Discover the gadgets that will bring everyone closer together in 2024. Bring together and enhance every moment with our picks for family gift ideas this year.
There’s a lot of talk in the news and on social media about how more screen time leads to less quality social interaction. Humans are wired to enjoy the company of others, and no group is more important than our family. When buying presents for your partner, parents or best friend, consider these family gift ideas. From smart displays to pizza ovens, these suggestions will help bring people closer together.
What’s the best gift to bring family members closer together? Well, I always think about the activities we enjoy together as a family, like having family movie night every Friday. For us, the ideal gift would be something that would take that family tradition to the next level, like a projector or outdoor TV.
Related: Birthday Gift Ideas: Best New Gadgets Under $100
If you live far away from relatives, gifts that bridge the distance can make a big difference: There are plenty of good webcams out there that make video calling easier and more fun, and the latest generation of digital photo frames can connect to Wi-Fi, allowing grandma to update her photo feed of her grandkids daily.
Technology doesn’t have to drive us apart — used consciously, it can keep us close, even through hectic work schedules or cross-country moves. The gifts below suit a wide range of interests, but all will help you spend more time with the people you love most.
1. Amazon’s smart displays improve call quality
Amazon Echo Show 8 on a table
The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a very high-tech product, but it makes video calling with friends and family a breeze. The device has a sleek new display with an edge-to-edge screen and a centrally placed camera, making calls much clearer and more immersive. The audio is also top-notch, with spatial audio processing adapting the sound to any room so you never miss a word.
I was especially impressed with the improved home screen, which adjusts based on proximity and provides personalized information for gift recipients, while Alexa now responds 40% faster, making smart home control easier.
2. Create a cinematic movie night with a laser projector
ViewSonic M1+ videos
Projectors come in all shapes and sizes and at different price ranges. A premium projector like the BenQ V500i 4K HDR can cost nearly $3,500, while the ViewSonic M1+ is just $305. For the sake of simplicity, this blog will focus on the M1+, which is more suitable as a gift for a family member.
It’s packed with quality features, including a short throw lens that lets you project a big image even in a small space, and its Wi-Fi connectivity makes it compatible with your favorite streaming services.
My favorite feature for families is the lightweight, portable design, which means you can take it with you on family trips or set it up on the patio for outdoor movie nights – either way, the whole family can watch something together.
3. Robot vacuums and mops reduce the burden of housework
Cleaning floors with Yeedi Vac 2 Pro
Do you and your partner spend a significant amount of time on household chores throughout the week? Automate some of the chores and have date nights instead. The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro Robot Vacuum is perfect for cleaning floors. This robot vacuum and mop combo comes with a unique vibration mop system and powerful 3,000 Pa suction power. It can handle everything from wood and laminate to tile. Advanced 3D obstacle avoidance technology allows the robot to detect and avoid everyday objects like shoes, pet bowls, toys, and more.
One of my favorite features is its ability to identify different floor types, and in mop mode it automatically adjusts suction power to avoid carpets for optimal cleaning. The intuitive Yeedi app also lets you tweak settings, choose which rooms to clean, and even control it with Alexa or Google Assistant.
4. Soundbars deliver theater-like sound
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 in lifestyle scenes
Refresh your entertainment space and encourage everyone to put down their devices and relax in the living area. BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 transforms any space into a cinema-like haven, making any spot feel like the best seat in the house. With 11 speaker units, it delivers immersive surround sound that fills the entire space.
BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 supports high-quality audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS, and IMAX Enhanced, so you can enjoy the best sound possible for your favorite movies and shows. Expand your setup by adding a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers for an even more immersive experience.
5. Pizza ovens make family mealtimes more enjoyable.
Solo Stove Pi Prime Outdoor
With the Solo Stove Pi Prime, you can bring the whole family outdoors for a delicious meal. Designed for outdoor use, this pizza oven allows the whole family to get some fresh air while enjoying group cooking, or even make it a weekly summer ritual.
The beautifully designed oven heats up in just 15 minutes and cooks delicious stone-baked pizza in just 90 seconds. Pi Prime offers easy temperature control with a dial on the front, so you can easily adjust the flame and heat levels to your liking. The efficient demi-dome design combined with a cordierite stone cooking surface distributes heat evenly for a crispy crust, just like professional chefs have been doing for over 200 years.
6. Webcams make video calling easy
Logitech BRIO 300 on a computer display
Video calling isn’t the same as a face-to-face chat, but a webcam like the Logitech BRIO 300 makes it easy. This 1080p webcam features automatic light correction to help you look your best, even in difficult lighting conditions. And with three beautiful colors to choose from, you can choose a look that matches your personality.
Sustainability has also been taken into consideration, with the BRIO 300 being made from at least 48% recycled plastic. This results in a chic speckled design that adds a modern touch to any desk setup. USB-C connectivity makes setup a breeze. With high resolution and automatic light correction, this webcam ensures the best video quality at all times.
7. Remotely updateable digital photo frame
Aura Digital Photo Frame with Plants
If you have an Aura digital photo frame, you can send photos from your phone directly to your grandparents’ photo frame. These frames come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes to match any home décor.
Sharing photos couldn’t be easier: you can send photos from the Aura app or your camera roll to one or multiple frames at the same time. Plus, it’s easy to set up: everything connects over Wi-Fi, and storage is free and unlimited.
8. Have fun taking photos with an instant camera
Polaroid Now+ 2nd Generation White Color Option
Let older kids or siblings experience the tactile joy of creating instant photos with Polaroid Now+, which combines traditional instant photography with app settings like aperture priority, light painting and double exposure.
Plus, the camera comes with five lens settings that allow for a variety of shooting styles, including starburst, yellow, blue, and red vignette. This classically styled gadget is sure to be a talking point and a keepsake to display on your desk or keep in your diary.
9. Tabletop fireplaces bring everyone together
FLIKFIRE Mini Personal Tabletop Fireplace placed on a coffee table
The FLIKRFIRE Mini Personal Tabletop Fireplace adds ambiance to any room and is perfect for the family to relax around the coffee table. Beautifully crafted from hand-milled ash wood from the Carpathian Mountains and sturdy cast iron components in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, this compact fireplace is a stylish addition to any room.
What’s great is its size. It’s designed to be 30% smaller than the original, so it can create an intimate and cozy atmosphere wherever you place it. It’s also super easy to operate. It’s fueled with isopropyl alcohol and burns for up to 30 minutes with just a few ounces of rubbing alcohol. Whether you’re making s’mores or adding an extra flavor to your dinner, you can do so safely with this flame, without worrying about soot or affecting your air conditioner.
10. A comfortable electric kettle for brewing hot drinks
Fellow Electric Kettle on YouTube
Who doesn’t love chatting with loved ones over a cup of tea? The Fellow electric kettle enhances those conversations with timeless appeal and modern convenience. This electric kettle replicates the classic look of a stovetop teapot, but with features designed for the needs of the modern kitchen.
It’s easy to use, with simple one-touch operation and a handy LED indicator that lights up when the water is boiling, and with a generous 1.5 litre capacity, Clyde is ready for everything from brewing tea to cooking a quick meal.
I love how it helps keep your kitchen organized: the drip-free spout and clear water level markings keep it mess-free, and the 3-foot cord retractable keeps it tidy.
Give your family a memorable gift in 2024
We hope you found something special that resonates with you and your loved ones. Whether it’s enhancing your phone calls or relaxing by a tabletop fireplace, these gadgets are designed to bring us closer together. Cherish every moment with the people you care about most.
Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their own way of expression. When she’s not typing away at her computer, you can find her cooking and traveling with her husband and two daughters.
