Best Tech Gifts for Older Adults

From easy-to-lift vacuums to electronic picture frames that keep you connected, here's your electronic gift guide for 50-plus adults

Nicole Pajer,

AARP

Reviewed by

Abbie Richie

Comments

Published December 12, 2024

different electronic gift ideas for older adults

(Left to right) Wrinklit LED Mask; Remento The Life Story Book; Sperax Walking Pad 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill; Tile Pro (2022) 2pk; Vego Garde Self-Watering Herb Planter Box with Trellis; Ohom Ui 3 Self-Heating Mug Set.

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Ulta; Remento; Sperax Sports; Target (3); Williams Sonoma; Getty Images (2))

It's that time of the year again when the latest and greatest gadgets are flying off the shelves. Not sure what’s good and what’s not? We’ve got you covered when buying gifts for your 50+ family and friend – or maybe even treat yourself to a gadget or two. From health products to kitchen accessories, personal care products that up your self-care game to entertainment goodies, here are some electronic gift ideas.

Long Distance Friendship Frame

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Uncommon Goods)

A picture frame to share memories, keep connections

Connections with family and friends are key to living a happy, healthy life as an older adult. Electronic photo frames offer ways to share photos with those you love that appear immediately on their frame or yours. There is even one that lets you know when a loved one is thinking of you.

What features to consider. "Beyond the size and brightness of the display, it's important to consider what photo services the frame supports both for you and anyone who might want to send you photos," says Ross Rubin, a consumer technology industry analyst with Reticle Research. Other things to consider, says Rubin: Does it support Facebook? iCloud? Emailed photos? A mobile app? "Also check out what features are included in the price of the frame and which ones may require a subscription," he says.

Have a long-distance loved one? Frame a photo of the two of you in this frame and have your loved one do the same. Whenever one of you touches it, the frame, which connects to Wi-Fi, lights up to let the other person know you’re thinking about them. Long Distance Friendship Frame: Normally, $125 for one, $250 for two. Currently on sale for $106.25 for one and $212.50 for two, uncommongoods.com
Frame more than just a photo. This unique frame plays live photos or short video clips to bring your loved ones to life inside a frame. Infinite Objects Frame: starting at $71, infiniteobjects.com.
Want a frame that looks undeniably cool? Advertised as being “the world’s first spatial photo frame,” this gift enables its recipient to turn photographs into holograms that sit within a frame. It connects wirelessly to a phone and uses AI to instantly convert pictures from 2D to 3D. Looking Glass Co Spatial Photo Frame: $299, lookingglassfactory.com

Ohom Ui 3 Self-Heating Mug Set in white

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Williams Sonoma (2))

Gadgets to keep their food warm

"Food warming gifts are perfect for seniors because they ensure meals and drinks to stay at the perfect temperature, giving them the comfort and convenience to dine at their own pace," says Chef George Duran, author of Take This Dish and Twist it, star of Food Network’s "Ham on the Street" and host of TLC's "Ultimate Cake Off."

What features to consider. When shopping this category of gifts, Duran says to opt for products that make it easier to charge, like a charging station, instead of having to plug it in directly. “"Ideally you want the battery integrated inside the warming device and the capability to temperature control either directly on the gadget or via an app," he says.

Safety in a lunchbox: This self-heating lunch box heats refrigerated food in 25 seconds or less and has a built in UV light to kill bacteria. Self-Heating Lunch Box: Normally $119.19. Currently on sale for $89, uvilunchbox.com
This self-heating mug keeps drinks warm, making it a perfect gift for someone who loves to sip and savor a cup of tea. As a bonus, the charging pad can be used for smartphones as well. Ohom Ui Self Heating Mug: $98.95, williamsonoma.com
This warming tray is large enough to keep multiple dishes from becoming cold. It folds up for easy storage and connects to an app to allow recipients to adjust food temperatures and set timers for how long you want it to heat. Smart Foldable Electric Food Warming Mat: $69.99, amazon.com

Chipolo ONE; Tile Pro (2022) 2pk; Apple AirTag (1 Pack)

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Chipolo; Target (2))

For those who tend to misplace things

Getting older causes cognitive changes in the brain, which can make it more common to have those occasional, "Where did I put my car keys?" moments. "Bluetooth trackers are the perfect gift for those who value their time and want a hassle-free way to keep track of their essentials,” says Abbie Richie, host of "Tech Smarter" and "Tech Talks" on CBS Channel 3/5.

What features to consider. When choosing the right tracker, she recommends prioritizing a loud alarm sound, compatibility with your phone, replaceable battery, long Bluetooth range, and a compact design.

