Who says tech gifts for seniors are not a good idea? It’s just not true. According to AARP, 80% of adults 50+ surveyed use tech in some way to stay connected. Why not take it one step further and educate them about other easy-to-use technology that can make their lives easier?
Why Do Technology Gifts Make Good Gifts for Seniors?
Your 50Plus loved ones may not buy the latest technology for themselves, which is one of the reasons they make such great gifts! Tech gifts are a thoughtful and practical choice for a variety of additional reasons as well.
For example, innovative tech products can enhance the quality of life and simplify daily tasks. For older adults, this can mean better health monitoring, easier communication with family and friends, and increased convenience in daily tasks. Technology can also help bridge generational gaps by facilitating communication. Smartphones, tablets, or video calling devices can keep older individuals connected with family and friends, especially if they live far away. Many tech gadgets, like fitness trackers, smartwatches, or medical alert systems, can assist in monitoring health, tracking physical activity, and ensuring safety. Streaming devices, e-readers, and audiobook apps can offer endless entertainment options, making downtime more enjoyable. And access to the internet and educational apps can provide opportunities for lifelong learning, which is beneficial for mental health and personal growth.
Many companies design innovative tech products with the needs of older adults in mind. They are often built to be user-friendly and durable. However, it’s important to consider the individual’s comfort level with technology and their specific needs. Not all tech gifts will be suitable for everyone, so it’s not a bad idea to discuss their preferences and offer support in learning how to use the technology effectively.
Below are some of our favorite gifts for older adults.
Health-Related Tech Gifts
Help keep your loved one healthy with these health-related tech gifts.
Wallet Size KardiaMobile Card Personal EKG Monitor
This FDA-cleared and doctor-recommended credit card-size personal EKG monitor provides instant results in 30 seconds. To use, all that’s required of you is to simply place your thumbs or fingers on the sensors Easy to carry and simple to use with most smartphones, you can obtain an accurate medical-grade analysis of your heart rhythm anywhere, anytime. There is no Wi-Fi required as the card uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your phone. This is the slimmest-ever personal EKG and makes the perfect holiday gift for loved ones to monitor their heart health.
No subscription is required to use the KardiaMobile card. The six-lead EKG detects atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, and normal sinus rhythm with the free app. Additional features are available with a KardiaCare subscription.
Air Purifier with Plasma Technology
From the makers of Instant Pot comes this amazing air purifier! Its advanced air-cleaning technology combines a HEPA-13 filter that captures 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, mold, & other ultrafine impurities with Plasma Ion Technology. This great whisper-quiet device allows you to breathe easily as it projects positive and negative ions in the air. You’ll have clean air in minutes! This air purifier automatically senses the air quality and adjusts the fan speed according to the detected quality and the activated carbon filter layer decreases unpleasant smells. Love it!
Cordless Scalp Massager With Eight Massage Heads and Three Kneading Modes
This wonderful Comfier Scalp Massager features eight silicone massage heads that simulate a 360° human finger-kneading motion! It perfectly fits the contours of your scalp for a deep and thorough massage. Designed with soft claws, this cordless tool provides a gentle yet effective massage that promotes scalp relaxation, relieves tension, and revitalizes mind and body. The red light feature enhances blood circulation, supporting muscle recovery and overall relaxation. Easy to use and to clean, this product is lightweight and compact and makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion! Buy two – you will want one for yourself!
Fulext Headphones with Bluetooth for Insomnia, Travel, and Sports
Washable and hypoallergenic, the Fulext headphones feature the latest technology! Wear it comfortably while sleeping or playing sports with no worry the sound will be disturbed by tossing and turning or your sweat! The lucky recipient of this gift will love the high-quality built-in adjustable speaker and microphone which allows for hands-free and crystal-clear calls.
Wear it while sleeping. Even if you don’t use the music, the eye cover is comfortable enough to sleep in any position and blocks the light from total darkness.
Fitness Related Tech Gifts
Stay healthy, hydrated, and fit with these great tech gifts!
LARQ Self-Cleaning and Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A water bottle doesn’t seem like the most exciting gift, but this one is beyond fabulous! It uses innovative non-toxic mercury-free UV-C LED technology to sanitize water and clean the inner surfaces of the bottle by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria and viruses. Your loved one will find it brilliantly cleans water in 60 seconds. It works at the touch of a button, intelligently activating every two hours to keep the bottle fresh and stink-free. The double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless-steel bottle keeps your beverage cold for 24 hours or hot for twelve. Enjoy fresh water without replacement filters and with chemical-free purification. This gift is especially well-loved by seniors who love to travel! It’s pricey, but well worth the cost.
