Every year, parents tell us the same story: “We bought something we thought was harmless… then we discovered what it could really do.”

What looked like a basic music player streamed YouTube. A fun gadget connected to strangers. A toy meant for entertainment started giving advice no parent had approved.

In today’s tech world, the biggest surprises don’t come from the gifts themselves—they come from the features hidden inside them.

With so many devices now offering Wi-Fi, AI-based conversation, or unfiltered content, choosing a safe gift has become more complicated than checking a label. That’s where TAG can help. We research the newest products, identify what’s secure, and provide clarity—before you wrap the box.

Updated Smart Gift Guide

Read the TAGLINES Newsletter for Kislev with the guide ->

Gaming Devices

Many gaming devices, including the Nintendo Switch and DS, Xbox, and Meta Quest VR, pose internet safety risks like open YouTube, an app store, or a full browser. Many of these also allow multi-player gaming, playing and interacting with strangers on the internet. WIFI on some devices can be physically removed or disabled by a technician. If WIFI is removed, download all desired games beforehand, as updates and downloads will no longer be possible. Parental controls are available for some gaming devices, but they are often weak and easily bypassed.

Cameras

Most cameras today do not have internet access, even if they include Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi on a camera usually just means it can connect to a phone app or share photos with other nearby cameras. Kids can already share pictures using the SD card, but if Wi-Fi sharing is a concern, there are select models where we can fully remove the Wi-Fi feature. Check our website for the current list, and feel free to confirm with us whether a specific model is safe.

Smart Watches

Some smartwatches, Apple watches, or Fitbits are just wearable smartphones, with unfiltered internet. Others only connect to the internet when connected to the app on another smart device, while others do not connect to the internet at all. Read the product details and check with a technician to see how safe the device is.

Some of these devices can also connect with other smartwatch or Fitbit users through the device’s social features. Socializing with strangers and immodest profile pictures can be a concern. Smartwatches for kids have also been found to be a gateway to the culture of smart devices and screen dependency.

MP3 Players

Touch-screen music players today often run full Android—basically a stripped-down smartphone—with almost no restrictions. Some “kosher” models, like the Timkoo, can quickly access Google, YouTube, and other online apps once connected to Wi-Fi.

Kids can also load their own music through Bluetooth, SD cards, or a computer, which may include content you don’t approve of. We maintain an updated list of safe MP3 players on our website and can help check any model you’re considering.

Streaming Devices: 24six, Zing, etc.

While these devices don’t have obvious internet vulnerabilities, they still require Wi-Fi periodically for updates. They offer an “internet-like” experience, modeled after apps like Spotify. The “Solo” audio-only player highlights trending music and popular playlists, while the “Family” video-capable model includes playlist sharing, music videos, and podcasts—some of which may contain sensitive topics unsuitable for children. Because the devices are constantly updating, new features may appear over time. Unlike simple MP3 players, they are much more engaging, and the unlimited access to content can lead to constant song-hopping and overstimulation. Parents should consider whether these features fit their family’s needs.

On the positive side, these devices provide a safe alternative to mainstream music platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, with exclusively Jewish content, and preventing children from adding other music or videos. Built-in parental controls are also helpful. The new 24six Gold model only connects at special kiosks, offering an even more controlled environment—but this option is not practical in communities that do not have these kiosks available.

Tablets and Kindles

The Amazon Kindle/Fire series, while often more budget-friendly, has internet that cannot be filtered properly. There are parental controls built in, but they’re limited and easily bypassed, especially by tech-savvy kids or their friends. On the Amazon Fire, internet can only be blocked by permanently removing the WIFI chip. In most cases, our TAG office can remove the WIFI chip for free. Without the WIFI, all apps, books, and games need to be pre-loaded, and able to work offline. This method doesn’t prevent material from being loaded through USB.

For those who want internet access on their tablet, we generally recommend an Android tablet or iPad so a reliable filter can be installed. Decent tablets or refurbished iPads can cost as low as $80-$150 and the filter is often less than $10/month if you only want apps and no browser.

Gaming Apps

Besides the obvious screen time and addictiveness concerns, another significant risk is interacting with other players online. While this makes games more lively, it also opens up the possibility for bad actors to bully or prey on other players.

Roblox is one example of a very risky game app. It offers a wide range of games created by community contributors, but has been criticized for leaving children vulnerable to ill-intentioned strangers. Exposure to highly inappropriate content through the games themselves or through communication with other players is another concern. While some apps are monitored by developers, they fail to keep up with the newly posted games. Parents are ultimately trusting their child’s safety to these companies’ own standards and vigilance.

Many gaming apps, especially free ones, have highly inappropriate advertisements that popup during the game, and the games sometimes reward the players with points for watching the ads.

Some apps have parental controls, but they’re not entirely foolproof. To be safe, research and test every game before giving it to your child.

Drones

Many drone remotes have screens with open internet and can upload or share videos over Wi-Fi. Even filtered drones can become unsafe after software updates. Some models rely on smartphone apps, and while your phone may be filtered, every filter has vulnerabilities a determined teen can learn to bypass.

There are also major privacy risks, since drones can film private areas like backyards, pools, and windows.

For now, the only reliable way to block internet is to physically remove the drone’s Wi-Fi. Most will still fly fine without it, but confirm with the manufacturer.

AI Companions

With the surge of AI in the past few years has come a wave of portable AI gadgets—pendants, wristbands you can talk to like an always-on buddy, and now toys: teddy bears and small robots that can hold full conversations with your child.

Recently, though, it’s become clear these AI toys can veer into completely uncharted and unsafe territory, introducing topics that are wildly inappropriate and potentially harmful for children—and even adults. Some models have already been pulled from the market, but others remain, especially imported products that slip through testing, review, and regulation. For now, these toys should be avoided entirely. The risks are severe, unpredictable, and not worth exposing a child to.

AI on a Kosher Phone – Related to this is the recent rise of AI phone numbers that kids can call or text. Most children already know about them, and many use them regularly—sometimes without their parents’ knowledge. Only a couple of Kosher phones can block these numbers, and even then, the protection isn’t perfect. In most cases, even a TAG-certified Kosher phone cannot stop a child from calling them.

This is a serious issue. Many of these AI numbers are completely free, have no time limits, and are totally uncensored. They’re highly addictive, and many children are struggling with the nonstop access and content they’re exposed to. There’s not much one can do to fully block these services, but parents should be aware their children may be calling or texting them—and consider monitoring phone use and helping their children navigate this new reality. AI is a growing, evolving internet challenge, and it’s one area where filters can only do so much.