This post is sponsored by TextNow

A first phone, or phone upgrade, often top the wish list for tweens and teens this time of year but often there’s disconnect between the phone they want and the actual costs. Many times our kids don’t realize the actual costs associated with the gift of a cell phone.

Keep them grounded by talking to them about the real costs associated with the device they want. Add up the price of the device, service, and any protection plans and show these fees to them so they can see the monthly charges. It’s ok to give them a healthy dose of reality when it comes to the gift of a cell phone, especially if you’re footing the bill!  

How to Gift a Cell Phone Without Breaking the Bank

There are ways to gift a cell phone without breaking the bank. Start by looking into refurbished models and exploring different plans. Weigh the cost of device insurance through protection plans versus the cost of replacing one without it.

Here are 3 things to consider as you look into giving the gift of a cell phone this holiday season.

Look into Refurbished Models

Chances are your child wants the latest Apple or Android device but that comes at a significant cost. Refurbished models of recent phones are often overlooked but can be a great option when giving the gift of a cell phone.

A refurbished phone is a pre-owned phone that someone bought and traded in. It could also be a phone returned just out of warranty that was fixed and is being resold.

According to Consumer Reports, “refurbished phones account for a small fraction of industry sales but can be a great option for anyone looking for significant savings.” But Consumer Reports says not every company defines refurbished in the same way so it’s important to know where to look and know what you’re getting.

Apple sells certified refurbished iPhones. This means these iPhone models come with a new battery, new outer shell, are backed by a one-year warranty, have free delivery, and returns. Apple guarantees their certified refurbished iPhones also include:

• Full functional testing, genuine Apple part replacements (if necessary), and a thorough cleaning
• The original Operating System or a more recent version
• All refurbished devices are repackaged in a brand new box with all accessories and cables

Android users can shop directly from Samsung who sells certified pre-owned devices. Samsung Certified Re-Newed devices give you a like-new phone experience with a guaranteed warranty designed to save money and reducing waste.

Samsung technicians follow a rigorous refurbishing program to ensure like-new condition. They wipe all data and assign new identifiers for security. Devices are rebuilt using 100% genuine Samsung parts and include an all-new battery. Like Apple, Samsung ships Certified Re-Newed devices with the latest software in a brand-new box.

There’s lots of research that goes into giving the gift of a cell phone and looking into refurbished models is wise if you’re trying to save some money on the device. Consumer Reports’ Should You Buy a Refurbished Phone has more advice for families considering refurbished devices, including tips on where to shop for refurbished phones, what to look for in a warranty, and why it’s important to ask about the return policy.

Explore Different Plans

As you research which device you’re purchasing and from where, explore different cell phone plans too. Top carriers will always tempt you with their offers and family plans, but other options, such as TextNow, exist when you gift a cell phone.

If you’re not familiar with TextNow, they offer free texting and calling. Yes, you read that right!

TextNow’s mission is to bring people exceptional phone service to free, or as close to free as possible. They offer free calling and texting through their app that lets you call or text for free over WiFi. Their cutting-edge technology is designed to save you money and is a great budget friendly option for families who are planning to gift a cell phone.

I’ve been using the TextNow app on my phone to send texts and make calls to student families since school started. Not only is the service free but it was also easy to install and is super simple to use.

3 quick and easy steps are required to make calls and send texts with TextNow. It took me less than 5 minutes to do the following to start texting and calling for free:

1. Download the Android or iPhone app
2. Create an account
3. Assign yourself a number or port your current number

When you gift a cell phone and install TextNow, you can add upgrades that fit your child’s needs. Options like WiFi Talk & Text (ad free+) bundles popular calling features such as call forwarding, phone number locking, voicemail transcriptions, and ad removal are available for the very low price of $9.99/month.

If you have access to the Nationwide Sprint Network, TextNow’s Free Nationwide Talk & Text plan offers free, unlimited calling and texting through the US and Canada. Check to see if your phone is compatible and then purchase a SIM activation kit for a one-time fee for $9.99. 

Investigate Device Protection

Any mobile device is a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibility and the very real possibility that accidents happen. Even the most responsible and careful child is likely to damage their phone so it’s a good idea to consider whether phone insurance would be worthwhile.

Companies like Asurion offer phone protection plans that can include anything from cracked screen repair, water damage, to loss and theft protection.

As you get ready to give the gift of a cell phone, it’s a great time to revisit a conversation about digital safety.

My 6 Conversations About Digital Safety Every Family Should be Having contains tips for talking about important issues surrounding internet and digital safety, the best tools for monitoring social media, a link to create your own customizable contract, and more to help your kids become confident digital citizens.

This post was sponsored by TextNow but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post.