This Bluetooth tracker is water-resistant and comes with an extra-long range of 400 feet, making it a good option for people who reside in larger spaces. It can be attached to everything from keys and purses and comes with a replaceable battery that lasts up to a full year. Just log onto the Tile App to find your items. Tile Pro Powerful Bluetooth, 2-Pack: $59.99, target.com
This water-resistant tracker has a 200-ft range and a replaceable battery that can last up to two years and has an extra loud ring (120dB). It connects to an app on a smartphone for location tracking and sends alerts if an item is lost out of its range by also alerting its users of the last known location. Chipolo One, one pack: $25, chipolo.net
Apple Air Tags are dust and water-resistant and are touted for their highly accurate ultra-wide band technology. Pairs easily with Apple devices and can track items in a Bluetooth range of 100 feet and uses Apples Find My Network – a crowd sourced system of millions of Apple devices – to help find items even out of range. Apple Air Tag: $29.99, target.com

Sperax Walking Pad 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Sperax Sports (2))

Portable workout gear to stay healthy and fit

You don't have to belong to a gym to get in a good dose of cardio. This at-home equipment doesn’t take up too much space and can make it possible to sneak in some exercise without even leaving the house.

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What features to consider. "Look for equipment that is affordable, takes up little space, and can support a safe and effective workout routine for people of all abilities," says Krickit Hodges, a personal trainer in Los Angeles, California with GoTribe.

Walking outdoors is great but on cold or rainy days, it can also be a slipping hazard. This walking pad can be used under a stand-up desk or is a great way to burn some extra calories while watching television. It’s small enough to be stowed under a couch or bed. Viplat Walking Pad with Incline: $119.99, viplat.com
This portable walking treadmill comes fully assembled. Just plug it in and it’s good to go. It's infused with padding to absorb the shock and protect knees and has a quiet motor so you it won’t drown out the TV show you’re watching while walking. Judvx Walking Pad Treadmill 2.5HP Under Desk Treadmill: $79.98, amazon.com
In addition to a moving walking pad, this portable treadmill comes with an optional handrail that can be attached to it to provide some extra stability while using it. It is also outfitted with an LED display and remote control so users can adjust their speed and check in on distance covered, and calories burned. Sperax Treadmill-Walking Pad-Under Desk Treadmill-3 in 1 Folding Treadmill: $299.49, amazon.com

(Left to right) Remento The Life Story Book; Storyworth

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Remento; Storyworth)

Gifts with a sentimental twist: Gift a legacy

These legacy gifts allow people to create their own memoir, giving family members of all generations the chance to hear about their life experiences. "When choosing a gift with a sentimental twist, consider the recipient's preferences, their tastes and tech aptitude," says Richie.

What features to consider. When shopping for these gifts, consider the recipient’s preferences. Some allow answers to questions via typed out questions while others can be done via audio files for the not-so-computer savvy or painfully slow typists.

Send a loved one questions about their life, which they can respond to via video or audio recordings. Then, turn them into a keepsake hardcover book. It’s the perfect way to capture memories. Remento: Normally $199. Currently on sale for $99, remento.co
Once a week (for a full year), Storyworth sends recipients interesting questions about their lives to fill out, such as “What is the best vacation you’ve taken and why” or “Describe your first job and what it taught you.” Turn them into a book and make copies for family members. Storyworth: $89, storyworth.com
With Storii, each week, users receive prompts with questions about their lives, which they can respond to via written text, audio, or video recordings. They can also use a call-in phone system to record responses directly onto the platform. The final product can be compiled into a digital archive or ebook, as well as a printed book, DVD, or audio recording. Storii: $99 per year, storii.com

Wrinklit LED Mask

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Ulta (2))

LED face masks for a more efficient beauty routine

As we get older, skin can lose elasticity, can collection more age and sun spots and lose collagen. In the world of anti-aging, LED light therapy is all the rage these days. And studies have shown masks and beauty treatments infused with them to be beneficial to the skin for things like improved skin elasticity .

What features to consider. "When choosing an at-home LED light beauty tool, consider various wavelengths (different wavelengths and colors of light are better for different skin concerns), treatment times lasting around 3 minutes or less, and design (as some are good for multi-tasking, such as watching TV)," says Richie.

