We tried Verizon’s Gizmo Watch 3 and Family Line—two tech tools that simplify family communication

If there’s one thing every parent can agree on, it’s that family life is equal parts beautiful and chaotic—especially during the holidays. Between school calls, forgotten lunch boxes, and last-minute grocery runs, staying connected can feel like a full-time job.

That’s why we were curious to test two of Verizon’s family-focused tools designed to take off a little of that mental load: First, there’s Family Line, available on the Verizon Family app with Verizon Family Plus, which offers a shared phone number to keep everyone reachable. Second,  the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3, a kid-friendly smartwatch that helps parents stay connected without jumping straight to a smartphone.

The products are different, but they share one very real goal: making family communication simpler and safer, so parents can exhale a bit.

Family Line*: One Number That Keeps Everyone in the Loop

Imagine one shared number that can ring Mom, Dad, Grandma, and even the family caregiver—no more missed calls from the school nurse or overlapping voicemails from after-school activities. That’s the idea behind Family Line, a feature within Verizon Family Plus in the Verizon Family app.

Family Line is a shared secondary phone line that up to 5 designated members can join at once, allowing incoming calls on that line to ring all 5 devices at the same time. That makes it an easy way to keep families coordinated. We found that it’s a small shift that instantly makes everyday life feel more manageable. Parents can use it as the main number for schools, doctors, coaches and others who need to reach a parent, while grandparents can easily check in without needing to remember who’s “on pickup duty” that day.

It’s connection reimagined for modern families. Connection that’s simple, flexible, and stress-free.

*Taxes & fees apply when you opt in to this feature.

The Gizmo Watch 3: A First Step Toward Independence

Then there’s the Verizon Gizmo Watch 3, a smartwatch designed for kids who are too young for a phone but old enough to need a little independence. It’s built around connection and safety, not distraction (for example, the watch doesn’t access the internet).

Kids can call or message up to 20 parent-approved contacts—yes,  you decide who’s on their contact list. The watch uses both GPS and Verizon’s network to show your child’s location in near real time, so there’s no jumping between Wi-Fi zones or waiting for updates to catch up.

The Gizmo Watch 3 also includes features that help build confidence: to-do lists, activity goals, and reminders that encourage responsibility (and give parents one less thing to nag about). Plus, School Mode lets you silence distractions during class, while still keeping the SOS button active to reach pre-set emergency contacts.

It’s one of those rare devices that helps parents feel connected without hovering—and helps kids feel trusted.

Connection That Actually Makes Life Easier

What stood out most in trying both Family Line and the Gizmo Watch 3 is that neither tries to overcomplicate things. They’re not about more screen time or adding yet another app to your mental checklist. They’re about removing friction.

Family Line bridges generations and schedules—connecting caregivers, grandparents, and parents in one seamless thread. The Gizmo Watch 3 gives kids the tools to move through their day with a little more confidence and a lot more safety.

Together, they’re thoughtful reminders that the right tech doesn’t replace connection—it supports it.

A Gift That Brings Everyone Closer

This holiday season, Verizon is making it even easier to give the gift of connection:

Get $75 off Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 or Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure

Service plan required for watch.

Gizmo Watch 3: $149.99 purchase on service plan required. Less $75 promo credit applied over 36 months; promo credit ends if eligibility requirements are no longer met; 0% APR. Promo credit(s) may not exceed featured device retail price.

Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure: $99.99 purchase on service plan required. Less $75 promo credit applied over 36 months; promo credit ends if eligibility requirements are no longer met; 0% APR. Promo credit(s) may not exceed featured device retail price.

It’s a small gesture that can mean a lot—for parents who want peace of mind, and for kids ready to take their first step toward independence.