During this time of year, a first phone or a phone upgrade often finds its way to the top of the wish list for tweens and teens. However, there’s often a disparity between the phone they desire and the actual costs involved. Many times, our kids are not fully aware of the genuine expenses associated with receiving a cell phone as a gift.
To keep them grounded, it’s crucial to have an open conversation with them about the real costs associated with the device they have in mind. Break down the expenses, including the device’s price, service charges, and any additional protection plans, and present these figures to them so they can comprehend the monthly financial commitments. It’s perfectly acceptable to provide them with a dose of reality regarding the financial aspects of receiving a cell phone as a gift, especially if you’re the one responsible for covering the bills.
HOW TO GIFT A CELL PHONE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK:
There are effective strategies to gift a cell phone without straining your budget. Begin by considering refurbished models and exploring various service plans. Evaluate whether the cost of device insurance through protection plans is justified when compared to the cost of replacing a device without such coverage.
Here are three important factors to contemplate when considering the gift of a cell phone this holiday season.
1. LOOK INTO REFURBISHED MODELS:
It’s highly likely that your child has their heart set on the latest Apple or Android device, but these often come with a hefty price tag. Refurbished models of recent smartphones are frequently overlooked but can be an excellent choice when gifting a cell phone.
A refurbished phone is essentially a pre-owned phone that someone purchased and later traded in. It could also be a phone that was returned just after the warranty period expired, received repairs, and is now being resold.
Consumer Reports highlights that “refurbished phones account for a small fraction of industry sales but can be a great option for anyone looking for significant savings.” However, it’s important to note that not all companies define “refurbished” in the same way, so it’s crucial to know where to look and understand what you’re getting.
Apple, for instance, sells certified refurbished iPhones. These iPhones undergo rigorous refurbishing, including the installation of a new battery, replacement of the outer shell, and they are backed by a one-year warranty. Additionally, they come with free delivery and returns. Apple guarantees that their certified refurbished iPhones include:
- Full functional testing, with genuine Apple part replacements if necessary, and a comprehensive cleaning.
- The original Operating System or a more recent version.
- All refurbished devices are repackaged in a brand new box complete with all accessories and cables.
Android users can consider purchasing directly from Samsung, which offers certified pre-owned devices. Samsung’s Certified Re-Newed devices provide a like-new phone experience and come with a guaranteed warranty, offering cost savings while also reducing waste.
Samsung technicians follow a stringent refurbishing process to ensure the devices are in like-new condition. They wipe all data and assign new identifiers for security. These devices are rebuilt using 100% genuine Samsung parts and are equipped with an all-new battery. Similar to Apple, Samsung ships Certified Re-Newed devices with the latest software in a brand-new box.
It’s essential to conduct thorough research when considering the gift of a cell phone, and exploring refurbished models is a wise move if you’re looking to save money on the device. Consumer Reports’ “Should You Buy a Refurbished Phone” provides further advice for families contemplating refurbished devices, including tips on where to shop for them, what to look for in a warranty, and why it’s crucial to inquire about the return policy.
2. EXPLORE DIFFERENT PLANS:
While researching the device you plan to purchase and its source, it’s equally important to explore various cell phone service plans. Major carriers frequently entice customers with enticing offers and family plans, but alternative options such as TextNow are worth considering when gifting a cell phone.
If you’re not yet familiar with TextNow, it’s worth noting that they offer free texting and calling, yes, you read that correctly! TextNow’s mission is to provide exceptional phone service for free or as close to free as possible. They offer free calling and texting through their app, allowing you to make free calls and send texts over WiFi. Their cutting-edge technology aims to save you money and is an excellent budget-friendly choice for families planning to gift a cell phone.
I’ve personally been using the TextNow app on my phone to send texts and make calls to student families since the school year began. Not only is the service free, but it was also easy to install and is incredibly user-friendly.
Making calls and sending texts with TextNow only requires three quick and easy steps. It took me less than five minutes to complete the following steps and start texting and calling for free:
- Download the Android or iPhone app.
- Create an account.
- Assign yourself a number or port your current number.
When you gift a cell phone and install TextNow, you have the option to add upgrades that cater to your child’s needs. Features like WiFi Talk & Text (ad-free+) bundle popular calling features such as call forwarding, phone number locking, voicemail transcriptions, and ad removal, all for the very affordable price of $9.99 per month.
If you have access to the Nationwide Sprint Network, TextNow offers the Free Nationwide Talk & Text plan, which includes free, unlimited calling and texting throughout the US and Canada. Check whether your phone is compatible and then purchase a SIM activation kit for a one-time fee of $9.99.
3. INVESTIGATE DEVICE PROTECTION:
Owning a mobile device is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility and the very real possibility of accidents. Even the most responsible and careful child is prone to damaging their phone, so it’s worth considering whether phone insurance would be a valuable investment.
Companies like Asurion provide phone protection plans that cover a range of issues, from cracked screen repair to water damage, loss, and theft protection.
As you prepare to give the gift of a cell phone, it’s an opportune time to revisit the conversation about digital safety. My resource, “6 Conversations About Digital Safety Every Family Should Be Having,” offers tips for discussing important topics related to internet and digital safety, provides recommendations for the best tools for monitoring social media, includes a link to create a customizable contract, and more. These conversations can help your kids become confident and responsible digital citizens.