This hand-held device uses a combination of red-light therapy, microcurrent technology, and warmth to target fine lines and puffiness. Solawave: $169, solawave.co
This portable LED face wand warms the skin and penetrates with 7 different light options, including red light to boost collagen production, yellow to tackle redness and green light to tackle fine lines. Red Light Therapy Face Massager Skin Rejuvenation Light: $47.99, amazon.com
This LED face mask by Skin Gym brings a spa like experience into your home. Strap it on and choose from one of three LED lights: red light to target redness, amber LED to brighten the skin and blue LED to tackle blemishes. Wrinklit LED Mask: $99, ulta.com

JVC Marshmallow True Wireless Earbuds in blue and black

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target (2))

Music to your ears - the latest in wireless earbuds

Wireless earbuds provide a great way to listen to music or chat with loved ones without getting tangled up in wires – perfect for reducing the risk of household accidents. "There are many wireless earbuds available for under $100 that make excellent gifts!" says Richie.

What features to consider. When choosing these, she says to consider sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, comfort, and design.

These compact earbuds come with a portable charging case and connect to the JLab App to customize a “Be Aware” setting, which lets in outside noise. They allow users to connect to two devices simultaneously and hop from listening to a podcast on your computer to taking a call on your smartphone. JLab JBuds Mini Earbuds: Normally $39.99. Currently on sale for $26.99, jlab.com
These earbuds are designed to conform to your ear to create the perfect fit. A touch-sensitive control makes it easy to control features like play/pause, answer/end calls and activate voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. JVC New Marshmallow True Wireless Earbuds Headphones: Normally $39.99. Currently on sale for $27.99, jvcshop.us
The Mojo has high-end features, like personalized EQ modes where you can set the balance of the bass, midrange, and tempo to your liking. They also have a GPS bud locator for ear buds that get lost. Wicked Audio Mojo 500: $49.99, amazon.com

A massage in the comfort of their own home

Massages provide a great way to relax – and have a multitude of health benefits. One study of older adults found that massage could reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and boost overall well-being.

What features to consider. When choosing a massager consider its power source and the muscles you want to focus on, says Richie. Some, for instance, target the neck and can be used wirelessly, while others need to be hooked up to a charger and work over the back of a chair for full body relief.

This neck and back massager pillow can be strapped to a chair and positioned to hit areas in need of tension release. It also releases soothing heat for a little extra Zen. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager: $59.95, amazon.com
Strap this portable massage chair over the back of a chair or plop down on the couch with it. It comes with 8 massage nodes, soothing heat, seat vibration and a neck pillow. Snailax Back Massager with Heat: $124.99, snailax.com
This at-home foot massager had 3 heating levels and performs a combination of deep tissue and compression therapy, all targeted at the feet. RENPHO Foot Massager Machine with Heat: $139.97, amazon.com

Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum Gray

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target)

High tech vacuums that you can actually lift

Vacuums can be heavy and lugging one around isn’t easy, especially as we get older and lose grip and muscle strength.

What features to consider. "When buying a vacuum, prioritize lightweight design, a cordless option for better maneuverability, adjustable height settings, and a HEPA filter for improved air quality," says Richie.

Indoor dust is filled with so many things that aren’t great for us to breathe. Make cleaning carpets and floors a whole lot easier with this lightweight, cord free vacuum that can trap teenie tiny particles. Dyson Digital Slim: $499.99, bestbuy.com
Put this vacuum to work by connecting it to its app and setting its own cleaning schedule. It also comes with a remote control. When the batter is low, this high-tech cleaning system returns to its dock to charge. Slim enough to go under most furniture. AIRROBO Robot Vacuum Cleaner: $109.99, amazon.com.
Clean messes in the car with this lightweight tiny vacuum that can be kept in the car. It comes with a dusting brush and hand vacuum and can be charged on the go via a USB charging cable. BISSELL AeroSlim Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum: $41.19, bissell.com

Vego Garde Self-Watering Herb Planter Box with Trellis

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target (2))

Grow your own food and herbs with ease

As you get older, it can be harder to maintain your vegetable and herb garden. But it's still fun to grow your own food. You can do that with smart planters.

What features to consider. Search for options that come with timers and that self-water, ensuring plants stay hydrated without having to whip out the watering can yourself, says Richie.

This indoor garden uses hydroponic technology and doesn't need soil, just water. It comes with a light that allows you to pop in a plant pod, sit back and wait for your herbs to grow. SereneLife Smart Indoor Garden - Hydroponic Herb Garden: $52.99, amazon.com
Microgreens are nutrient-packed and don't require much space to grow. This kit contains everything needed to grow them hydroponically – 2-ounce pads and an LED grow light. Microgreens Growing Kit: $149.00, amazon.com
This self-watering planter can be used both indoors and outdoors. It has a built-in trellis for plants that climb as a way to provide structure to plants that climb. Self-Watering Herb Planter Box with Trellis: Normally $79.95. .Currently on sale for $59.95, vegogarden.com