Mom and dad deserve the best, but they also need something that may be a bit more accessible than the average tech gift. These are some of our favorite gifts that only need a brief introduction, and perhaps a power outlet, and you're good to go!
iPad Air 2
There's nothing like being able to pick up a tablet and have it just work and to date the iPad is the best example of that. Despite its low $399 entry point, the iPad Air 2 is one of the best and most versatile computers you can buy today, featuring a blazing fast A8X processor and nearly every app you can think of. And then there's FaceTime to easily connect mom and dad with the family, and a great camera to capture those embarrassing moments.
from $399Buy Now
Amazon Echo
Probably the piece of tech that most easily induces "WOW" moments in the house, the Echo is not new, but it's really come into its own this year. With plenty of voice-related marvels at your disposal, mom and dad will be asking for news, music, and to turn on and off the lights in no time!
from $139 Buy Now
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
There may be Voyage and Oasis with more features, but the best ereader bang for the buck — and the easiest way to get started reading on the go — is still the Kindle Paperwhite. It's got a big, bright screen, amazing selection, and plenty of storage for even the massive anthologies. Plus, the e-ink screen never gets drowned out by the sun, so mom and dad can take it to the pool, the beach, or the park.
$99 Buy Now
Sonos Play:1
Music never sounds better than when you don't have to mess with wires, receivers, apps and adapters. Sonos Play:1 is the best-sounding speaker you can put anywhere in your home, with an app so easy and a feature set so intuitive that mom and dad can just press play. Available in black or white, Play:1 hooks into practically every streaming music service, free or paid, and can sync with other units for multi-room parties.
from $169 Buy Now
Nixplay Seed 7-inch Wi-Fi photo frame
Everyone loves photos, but no one prints them anymore. Take that hassle away by getting mom and dad a Wi-Fi-enabled digital photo frame that can download images and video from the cloud. There's even an app for iOS and Android that sends photos from any phone. Available in four awesome colors!
$99 Buy Now
Sennheiser PXC550
Sennheiser's wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphones are a fabulous Bluetooth option in their own right, but mom and dad will appreciate the 30-hour battery life, smart song pausing, and multitouch controls. Plus, they're super comfortable.
$400 Buy Now $524 at Walmart
Fitbit Charge 2
Easy to set up, fun to use, and incredibly comfortable, the Fitbit Charge 2 is one of the best fitness tech gifts you can give mom or dad this year. With great apps for iOS, Android and Windows, unparalleled support, and a huge network of people ready to challenge and motivate, the Charge 2 is Fitbit's best tracker yet. Even better? It lasts five days on a battery charge!
from $129 Buy Now
Spotify subscription
Spotify is everywhere, and it's one of the best ways to access music, podcasts and music videos on practically any screen. At $9.99 per month, it's inexpensive enough to gift for a year, and its apps are well designed and easy to use on all platforms.
$9.99 Buy Now
