet or social media access, it keeps kids connected and secure while encouraging active play.
Internet plan (no internet plan): The watch does not have an internet/ carrier plan; however, there are warranty contracts that range from $12 to $17
Limit of time/calls/messaging: Unlimited texts and calls exist. However, parents can manage screen time.
Video Call: No, video calling is not available on Gabb Watches.
Contact restriction: Parent-approved contacts.
Web browsing: No
Apps: There are no apps to download like social media; however, it has apps like calculators, alarms, and timers.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: No
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photo & videos): Parents can monitor the watch through the parent portal. The portal allows parents to manage contacts, track the watch’s location, review call logs, set up geofencing alerts, and adjust settings for the device to ensure safety and control over their child's usage.
Link: https://gabb.com/gabb-watch/
Watch cost: The watch costs $130 upfront. It’s a versatile smartwatch for kids that features GPS tracking, safe communication, and robust parental controls. With no social media or internet browsing access, it ensures a secure and distraction-free experience for young users.
Internet plan (no internet plan): There is no internet/ carrier plan; however, there is a warranty (in case the watch gets damaged or lost) that costs $4 per month.
Limit of time/calls/messaging: Unlimited; however, parents can monitor it.
Video Call: You can make video calls on the Troomi XGO3 Kids Smart Watch. It features a built-in camera and supports safe calling with up to 50 approved contacts.
Contact restriction: Parent-approved contacts
Web browsing: No
Apps: No social media. However, there are “arcade games” available on it.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos, and videos): Parents can monitor the watch through the parent portal. The portal allows parents to manage contacts, track the watch's location, view communication history, and control features such as app access and screen time.
Link: https://troomi.com/troomi-kids-smart-watch/
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Navigating the Gift-Giving Season: Phones and Watches for Kids
As the gift-giving season approaches, many parents consider buying their kids their first phones or connected watches. Before diving into this decision, I want to share my perspective: delaying this purchase as long as possible is often the best approach.
It’s far easier to navigate the occasional battle of kids asking for a phone or smartwatch than to manage the many ongoing negotiations and oversights that come with handing over a device. Once a connected device enters a child’s life, it opens the door to increased access, distractions, and potential risks.
That said, if you’ve decided to move forward, my team and I have worked hard to compile a detailed chart of recommendations to help you choose the best option. We’ve spent many hours sorting through the ever-changing landscape of prices, contracts, features, and functionality to bring you a clear and actionable guide. Please double-check all details before deciding, as these factors can change.
Of note we report on the top selling phones and watches. There are others out there and more come on the market all the time but we wanted to focus on the most popular ones.
One note on terminology: I prefer the term “simple phones” instead of “dumb phones,” as these devices are anything but dumb.
Finally, if you choose to delay giving your child a simple phone or connected watch, consider talking to other parents in your community to work together. Shared boundaries and mutual support make this process much easier and more effective for everyone involved.
(Watches are below)
Phone cost: The phone itself is free. However, at checkout, you can buy a phone case for $9. You’ll also need to pay for a monthly subscription/ plan. Though based on Samsung hardware, it is branded and customized with Bark’s parental controls, making it distinct from standard Samsung models.
If you cancel the Bark subscription, the Bark Phone cannot be used as a regular phone, as its functionality is tied to Bark's software and services.
If you lose the Bark Phone, the replacement cost depends on the specific model. Bark typically charges $199–$249 for a replacement device, but it's best to confirm directly with Bark for the latest pricing and policies.
The initial cost of a Bark Phone is $0 for the device, plus a monthly subscription starting at $49/month, which includes the phone, Bark’s monitoring software, and services. The exact pricing may vary depending on the plan you choose.
Internet plan (it has its own carrier plan you’ll need to sign up with): Plans start at $49 per month for unlimited talk and text on wi-fi only and go up to $89 per month for data.
You can not sign up with Tmobile or other carriers.
Contract: You do not sign up for a contract. If the phone is lost, replacing it costs around $150 to $250. No matter what you do, you have to pay for 3 months of service when you get the initial phone.