Garmin Activity and Fitness Tracker w/ Pulse Ox
This Garmin slim, smart activity tracker blends a fashionable design with stylish metal accents and a bright, easy-to-read display. While not intended as a medical device to diagnose or treat medical conditions, this affordable little smart activity tracker provides great information! Compatible with your smartphone GPS, you get accurate tracking during outdoor walks and runs. In addition to tracking activity, you can monitor your breathing, heart rate, and REM sleep. And there’s more! It provides vibration alerts for all notifications including calls and text messages too! Great for walks, runs, strength training, yoga, pool swims, and more.
Apple Watch Series 9 Smartwatch with Silver Aluminum Case
This attractive Apple Watch does it all. Of course, it comes with a bigger price tag than the fitness tech devices above. But if you want to purchase a very special gift for your 50+ loved ones, this is a great choice. It is extremely powerful and works seamlessly with all Apple devices and services. The S9 chip enables a superbright always-on retina display and a great new way to quickly and easily interact without touching the screen. The redesigned apps in watchOS give you more information at a glance than ever before.
The Apple Watch also serves as an essential companion for a healthy life. Advanced health, safety, and activity features provide powerful insights and help when you need it. Monitor your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular heart rhythm. See how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with sleep stages. Temperature sensing provides insights into overall well-being and cycle tracking. Take note of your state of mind to help build emotional awareness and resilience. In addition, the Workout app gives you a range of ways to train plus advanced metrics for more insights about your workout performance. Finally, the Apple watch has fall and crash detection features that can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash, and the Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button. This watch comes with watch bands in a variety of styles and colors.
Cool Tech Gifts for Seniors
These innovative products make exceptional gifts for your 50Plus loved ones!
Slim Portable Charger with Built-In Cables
Convenience on the go! Don’t get stuck away from home without a way to charge your phone! This wonderful little portable charger with built-in cables provides easy charging for almost all devices, both Android and IOS. Lightweight and easy to recharge, this charger comes with a digital led display feature so there is no more hassle trying to guess the remaining battery. We especially love that you don’t have to worry about carrying extra cables to fit multiple products.
Apple AirTag
Easily keep track of and find your items alongside friends and devices in “Find My App” with the Apple AirTag! This small device uses the network of Apple devices around the world to help locate your belongings. The Apple AirTag is a game-changer when it comes to keeping track of your valuables. With its sleek design, powerful features, simple setup, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, you will never lose your belongings again. Use it to locate keys, lost luggage, and even your grandchild! You can attach multiple AirTags to different items (we recommend you buy a pack of four), personalize each with custom names, and assign them to specific items in the Find My App.
DJI Mini SE – Camera Drone with 2.7K Camera, GPS, 30-min Flight Time
Has your creative loved one been wanting a drone, but didn’t know which to get? Your search is over! Weighing less than 249 grams, the powerful DJI Mini SE is about the same weight as a smartphone! You can fly this camera drone without the need to register it with the government. Its ultra-portable design allows you to effortlessly capture moments in unforgettable ways – perfect for creators on the move.
Stable even when flying along a windy coastline, this drone produces great videos and photos and is easy and safe to fly. It’s the absolute best drone you can find for under $300! If you are a novice, just learning to fly, we recommend practicing on a cheap drone to practice – when ready buy this one! It’s the best on the market at this price point!
The Original Self-Defense Siren Keychain
Who doesn’t want to feel safer? This military-grade personal alarm emits an ear-piercing sound up to 130db & a blinding LED strobe light that disorients & scares off attackers.
Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) – 6.8″ display and adjustable warm light
Kindles aren’t new, but if your 50Plus loved one doesn’t yet have one, maybe it’s time. The Kindle Paperwhite is thin and light and comes with a flush-front design and a 300 PPI glare-free display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. This model is waterproof so read and relax by the beach or pool without worrying. This Kindle also has 8 GB of storage and pairs well with Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Charge it and read indoors and outdoors, day or night, for weeks!
Tech Gifts for the Home
There are lots of products that make homes smarter and lives easier! Here are a few gift ideas we recommend for your loved ones.
TechGlow Foldable Cellphone Stand with Bluetooth Speaker Charging Station
This versatile device combines a wireless Bluetooth speaker, charger station, phone holder, and alarm clock into a perfect tech gadget! It makes watching videos and making hands-free phone calls super convenient while delivering stunning sound without distortion at any volume. You can adjust the phone speaker stand to suit different viewing angles. The digital dual alarm clock can set two different alarms, which is convenient for family members with different schedules. Get your smartphone or tablet charged while watching videos or playing music with this Bluetooth speaker charging dock. This cool gadget has a long battery life that lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge! The best part – it works for most smartphones and tablets of varying sizes, either Apple or Android!
