Looking for a Gabb Watch Review? This is an extensive review of all our experiences with this kids smartwatch with GPS (and we have a coupon code for you)!
We did it. After a LOT of considering and researching options for a kids smartwatch with GPS……we got Lydia a Gabb Watch. I’ve been sharing a bit about it on Instagram Stories, but I wanted to write a full blog post about why we chose the Gabb watch, and what our experience has been so far (and bonus, the team at Gabb gave me a discount code for YOU in case you’d like to buy a Gabb Watch or Gabb Phone for your family).
A few years ago (after Lydia got lost at Disneyland), we started talking about the possibility of getting her a phone or a smartwatch with GPS. Frankly, they seemed expensive and we weren’t sure she was old enough. Then you know, we had some time at home……and weren’t that worried about it. This year, Lydia is doing some after school activities as well as participating in the drop off zone at school. In California, we don’t really do school buses in most places. So you drive your child to school and walk them up. At Lydia’s school, after First Grade, there is a drop off zone you can use. And (yes, I know, it’s a little funny) so even though she loves it, I found myself circling the school over and over to make sure she made it from the drop off zone to the gate. Now, there are teachers and supervisors present….but….we worry right?
So, we revisited the idea of a phone or a kids smartwatch with GPS. I remembered hearing about Gabb Phones, in fact…..I had an email from their team from the year before that had gone unanswered. So I did a little googling and discovered that….they had released a watch!
The benefit? I wasn’t really into Lydia having a full blown PHONE. A watch could stay on her wrist, and not get lost. Plus it seemed like a good entry level device.
Gabb Watch Review: A Kids Smartwatch with GPS
Use code LIPGLOSS to get the Gabb Watch for $50 off
Spoiler: WE LOVE THIS WATCH. It’s easy to use and very kid friendly. We tested it out for a weekend before Lydia started using it at school. With minimal instructions, she was able to use it on her own (both to call or text us).
Now, the details about the Gabb Watch:
- this is a standalone device….it doesn’t need to pair with a phone…..it functions with it’s own (unlisted) phone number
- it has a lock feature: a lot of questions about the watch and school. We spoke to her teacher FIRST to confirm she was allowed to wear one at school and were told it was fine as long as it didn’t become a distraction. But the best part? You can use the lock feature to set school hours. While you can normally program the phone with up to ten approved contacts, during the school hours you set….the phone will only work to contact YOU (the grown up set as the guardian).
- During non-lock hours: your child can call, send emojis or pre-set texts or audio message their contacts (all have to be approved by you to function on the watch).
- Safe Zone Settings: You can set certain locations as the safe zone (say the school, your house, your block) and you will automatically be alerted if your child leaves that zone.
- The watch is also sturdy and water resistant.
- The watch does not have internet or social media access. It also doesn’t have a camera.
- It has a really good battery life, we charge it each night and even after a day of wearing it and using it, Lydia’s is rarely below 80% battery at the end of the day.
Pricing:
The Gabb Watch itself is $99 (but you can code LIPGLOSS to get the watch for $69).
Service is priced at $9.99 a month with a 2 year contract, $12.99 with a 1 year contract or $16.99 a month with no contract.
In terms of age….I’d suggest a Gabb Watch for ages 6 to 10 or 11. I think after that, you could transition to a Gabb Phone.
Do you have questions about the Gabb watch? Leave them in the comments and I’ll add answers here!