Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Exclusive Apple interview
  • iPhone Air
  • iPhone 17 Pro
  • Best laptop
  • ChatGPT
  • Best VPN
  • Best web hosting
  • NYT Wordle today
Don't miss these
Man using tablet to control smart lights in kitchen while holding child
Smart Home Welcome to TechRadar's Smart Home Week
A Nintendo Switch 2 next to hands holding the Sigma BF and a B&O Bluetooth speaker sitting on a table
Tech The best tech of 2025 so far – the 17 finest gadgets we've tested this year
Smart home living room project
Smart Home I just upgraded my living room but left out a lot of smart technology because it's still not good enough
Robot pets at IFA 2025
Tech Events 5 of the weirdest tech gadgets I saw at IFA 2025: from robots galore to AI everything
Amazon tech gadgets
Seasonal Sales I've found 15 best-selling tech gadgets at Amazon that you'll actually want to buy - all under $60
Person using smartphone app to control various smart home devices
Smart Plugs 11 great uses for a smart plug: upgrade all the 'dumb' devices in your home for an easier life
The image is split into three sections and shows parts of an RGB keyboard, an orange Motorola phone, and a multicolored rope light.
Tech Good tech doesn’t have to be boring – from headphones to smart lights, here are my top 6 recommendations for colorful tech that'll stand out from the crowd
Father and son using a tablet to control a smart light in a kitchen
Smart Home Not ready for a full smart home refit? Here are three simple smart home hacks to make every day easier
Man sitting on sofa using smartphone while robot vacuum cleans the floor
Smart Home What exactly is a smart home? 3 things you need to know to get started
Woman using tablet to control smart home devices in kitchen
Smart Home 5 super-techie automations to make your smart home even smarter
Ultrahuman Home device on table
Health & Fitness 3 high-tech home health gadgets to boost wellbeing, from home sauna hacks to ambient light
Best of IFA 2025 awards logo
Pro Best of IFA 2025 - all our winners revealed
An American Pit Bull Terrier in a shark life jacket digging a hole in the sand
Seasonal Sales Even my dog found Amazon Prime Day deals worth buying, here's what she recommends for furry friends
Google Nest Hub
Smart Home Not a morning person? These 5 smart home tips and automations will take the pain out of early starts
A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.
Windows Tiny11 just got tinier – Nano11 shrinks down Windows 11 to a third of its size, but there's a notable catch
  1. Seasonal Sales

Nan-o-technology: the best tech Christmas gifts for Grandma

News
By Simon Hill published 13 December 2015

It's a tricky task - but you can even upgrade her home

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Cyber-Gran

Cyber-Gran

Nans aren't generally known for their love of technology, but they're not all jumper-knitting luddites either. Do a little bit of research to find the right gadgets and there's no reason you can't bring some useful tech into your Gran's life this Christmas. All it takes is a keen eye and the patience of a saint.

We've already done some of the hard work for you, but you should be prepared to be on call until your tech gift has been mastered - which basically means forever if our Gran is anything to go by.

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Kindle

Kindle

Price: (£60)

This is the perfect gift for readers, no matter what age they are. The Kindle is lighter and easier to hold than a book, it's gentle on the eyes, and it can last for weeks between charges.

Load it up with some of your Nan's favourite tomes, and you're all set, as the 4GB memory can store thousands of books.

You can also change the font size to make it easier to read on. If you can stretch your budget, the backlit Kindle Paperwhite (£110) is even nicer and is better for tired eyes.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Doro Liberto 820

Doro Liberto 820

Price:(£120)

If your Nan has resisted the smartphone revolution so far, this could be the device to change all that. It's an Android phone with a reasonably decent set of specs, including an 8-megapixel camera, and it features a really accessible interface with large icons.

It also has big buttons, a decent loudspeaker, is hearing aid compatible, and there's an assistance button for emergencies.