Fingerprint Door Lock with App Control and Auto Lock
This fingerprint Door Lock will completely transform the way you think about home security! This keyless entry door lock deadbolt with its fantastic app control is not just a gadget; it’s a game-changer that offers convenience, peace of mind, and style all in one package. Installation is a breeze with the included instructions, even for those who are not tech-savvy. One of the standout features of this smart lock is the keyless entry. No more fumbling for keys or worrying about losing them. With fingerprint recognition, unlocking your door is as easy as a touch, and it’s incredibly quick and accurate. In case of emergency, the lock also has a traditional key backup option and a numeric keypad, adding extra layers of security.
This lock provides a great solution for family members or friends who need access to your home when you’re not around. You can add multiple fingerprints, ensuring everyone can enter effortlessly. High quality, durable, and secure, this smart deadlock bolt with fingerprint ID will last for many years. What a great gift!
Smart Garden Indoor Herb and Vegetable Garden Kit with Grow Light
This high-quality smart garden with its energy-efficient LED grow lights ensures your plants thrive no matter the weather. Just drop in the included plant pods, fill the water reservoir, and plug the self-watering planter in – your herb garden starter kit is good to go. Choose from over 50 pre-seeded plant pods for your herb garden like cilantro, basil, lavender, wild strawberries, thyme, and even chili peppers. No green thumb is needed! Sure, you can go to your local store to buy herbs and spices for a couple of bucks, but it’s not as fun as watching your plants grow!
GoDonut Phone and Tablet Stand Holder
This is the last device stand you’ll ever need! It’s truly universal as it’s compatible with 99% of mobile devices, even those not yet released. Its flexible built-in grooves fit everything from small phones to massive tablets. The grooves hold your devices 6 different ways to give you the best view possible no matter where you are or what you are doing! GoDonut is lightweight and durable. It is sturdy enough to support even large tablets and requires no assembly. This sleek and fun product is made in the USA.
HP Sprocket Select Portable 2.3×3.4 Instant Photo Printer
Brilliant! This portable lightweight printer, compatible with both iOS and Android devices, quickly prints your pictures! This printer is a great idea for those of us who mean to print out our pictures but never get around to it. The printer has print-sensitive paper, doesn’t require an ink cartridge, and works by Bluetooth so a cable isn’t necessary. The printer holds 10 sheets of paper at a time.
Music Related Gadgets for Seniors
Who doesn’t love music? And it can be so much better with the right technology. Check out our tech gift selections below.
Monster Boomerang Neckband Bluetooth Speaker
The Monster portable and lightweight wireless wearable speaker provides 12 hours of playtime, and 3D stereo sound and is waterproof to boot! Ideal for both home and outdoors, the ergonomic design on your neck gives a comfortable and secure fit for long periods. You won’t even know you have it on – and though you will have a pure Monster sound experience, you won’t bother those around you. The Bluetooth 5.0 chip ensures stable transmission up to a 33-foot range and is compatible with most devices. It’s never been easier to make hands-free calls!
JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Protective Case
JBL’s “Flip” line of portable, waterproof Bluetooth speakers tops our list of the best Bluetooth speakers available to buy. This speaker with its divvy, protective hardshell case is a perfect gift for your friend or family member who likes to bring music along to the beach, on hikes, or wherever. The rounded, thoughtfully designed speakers produce warm audio with plenty of bass and midrange.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 True Wireless Earbuds Noise Cancelling
If your favorite music lover is sick of wires, the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ makes a great gift! The earbuds fit well and isolate you from distracting noises so you can focus on what you want. Change settings if you want to tune in more to your surroundings. For example, hear flight announcements or your order number while you enjoy your favorite podcast. Both Android and iOS compatible, these buds pair easily with smart devices via Bluetooth. Plus, get up to 11 hours of nonstop music on a single charge, then pop into the wireless charging case for nearly 11 more. Just 3 minutes of charging gives you one hour of playtime if you get to the gym and realize you forgot to charge them the night before! The Galaxy Buds+ delivers high-quality sound for a great price.
Apple AirPods Pro
While we recommend the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ for quality and price, we all know people who are hardcore Apple fans and won’t use another brand. Apple AirPods are more expensive but are some of the best true wireless earbuds on the market – especially for iPhone users. They are comfortable with great sound and noise-canceling features. Also, they resist sweat and water, which makes them ideal for use during exercise.
Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses with Open Ear Headphones
The Bottom Line
There are so many benefits of technology for seniors! To name a few, tech gifts can provide social connection, mental stimulation, entertainment, learning opportunities, and health monitoring. Your loved one may not immediately appreciate a tech gift, but once they become comfortable with it, they will! 
Have other good ideas to share? Please add them in the comment section below!
See more of our fabulous gift guides!
- 10 No-Fail Gifts for Your 50+ Music Lover
- 10 Best New Baby Gifts
- Picky Mother-In-Law? No Problem. 10 Great Gift Ideas
Leslie Farin is the Publisher and Founder of 50PlusToday. She is an experienced communications and marketing professional passionate about working with older adults and their families. She works with a team of writers to provide essential and cutting-edge information related to the 50Plus community.
