Gadgets for Long Distance Grandparenting
Being a long-distance grandparent doesn't mean being an absent one. These gadgets make it possible to read bedtime stories, share daily moments, and stay genuinely close to your grandchildren—no matter the miles between you.
Update July 2026
The best gadgets for long-distance grandparents are the ones that help you show up consistently—for story time, for silly faces, for the ordinary Tuesday moments that build relationships. Being across the world—or even across the state—from your grandchild is hard. Thanks to technology, it’s blessedly easy to connect with your grandchildren on a regular basis, and that regular connection is what builds relationships. No matter the distance, the following products can help you be a part of your grandchild’s daily life and build lasting bonds.
What is the best digital photo frame for long-distance grandparents?
Aura Digital Frame is our top pick
A digital photo frame may be the simplest thing you can do to stay present in your grandchild's home between visits—and the Aura Frame is our top pick.
While I use my frame to run an ongoing slideshow of my favorite photos, the Aura is especially well-suited for long-distance grandparents. My grandchildren are always spellbound watching the photos and calling out the names of the people they recognize. Send a frame to your grandchild's family, and regularly upload photos and short videos of you as you go about your day: having breakfast, walking the dog, working in the garden. It helps very young grandchildren keep your face familiar, even across the miles.
You can upload directly from your phone, and the frame updates automatically. We love it because unlike many of the competitors, all features are included without a subscription. Check out the Aura Frame on Amazon.
What is the best video calling device for long-distance grandparents?
If video calls are going to be a big part of your grandparenting experience—and they should be—investing in good equipment makes a real difference. Sending an iPad or other high-quality tablet to your grandchild's house will make it easier to connect simply because they will be able to see you better. Sharing books, crafts, and games is far more engaging when the picture is bigger and clearer. While it may seem like a significant purchase, it's an investment that will deepen your relationship. Find the iPad on Amazon.
For grandparents who want an even simpler setup, the Echo Show 8 is worth considering. It has a large HD touchscreen and a camera, and lets you video call family members hands-free: no app to open, no swiping, no password required. You or a family member can set it up once, and after that your grandchild's parents can simply say "Alexa, call Grandma" to connect. Get the Echo Show 8 on Amazon.
How can grandparents read stories to grandchildren from a distance?
Make story time easier
Reading aloud via video call is one of the best things long-distance grandparents can do with young grandchildren, but holding a book and a phone at the same time is awkward. This inexpensive phone holder solves the problem neatly. Simply place your phone in it, arrange it around your neck, and you'll have both hands free to hold the book and turn the pages.
I've tried others, and this is the only one that's lightweight enough to be comfortable for a full story session. It's a small thing that makes reading together via FaceTime genuinely easy and enjoyable—for you and for your grandchild. Find my favorite here.
A phone tripod is more useful than you think
Video chats are the best way to connect with grandchildren of all ages. Sending them a table-top tripod will make parents’ job much easier—no more balancing the phone on the table against the pepper grinder or trying to hold it while bathing the baby. This one is infinitely flexible, making it easy to set up almost anywhere. Get one for yourself as well, so you can set it up while you share your favorite recipe or do crafts together.
What gadgets help grandparents send little moments of connection?
The Lovebox sends your love in an instant
This might be our favorite gift for a long-distance grandchild. Start by downloading the free app, and then send a message, a photo, a drawing or an animation to the Lovebox you’ve sent to your grandchild. They’ll see the heart begin to turn, alerting them that there’s a message from you. They’ll just open the lid and discover the surprise you’ve sent. They can let you know they got it by turning the heart, and you’ll get a virtual shower of hearts in the app. Get one for your far-away grandchild now!
Friendships Lamps are a touch of magic
How darling are these lamps? Send one to your young grandchild and keep one for yourself. They need a Wi-Fi connection, but no fancy apps or software. Just touch the top of your lamp, and theirs will light up. Touch and hold to change colors, and flip the switch to use it for a nightlight. Just imagine the magic of knowing that Grandma or Grandpa made their light turn on from miles away! Find them on Amazon.
What other gadgets help long-distance grandparents stay connected?
Beyond the items above, a few other tools are worth having in your long-distance grandparenting toolkit.
A good pair of wireless earbuds or headphones makes video calls more comfortable for longer sessions — you won't be holding your phone to your ear, and the audio is clearer for both of you. A ring light is an inexpensive addition that improves how you look on video calls. Young grandchildren are still learning to recognize faces on a screen, and a clearer picture makes a real difference. Visit our Amazon shop for more recommendations.
And don't overlook the basics: a reliable Wi-Fi connection and a phone or tablet with a decent front-facing camera are the foundation everything else builds on. If your current setup makes video calls with babies and toddlers frustrating, start there before investing in anything else.
No matter how often you are able to see your grandchildren in person, you can be a part of their lives from a distance. Being a consistent presence in their lives is what builds a relationship, not how close you live. The gadgets above are tools, but the time and intention you bring to using them are what your grandchild will remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest video calling device for long-distance grandparents? The Echo Show 8 is one of the simplest options available. Once it's set up, grandparents and grandchildren can connect with a voice command — no apps required. For grandparents who want something more versatile, an iPad with FaceTime is the most widely used option and works seamlessly across Apple devices.
How can long-distance grandparents bond with babies and toddlers? Consistency matters more than duration. Regular short video calls — even ten minutes a few times a week — help very young grandchildren recognize your voice and face. Reading aloud, singing songs, and simply narrating what you're doing ("I'm making my morning coffee!") are all effective ways to build familiarity with babies and toddlers who can't yet hold a conversation.
What tech do I need to read stories to my grandchild remotely? A tablet or phone with a good front-facing camera, a stable internet connection, and a hands-free phone holder are all you need for comfortable remote story time. The neck phone holder described above frees both hands so you can hold the book naturally and turn pages without juggling devices.
Are digital photo frames worth it for long-distance grandparents? For most long-distance grandparents, yes. A digital frame in your grandchild's home keeps your face present between visits and gives very young children repeated exposure to you — which helps them feel comfortable and connected when they do see you in person or on a call. The Aura Frame is a reliable, easy-to-use option that parents appreciate because it requires nothing from them after the initial setup.