This Prime Day deal just got my daughter set for back-to-school

Apple Watch SE prime day deal
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

My daughter finished elementary school last month, so when she goes back to class in the fall, it will be at a new school. And as a tween, she's eager to arrive on campus without her dad in tow. I like to think this is because she doesn't want her friends to see how cool I am, and she's too polite to tell me otherwise.

Still, I want a way to be able to check in on her comings and goings, and I've decided the best way to do that is with an Apple Watch SE. Even  better, I was able to snag one at a lower price, thanks to an Amazon Prime Day deal. You can currently buy an Apple Watch SE with cellular connectivity for $269, a $60 savings off the regular price for the 40mm model.

Apple Watch SE (GPS+ cellular, 40mm): was $329 now $269 @ Amazon

Apple Watch SE (GPS+ cellular, 40mm): was $329 now $269 @ Amazon
The Apple Watch SE is a good entry-level smartwatch from Apple, thanks to a large screen and a huge library of apps. It also doubles as good kid tracker, thanks to a Family Setup feature. The cellular version lets your kid make phone calls without a nearby phone.

As you might imagine, Prime Day Apple Watch deals are top-sellers during Amazon's sales event, so the above deal has been available off and on throughout today. Earlier today, for example, I wasn't able to get the 40mm version with cellular connectivity, but a few hours later, the sale price reappeared.

For our family, the Apple Watch SE is a better choice than buying a cheap smartphone, as phones can be tempting distractions from schoolwork. Also, I'm not sure any of us in the family are ready to navigate social networking apps just yet.

The Apple Watch SE, in contrast, provides the needed connectivity without those pitfalls. Because we're getting the version with a cellular connection, my daughter can give us a call when she needs a ride or has to check in with us. And we'll be able to ping her location, thanks to the Family Setup features Apple makes available. It also will run watchOS 9 when that update arrives in the fall, something the Apple Watch 3 can't claim. 

It's for those reasons we recommend the Apple Watch SE as one of the best GPS trackers for kids, even if that's not the device's primary function. Now, thanks to a Prime Day purchase, I'll have a chance to see for myself just how solid a recommendation that is.

TOPICS
Philip Michaels

Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

Read more
a photo of the Apple Watch SE 1st gen
The Apple Watch SE just dropped to $199 so you can track your fitness goals for less
a photo of the Apple Watch SE 1st gen
Apple Watch SE just crashed to $169 at Amazon for all your fitness New Year's goals
A colorful graphic showing screenshots of the new Galaxy Watch for Kids feature on both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and parental controls within the smartphone app
Samsung just launched a kid-friendly smartwatch mode for the Galaxy Watch 7 — and parents can try it now
best gps tracker for kids
Best GPS tracker for kids in 2025
Close-up of the Pinwheel smartwatch for kids at CES 2025 showing the device's Apple Watch Ultra-like case design and colorful interchangeable straps
Move over Fitbit Ace — hands-on with the new Pinwheel smartwatch for kids
Apple Watch 10 models shown at Apple event
Best Apple Watch deals in March 2025
Latest in Fitness Trackers
The Circular Ring 2, up close, with half of the device slightly obstructed by orange glass in the foreground
Circular Ring 2 is now available to pre-order — and you could save up to $310 right now
Garmin golf watch
I played a golf round with the Garmin Approach S50 smartwatch, and it's fantastic — here's why
Oura Ring 4 in Rose Gold held between a person's fingers
Oura Ring just got a huge new upgrade for women's health — what you need to know
Close up of the Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch next to the Fitbit Sense 2 with each showing the total step count for the day
I walked 6,000 steps with Fitbit Sense 2 vs Amazfit Active 2 — this one was more accurate
Close-up of the Amazfit Active 2 and Apple Watch SE next to each other on a user's wrist
I walked 7,000 steps with Apple Watch SE vs Amazfit Active 2 — here's the winner
Fitbit Charge 6 shown on man's wrist
Epic Fitbit sale at Amazon — our favorite fitness trackers are on sale from just $79
Latest in Deals
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven Air Fryer
Score! Save space and money with this epic Ninja Flip Toaster deal
Deals Under $50
Best weekend deals under $50 — 21 budget items I'm adding to my cart now
REI Deals
Epic REI sale live from $11 — 25 outdoor deals I'm shopping this weekend
Meghan Markle in kitchen cooking with guest
I reviewed the luxe kettle in Meghan Markle's Netflix show — I love it, and it's currently on sale
Walmart sign with Tom's Guide Price Drop badge
Walmart's weekend sale starts from $14 — 27 deals I'm adding to my cart now
Steam Deck OLED
Massive Steam sale offering PC games from under $1 — here's 18 must-buy titles I'd go for