Since its release earlier this year, we’ve constantly found ourselves wanting to add the Aura Aspen to just about every gift guide we’ve put together (and for good reason). If you’re looking to gift a gadget that actually feels personal, Aura’s go-to digital picture frame is a great choice. And right now, the 12-inch frame is matching its all-time low of around $199 ($30 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Aura’s online storefront for Black Friday.
What sets the Aspen apart is how well it mimics a regular photo frame. Its paper-textured, anti-glare matte display, thin 0.5-inch bezel, and adjustable metal stand give it a traditional feel. The 1600 x 1200 HD LCD display, meanwhile, makes photos appear sharp and surprisingly lifelike, while the Aspen’s 4:3 aspect ratio means most smartphone shots fit naturally. There’s even a built-in ambient light sensor that adapts to your surroundings, dimming the screen — or turning it off entirely — when the room gets dark.
At its core, however, the tabletop digital frame is still a slick piece of tech, allowing you and your loved ones to upload photos from anywhere via email, the Aura Frames app for Android and iOS, or automatically using iCloud Photos or Google Photos (you can even add text captions). You can even use Live Photos from your iPhone for a Harry Potter–style effect, or display 30-second videos with sound for an even more personal touch.