Doro includes all sorts of easy-to-follow tutorials on everything from how to get online to how to take a photo. There's even a handy charging dock, so they won't need to fiddle with cables.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Amazon Fire TV Stick

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Price: (£35)

As long as your Nan has Wi-Fi and a new-ish TV with an HDMI port, the Amazon Fire TV stick is a great way to bring her old TV up to date with some smart features.

Set up is easy, and you can install apps like BBC iPlayer and ITV Player, so she can catch up with her favourite programmes. It's definitely a more attractive prospect if you invest in Amazon Prime (£79 per year) too, because it includes a wealth of extra TV shows and movies.

Google Chromecast (£25 - £30) is similar, but the TV stick comes with its own remote, making it much more Nan-friendly.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Pure Evoke D6

Pure Evoke D6

Price: (£165)

If your Nan still likes to listen to the radio, then this DAB device has plenty to choose from. It packs tactile volume and tuning knobs, a wee LCD display to show the station and the time, and five preset buttons for her favourite stations.

The oak veneer should blend in with most décor, and there's a handle on top, just in case it needs to be moved.

There's also a small remote control, Bluetooth streaming support and timer and alarm functions, but they won't need to bother with any of that if they don't want to.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
NIX 8-inch Digital Photo Frame

NIX 8-inch Digital Photo Frame

Price: (£50)

This digital photo frame has a motion sensor, so it turns itself off when nobody is there. That means you can plug it in and forget it, which is perfect for Nan.

It's an 8-inch LED backlit display with a decent resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, so your family photos should look pretty good on it.

Just stick some treasured snaps on an SD card, plug it in, and leave it to do its photo slideshow thing. You can also plug in USB drives and it can even play videos.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Amazon Fire Tablet

Amazon Fire Tablet

Price: (£50)

You can introduce your Nan to the world of tablets without breaking the bank if you opt for the basic Fire tablet from Amazon.

As long as she has Wi-Fi, you can set it up with some handy apps like BBC iPlayer, TuneIn Radio, and Facebook.

Maybe audiobooks through Audible (£8 per month) would prove to be a hit, or you could snag a Prime membership, for access to loads of TV shows, movies, and music. Fire OS is pretty easy to get to grips with too - a great upgrade if Grandma has had a Kindle before and 'fancies one of them tablet things'.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Apple iPad Air

Apple iPad Air

Price: (£320)

If you feel like pushing the boat out then consider an iPad Air. Your Nan will need Wi-Fi and you'll probably want to load up some good apps for her, but for the more tech-savvy Grandmas this will be a real treat.

Thankfully, iOS is very accessible and there are loads of apps and even casual games that might appeal. She can also read the news, check out recipes, dip into social media, and watch movies on it.

Stir FaceTime into the mix for keeping in touch with the family, and you can see how this could be the perfect device. An iPad Air could easily be the only computing device your Nan needs, giving her simple access to a wealth of information.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Flipper Big Button Universal Remote

Flipper Big Button Universal Remote

Price: (£19)

Does your Nan get frustrated with the remote control? Most remotes are packed with pointless buttons, and they can be confusing, even for tech fans.

This remote is simple, with big clear buttons for the essentials, and a slide down panel that reveals a standard number keypad.

You can program it with her favourite channels and lock it to prevent accidental reprogramming. It's universal, too, so it can control the TV and a Sky box or another device. If she's forgetful or arthritis is setting in, this could be prove to be a real winner.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Magicfly Key Finder

Magicfly Key Finder

Price: (£20)

If your Gran is forgetful, and every trip to the shops is delayed by a search for keys or a purse, then this gadget could be just the ticket.

You get three different coloured fobs, with keyrings for easy attachment, and there's a transmitter with three big buttons.

