Creative Live! Cam Optia Pro

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Younger, Web-chatting grandchildren have the most fun with this camera — if only for its silly applications. The Creative Live! Cam Optia Pro has a doodling feature, with which kids can draw on their video images, and Advanced Video FX, which allows them to add not only googly eyes and crazy hats, but also funny or holiday-theme backgrounds. While this camera is easy to set up and has a great swivel feature, the sound and image quality might be less than you expect for its higher-end price tag. Works with PC only.

Age: All
Retail Price: $68
Available at: multiple sellers

Microsoft Lifecam VX-5500

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One of the least fancy webcams out there, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5500 is the most cost-effective option if all you want is to see your grandchildren while talking to them via long distance.The image quality looks best in a low-lit room, as too much overhead light washes it out. The LifeCam is fairly easy to install and to start using right away; its removable faceplates in white, blue, and red give your desktop an extra pop of color. Works with PC only.

Age: All
Retail Price: $42
Available at: multiple sellers

Blue Microphones Eyeball USB Webcam with Microphone

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Definitely the coolest-looking webcam of the lot, the Blue Microphones Eyeball looks like a well-preserved relic from the days of broadcast radio. The round, silver-mesh design lends itself to superior sound quality, although the image quality of the camera is too saturated with light for our taste. To mount it properly, took a few tries, but it's a decent cam that works well with Mac and PC, and has a nifty fold-up, portable design.

Age: All
Retail Price: $78
Available at: multiple sellers