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Smart watches are a great middle ground if you’ve got kids begging for phones but you’re not quite ready to take that leap. Believe me, my kids have been asking for phones for years, but the thought of handing over a full-blown smartphone just didn’t sit right with me yet.
So, what did I do? I went for a compromise—a smart watch—but one without mobile service connectivity, for their first one at least.
Smart watches are surprisingly useful. They give kids the ability to message and call their friends, play a few games, track things like their steps or sleep, and oh yeah…keep time so they’re never late.
Many of them have GPS, which is a nice bonus for keeping an eye on where your pre-teen is without being too overprotective about it. It’s not quite the freedom of a phone, but it offers enough independence that everyone’s happy.
If you’re considering going down this route, here are a few smart watch options that can do the job.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) (My Pick)
This is the one both of our kids have, and it’s been a hit! With fitness and sleep tracking, crash detection (helpful even as riders), and heart rate monitoring, it has all the bells and whistles. The swim-proof feature is awesome, great for kids that are constantly jumping into pools. And honestly, I love the idea of fall detection and emergency SOS built right in. It’s not just techie—it’s practical (which is what I keep telling myself when my pre-teen shows it off to their friends).
Smart Watch (Answer/Make Calls)
This one has 113+ sport modes and is IP68 waterproof, so it can survive those inevitable accidental drops into the water. It even comes with a remote control for photography, which could be fun if your pre-teen is into snapping pics of, well, everything. A great all-around option for kids who love their gadgets.
Smart Watch for Women, Alexa Built-in
This watch is sleek, affordable, and packed with features—honestly, it looks a lot like the ‘you know who’ watch. Built-in Alexa? Yes, please. This one also boasts a sleep tracker, step counter, and activity tracker, all while being IP68 waterproof. The extended battery life is a bonus—less charging means fewer complaints about “dead watches.”
Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch – Alexa Built-in
Another option with Alexa built-in (I mean, how did we live before voice assistants?), this one is perfect for the active pre-teen. It has over 120 sports modes and built-in GPS, which would be handy if your kid loves the outdoors or sports. Plus, it’s 5 ATM water-resistant, meaning it can handle just about any water activity your child throws at it—swimming, rain, you name it.
Smart Watch with Calls and Messages
This one is another affordable alternative with all the basics covered—heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, 110+ sports modes, and a water-resistant design that can handle showers and swims. What’s cool is that it’s also a fitness tracker, so your pre-teen can see their daily steps and calorie count. Plus, it’s compatible with both Android and iPhones, which is always a bonus.
A smart watch is an excellent stepping stone for kids before the inevitable smartphone. It gives them a bit of tech, while you get some peace of mind. Plus, it’s a fun, modern gadget that they’ll actually want to use—and isn’t that half the battle when picking gifts?
Happy shopping!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
