Shopping for grandparents isn't always hard, per se — unless you want to buy them something that incorporates technology. And then all bets are off.
The key when looking to gift a gadget to someone of an older generation: Find something that will make their life easier. This means picking devices that will help them find their favorite shows faster, display favorite photos in seconds, and turn off living room lights even after they've left the house.
Ahead, seven devices that do these things and more. The best part: Each requires very minimal setup, so they'll have no reason not to give them a try.
What makes this version of Roku better than the others? The streaming box has voice control, so you grandparents can ditch the remote, and tell their TV to turn on PBS or NCIS.
Roku Ultra, $129.99, available at Roku.
For the grandparent who's always misplacing their keys or phone, this little device is a major timesaver. All they need to do is download the accompanying app, sync it with the device, and attach the TrackR to their keyring. Then, they can use the app to see where their missing keys are.
TrackR, $29.99, available at TheTrackR.com.
This little plug acts as an apartment or home master control. Your grandparents can plug anything into it — be it a lamp, fan, or iron — and connect it to an app on their phone. Then, if they accidentally leave something on after already going to bed or leaving the house, they can turn it off through their phone.
Belkin Memo Insight Smart Plug, $49.99, available at Belkin.
You know your grandma is going to put up photos of you and the other grandkids anyways, so you might as well make it easier for her. Aura's smart frame syncs with her phone so she can upload photos to her wall or nightstand instantly. Plus, the frame's technology can detect which photos are poor resolution, and will only show the clearest, highest quality images.
Aura Frame, $399, available at Aura Frames.
Does your granddad need a smart water bottle? No. But it's a gift that shows you care and one that will make it easier for him to stay hydrated. The bottle syncs with an app to track hydration and offers friendly reminders to keep sipping.
EightCups Smart Hydration Bottle, $129.95, available at Fab.
No matter where your grandparents live, this kit is an easy way to upgrade their living space. The bulbs connect to an app — and Apple HomeKit — to let your grandparents use Siri to turn on and off the lights or set them to turn on and off automatically at specific times of the day. Think of it as the modern version of the Clapper.
Philips Hue White Ambiance A19 Starter Kit, $129.95, available at Apple.
This wooden charging dock is simple, but stylish, and has suction on the base to make sure it doesn't slide around on a nightstand.
Grovemade Walnut iPhone Dock, $79, available at Grovemade.
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