Mindful Tech Product Program

The Balance Project believes in matching tech choices to each child’s current independence goal and developmental state - not to their age, their friend’s device, or the most flashy or capable option out there.

Let’s give kids exactly enough to do the next thing they are ready for, like walking to school, coordinating with friends, or managing their own schedule.

Devices & Delights is TBP’s signature “traveling device showcase”, offering parents and kids a chance to touch, feel and experience over 20 devices that support our kids’ growing independence and overall balanced lives.

TBP communities can host this event for free in their communities and non-TBP communities can also host the event with a small donation.

Request a D&D Event

We also offer a “Find Your Fit” quiz below that pulls from our current D&D vendors to help you make a mindful tech plan, even if the showcase isn’t near you!

Resources

Devices

There is no single right first device — there's the one that fits where your child is right now. Answer three questions and we'll point you at the category that fits, then let you rank what actually matters to your family.

The Balance Project

Find Your Fit

Three quick questions to find the tech category that fits your child's stage right now.

Every family's starting point is different. This quiz mirrors the same flowchart in our full Devices & Delights guide — takes about 30 seconds.

Where does your child mainly need the ability to communicate?
What should your child be able to do when away from you?
Does your child already have a phone you want to make safer or easier to manage?
Your fit
Rank what matters most
Tap the features that matter to you, most important first — your top five or so is plenty. We'll score every option below and flag anything on your list it's missing. Features a vendor hasn't confirmed count as half credit. to choose from.

Take it with you

Get the full Devices & Delights guide

Every category above with models, pricing and the complete feature comparison — plus how to think about the step after this one.

You'll be added to our newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime — we never share your address.

Not an endorsement of any product. Every family's right fit is different. Device features and pricing change — verify with the vendor before you buy.
Find Your Fit was inspired by IRL NY's phone & smartwatch quiz, used with permission and evolved for our needs. weareirl.org

Have something we should add?

Using a device or tool that isn't here? Tell us what it is and how it's going — that's how this list stays worth reading.

Email us a device

Want more resources, and help bringing this to life where you live? Visit our online community hub: papa.fournorms.com/the-balance-project

Learn more about the vendors featured in our Fall 2026 Devices & Delights Alternate Device Showcase. Request a D&D event in your community here.

Device videos

Please note that The Balance Project reached out to as many vendors as possible in these spaces and invited them to participate in this showcase.

The lineup does not represent every option available, only those who agreed to take part in the pilot traveling showcase.

TBP does not endorse any specific product, we are simply putting them in front of you with equal information so that you can make the best choice for your family.