This post is sponsored by Verizon, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only feature brands we genuinely love.
Every year, the hunt for the “perfect” gift kind of feels like a full-time job. We want something our kids will actually use (and not forget about by New Year’s), something that feels special, and, if we’re being honest, something that gives us a little peace of mind, too. This year, after plenty of conversation around the Everymom office, our team landed on one clear favorite: the Gizmo Watch 3 from Verizon.
What started as one editor’s idea for a “just-right” gift quickly turned into a group chat full of rave reviews. From a kindergartener ready to walk home from school for the first time, to an elementary-age kid craving more independence, to a middle schooler dipping their toes into tech—three of our editors, all at different stages of parenting, agreed that the Gizmo Watch 3 is the gift that checks every box. It’s fun for kids, practical for parents, and (best of all) actually makes everyone feel a little more connected.
Among our team, three editors—Ally, Robi, and Kathy—each found themselves reaching for the Gizmo Watch 3 for completely different reasons.
“As my son steps into the world of playdates and after-school adventures, I wanted him to have a little more independence, but with the safety net I still need as a mom. The Gizmo Watch 3 gives us both what we want: he feels like a big kid with his own device, and I can see where he is, message him, or even use the auto-answer feature if he forgets to pick up. It’s our first big step toward freedom—for him, and honestly, for me too.” — Ally Pagar Wolf, mom to Zach
“My son has started asking for a phone, and I totally get it—he wants to talk to his friends, send messages, and feel more grown up. But I’m not ready for him to have full internet access or constant screen time. The Gizmo Watch 3 feels like the perfect middle ground. He can text me, call parent-approved contacts (managed by mom and dad on our phones), or use the SOS button, which is set up to alert me. It gives him the connection he’s craving while letting me keep that layer of parental control and peace of mind.” — Robi Correia, mom to Lucas
“We first gifted our daughter the Gizmo Watch 3 a few years ago, and it’s still one of the best presents we’ve ever given her. The location monitoring and safe zones gave her the freedom to ride bikes after school with friends, while I knew exactly when she arrived. She’s older now and getting ready to transition to a phone, but the Gizmo Watch 3 was the perfect introduction to responsibility. It’s the rare tech gift that truly grows with your family.” — Kathy Sisson, mom to Sammy
Get $75 off Gizmo Watches from 11/6 to 1/7
(service plan req’d for watch)*
Most “tech gifts” for kids come with as much worry as excitement, but the Gizmo Watch 3 is in a category of its own. It gives kids a sense of freedom while parents keep a reassuring eye from afar using the GizmoHub app on their own devices. One of our editors first discovered how much of a game-changer it could be around Halloween, when one of her kids was ready to trick-or-treat with friends for the first time. The real-time GPS monitoring meant she could watch their route from her phone while still letting her child feel independent. “I didn’t have to hover or follow them down the block,” she shared. “I could just check in, see where they were, and know they were good.”
The call and text functions have also been game-changers. Kids can reach out when they need to, but only to parent-approved contacts, so there’s no worrying about random numbers or unwanted messages. And for those moments when a child forgets to pick up, the auto-answer setting gives parents a quick way to check in without the usual panic of unanswered calls. Another one of our editors also mentioned how much she loves the Safe Zone Alerts, which send a notification if her child leaves a designated area. The same goes for the SOS button, which her daughter knows to press if she ever feels unsafe. It’s reassuring without being restrictive—what more could you ask for?
And because the Gizmo Watch 3 has no internet access, parents can relax knowing their kids are staying connected without diving headfirst into the (sometimes scary) digital world. It even has a Gizmobuddy feature, so kids can message friends who also have the watch. It’s kind of like a modern version of walkie-talkies, but with parental oversight.
Sure, it’ll look cute under the tree—but what makes the Gizmo Watch 3 special is how it continues to give back long after the wrapping paper’s been recycled. It’s a tool that helps parents and kids build trust, fosters small steps toward independence, and brings real peace of mind to everyday life.
For our editors, that’s what makes it the perfect gift this year. It’s not just about staying connected—it’s about giving kids confidence and parents comfort. In a season that’s all about finding meaningful ways to show love, the Gizmo Watch 3 is just the kind of gift we’ve all been searching for.
Get $75 off Gizmo Watches from 11/6 to 1/7
(service plan req’d for watch)*
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna collaborates with our sales team by creating both written and social media content, collecting and analyzing performance data to report back to our partners, and assisting our editors with their everyday tasks to ensure a smooth and productive process.
*Up to $149.99 purchase on service plan req’d. Less $75 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Promo credit(s) may not exceed featured device retail price.
This post is sponsored by Verizon but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
