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Are you thinking about getting a Gabb Watch for kids in your life? After a LOT of research, we decided to get the Gabb Watch for our kids, and it is amazing!
Since I love the watch so much, I reached out to Gabb Wireless and asked if I could offer a coupon code to our readers. You can get an ADDITIONAL $25 off any Gabb watch or phone with code: PRETTYPROVIDENCE
I have two kids, and the time had come when I wanted to give them a little bit more autonomy. I was anxious about dropping them off at lessons or letting them play at their friends' houses without any way to contact me, but at some point you've got to let them be without you, right? Their dad and I knew it was time to get them a device.
Table of contents
What is the Gabb Watch?
Gabb watch is a kids smart watch that has GPS, calling and texting. It is the perfect first device for your kid. It allows them to safely connect with family and friends when they need to without the distractions.
Why We Decided This Is The Best Kid Smart Watch for our Family
I took to asking my close friends and reading safety reviews. After all of it, I knew the Gabb watch was right for us.
We have had ours for about a month now and it has exceeded our expectations! We absolutely love it.
Why a Watch and not a Smartphone
I have many concerns with giving my children any devices that have games, internet, apps, and social media on them. It is not an option for them until they are older. I also didn't want them to have any additional screen time - they already do have more than what is recommended daily. (Just being real!)
- the watch is practical (strapped to their wrist it is less likely to get lost or left somewhere)
- no social media access, internet access, or games
Things we don't have to worry about with the Gabb watch:
- inappropriate content
- cyberbullying
- predators
- spam
- wasted time browsing or scrolling
The Best Phone Watch for Kids and how it works
The watch is easy to use and is designed for kids aged 5 to 11. My kindergartener can easily navigate it and call me, her grandparents, or anyone else that I add to the approved list of numbers.
- Gabb watches come with their own phone number: You don’t need an extra phone line through another provider to connect it to. The plan for the Gabb watch is 14.99/month. So affordable!
- Unlimited calls and texts with parent-approved contacts: in the Gabb parent app, you can add up to 25 contacts to your child's list. Only approved contacts are able to send or receive messages or texts with your child.
- Pre-set texts and emojis: Gabb watches don't have a keyboard, but there are pre-set text messages they can send with the press of a button, and you can customize them. There are also emojis which, of course, the kids love!
- Voice texts: This is my favorite thing, getting voice texts from my kids. They love sending them too.
- GPS tracking: The watch has GPS tracking and you can set customizable safe zones that notify you when your child leaves and enters specified locations.
- SOS Button: There's a simple SOS button that can alert the primary parent contact if your child needs help.
- Lock Mode: There is a parent-controlled lock mode to limit distractions during certain hours like during school or bedtime. The child and their primary contact can still contact each other in this mode.
- The watch is durable too - it's sweat, sand, and water-resistant!
Other cool features:
- Flashlight
- Stopwatch
- Timer
- Alarm Clock
- Task Manager: You can create custom to-do lists for your kids, and they can earn digital coins for checking them off.
- Step Counting: this is the only feature we haven't really used yet. My daughter is active and we don't feel the need to think about her number of steps for the day. I imagine it would be fun to know in some situations, especially if you're doing a lot of walking or running!
- Gabb Go Pet: This is the one and only 'game-like thing' available on the Gabb watch. Your child can learn responsibility and caretaking skills by feeding, washing, and petting their digital friend. They earn coins by taking care of their pet, hitting step count goals, and crossing off items on their to-do list that can be cashed in to unlock new pets and mystery moves.
Gabb Phone Parental Controls
This is what some of the options in the My Gabb parent app look like:
How the Gabb Watch Fosters Connection
Other than giving me peace of mind knowing where my child is and having the ability to get in touch with them when we aren't together, there is another HUGE benefit to getting your child a Gabb watch:
My kids are calling and texting their grandparents way more often, and let me tell you, it is bringing joy to all involved! I chose to only add family members to their contact list for now, and I might let them add a few close friends if they also have a watch. Since they have been wearing the watch and seeing their contact list daily, they think to call and check in with Grandma or Grandpa entirely on their own. Without the need for me to remind them or for them to borrow my phone!
I love seeing them develop closer relationships with the people they care about, independently.
Why my kids love the Gabb
My kids appreciate having their own device and having the ability to call their grandparents or friends without having to borrow my phone to do so.
They like being able to call me and ask questions when they are away from home or tell me they are ready to be picked up. There is really something to be said about giving them autonomy!
Gabb Watch Promo Code
The Gabb watch is already super affordable, but remember you can take off an ADDITIONAL $25 off any Gabb watch or phone with the code: PRETTYPROVIDENCE
My overall feelings on the Best Watch Phone for Kids
The gabb watch has made our communication better, fostered connection, and given us a lot of peace of mind as our kids get older and we give them more autonomy. We absolutely love it and recommend the Gabb smart watch for kids between the ages of 6 and 12!
Legrand
My experience was that it was OK for a year or so. My dislike is that it kept on logging me out of the parent app so I didn't really use it much. I had to type in my password manually any time I wanted to check where my kid was at. Beyond a year, I really don't recommend this device. I bought 2, they started glitching out after a year. the main problem was they just wouldn't charge very well. Then, when it came time to try to cancel my account they just kind of ignore you and make it really hard to do so. End result is I think I have about 7 months of service I paid for that I didn't want to. Company seems a bit unethical.
Trista
Is this still something you would recommend? Ive seen many reviews of this watch and others that are similar that they loved the watch at first, but then after a few months or a year, it no longer works, especially right after the warranty expires.
Mohammed B
This watch is great for about three months max, after that it start miss function, I reset the watch to manufactory settings and still not working. The battery is for two to three hours after that we have to recharge it, over all it not worth it.
Cara
Thanks for this review! Question about age though…we are wanting to get our 12 year old a smart watch and leaning toward this one! Why would you say this is only good for age 6-12? She doesn’t have a phone and we won’t get her one until she’s at least 14. Thanks for your insight!
Melinda P
Thank you for sharing this post. Have you compared Gabb with other similar providers? Until when is your promo code good until? I may get a Gabbwatch but planned to put it off a little bit. Thanks!
Michelle
I have a tick talk4 for my daughter but it's very bulky and im looking to get the gabb watch. She already has a sim with service. Will that work or do I need to pay for the gabb watch plan too?
Sarah
I believe you have to have the Gabb service plan.
Melissa
Based on your review I went ahead and purchased two of the watches for my youngest kiddos. I used your code…which didn’t give me the discount you mentioned, but it did allow me to add two accessories free of charge. I got the screen protectors. So far, this has been a great purchase! We’re practicing the responsibility of having these devices right now, but the watches are so user-friendly and motivating for my kids. Thank you for the great review!
Sarah
I'm so glad you've liked them! I didn't realize that at the time of writing sometimes the discounts and promotions would change. thanks for letting me know, I need to go update the blog post!
Samuel
Well, I just purchased this... It will be here tomorrow.. will keep you posted
JB
My kids have gizmo watches and a few things about them drive me totally nuts. It sounds like it's time to try Gabb!
Sarah
Yes, I had read reviews extensively and it seems that Gizmos are not as easy to manage as Gabb!
Jamie
So helpful! Thanks for breaking it down. I've been debating on getting the watch and I think I'm sold!
Sarah
You won't regret it!
April
This is great! My kids are old enough where they need to be able to communicate with us while they're out, but not old enough for a phone - this is a wonderful alternative! I love all the features, I will definitely be looking into it further!
Sarah
Yes, right! It has put me at ease knowing my kids can get ahold of me and vice versa!