Press the coloured buttons and the corresponding fob will emit a beeping sound to help you find the missing keys, or whatever else it's attached to. Batteries are included, and the fobs flash to warn you when a battery is getting low.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Fitbit Charge HR

Fitbit Charge HR

Price: (£92)

OK - you might think no Nan would want a wearable, but staying fit is vital at every age. A fitness tracker can really help anyone stay mobile and in touch with how active they are, and that's even more important for the aged.

The tricky part is teaching your Nan how to charge and sync it, but if she can get the hang, the Fitbit Charge HR could be a valuable gadget.

It tracks steps, distance, heart rate, sleep quality, and displays the time. It will sync with any computer or smartphone, so they don't need a cutting edge device to get a picture of their health.

A fitness tracker specifically aimed at the older market would probably clean up, but for now, this is the best choice.

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
Simon Hill
Read more
Man using tablet to control smart lights in kitchen while holding child
Welcome to TechRadar's Smart Home Week
 
 
A Nintendo Switch 2 next to hands holding the Sigma BF and a B&O Bluetooth speaker sitting on a table
The best tech of 2025 so far – the 17 finest gadgets we've tested this year
 
 
Smart home living room project
I just upgraded my living room but left out a lot of smart technology because it's still not good enough
 
 
Robot pets at IFA 2025
5 of the weirdest tech gadgets I saw at IFA 2025: from robots galore to AI everything
 
 
Amazon tech gadgets
I've found 15 best-selling tech gadgets at Amazon that you'll actually want to buy - all under $60
 
 
Person using smartphone app to control various smart home devices
11 great uses for a smart plug: upgrade all the 'dumb' devices in your home for an easier life
 
 
Latest in Seasonal Sales
October Prime Day 2025
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is scheduled for October – here are 45 early deals that are worth buying now
 
 
Tech products and Amazon packages piled up next to TechRadar Don't Miss badge
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is back in October – dates, deals, and all the info you need
 
 
AirPods Pro 3 2025
Don't skip the AirPods Pro 3 – get them on sale for just $119.99 at Best Buy
 
 
Best Buy weekend sale 2025
Best Buy's weekend sale starts now – up to $1,000 off the iPhone 17, OLED TVs, AirPods Pro 3 and more
 
 
AirPods Pro 3 deal
You can preorder Apple's AirPods Pro 3 for as little as $120 at Best Buy – here's how
 
 
TCL Q6 65-inch QLED 4K TV
You can get a 75-inch QLED TV for an unbelievable price of just $599.99
 
 
Latest in News
Adobe Stock homepage celebrating its 10th anniversary
Adobe Stock celebrates 10th birthday with pay out for contributors and one long-awaited update I think creators will love
 
 
Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26
Not vibing with Liquid Glass in iOS 26? Here’s how to make it easier on the eyes
 
 
Close up of PS5 DualSense controller leaning on a PS5
Sony reveals that physical software only accounted for 3% of PlayStation sales in the last year, only further fuelling the fire that the PS6 will continue the embrace of digital gaming
 
 
Xiaomi 15 Ultra REVIEW back angled
Xiaomi's next flagship has a second display on the back – and you won't believe its iPhone-inspired name
 
 
Google Pixel 7
Watch out – now some Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro owners are seeing battery overheating issues
 
 
A 3d illustration of a server room with node base programming. Data design element. Concept of big data storage and cloud computing technology.
Google reveals huge $6.8 billion investment in UK ahead of Trump visit
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Proton VPN drops to its lowest price of the year – and TechRadar readers get even better value
  2. 2
    Adobe Stock celebrates 10th birthday with pay out for contributors and one long-awaited update I think creators will love
  3. 3
    This ridiculous iPhone 17 deal gets you four free devices for $25/mo per line at T-Mobile
  4. 4
    Get 'em whilst they're hot! Up to 18% off Cosori bundles including air fryers, pressure cookers and expert guides, plus 15% with this code.
  5. 5
    Seagate's massive 30TB hard drive has massive price cut at just $18.80 per TB - Exos M HDD in on sale at Provantage for $564 with a 5-year warranty

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...