Schedule a regular phone or video call at the same time each week. Consistency turns a call into a cherished ritual, something everyone can look forward to.
Share photos and videos through a shared digital album app. Family members can add pictures anytime, creating a living scrapbook that everyone can browse and comment on.
Write old-fashioned letters or send care packages. A handwritten note or a small box of homemade treats feels personal and thoughtful, bridging the gap in a way digital messages can't.
Cook the same meal together over video call. Pick a recipe, set up your devices in the kitchen, and cook step by step. It's a fun, shared activity that ends with a meal you both enjoy.
Play online games or do puzzles together. Many simple games work well for all ages, and solving a crossword or playing a card game can spark conversation and laughter.
Create a family book club or movie night. Choose a book or film, then discuss it during your next call. It gives you a shared experience and something new to talk about.
Use a two-way audio device or pet camera to check in casually. You can pop in and say hello without needing to schedule a full call, making it feel like you're just in the next room.
Set up a digital picture frame that updates automatically. It's a simple way to see new family photos every day, keeping loved ones visually present in your home.
The products below are our picks for these needs. This article contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
1. Share Photos Effortlessly from Anywhere
You want family to see your latest photos without the hassle of printing or emailing. A digital picture frame with WiFi lets loved ones send pictures directly to the frame from their phones. Look for a model with a clear 10.1-inch screen and touch capability, like the Aura Carver, so you can enjoy a steady stream of memories.
Helpful resources to consider
- Frameo 10.1 Inch WiFi Digital Picture Frame
- AEEZO Digital Picture Frame, 10.1 Inch
Helpful products to consider (paid links)
【Share Photos & Videos Securely and Privately via “Frameo” App】 Easily connect your 15.6" digital picture frame to Wi-Fi (Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi)and setup in just a few simple steps. Download the free Frameo app on phone (available for iOS and Android) and invite friends and family from anywhere to send their photos/videos (up to 15 seconds)to your wifi digital frame—no distance limits. Stay connected with loved ones wherever they are! Millions of users love Frameo for its private, secure way to share and display photos
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[Frameo Digital Frame WiFi] Trusted by millions of users worldwide, Frameo offers a secure and private way to share memories. Powered by professional photo management technology from Denmark, it makes sharing and displaying your precious photos and videos effortless. BIGASUO is officially licensed by Frameo App Company, verifiable on the Frameo website.
View on Amazon2. Enjoy a Larger Window into Family Moments
If you find small screens hard to see, a bigger frame can make photos feel more immersive. A 15.6-inch display with high resolution brings every detail to life, perfect for a living room or central spot. The Aura Carver offers a generous screen and simple operation, so you can feel like you are right there with your family.
Helpful resources to consider
- 64GB 15.6" Frameo Digital Picture Frame WiFi
- Digital Picture Frame, 15.6 Inch Large Frameo Digital Photo Frame WiFi
Helpful products to consider (paid links)
EASY TO USE FEATURES: ViewClix makes video calling with Seniors simple! Set the frame to auto-answer a video call for a hands-free experience for the Senior. Share photos or video clips from anywhere using our free ViewClix Mobile App. Schedule text reminders to the frame and set up periodic weather forecast updates to display.
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【Two-Way Video/Audio Camera】The Video Calling Smart Camera Device with a 2.8 inch high-definition display and two-way video calling, the Home camera allows for intimate interaction and a better communication,Use two-way Video to communicate with nosy roommates, grandparents, or even mischievous pets.
View on Amazon3. See and Talk to Loved Ones Face to Face
Sometimes a photo is not enough—you want to hear their voice and see their smile. A frame with built-in video calling, like the ViewClix Smart Frame, lets you have two-way conversations with just a tap. Its senior-friendly design means no complicated steps, just instant connection with grandchildren or friends.
Helpful resources to consider
- Smart Frame by ViewClix, The Digital Picture Frame with Video Calling
Helpful products to consider (paid links)
Instant Share via AiMOR APP: Instantly share life's special moments through the AiMOR app—surprise loved ones with spontaneous photos that appear on their digital picture frame seconds after WiFi connection. Invite unlimited family members and friends to contribute memories with AiMOR’s wireless transfer feature, creating a shared gallery of cherished experiences.
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SHARE MOMENTS INSTANTLY & SECURELY: Easily send photos and videos (up to 15s) from anywhere to your Frameo digital frame via the free Frameo app (iOS/Android). With advanced privacy protection, your frame only receives content from invited family and friends, ensuring your personal memories stay completely safe and private. Invite multiple loved ones to join — so everyone can share and stay connected.
View on Amazon4. Keep Photos Flowing with Easy WiFi and App Setup
You do not want to struggle with technology just to see new pictures. A frame that connects to your home WiFi and pairs with a simple app, such as the Aura Carver, makes sharing effortless. Family members can send photos from their phones, and you never have to worry about running out of space with unlimited cloud storage.