Limit of time /calls/messaging/ data: Each plan includes unlimited talk and text, but parents can still set limits on phone and messaging time if needed. You can not put limits on data per se, but you can limit how long they can spend on certain activities.
Video Calling: Video calling isn't available, but you can download Skype, a communication platform. While parents can't monitor video calls, they can oversee text messages.
Contact restriction: Parents can approve and deny contacts.
Web browsing: Limited; however, it depends on the plan— parents can monitor their child’s device through the Bark parent app
Apps: Parents can add social media, games, or streaming platforms through the Bark parent app, which allows them to control which apps are installed and accessible.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos & videos): Yes, through the Bark parent app
Link: https://www.bark.us/
Phone cost: Pinwheel offers a range of phone models, with upfront fees ranging from $99-$599 upfront. It’s a purpose-built smartphone designed for kids, combining safety, functionality, and parental control. With no access to social media or unapproved apps, it fosters a balanced approach to technology while keeping kids connected responsibly.
Internet plan (you’ll need to add to a separate carrier): To use the Pinwheel phone, you'll need to pay a monthly subscription starting at $15. This subscription allows you to manage your child's Pinwheel and customize settings for your family. Additionally, you’ll need to connect the phone to your family carrier, such as T-Mobile or Verizon.
Contract: It is not required. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and customers can keep their current phone number if they choose.
Limit of time/calls/messaging: Parents can manage and pause screen time.
Video Calling: Video calling on the phone itself isn't available. However, you can download the Messenger Kids app, which allows approved contacts to video chat.
Contact restriction: Parents can approve and deny contacts.
Web browsing: No
Apps: It does not offer social media or video games; rather, it offers educational and creative apps that parents can approve.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photo & videos): Yes, there’s a parent portal that allows parents to manage and monitor the device remotely.
Link: https://www.pinwheel.com/
Phone cost: The phone costs $150-$200 upfront. It’s designed to keep children safe while providing essential communication features. Without internet access, social media, or an app store, it promotes a distraction-free environment while maintaining parental peace of mind.
Internet plan (it has its own carrier plan you’ll need to sign up with): Its plan ranges from $25 per month (unlimited talk and text, wi-fi only) to $35 per month (unlimited talk and text, 3 GB of mobile data).
Contract: Signing up with no contract costs $29.99 per month, 1 year contract is $26.99 per month, 2 year contract is $24.99 per month
Limit of time/calls/messaging: The phone plans are unlimited. However, parents can manage screen time on their child’s device.
Video Calling: Yes, kids can make and receive video calls with friends and family (pre-approved contacts) on Gabb Messenger by sending a one-time invite link.
Contact restriction: Yes, it’s parent managed.
Web browsing: No
Apps: It does not offer social media or video games; rather, it offers essential apps, like a calendar, clock, and calculator.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos, and videos): Yes, parents can monitor certain aspects of the phone through the parent portal, but the monitoring features are somewhat limited compared to phones designed specifically for parental oversight.
Link: https://gabb.com/gabb-phone
Phone cost: The phone costs $200 upfront. It offers safe connectivity, adjustable features that grow with your child, and robust parental controls.
Internet plan (it has its own carrier plan you’ll need to sign up with): Plans range from $20 to $30 per month.
Contract: No contract. However, a 3-year monthly warranty (in case the phone is damaged or lost) is available for $6.95.
Limit of time/calls/messaging: The phone plans are unlimited. However, parents can manage screen time on their child’s device.
Video Calling:
Contact restriction: Yes, it’s parent managed.
Web browsing: No
Apps: Parents can add apps through the Google Play Store, with automatic restrictions on adult content, dating apps, and other mature categories.
Location tracking: Yes
Camera: Yes
Monitoring (text messages, web browser, photos, and videos): Yes, parents can monitor their child's Troomi phone through the parent portal, which allows them to manage contacts, view messages, track location, and control app access.
Link: https://troomi.com/troomi-phone-pro/
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