Helpful resources to consider
- Aura Carver 10.1" HD Digital Picture Frame
- BIGASUO Digital Picture Frame, 10.1" Frameo Digital Frame WiFi
Helpful products to consider (paid links)
Aura Digital Picture Frame | Wirecutter's Best Digital Frame for Gifting | Send Photos Directly to Your Frame from Anywhere | Quick & Easy Setup Over WiFi | Free, Unlimited Storage
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Instantly Share Every Moment with Loved Ones: With the AiMOR app, Instantly share life's special moments to the digital picture frame from anywhere. You can also grant photo upload access to family members and friends. Move beyond fleeting messages—enjoy a continuous stream of photos and videos on the digital photo frame. Watch images transition in a slideshow, as if every captured moment is unfolding right beside you, no matter the distance.
View on Amazon5. Never Worry About Running Out of Photo Space
It is frustrating when a frame fills up and stops showing new memories. Cloud-based frames like the Aura Carver store photos online, so you have endless room for every holiday, visit, or everyday moment. No need to delete old favorites—just enjoy a continuous slideshow of your family's life.
Helpful resources to consider
- 32GB FRAMEO 10.1 Inch Smart WiFi Digital Photo Frame
- Aura Carver 10.1" HD Digital Picture Frame
Helpful products to consider (paid links)
Heartfelt Gift for Family & Loved Ones - A 10.1-inch digital photo frame is the perfect heartfelt gift, turning precious moments into timeless memories. Share unforgettable birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries with your loved ones. It brings daily warmth, joy, and close connection, turning your thoughtful gift into lasting, cherished memories
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【SHARE PHOTOS AND VIDEO PRIVATELY, SAFELY】 Send photos or small videos (Max.15 seconds) directly to FRAMEO APP from anywhere in the world, friends and family can enjoy your wonderful moments within seconds on Akimart WIFI frame. The ''frameo'' App for iOS and Android gives you full control over your frame. Built-in 32GB memory, Support Mirco SD Card extend storage, also can Import and Export pictures or videos.
View on Amazon6. Navigate Photos with a Simple Touch and Perfect View
You want to swipe through photos or adjust settings without confusion. A touch screen and auto-rotate feature make it easy to view pictures in any orientation. The Aura Carver has an intuitive touch display and wide viewing angles, so you can comfortably share the frame with others in the room.
Helpful resources to consider
- Digital Picture Frame, 10.1 Inch Picture Frame with 1280*800 HD IPS Touch Screen
- Digital Picture Frame, 10.1 Inch Digital Photo Frame 32GB Storage
Helpful products to consider (paid links)
Instant Share via Frameo APP; Connect your digital picture frame to WiFi and instantly share photos via Frameo from anywhere, at any time. Perfect for grandparents missing out on moments or long-distance couples sharing daily lives, this digital frame brings highlights directly to loved ones. With 32GB built-in memory and supporting for external storage, it can store 50,000+ photos. The WiFi Frameo digital frame turns your memories into personal slideshows, keeping families & friends connected
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Instant Share via Frameo APP; Connect your frame to WIFI, and share photos and videos(Max.15s) quickly via a reliable App - Frameo to our electronic photo frame from anywhere, privately and safely, no member numbers limited. For those who already have a Frameo digital frame, no need to download another app. It has 32GB built-in memory and support up to 32GB external storage, enables you to share 50,000+ photos. Also, you can transfer via external storage or through a computer, no Wi-Fi needed
View on Amazon7. Check In on Pets or Grandchildren with Two-Way Audio
If you worry about a loved one or just want to say hi to the family pet, a two-way audio device can help. The TMEZON pet camera lets you see and talk through your phone, with motion alerts and night vision. It is a versatile way to stay connected beyond just photos, offering peace of mind for caregivers.
Helpful resources to consider
- TMEZON 2pk Two Way Audio Video Pet Dog Camera with Speaker
8. Set Up Quickly and Enjoy a Design That Fits Your Home
You do not want to spend hours setting up a device. Frames like the Aura Carver promise a simple, minutes-long setup so you can start seeing photos right away. Choose a wall-mountable or tabletop design that suits your space, and enjoy a clutter-free way to keep family close.
Helpful resources to consider
- Aura Carver 10.1" HD Digital Picture Frame
- Smart Frame by ViewClix
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send photos to a digital picture frame from my phone?
Yes, most modern WiFi-enabled digital picture frames have a companion app that lets you send photos directly from your smartphone, even from far away.
Do digital picture frames require a subscription?
Some frames, like Aura Carver, offer unlimited cloud storage without a subscription. Others may require a membership for full features, but many work without ongoing fees.
What is the best screen size for a digital picture frame?
10.1 inches is a popular size that fits well on a tabletop or shelf. Larger 15.6-inch frames are better for living rooms or as a central display.
Can I make video calls on a digital picture frame?
Some models, like the Smart Frame by ViewClix, include video calling. Most standard frames only display photos and videos sent via app.